COMMUNITY PROFILE
Updated August 2018
Planning & Development Department 1000 Taylor Court Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1R6
Phone: 1-705-645-5264 Fax: 1-705-645-4209 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bracebridge.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY ...... 1 Overview ...... 1 History of Industry ...... 1 Education & Culture ...... 2 Tourism & Commercial ...... 3 Statistics Overview ...... 3 Population ...... 4 Population Density ...... 4 Income ...... 4 Location ...... 4 Geographic Size ...... 4 Transportation Access ...... 4 CN Railway ...... 4 Topography ...... 4 Major Rivers & Lakes ...... 4 Agricultural Lands ...... 4 Temperatures...... 4 Permanent Population in Muskoka ...... 5 Seasonal Population in Muskoka ...... 5 Total Projected Population: Bracebridge ...... 5 Population By Age – Bracebridge ...... 6 Population Characteristics – 2001-2011-2016 ...... 6 Historical Population By Education 1991 - 2006 ...... 7 Population Characteristics – 2001 & 2011 & 2016 ...... 8 Selected Family Characteristics ...... 8 Selected Household Characteristics ...... 8 Selected Occupied Private Dwelling Characteristics ...... 8 Labour Force Indicators ...... 9 Labour Force By Industry, Bracebridge & District Of Muskoka 2006 ...... 10 Labour Force by Industry, Comparison Bracebridge 2001 and 2006 ...... 10 Bracebridge Major Employers – All Sectors ...... 11 Residential Building Permit Statistics By Number Issued ...... 12 Commercial, Institutional & Industrial Permits By Number Issued ...... 12 Value Of Building Permits Issued In Bracebridge ...... 13 INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 14 Water ...... 14 Sewer ...... 14 UTILITIES ...... 14 Electricity ...... 14 Lakeland Power ...... 14 Lakeland Power Contact ...... 14 Hydro One Contact - Rural Areas of Bracebridge ...... 14 Natural Gas ...... 15 TRANSPORTATION ...... 15 Muskoka Airport ...... 15 Rail ...... 15 Trucking ...... 16 Bus Service ...... 16 Distances ...... 16 COMMUNICATIONS ...... 17 Local Newspapers ...... 17 Local Magazines ...... 17 Radio ...... 17 Television ...... 17 PHONE ...... 18 Data Communications ...... 18 COURIER ...... 18 RECREATION ...... 18 Hiking, Cross Country Skiing and Mountain Biking Trails: ...... 18 Bracebridge Resource Management Centre ...... 19 Snowmobile Trails ...... 19 Canoe Routes ...... 19 Water Oriented ...... 19 Santa’s Village & Sportsland ...... 19 RECREATION DEPARTMENT ...... 20 BRACEBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY...... 20 BEACHES ...... 21 GOLF COURSES ...... 21 FINANCIAL SERVICES ...... 22 Banks ...... 22 REAL ESTATE ...... 22 HEALTH SERVICES ...... 22 EMERGENCY SERVICES ...... 22 HUMAN SERVICES ...... 23 EUDCATION ...... 23 Public Elementary ...... 23 Public Secondary ...... 23 Separate Elementary ...... 24 Separate Secondary ...... 24 Adult Education ...... 24 Post Secondary Facilities...... 24 Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology...... 24 Contactnorth.ca...... 25 CONTACTS ...... 25 Municipal Contacts ...... 25 District of Muskoka ...... 26 ADDITIONAL CONTACTS ...... 26 ADDITIONAL WEB RESOURCES ...... 27
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HISTORY Overview
Bracebridge, branded as “The Heart of Muskoka”, is located geographically in the centre of Muskoka and is the headquarters for the District Government. The community was incorporated as a Village in 1875 and a Town in 1889. With the advent of regional government in January 1971, the Town of Bracebridge and the surrounding townships were brought together as one municipality. It encompasses 62,119 hectares and has five wards: Bracebridge, Monck/Muskoka, Macaulay, Draper and Oakley. The naming of Bracebridge has been traced to a postmaster who took the name from the book, “Bracebridge Hall” written by American author Washington Irving.
Bracebridge has historically been a community with urban and rural areas that cater to people who wish to live in a small community or in a rural environment close to basic urban services. It offers its citizens a strong construction, hospitality, tourism and professional services sector along with diversified social, recreational and cultural resources.
History of Industry
The first settlers appeared in the early 1860's and set about establishing the community as a focal point for business and manufacturing. The original industries in the community were focused in the logging and associated wood product businesses such as lumber mills and shingle mills. The first manufacturing business was established in 1872, when Henry Bird established his water-powered woolen mill.
By the mid to late 1870's, the leather industry was prominent in Bracebridge as a result of access to a ready supply of "tannin" from hemlock bark, used in the manufacturing process. There were several small tanneries in the community along with two large operations, the Beardmore and the Anglo Canadian Leather Company. The Muskoka Leather Company opened in 1877 by the Beardmore family was at one time the largest in Canada. By the 1930's the majority of these businesses ceased operation in Bracebridge.
Between 1958 and 1970 several manufacturers selected Bracebridge as a place to produce goods. These companies included Corning Glass, Alcan Wire and Cable, Alcan Foil and Canadian Motorlamps. It is reported that these companies were offered tax-free incentives through the Federal Government.
In the mid-80's Alcan Foil closed their plant on Keith Road and in 2010 the building is now the home of the Bracebridge division of Fanotech. Alcan Wire and Cable closed their plant in 2002 and the building now houses Duraline and Muskoka Brewery. The Dura Automotive business that operated in the original Canadian Motorlamps building ceased operations in 2007. The building is now the home of Premiere Office and Storage Solutions with a number of small professional firms occupying office space.
