With 113,640 sq. ft. to play with, the soon-to-be-open Muskoka Lumber Community Centre (MLCC) will have something for everybody.
A tour was given to the media and the facility’s many sponsors ahead of its opening to the public on Aug. 23.
Bracebridge’s Mayor Rick Maloney said close to $4 million has been brought in through sponsorships and fundraising initiatives. “If it wasn’t for your generous support, this facility wouldn’t be what it is today,” he added.
The Town of Bracebridge is contributing $58 million towards the project’s estimated budget of $75,330,000 with the remaining portion covered by the provincial government.
The facility is opening two years, three months, and 25 days after its ceremonial groundbreaking.
“The construction crews and staff have absolutely put their nose to the grindstone to get this facility done,” said Maloney. “We couldn’t be here without their support.”
The Coulson Family Bracebridge Library will prominently feature in the MLCC with a 25,000 sq. ft area. It’s an upgrade from the 8,400 sq. ft. space the library is vacating at the historic Carnegie Building on Manitoba St.
“There’s finally that light at the end of the tunnel,” says Crystal Bergstrome, chief librarian and chief executive officer.
While she’s sad to leave the nearly 120-year-old building, she shares how the new space will not only give them more room for programming, but it will also allow them to be open seven days a week.
“This space has been designed with the community in mind,” she continues. “Our old space is very cozy and cute, it’s got all that heritage, but this gives us so much more room to engage the entire community.”
The MLCC will open to the public on Aug. 23.
However, Bergstrome says the library will likely open a month later. She explains they need extra time to make sure everything is in the right place, including checking to make sure the over 11,000 items that were checked out prior to the library’s old location closing are returned.
“We can’t wait to welcome you home,” finishes Bergstrome.
The MLCC also features a 1,000-seat arena (with room towards the back for another). Its marquee tenant will be the returning Muskoka Bears Junior C hockey team. A multi-sport fieldhouse, outdoor courtyard, and a park are some of the other amenities at the MLCC.
“This is a beautiful facility, and I think that when this is open to the public in another few weeks, residents of Bracebridge, residents of Muskoka will be so proud of this facility and so proud of the investment we’ve made in this community and not just for the folks that live here today,” said Maloney. “We’ve built a facility for the next 60 years.”
