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District announces construction of building containing 44 new affordable housing units in Bracebridge

From the District of Muskoka:

Construction of a new building at 100 Pine Street in Bracebridge will start soon, creating 44 new affordable housing units for low-income individuals. The building will feature 11 studio apartments and 33 one-bedroom units, with rents expected to range from $550-$950/month. Fourteen of the 44 new units will be barrier-free, with an elevator and accessible parking spaces to support persons living with disabilities.

The District’s “Big Move On Housing” is detailed in its 2024-2029 Affordable and Attainable Housing Investment Framework.  Council approved the investment plan earlier this year, with a key focus on addressing Muskoka’s ‘Deepest Need’ for affordable housing. The new build at 100 Pine Street is one of the initial investments in the “Big Move”. The project has secured some funding under the Federal Government’s National Housing Strategy and the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) and Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI).

“Forty-four new affordable units directly meet the ‘Deepest Need’ to provide attainable housing for Muskoka residents who are struggling with rising costs of living. With more affordable housing options, residents can spend less on rent which leaves them with the funds they need for other daily needs like food, clothing, and other necessities, which can contribute to improving overall health and well-being. We are so pleased to have Federal and Provincial support for this important build that will improve the quality of life for residents in Muskoka,” said District Chair Jeff Lehman

“The project at 100 Pine Street demonstrates what collective efforts at all levels of government can achieve. By working collaboratively, we can accelerate our shared commitment of increasing our local affordable housing supply and supporting the growing need in our community,” said Mayor of Bracebridge and Deputy District Chair Rick Maloney.

Seniors, Transportation and Climate Action Featured in Building Design

The new building will be situated beside McVittie Place, an 80-unit affordable housing building for Seniors that was built by the District in 2011.  In addition to the barrier-free units, all units and common spaces in the new building incorporate a universally accessible design to assist with changing mobility needs. Tenants in the new building will have close access to a public transit stop on Pine Street at the entrance to the McVittie Place parking lot and will enjoy direct connections to nearby walking trails.

Several climate-friendly and energy-efficient options are proposed to improve the building’s environmental resiliency. These climate investments will reduce the District’s long-term maintenance and operational costs and open up access to additional grant opportunities. These energy-efficiency upgrades will also reduce utility costs for future tenants.

Learn more about Muskoka’s Big Move on Housing by visiting: www.muskoka.on.ca/TheBigMove

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5 Comments

  1. Jonathan Wiebe says:

    Well done Scott and District counterparts….good question Verda-Jane.

  2. Scott Morrison says:

    Hi John,

    This is being done by the District, not the Town of Bracebridge. This is part of the Big Move on Housing initiative where we are spending up to $30 million to improve housing options throughout the entire District. Part of this initiative included a significant increase to our MAHIP affordable housing program. It should be noted that Huntsville received more funding from this program than any other municipality.

    We also have many other initiatives underway through the town. One of those is looking at town owned land being used for affordable housing developments. For instance, not sure if you saw our plans for Florence Street through the Muskoka Community Land Trust. We are looking at getting 161 units built that would be a combination of affordable ownership and rentals.

    When considering the comparisons of what each town is doing, I don’t feel that we are tone deaf on housing, I feel that we are doing as much or more at the moment.

    Cheers

  3. Verda-Jane Hudel says:

    Just a general question…is anyone who lives or spends time in Muskoka happy?
    I remember the great debate over wolves, the airport, failure of getting building permits — build and get permit later, the condition of the lakes and swimming, the increase in new comers, the city people are not wanted, inconsiderate boaters, and so much more, now it’s the hospital, garbage collection, rude visitors to Algonquin park, not respecting wildlife anywhere. The last one is so sad.
    We have one of the most wonderful areas in the world. Please inject happiness!

  4. nancy long says:

    John K. Davis, I’m not sure why you are suggesting that the Bracebridge Council had anything to do with this housing initative. Did I miss some information in the article? It seems to me, that the District of Muskoka is the entity that is driving this.
    What we do need to ask, is why Huntsville and/or other communities in Muskoka are not getting the same type of housing. We all need it!

  5. John K. Davis says:

    Congratulations to Bracebridge for being able to build this 44 unit building on Pine St. that will rent for $500-950/month. Huntsville has nothing like this.
    It seems like Bracebridge Council is listening to the needs of their present and future citizens, sad that Huntsville still seems to be tone deaf on housing.