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In 1872, Henry Bird established Bird Woolen Mills at the falls. The Bird Mill Mews, which was one of the storage buildings, and left virtually untouched after World War I, was renovated in the mid-1990's and now houses Riverwalk Restaurant, the Town's Visitor information Centre and the Chamber of Commerce office. Above the magnificent Bracebridge Falls Mr. Bird constructed Woodchester Villa in 1882 and members of the Bird family occupied the building until 1977. The house was purchased in 1978 by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge; subsequently it was restored and then opened as a museum from 1980 until 2009. The Octagonal house is one of the largest of its kind in Ontario. The Town of Bracebridge completed another major exterior renovation in 2015. In addition to the Villa, the property also includes the Chapel Gallery which is a historic Church constructed in 1886 making it the first church recorded in Bracebridge's history.
In 1894 Bracebridge became the first municipality to operate its own hydroelectric generating station. It still provides a portion of the Municipality's electrical supply via Town owned generating plants at Bracebridge, High and Wilson's Falls. In 2004, Bracebridge Generation upgraded the High Falls plant to increase generation capacity and in 2012 $21 million in upgrades have been completed at Wilson's Falls and Bracebridge Falls.
Over the past 40 years, the Bracebridge Bay area surrounding the historic "Silver Bridge" has been rejuvenated with scenic lookouts and historic walks along the shore. It is expected that, through the Bracebridge Falls Generation Plant expansion, additional viewing areas will be established to make the area a greater attraction.
With the purchase of the Timber Mart property in 2017, the Town plans to embark upon a Downtown Master Planning process to identify ways to link the various municipal properties that run adjacent to the river.
Education & Culture
In 2007, the Town of Bracebridge sold a building and land in Jubilee Park to Georgian College for a nominal amount. The Muskoka Campus offers a personalized educational experience while meeting local demand for health care, skilled trades, business and service sector employment training. Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Secondary School was opened in 1925. This building served secondary students for over 80 years until the move to the new school and theatre facility on Clearbrook Trail in 2007. The current owner of the building has plans to renovate and develop the lands for use as a retirement complex that will offer a tiered level of services for residents.
Library service at the Bracebridge Public Library began in 1908 when the original Carnegie building was constructed. The 2,800 sq. foot Muskoka stone structure was expanded to 8,400 sq. feet in 1984 with an
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addition that maintained the heritage character of the building while allowing for improved service and collection space. The Library marked 100 years of service to the community during its centennial in 2008.
Tourism & Commercial
Bracebridge’s main street, Manitoba Street and surrounding areas have been enhanced to reflect the small town northern Ontario character that is inherent to the Downtown Business District.
The Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) has taken charge of the beautification of the area through programs that include flowers and banners along with an annual events program that draws thousands to the downtown core. Through senior level government funding programs, the Town of Bracebridge has financed infrastructure investments such as sidewalk and road repairs, and purchasing of light standards and street furniture.
In 1955, Santa’s Village was established by a group of local businessmen who felt that Bracebridge was the appropriate location for such an attraction because it is on the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The Village attracts over 80,000 people per year.
Bracebridge’s tourism history dates to the 1860’s where visitors from Toronto ventured north by train and boat. A number of resorts have disappeared over time. Compared to some of the other communities in Muskoka, Bracebridge has only a few remaining historical resorts including Caribou Lodge, Patterson-Kaye Resort and Spa, and High Falls Resort. Bangor Lodge, operated by the Sibbery family since the 1920’s, closed its doors in 2007.
However, there are numerous camps in the rural areas of town that are quite successful including Camp Muskoka, Camp Wenonah and Camp Tamarack.
In 2012, The Town of Bracebridge along with a group of committed stakeholders began a rebranding of the community. The new brand focuses the growing global trend of experiential learning. Visitors to the community can participate in a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences clustered under three main pillars: Taste, Create and Live.
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Statistics Overview Population Topography
• 16,010 Permanent (2016 Census) Located on the Canadian Shield, the physical • 7,045 Seasonal (Watson & Associates terrain is varied with rock outcrops and soil pockets Economists, 2008) of varying depths, soil types, topography, degrees of soil drainage and water table elevations. Population Density Topography of rolling hills, rivers and waterfalls, forest cover, pockets of agricultural soils and • 25.5 people per square Kilometer (2016 associated habitats are all part of Bracebridge’s Census) character.
