Artist rendering of repurposed high school proach where Bracebridge Town Council has approved cer- tain incentives to promote business investment,” said Mat- tice. These include the elimination of non-residential development charges, the freezing of building permit fees at 2014 levels, and access to a variety of grants and inter- est free loans through a comprehensive Community Im- provement Plan (CIP). “One particular program that supports new investment is the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant. It is available to property owners whose municipal property taxes have increased as a result of substantial development, redevel- opment, construction or re-construction of an eligible building or property, within designated areas of the town.” Site plan approval processes have also been stream- lined to assist new investors in navigating the municipal approval process. To increase the fast tracking of the de- velopment approval process, building permit applications can be submitted concurrently with the site plan applica- tion. Bracebridge is embarking on a project to update its Community-Based Strategic Plan as well as an economic and tourism marketing strategy that will highlight and pro- mote these recent development changes to further attract new investment into the community. “We are looking to maximize our exposure in the invest- ment community so along with traditional marketing tech- niques, the town wishes to utilize digital marketing, content management, and social media channels to pro- mote the attributes of the community.” Condominium project begins While it is looking to the future and attracting new in- vestment, Bracebridge has also been proactive in main- taining its heritage through the repurposing of the local historic high school into residential condominiums and transforming a former foundry into a successful cottage accessories retail outlet. Bracebridge has access to several essential business components including a diverse and stable economy; abundant power; a high capacity telecommunication net- work; an affordable skilled workforce; and a well main- tained and efficient transportation network that includes regional and provincial highways. “There is a movement occurring in Muskoka whereby seasonal visitors are making the weekend cottage com- mute a thing of the past,” Mattice said. “They are taking advantage of the prosperous local business environment and establishing their business in Bracebridge.” For more information, visit www.bracebridge.ca. Can’t wait for the weekend? Move your business to Bracebridge! • Zero Municipal Development Charges • Community Improvement Grants & Loans • Available Commercial Lands • 1 Gig Internet Service • Streamlined Site Approval Process ProsperInBracebridge.ca P r osperInBr ac ebri dge . ca The Canadian Design and Construction Report — November 2015 – 29