The Town is consulting with the Downey family to identify and implement an appropriate alternative commemorative initiative in honour of Russell “Chub” Downey, recognizing his contributions as an influential figure in Bracebridge’s hockey community.
The Town of Bracebridge plays a governance, facilitation and oversight role in the project. Specifically, the Town is:
- Considering the conveyance of the land, subject to negotiated agreements and Council approval;
- Facilitating and reviewing required planning approvals in accordance with the Planning Act;
- Negotiating and entering into legal agreements to protect the public interest; and
- Establishing conditions to ensure alignment with Council-approved objectives and community priorities.
The Town is not constructing or operating the development. Instead, it will use formal agreements and statutory planning processes to ensure that any conveyance of land is structured to protect the public interest, and that community benefits and other project requirements are clearly secured and maintained over the long term.
Through this initiative, the Town of Bracebridge is making a significant municipal investment to advance affordable housing and downtown revitalization. The Town’s contribution includes:
- Conveyance of municipally owned lands for nominal consideration, with an appraised market value of approximately $1,175,000, representing significant foregone revenue;
- Direct budget allocations of $5,000 in 2025 and $12,000 in 2026 to support appraisal, legal, and land assembly costs;
- Town-led Zoning By-law Amendment and, if required, Official Plan Amendment processes undertaken at no cost to the proponents, representing an additional in-kind contribution valued between $2,250 and $8,750, plus associated legal costs related to the registration of a Deeming By-law or any potential appeals;
- Statutory Development Charge exemptions applicable under the Development Charges Act, 1997, based on the proposed ownership structure; and
- A significant investment of staff time and administrative resources has occurred to date and will continue following Council approval, including work related to the RFP process, due diligence, negotiations, planning approvals, road closure, land assembly coordination, and implementation of the approved development framework.
Collectively, these contributions represent a meaningful municipal investment in advancing affordable housing supply, supporting downtown revitalization, and leveraging a surplus municipal asset to achieve broader community objectives.
The project is intended to deliver a range of long-term community benefits, including:
- Increasing overall housing supply in downtown Bracebridge;
- Delivering new affordable rental housing;
- Supporting downtown revitalization by bringing new residents, activity, and year-round foot traffic to the core;
- Enhancing public spaces, including improvements to the Youth Park area;
- Leveraging public, private and non-profit investment to maximize the value of publicly owned land; and
- Expanding the municipal tax base over time to support community services.
Overall, the project represents a coordinated and strategic approach to advancing housing, economic development, and community-building priorities in Bracebridge.
The project requires certain planning approvals, which may include:
- Zoning Amendment;
- Potential Official Plan Amendment (if required); and
- Site Plan Approval.
Extensive public consultation was undertaken through the Downtown Master Plan process, which established the long-term vision for the redevelopment of the former Memorial Arena lands. The multi-phased engagement included surveys, stakeholder meetings, public workshops, and written submissions. The site was identified as a key opportunity area, with feedback supporting increased housing supply, enhanced downtown vibrancy, and improved community spaces.
The recommendation to award the RFP will be considered at the February 25 Special Planning and Development Committee meeting. Any objections to the decision made on February 25 may be made only through the delegation process at the Special Council meeting scheduled for March 3, 2026. Written objections or submissions must be provided to the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 2, 2026.
If the project proceeds, additional opportunities for public input will occur through required statutory planning processes under the Planning Act, including public meetings for any proposed Zoning By-law Amendment or Official Plan Amendment, if required.
There will also be a separate public process related to the proposed stop up and closure of Chub Downey Lane, which will include notice and an opportunity for public comment.
Project updates and key milestones will continue to be shared on EngageBracebridge.ca as the project advances.
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.
Construction could begin once the following milestones are achieved:
- Legal agreements are finalized and executed;
- Required planning approvals are secured;
- Necessary by-laws are passed by Council;
- Project financing and capital funding are confirmed; and
- Final approvals are received from collaborating parties.
Subject to these conditions, construction could commence as early as Fall 2026. The construction period is anticipated to take approximately two years, with occupancy expected roughly two years after construction begins. Updated timelines will be communicated publicly as key milestones are reached.
All updates, reports, and future engagement opportunities will be posted on the project page at EngageBracebridge.ca.
Residents are encouraged to check back regularly as the project advances.