Income Major Rivers & Lakes
Average Census Family Income: $59,911 North and South Branch of the Muskoka River (Highest in the District of Muskoka) Black River Lake Muskoka Location Numerous small lakes and streams Latitude: 45 Degrees Longitude: 79 Degrees Agricultural Lands Elevation: 750 to 900 feet above sea level Agricultural land is limited and generally Class 4 and 5, limited by stoniness and topography Geographic Size Temperatures 628.22 square kilometers (2016 Census) • Average 19 degrees Celsius in July Transportation Access • Average –10 degrees Celsius in January
Highways - Major Frost Free: Average 113 days frost Provincial Highway #11 free days per year Highways - Secondary District Highways #118 and #117 Average Rainfall: Mean average rainfall is 710mm Air Average Snowfall: Winter average annual Muskoka Airport snowfall is 255 cm
Rail CN Railway
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Permanent Population in Muskoka 1996 (a) 2001 2011 2016 % 2031 % Increase Projected Increase (b) 2011-2016 Projected 2013 Bracebridge 13,223 13,751 15,414 16,010 3.9% 22,900 48.57% Georgian Bay (c) 2,230 1,991 2,482 2,499 .7% 3,800 78.91% Gravenhurst 10,030 10,899 12,055 12,311 2.1% 14,100 20.48% Huntsville 15,918 17,338 19,056 19,816 3.9% 25,500 33.82% Lake of Bays 2,850 2,900 3,476 3,167 -8.8% 4,300 30.94% Muskoka Lakes 6,061 6,042 6,707 6,588 -1.7% 8,700 37.57% District of Muskoka 50,312 53,106 59,190 60,391 2.0% 79,300 36.95%
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Canada 1996-2016; (b) Muskoka Growth Strategy, Watson & Associates
Seasonal Population in Muskoka Total # of Average # 2006 Estimated Seasonal Persons Per Estimated 2031 Dwellings (a) Household (b) Seasonal Seasonal Population Population
Bracebridge 1,962 3.59 7,045 8,300 Georgian Bay 4,045 3.65 14,766 16,900 Gravenhurst 3,066 3.6 11,036 13,000 Huntsville 1,659 3.72 6,171 6,800 Lake of Bays 3,171 3.62 11,480 12,600 Muskoka Lakes 6,755 3.72 25,129 32,500 Muskoka 20,658 3.66 75,626 90,100
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd, 2008, Muskoka Growth Strategy Phase 2 Report; District of Muskoka
Total Projected Population: Bracebridge 2031 – 31,000 +
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Population By Age – Bracebridge
% % % % %Diff Total Total Total Total 1996- 1996 1996 2001 2001 2011 2011 2016 2016 2016 Age 14 and Under: 2,655 20.1 2,470 18 2,215 14.4 2195 13.2 -6.9 Age 15-24: 1,590 12 1,745 12.7 1,800 11.7 1680 10.1 -1.9 Age 25-44: 3,715 28.1 3,575 26 3,185 20.7 3150 18.9 -9.2 Age 45-64: 3,110 23.5 3,665 26.7 4,930 32 4970 29.9 6.4 Age 65-74: 1,190 9 1,255 9.1 1,705 11.1 2170 13.1 4.1 Age 75 and Over: 950 7.2 1,030 7.5 1,570 10.2 2435 14.6 7.4 Total 13,210 100 13,740 100 15405 100 16,595 100
Source Statistics Canada, Census 1996, 2001, 2011 and 2016
Population Characteristics – 2001-2011-2016
Bracebridge 2001 Bracebridge 2011 Bracebridge 2016 Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Median age of the population 41.1 40.1 42.2 47.2 45.6 48.5 50.0 48.5 51.2 % of the population ages 15 and over 82.0 80.8 83.2 85.6 85.2 86.0 86.3 85.8 86.8
Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2001, 2011, 2016
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Historical Population By Education 1991 - 2006 % of 2006 % of 2016 % of
total total total 1996 1996 2006 2016 Total Population Age 15 and Over: 10,340 12,870 13,385 Grade 9 or Less: 755 7.3 Grade 9-13 Without Secondary Certificate: 2,800 27.08 2,705 21.02 2,265 16.92 Grade 9-13 With Secondary Certificate: 1,800 17.41 3,560 27.66 4,320 32.27
Trade Certificate or Diploma: 500 4.84 1,435 11.15 1,095 8.18 Other Non-University Education Without 645 6.24 Certificate or Diploma: Other Non-University Education With 3,175 23.72 2,170 20.99 2,875 22.34 Certificate or Diploma: Some University Without Diploma: 270 2.61 380 2.95 Some University With Certificate: 390 3.77 University Degree: 1,005 9.72 1,910 14.84 2,320 17.33
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population 2016 Percentages many not total 100% due to rounding decimal values.
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Population Characteristics – 2001 & 2011 & 2016 Selected Family Characteristics 2001 2011 2016 Total number of families 4,050 4,635 4815 Number of married-couple families 3,075 3,340 3395 Average number of persons in married-couple families 3.0 Number of common-law couple families 465 655 745 Average number of persons in common-law-couple families 2.9 Number of one-parent families 510 635 680 Average number of persons in lone-parent families 2.6 Number of female lone-parent families 400 485 520 Average number of persons in female lone-parent families (12) 2.6 Number of male lone-parent families 105 155 155 Average number of persons in male lone-parent families 2.5
Selected Household Characteristics Households containing a couple (married or common-law) with 1,640 1,635 2440 children Households containing a couple (married or common-law) without 1,825 2,035 2270 children One-person households 1,155 1,605 1850 Other household types 670 535
Selected Occupied Private Dwelling Characteristics Total number of dwellings 5,290 6,290 6735 Number of owned dwellings 4,175 Number of rented dwellings 1,115 Number of dwellings constructed before 1991 4,410 Number of dwelling constructed before 1986 Number of dwellings constructed between 1991 and 2001 875 Number of dwellings constructed between 1986 and 2006 Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2001 – 2011 - 2016
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Labour Force Indicators Labour Force 1991 - 2006 1996 1996 2001 2001 2006 2006 2016 2016 % % % %
Total In Labour Force: 6,820 65.96 7,290 66.27 8,530 66.28 8,335 Total Out of Labour Force: 3,515 33.99 3,710 33.73 4,340 33.72 5,055
Total Population (15years+): 10,340 *100.00 11,000 *100.00 12,870 100 13,385 Total Employed: 6,200 90.91 7,045 96.64 8,200 96.13 7,760
Total Unemployed: 625 9.16 245 3.36 335 3.93 575
Participation Rate: 66% 66.30% 66.3% 62.3% Employment-Population 60% 64% 63.7% 58.0% Ratio: Unemployment Rate: 9.20% 3.40% 3.9% 6.9%
NOTES: Total population: 15 years and of age and over by labour force activity (25% sample data)
Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding of decimal values.
