The Town of Bracebridge will move its Planning, Development, and Economic Departments into the Carnegie Library building along with the Muskoka Small Business Centre.
The move comes after town council approved a recommendation from staff during the Aug. 14 council meeting for the municipality to retain ownership of 94 Manitoba St. for municipal operations.
While they may not be part of the move initially, town officials say the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area and Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce may also move in. They explain it would create a “Business Development Centre” that would put many of the services needed by small business owners under one roof.
Officials suggest everyone will move in sometime in the first quarter of 2025. Prior to that, they plan to work with third-party consultants to figure out the best way to use the nearly 120-year-old facility.
“The Carnegie Library is a beloved heritage building that holds significance for the community and downtown Bracebridge’s historic character,” says Bracebridge’s Mayor Rick Maloney. “By repurposing the building to provide municipal services and the potential to create a community business hub, we can better serve the needs of our residents and encourage long-term economic development and growth.”
The building housed the Bracebridge Library, but they vacated the facility in July ahead of its move to the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.
