The construction of 44 new affordable housing units for low-income individuals at 100 Pine St. in Bracebridge is starting soon.
Officials with the District of Muskoka say it will feature 11 studio apartments and 33 one-bedroom units with rents ranging from $550 to $950 per month. They add the building will be barrier-free, with an elevator and accessible parking spaces to support people living with disabilities.
“All units and common spaces in the new building incorporate a universally accessible design to assist with changing mobility needs,” they shared. “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.”
Officials added several climate-friendly and energy-efficient options are proposed to improve the building’s environmental resiliency and reduce maintenance and operational costs.
“These energy-efficiency upgrades will also reduce utility costs for future tenants,” they explained.
District Chair Jeff Lehman said these new affordable units directly meet the “deepest need” to provide attainable housing for Muskoka residents who are struggling with rising living costs.
“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 Lehman.
Bracebridge’s Mayor Rick Maloney, who also serves as the deputy district chair, added the project demonstrates what collective efforts at all levels of government can achieve.
“By working collaboratively, we can accelerate our shared commitment to increasing our local affordable housing supply and supporting the growing need in our community,” he continued.
District council approved the investment plan earlier this year, with a key focus on addressing Muskoka’s “deepest need” for affordable housing. According to officials, this new building is one of the initial investments in the “big move,” which is detailed in its Affordable and Attainable Housing Investment Framework for the current term of council.