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Labour Force By Industry, Bracebridge & District Of Muskoka 2006 Bracebridge District Ontario Total in Labour Force 15 years and over 8,530 30,195 6,479,200 Agriculture/ Resource Related 140 (1.64%) 635 (2.10%) 100,400 (1.54%) Construction 1130 (13.24 %) 4220 (13.97%) 405,200 (6.25%) Manufacturing 780 (9.14 %) 3000 (9.93%) 1,007,200 (15.55%) Wholesale Trade 150 (1.75 %) 665 (2.20%) *1,015,700 (15.68%) Retail Trade 1195 (14.00 %) 4685 (15.51%) Finance and Real Estate 385 (4.51 %) 1375 (4.55%) 476,800 (7.36%) Health Care and Social Services 775 (9.08 %) 2730 (9.04%) 638,200 (9.85%) Educational Services 585 (6.85 %) 1515 (5.01%) 444,500 (6.86%) Business Services 1340 (15.70%) 4480 (14.83%) 1,204,900(18.59%) Other Services 1980 (23.21 %) 6890 (22.81%) 1,319,435 (20.36%) * Includes retail and wholesale trade Source: Human Resources Canada’s website (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca)
Labour Force by Industry, Comparison Bracebridge 2001 and 2006
Industry 2001 2006
Total Labour Force 15 years and over 7290 8530 Mining 10 15 Agriculture 95 35 Manufacturing 870 775 Construction 870 1130 Finance and Insurance 125 165 Real Estate 120 220 Wholesale Trade 145 155 Retail Trade 910 1195 Transportation 315 340 Professional and Scientific 255 460 Health Care 865 775
Source : 2ontario.com/labourforce
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Bracebridge Major Employers – All Sectors Company Location Number of Type Of Business Employees Fowler Construction Co. Ltd Highway #11 North 430* Roads/Highway Construction, Subdivision servicing, asphalt and Aggregate production
South Muskoka Memorial 75 Ann Street 340 Regional hospital Hospital
The District Municipality of 70 Pine Street 391 Upper tier of regional municipal government Muskoka Trillium Lakelands District Various locations 252 Elementary and Secondary Schools and School Board consulting staff in Bracebridge
Hammond Transportation Ltd. 450 Ecclestone Dr. 225 School Buses, Motorcoach, Charters, Limos, Wheelchair Vehicles, Activity Buses, Vans, Taxi and Chauffeur Services, Group Tour Planning and Travel Services The Pines Long Term Care Pine Street 209 160 bed licensed residence Residence
Wal-Mart Depot Drive 155 Retailer
Titanium Transportation 456 Ecclestone Dr. 150 Transportation, less than load full load, van, flatbed, USA, Ontario and Quebec
Gagnon’s, Your Independent 270 Wellington St. 147 Retail Grocer Grocer
The Home Depot Depot Drive 135 Home Improvement Retailer
Muskoka Brewery Muskoka Beach 130 Craft brewer Road Waste Connections of 580 Ecclestone Dr. 85** Waste Management, Recycling, Diversion and Canada Composting Services
Bracebridge Detachment, 690 Cedar Lane 73 Detachment Office for the Provincial Police Ontario Provincial Police Town of Bracebridge 1000 Taylor Court 72 Municipal Government Fenner-Dunlop 700 Ecclestone Dr. 68 Conveyor Belting Manufacturer
Camp Muskoka 1745 Fraserburg 60 Educational Camp for students Road Duraline 1964 Muskoka 60 Plastic Pipe Manufacturer Beach Road * Includes an estimate of full time equivalents based on part-time, temporary or seasonal employees provided by the employer. ** Current numbers may be lower due to economic conditions
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Residential Building Permit Statistics By Number Issued
200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Residential - New 185 162 58 101 86 80 67 36 74 78 72 Residential - Additions 146 55 148 129 139 136 145 117 121 138 168
Source: Town of Bracebridge Planning & Development Department, 2007-2017
Commercial, Institutional & Industrial Permits By Number Issued
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Commercial - New 3 3 16 15 4 2 4 5 5 63 68 Institutional - New 1 0 0 5 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 Industrial - New 1 1 5 11 2 0 1 1 0 1 2
Source: Town of Bracebridge, Planning & Development Department, 2007-2017
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Value Of Building Permits Issued In Bracebridge
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 New Residential $11.6 $22.4 $14.9 $18.4 $8.6 $8.0 $14.8 $14.1 $17.1 Additions Residential $3.2 $2.0 $3.0 $3.6 $3.0 $2.4 $3.5 $3.0 $4.0 Total Residential $14.8 $24.4 $17.9 $22.0 $11.6 $10.4 $18.3 $17.1 $21.1
New Non Residential $6.9 $21.3 $1.8 $2.1 $2.3 $1.6 $0 $4.5 $13.4 Additions Non Residential $1.3 $1.9 $3.0 $0.6 $7.0 $3.0 $2.4 $3.1 $8.4 Total Non Residential $8.2 $23.2 $4.8 $2.7 $9.3 $4.6 $2.4 $7.6 $21.8
Total $23.0 $47.6 $22.7 $24.7 $20.0 $15.0 $20.7 $24.7 $42.9
Source: Town of Bracebridge, Planning & Development Department
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INFRASTRUCTURE Water
Kirby’s Beach Water Treatment Plant commissioned in 1995 • 77 kilometres of watermains ranging in diameter from 100mm to 500mm • 6.8 kilometres of transmission main from the plant to the distribution system. • Approximately 3,587 water connections.
Capacity
• Designed for an initial capacity of 10,000 cubic metres per day. • Ultimate capacity of 30,000 cubic metres per day. • Presently operating at approximately 42% of initial capacity. • If all development projects which have been approved (as of January 1998), the system would be operating at 54% of its ultimate design capacity.
