EDAC Bracebridge combines Muskoka’s cultural heritage and natural splendour with innovation and opportunity for business investment and growth Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Bracebridge is a cultural and recreational gem located in the heart of Muskoka, a quick two hours north of Toronto. A charming and lush landscape surrounds the en- tire District of Muskoka and greets residents and visitors alike with gorgeous natural splendour consisting of a rural network of lakes, forests and trails. Bracebridge is one of six municipalities that make up the District of Muskoka and has a permanent resident population of 16,000 that climbs closer to 25,000 during peak summer months. Randy Mattice, Bracebridge manager of economic de- velopment, says: “In addition to a thriving tourism sector, Bracebridge offers a diverse economy with many sectors such as construction, niche manufacturing, hospitality, green technology and professional services. The construc- tion sector is a particularly strong contributor to the local economy due to ongoing work involving new residential construction, new cottage construction, and a growing cottage renovation market.” He says the weakening Cana- dian dollar is reviving American investment in the cottage sector within the region are all located in the community. Bracebridge has a secure economic foundation based on it being the regional location for government services. For example, offices of the District Municipality of Muskoka, the provincial courthouse, a regional hospital and several public sector head offices such as Lakeland Power are located in Bracebridge. Mattice says the town would like to further diversify its economic composition by attracting innovative companies flourishing in the creative and digital economies. “Town staff feel that Bracebridge has a competitive advantage in 28 – November 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report the creative economy due to recent investments in tech- nology infrastructure (for example, broadband connectivity featuring Giga-bit internet speeds), an expanding collection of professionals such as architects, scientists, and engi- neers, plus the lifestyle these individuals crave to offset their busy schedule.” Mattice says whether people are looking to personally relocate or to relocate a business, Bracebridge has a strong business foundation predicated on an extensive transportation network. “Bracebridge and the District of Muskoka are well serv- iced by an intricate network of local, district and provincial highways,” he said. “Bracebridge has easy highway access since it is situated alongside Highway 11, a four-lane sep- arated highway that connects to the 400 series of high- ways via Highway 400.” Other transportation modes include buses, rail and the Muskoka Airport which he says has a fully lighted 6,000-ft. runway that can accommodate all light planes, most cor- porate aircraft and larger commercial aircraft up to a Boe- ing 737. Mattice says the town recently reorganized its Depart- ment of Planning and Development to focus efforts on pro- moting and streamlining the development process to further attract new investment into the community. The de- partment now consists of an Economic Development Branch, Planning Branch and Building Services Branch. The economic development branch also manages the Downtown BIA co-ordinator and the Muskoka Small Busi- ness Centre whose focus is start-ups, small businesses and young entrepreneurs. “The Town of Bracebridge has a “can do” business ap-