The District of Muskoka has marked a significant milestone with the official opening of 100 Pine Street in Bracebridge, a new affordable housing development designed to support seniors and people living with disabilities.
The four-storey building adds 44 affordable rental units to Muskoka’s housing stock, providing a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments for individuals on community housing waitlists as well as those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The project features 14 barrier-free units, accessible parking, an elevator, and universal accessibility throughout all living and common areas. The building was also designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower operating costs.
Located near public transit, McVittie Place, and local walking trails, the development at 100 Pine Street. aims to provide residents with convenient access to community services and amenities.
The official opening ceremony brought together provincial and municipal representatives, project partners, community leaders, staff, and contractors to celebrate the completion of the development and its anticipated impact on the community.
District of Muskoka Chair Jeff Lehman said the project addresses one of Muskoka’s most pressing challenges. “As the cost of living continues to rise, it is more important than ever to build communities where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing,” said Lehman. “These 44 new affordable housing units respond directly to Muskoka’s deepest housing need by providing a place to call home for residents who need it most.”
Funding for the project came from all three levels of government, including support through the federal Affordable Housing Fund and National Housing Strategy, as well as provincial funding through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative.
The development represents one of the first major projects completed under the District’s “Big Move on Housing” strategy, an eight-year plan aimed at increasing housing options across Muskoka. District Council has committed up to $35.125 million toward housing projects and partnerships focused on reducing homelessness, expanding affordable housing, and supporting future residential growth.
A key component of the strategy is addressing the needs of residents experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and households waiting for community housing. District officials say the opening of 100 Pine Street demonstrates tangible progress toward those goals.
For the 44 households who will call the building home, officials say the development offers more than just housing—it provides stability, independence, and an opportunity to build a secure future within the community.
For more information on the District’s Big Move on Housing, visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/TheBigMove
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Fantastic, we need so many more, including 2 and 3 BDRM for low income families
Lisa Brooks poses a good question. I think getting affordable housing is a priority. I wonder if the housing effort should be spread across the district. Maybe some in Novar, Mactier , Dwight, Kilworthy etc.
Congratulations all round; well done!
This is certainly a step in the right direction, and 44 units will make a meaningful difference for the people who call them home.
At the same time, I find myself wondering what happened to the affordable housing project proposed out of Baysville. My understanding is that it involved roughly 170 units, a local manufacturer producing sustainable building materials, local contractors, local engineering expertise, and a timeline that could have delivered housing much more quickly. If that understanding is correct, it seems fair to ask why that project stalled while Muskoka continues to face a severe housing shortage.
Housing should not be a partisan issue. We have a Canadian housing challenge, a Muskoka housing challenge, and every viable solution deserves a fair hearing on its merits. If there are legitimate reasons a project could not proceed, residents should understand them. If there are lessons to be learned, we should learn them.
The goal should be simple: more housing, built responsibly, for the people who need it.
A special thanks to Matt and Maureen for placing me in this great building.It was a shame that more tenants did not show their gratitude by not attending the cake and coffee get together hosted by The District.