Sewer
Originally, seasonal retention lagoons were built in 1959 and were expanded in 1976. In 1983 an extended aeration sewage treatment plant was constructed to increase capacity. Both systems operate in parallel. The headwork treatment plant facilities include automatic bar screen cleaning, grit removal channels, a stabilization pond and extended aeration plant which has tertiary filtration and a chlorine contact chamber. Effluent is discharged via a gravity outlet sewer to a diffuser into the Muskoka River.
• 44 kilometres of existing sanitary sewers. • 5.5 kilometres of forcemain. • Approximately 2,742 connections.
System upgrades (increasing capacity) are in the works with completion expected in the summer of 2011. A total of $43,000,000 in upgrades has been budgeted.
UTILITIES
Electricity
Lakeland Power • Services urban area of Bracebridge, Huntsvillle & Burks Falls • Power Available 20 MVA/peak load of 11 MVA • 44,000 volts available for industrial customers.
Lakeland Power Contact 1-888-282-7711
Hydro One Contact - Rural Areas of Bracebridge Phone: 1-888-664-9376 Fax: 1-905-944-3254
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Natural Gas
Union Gas Contact Residential, Commercial and Industrial Use. Union Gas Phone: 1-705-645-2520
TRANSPORTATION Muskoka Airport
• Located on Highway #11 just 5 kms south of Bracebridge • 1 paved illuminated runway – 6,000’ x 150’ • 1 grass strip – 2,200’ x 100’ • Largest aircrafts 737, DC-9, Airbus 319 • Terminal freight available; Aircraft maintenance and fuel • Beacon instrument and weather
Muskoka Airport: Phone: 705-687-2194 (Manager) Phone: 905-477-9250 (Air Service)
Canada Customs: Phone: 888-226-7277 Note – Customs will require at least 2 hours notice prior to arrival.
Rail
Commercial Services Intermodal services provided through either Brampton Terminal for piggyback or the Comport Terminal for containers in Concord, Ontario. Concord location handles plastics, solvents, acids, caustic soda, grain, liquid sweeteners etc. Team track located in Barrie.
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Trucking
A variety of road transportation companies with proven track records are available to fulfill your trucking needs.
Titanium Trucking, headquartered in Bolton, has terminal yards in Bracebridge, Napanee, North Bay, Orillia, Sudbury, and Windsor. With approximately 400 tractors and 1300 trailers, they provide full load service from Muskoka across Canada and the US.
Titanium Trucking Limited: Phone: 1-705-645-4481 Phone: 1-800-461-5808
Manitoulin Transport: Phone: 1-705-789-4426 Black’s Transport Ltd. Phone: 1-705-646-8916 TKB Transportation Services Phone: 1-705-645-7804
Bus Service
Ontario Northland Bus Service and Hammond Bus Lines provide bus service year round to Toronto and North Bay and access points westerly and easterly.
Hammond Transportation Ltd.: Phone: 1-705-645-5431 Ontario Northland Bus: Phone: 1-800-461-8558 P.M.C.L.: Phone: 1-800-461-1767
Distances From Bracebridge in kilometres: Toronto = 175 km Barrie = 90 km Orillia = 50 km North Bay = 160 km Ottawa = 380 km Sudbury = 280 km Detroit = 550 km Buffalo = 325 km
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COMMUNICATIONS Local Newspapers
TORSTAR Papers (A Division of the Toronto Star) • Bracebridge Examiner (Weekly – Thursdays) o Circulation 6,000 (District wide) o Contact: 705-645-8771 • The Muskokan: (Summer-24 weekly issues) o Circulation 26,000 (District wide) • Muskoka Sun: (Summer-24 weekly issues) o Circulation 26,000 (District wide) • Beyond the City (6 issues/year) o Contact: 705-645-8771 • Sideroads of Muskoka & Almaguin (4 issues/year)
Local Magazines
• Cottage Country Hideaways (a production of Allair Media Group) o Circulation: 15,000 copies controlled distribution by hand to docks on Muskoka's largest lakes as well as select business locations o One issue per year o Contact: 800-656-1873 • Dockside Magazine (a production of Dockside Publishing) o Circulation: 50,000 controlled distribution by hand to docks on Lake Simcoe, Muskoka’s largest lakes, as well as select business locations o Two issues per year o Contact: 705-681-0709 • Unique Muskoka (a production of Unique Publishing Inc.) o Circulation:15,000 o Six issues per year (May – October) o Contact: 705-637-0204
Radio
• MOOSE 99.5 FM Bracebridge Rock Top 40 705-645-2218 • MOOSE 105.5 FM Huntsville 705-789-4461 • Hunters Bay Radio 88.7 FM Huntsville 705-224-0121 • ROCK 95.7 FM Barrie Classic Rock 705-725-7304 • Fresh Radio 93.1 FM Barrie Adult Contemporary 705-737-3511
Television
Cable service is offered through Cogeco in the urban area. Two TV Corporations have towers in Muskoka; CTV and CHCH. Antenna or Satellite required in rural areas. • Cogeco: Phone: 1-705-687-8818 Fax: 1-705-687-4789 • MCTV Phone: 1-800-265-8950 • CTV Phone: 1-800-461-5820
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PHONE
Bell Canada offers all servicing needs for residential, commercial and industrial users. Other telephone services available are Unitel, London Telecom, Telizon, Telus and Rogers. Bell Canada: Phone: 310-2355
Data Communications
Provider Telephone # Bell 310-BELL Cogeco 705-645-5744 Lakeland Networks 888-282-7711 Rogers 705-645-5400 Telus 705-646-0756 Vianet 705-224-9996 Xplornet 866-841-6001
COURIER
Canada Post is located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge. Canada Post: Phone: 705-645-9955
Courier Company Telephone # Federal Express 800-463-3339 Muskoka Delivery Service 705-645-1258 United Parcel Service (UPS) 800-742-5877 Loomis Courier Service 705-734-9211 Purolator Courier Ltd. 888-744-7123 Can Par 800-387-9335 Ontario Northland 800-461-8558 Tristar Express 705-734-1633
RECREATION The natural amenities of the scenic lands in Bracebridge lend themselves to golf courses, cross-country ski facilities, mountain bike trails, snowmobile trails, river routes, nature trails and pathways. The Town continues to work towards a network of pedestrian and bicycle paths, neighbourhood parks, school yards, downtown and water front parks and regional significant open space corridors. Trails located in Town provide high recreational and scenic value, as well as appreciation of nature to residents and visitors.
