Bracebridge Council has approved a schematic design for the Town’s new multi-use community centre.
It was prepared by MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects (MJMA) and will be used during the project’s next phases.
The new centre will house a single pad arena, community hall, public library, multi-use field house, concession/café, outdoor playground, trails and open spaces.
An area for a second ice pad is also being included in order to prepare for future needs.
The design approved by Town Council provides:
- a strong functional relationship between the library, arena, field house, community hall and other spaces in the new facility
- optimal access to all components of the centre (arena, fieldhouse, library, and community hall)
- coordinated internal program spaces which provide unique and exceptional customer experiences
- ample on-site parking with convenient pedestrian access to all components in the centre
- a prominent position for the new library on the site and in relationship to the streetscape
- green space to the east of the facility for public use
- a strong “street presence” for the new facility
- a clear and convenient pedestrian connection to the facility
“This is another significant step forward in making this project a reality,” says Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith. “As we move into the design development and detail design phases we are getting ever closer to the finish line on a project that will be transformative for our community and all of Muskoka.”
The next stage is the design development phase which includes:
- Further development of the Schematic
- Continued site plan development
- Continued refining internal layout development focusing on specific arena, field house and library requirements
- Development of the Design Development plans, sections and elevations
- Development of specifications
- Selection of materials and fixtures starts
- Preparation of a Class B costing report
- Reviewing costing outcomes and adjusting, as required
Council has submitted funding requests for the project.
The applications contain over $49.1 million in eligible expenses and include requests for $36 million from upper levels of government.
If successful, the Town could receive $19.6 million from the federal government and $16.4 million from the provincial government.
The Town would then be responsible for the remaining $13.1 million, plus all ineligible project costs.