Town of Bracebridge approves 2024 budget focused on supporting the future

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (February 14, 2024) – Bracebridge Council has approved the 2024 municipal budget and business plan which focuses on establishing a framework for incorporating the initial operating costs of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and supporting future programming. With the opening of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre this summer, the 2024 municipal budget can be noted as one of the most significant in Bracebridge’s history.

Based on a $300,000 residential assessment, the 6.8% tax rate amounts to an increase of $102 per household or about 28 cents per day for the delivery and support of essential services including the maintenance of trails and parks, snow removal, transit, fire services, recreational programming and more that the community relies on. The Town of Bracebridge is focused on maintaining essential service delivery while planning for future growth and opportunity.

The goal of this budget is to continue to deliver on Council’s priorities and maintain current service levels during a period of high inflation, while being considerate of the economic impacts property owners and residents continue to face with increased cost of living.

2024 budget highlights:

• $20 million to support the construction of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre;
• Approximately $1.5 million in operating funding to cover the significant increase to the level and quality of recreational and library services that will be delivered at the new facility;
• $246,000 in contributions to a dedicated reserve that will support the Town’s future investment in the construction of new hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville;
• $3.1 million towards the annual road improvement program;
• $1 million in capital investments to support the Town’s natural landscape and large network of parks and trails.

Each year, the Town of Bracebridge’s budget identifies priorities, goals and initiatives that support the community. Through extensive preparation, staff deliver recommendations that support these priorities but are also respective of residents and the current economic impacts.

To learn more about the 2024 municipal budget and business plan, visit bracebridge.ca/budgets.



Quotes

“The Town of Bracebridge is committed to supporting our community, and the 2024 municipal budget establishes the framework to do this both now and well into the future. This budget is significant for Bracebridge, incorporating the soon-to-be operational Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and all it will offer to our community. This budget continues to deliver on Council’s priorities while maintaining current service levels and being considerate of the economic impacts property owners and residents continue to face.”
- Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

“Staff have worked tirelessly to prepare a responsible budget during a challenging time, utilizing efficiencies to support the incorporation of landmark infrastructure projects that will support residents for generations. This budget continues to advance Council’s priorities of supporting the health and wellbeing of the community, while encouraging long-term economic development and sustainable growth.”
- Stephen Rettie, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Bracebridge

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About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.




MEDIA CONTACT

Town of Bracebridge
media@bracebridge.ca