Hiking, Cross Country Skiing and Mountain Biking Trails:
South Monck Trail: This 7.5 kilometre trail offers hikers and mountain bikers a “moderate” level of difficulty. During the winter months, this trail also serves as a snowmobile route for winter enthusiasts.
Wilson’s Falls Trail: Rated as “easy to moderate”, this 7.5 kilometre trail follows the north branch of the Muskoka River. The rugged beauty of the falls is an excellent place for the amateur or professional photographer.
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Strawberry Bay Point Trail: This relatively new trail is only 2.5 kilometres long and is rated as “easy”. With a spectacular view overlooking Lake Muskoka, this trail is great for taking a picnic or going for a swim.
Bracebridge Resource Management Centre
Bracebridge Resource Management Centre is located on the east side of Highway 11 just 2 kilometres north of Highway 117. This park has four different trails, all rated as easy, ranging in length from 3-8 kilometres. In addition to ample parking, features of this park include natural wooded area and scenic views along the Muskoka River. In winter months the Management Centre boasts 8 kilometres of groomed, cross-country ski trails.
Snowmobile Trails
Aside from the Monck Trail, there is a larger network of snowmobile trails around Bracebridge. There are 2,200 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails operated and maintained by local snowmobile clubs within the Muskoka Snowmobile Region associated with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. Local Clubs are the Happy Wanderers and Muskoka Sno-Bombers.
Canoe Routes
A canoe route located along the South Branch of the Muskoka River incorporates 11 portages over approximately 42 kilometres of watercourse as it makes its way from Baysville to Bracebridge. The North Branch of the Muskoka River has a stronger current, but can be canoed over its approximately 47 kilometres of watercourse as it moves downstream from Huntsville to Bracebridge via Mary Lake. Portages and access points are located along the way for both branches of the Muskoka River.
Water Oriented
There is greater recreational use of the Muskoka River downstream of the Bracebridge Falls. The River can be navigated by power boats from Lake Muskoka up the Muskoka River to Bracebridge Bay below the Falls. The local rowing club and paddling club also make use of this stretch of river. Bracebridge Bay is a focal point for recreation, with walking trails and swimming opportunities. In all, there are over 1,600 lakes of all sizes in Muskoka that offer varying degrees of recreational opportunities.
Santa’s Village & Sportsland
The spirit of Christmas returns to Bracebridge in June each year with the opening of Santa’s Village and Sportsland. All summer long, visitors are delighted by the wide array of excellent facilities at this popular theme park, making it one of Muskoka’s favorite attractions for more than 60 years. The Village includes something for everyone: batting cages and go-carts, carnival rides, reindeer, sightseeing, boats, miniature train rides, ziplines, roller coaster, Santa’s Splash Zone and of course, Santa himself.
Whispering Pines Camping and Trailer Park is located just across the road and offers packages for camping and admission to Santa’s Village. Santa’s Village: 1-705-645-2512 www.santasvillage.ca
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RECREATION DEPARTMENT
A wide variety of community leisure activities, programs and services are offered through the Bracebridge Recreation Department. The Bracebridge Sportsplex, encourages residents and visitors to enjoy amenities such as an eight-lane swimming pool, a therapeutic pool, leisure pool with waterslide, walking/running track, two-storey climbing wall, gymnastics centre and a community/multipurpose hall. In 2009, an accessible playground was added to the facility. The Sportsplex is part of a major development that includes a new high school and the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre located at 110 Clearbrook.
In 2016, the Town of Bracebridge announced the location of a new arena/library/fieldhouse complex to replace the aging Bracebridge Memorial Arena. It is anticipated that this facility will come to fruition in the next 3-5 years.
Other facilities managed by the department available for rent and use by the public include:
Annie Williams Park: Barbecue Pits, picnic tables, washrooms, swimming area, and performing arts pavilion (accessed off Santa’s Village Road)
Kelvin Grove Park: Lighted Tennis Courts, Public Boat Launch, swimming beach (accessed off Shaw Street)
Kerr Park: Chalet (closed in winter months), Tennis Courts, Ball Diamonds (accessed off Belmont Drive)
Memorial Arena: Auditorium (150 person capacity), Conference Room, Arena ice with seating for 1,400. (Located at 169 James Street)
Peake Fields at Verena Acres: a state-of-the-art 4 ball diamond complex complete with picnic pavilions, children’s playground and concession stand.
Skateboard Park: 8000 square foot concrete skate board park for BMX and in line skating enthusiasts (located on James Street next to the Arena)
Bracebridge Recreation Department: Phone: 1-705-645-3037
BRACEBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Bracebridge Public Library has been serving the community for over 100 years from its downtown location at 94 Manitoba St. The original Carnegie funded and designed library, which opened in 1908, was expanded to 8,700 square feet in 1984.
A wide range of services are offered to the public, including Circulation, Reference, Interlibrary Loan, Children’s Programming, Public Access Internet and a Visiting Library Service. Over 40,000 items are available in various formats: print, audiovisual and electronic.
