If Council approves the RFP Award on March 3, 2026, what happens next?

If Council approves the RFP award, the project will move from the evaluation stage into implementation. Key next steps would include:

• Continuing to work collaboratively with Greystone Project Management Inc., Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, and the District Municipality of Muskoka to further refine the development concept in accordance with the terms of the RFP;
• Confirming formal approval of the project by Habitat and the District, including confirmation of their respective capital funding commitments;
• Negotiating and finalizing the necessary legal agreements with all parties, in consultation with the Town’s solicitor;
• Initiating the Town-led Zoning By-law Amendment process, and if required, an Official Plan Amendment process, in accordance with the Planning Act and the Town’s standard public consultation procedures;
• Initiating the statutory process to stop up and close Chub Downey Lane, including required public notice, opportunity for public input, and securing any necessary easements in the public interest;
• Continuing consultation with the Downey family to identify and implement an appropriate alternative commemorative initiative in honour of Russell “Chub” Downey, agreeable to the family;
• Bringing forward for Council consideration any required by-laws, including a deeming by-law to merge lots to facilitate the consolidated development parcel; and
• Reporting back to Council at key milestones, including execution of definitive agreements, confirmation of funding, and advancement through the planning approval process.

Construction would begin once legal agreements are finalized, required planning approvals are secured, and project financing is confirmed. Updates and key milestones will continue to be shared publicly as the project progresses.