Parents and children enjoy the pre-school programs and our summer reading program is a big hit with the elementary school aged children. A Book Club for adults runs once a month and other special events are offered throughout the year.
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Local history resources found in the Muskoka Collection include published histories of communities, churches, schools, families and organizations as well as microfilm copies of over 100 years of locally published newspapers which are also available online via the Canadian Community Digital Archives.
The library is open Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week online at www.bracebridgelibrary.ca
Local history resources found in the Muskoka Collection include published histories of communities, churches, schools, families and organizations as well as microfilm copies of over 100 years of locally published newspapers.
The library is open Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues, Wed, and Thurs., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday. Open 24 hrs a day, seven days a week online at www.bracebridge.library.on.ca
BEACHES
Several Public beaches are available for public enjoyment, including:
• Bowyer’s Beach: Located on Lake Muskoka with a sandy swimming area, picnic tables, and washrooms. A privately owned boat launch is nearby.
• Kirby’s Beach: Located on Lake Muskoka with a sandy swimming area, picnic tables, playground and washrooms. This beach features a variety of accessibility features including parking, picnic tables and a Mobi Mat for easy access to the water. New accessible washrooms were opened in 2017.
• Bay Park: 2 acres on the Muskoka River located in the centre of Town. Facilities located at this site include a beach, parking area, boat dock, access to walking trails and the historic hydropower generating station.
• Muskoka Falls Beach: Located on the south branch of the Muskoka River just above South Falls power plant with a sandy beach, swimming dock, grassed area and washrooms.
• Prospect Lake Beach: Located west of Bracebridge, at the end of Prospect Lake Road
• Kelvin Grove Park Diving Platform: Located at the bottom of Shaw Street off Ecclestone Drive)
GOLF COURSES
The following is a list of courses within 5 minute drive of the urban area Bracebridge Golf Club Public 9 Holes Highway #117 705-645-2362 Kirrie Glen Golf Club Public 9 Holes Muskoka Road #118 705-645-4520 Public 9 Holes Muskoka Highlands Golf South Monck Drive & (expanded to 18 705-646-1060 Club Muskoka Road #118 holes in 2001) South Muskoka Curling Semi-Private 18 Golf Course Road 705-645-4221 & Golf Club Holes
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FINANCIAL SERVICES A healthy mix of banks, trust companies, credit unions and brokerage firms, sensitive to the needs of individuals and business, provide a full range of financial services to Bracebridge and the surrounding area. Banks
Bank of Montreal 705-645-5232 Bank of Nova Scotia 705-645-2289 CIBC 705-645-5213 Kawartha Credit Union 705-645-9405 Royal Bank 705-645-3001 Toronto Dominion 705-645-2266
REAL ESTATE
Sharon Elliott Real Estate 705-645-6693 Homelife Real Estate 705-645-8783 Re/Max Lake Country Realty 705-645-5281 Royal LePage Real Estate 705-645-5257 Muskoka Real Estate Board 705-788-1504 Muskoka Builders’ Association 705-645-3008 Engel & Volkers 705-646-5300
HEALTH SERVICES South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH), located in the heart of Bracebridge, has a fully equipped Emergency Department, two major operating rooms, a large recovery room, and nursing units for chronic care, intensive care, medical, pediatric and surgical patients are available. In 2000, the hospital spent $23 million dollars in renovations and expansion. In 2005, a CT scanner was installed along with a major renovation for a women’s health centre. In 2016, another $2.5 million was invested in new digital imaging equipment.
SMMH amalgamated with Huntsville District Memorial Hospital in 2005 and formed Muskoka Algonquin Health Care. The two sites now work cooperatively in providing superior quality healthcare to residents of Muskoka. Key services provided by these hospitals include Urology, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics, Oncology Clinic, Dialysis Clinic, Diabetes Centre and District Stroke Centre.
South Muskoka Memorial Hospital General (66 beds plus 12 long term beds) Box 1570, Bracebridge, P1L 1R6 Phone: 1-705-645-4404 www.mahc.ca/
EMERGENCY SERVICES 911: On December 17, 1997, 911 came on-line in Muskoka. The project is the result of a successful collaboration among councillors and staff at the area and District level, representatives of our essential emergency services and Bell Canada.
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Police: 1-888-310-1122 All of Muskoka is served by the Ontario Provincial Police, with a detachment office in Bracebridge.
Fire: 705-645-8258 A well-trained and well-organized 40-firefighter brigade ensures a high level of efficient fire protection to the municipality. The brand new Fire Hall in Bracebridge became operational late in 2017. This state of the art facility was designed to meet the needs of the community for the next several decades. This hall along with a second first station in in rural Bracebridge operate modern, fully equipped pumper units, tankers, and a rescue van provide an excellent response to emergency calls. http://www.bracebridge.ca/en/town-services/Fire.aspx
Ambulance: 705-645-5000 Muskoka Paramedic Services are provided by the District of Muskoka through 5 EMS stations located in Bracebridge, Huntusville, Gravenhurst, Port Carling and MacTier. MPS provides efficient and highly trained response to medical emergencies. http://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/live-and-play/Muskoka-Paramedic-Services.aspx
HUMAN SERVICES Daycare: A number of day care services are available in Bracebridge including licensed daycare centres, community day nursery programs, parent drop-in centres and private home daycare programs.
Macaulay Tree House Day Nursery Phone: 705-645-1956 Bracebridge Children’s Place Phone: 705-645-3362 Muskoka Family Focus & Children’s Place Phone: 705-645-3027 Ages & Stages Home Childcare Program Phone: 705-646-0605 Magic Time Preschool Phone: 705-646-2616 YMCA Child Care Phone: 705-646-7105
Children’s Services:
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Phone: 800-680-4426 Located in Bracebridge, Family Connexions promotes, supports and protects the mental, physical, emotional and social well-being of children and youth and aims to strengthen families and the community. http://familyconnexions.ca/
EUDCATION Public Elementary
Bracebridge Public School Macaulay Public School Monck Public School ** French Immersion Program Muskoka Falls Public School Oakley Public School
Public Secondary
Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School ** Extended French Program Available
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Separate Elementary
Monsignor Michael O’Leary Elementary
Separate Secondary
St. Dominic’s Catholic Secondary School
Private Secondary
Dewey College
Adult Education
The Bracebridge Alternate Education and Training Centre offers day and evening courses for adult learners wishing to upgrade their education or obtain their secondary school diploma.
Post Secondary Facilities Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology Muskoka Campus 111 Wellington Street. Bracebridge, ON P1L 1Z6 Telephone: (705) 646-7629 Fax: (705) 646-2120 www.georgianc.on.ca/muskoka
Georgian College was founded in 1967, and today serves a learning community of 6,000 full-time and 36,000 part-time students in the Simcoe County/District of Muskoka region. Georgian’s main campus is located in the city of Barrie.
In September of 2007 Georgian College moved to the former site of the Bracebridge Centennial Centre located in Jubilee Park. This move has allowed room for expansion to an 18,000 square foot building allowing 7,000 square feet dedicated to shop space. Capacity has been increased to accommodate 250 full-time students and increase part-time students by 45%. As of September 2009, the new location was home to 85 full time students and 300 part time students. The College also serves 50 apprentices in two separate courses every 8 weeks.
At the newly expanded Muskoka campus, full time programs are geared towards meeting specific needs of the local labour market. Full time programs include: Carpentry Techniques, General Office Administration and Personal Support Worker and Pre Health Sciences. Continuing Education (part-time) is also offered for Practical Nursing as well as for a number of Apprenticeships (Early Childhood Education, Educational Assistant and Hairstylist). The College and Career Preparation Program provides an opportunity for adults to participate in lifelong learning in order to facilitate their moving on to employment or further education.
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Contactnorth.ca 345 Ecclestone Drive Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R1 Telephone: (705) 645-6330 Fax: (705) 646-9522 Website: http://studyonline.ca/
As part of the provincial government’s Reaching Higher Plan and with the support of over 30 Ontario colleges and universities, Contact North provides increased and direct access to learning and training opportunities close to home. Now, residents of Bracebridge can upgrade their skills, learn a new trade, earn a high school or college diploma, even a university degree, without leaving their community.
There are over 7,500 courses and hundreds of certificate, college diploma and university degree programs to choose from, including e-Channel literacy and basic skills courses. Contact North also provides e-learning stations equipped with the latest in audio and videoconferencing technology and high speed internet. The Contact North team is available in person, over the phone and online to provide personalized service.
CONTACTS Municipal Contacts
Town of Bracebridge 1000 Taylor Court Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1R6 Phone: 1-705-645-5264 Administration Fax: 1-705-645-1262 Planning & Development Fax: 1-705-645-4209 Public Works Fax: 1-705-645-7525 Website: www.bracebridge.ca
Title Contact Name Mayor Mr. Graydon Smith Chief Admin. Officer Mr. John Sisson Dir. Corporate Services/Clerk Ms. Lori McDonald Dir. Of Finance/Treasurer Mr. Stephen Rettie Dir. Planning & Development Ms. Cheryl Kelley Mgr. of Economic Development Mr. Randy Mattice Director of Public Works Mr. Walt Schmid Chief Building Official Mr. Tom Hookings Director of Recreation Ms. Cynthia O’Regan(705-645-3037)(Fax-705-645-3030 Chief By-law Officer Mr. Scott Stakiw Fire Chief Mr. Murray Medley (705-645-5264 ext. 223) Library CEO Ms. Cathryn Rodney (705-645-4171)
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District of Muskoka
Responsible for Water & Sewer Works, Waste Management, Community Social Services, Upper Tier Planning, District Roads, Muskoka Airport, funds Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency.
Address: 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1N3 Phone: 1-705-645-2231; Toll Free: 1-800-461-4210; Fax:1-705-645-5319 Website: www.muskoka.on.ca
Department Telephone # Public Works 705-645-6764 Water Treatment Plant 705-645-6455 Sewage Treatment Plant 705-645-9445 Social Services 705-645-2412
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS 705-645-5231 or 705-645-8121 Info Centre [email protected] Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce www.bracebridgechamber.com
705-646-5590 [email protected] Business Improvement Area www.downtownbracebridge.com
Business Registration (Ontario) Centre 705-645-4415 800-414-6570 or 705-789-8821 Community Business Development Corp. Fax: 705-789-6114 Emergency/Outages 1-800-434-1235 Hydro One: Customer Service 1-888-664-9376 Lakeland Power 705-789-5442 or 1-888-282-7711 Muskoka Airport 705-687-2194 705-689-0660 or 800-267-9700 [email protected] Muskoka Tourism – Kilworthy www.discovermuskoka.ca
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board 705-722-3555 South Muskoka Memorial Hospital 705-645-4404 Trillium Lakelands District School Board 705-645-8704 Hon. Tony Clement, M.P. Federal Government Representative 1-866-375-tony Hon. Norm Miller, M.P.P. Provincial Government Representative 705-645-8538 or 888-267-4826
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ADDITIONAL WEB RESOURCES
Bracebridge Business Directory – http://directory.bracebridge.ca/
District of Muskoka – www.muskoka.on.ca
Bracebridge’s Community Videos: http://www.elocallink.tv/m/v/player.php?pid=Q9zB5wy22&fp=onbra16_wel_rev2_iwd
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