Plans, Reports and Publications

The Bracebridge Plan for Walking and Cycling developed in 2014, was developed to provide an action-oriented strategy to support the expansion of Active Transportation in the community. The implementation of the Active Transportation Plan is coordinated through the Town's Public Works Department. Contact the Public Works Department for current initiatives.

Strategic Asset Management Policy

Asset Management Plan 2022

Asset Management Plan 2017

Asset Management Plan 2013

The Bracebridge Transit and Mobility 5-Year Business Plan, developed in 2021, provides details for future improvements to Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility services to achieve a modern, flexible and accessible travel solution for the residents of Bracebridge, that responds to the needs of those who depend on it while improving transportation options for all over the next five years. The implementation of the Plan is coordinated through the Town's Public Works Department. Contact the Public Works Department for current initiatives.

The Community Based Strategic Plan adopted by Council on April 18, 2018, is an overall plan for Bracebridge that includes the Town's Mission and the Vision.  The Plan is based on input from the community and outlines strategic themes and goals for the Town of Bracebridge. The plan will be utilized by Town Staff and Council to 

1. guide the development of future business plans, long-term capital plans, annual operating budgets and other similar corporate plans;
2. set organizational direction and priorities;
3. simplify and guide Council and staff decision-making;
4. promote new and effective partnerships;
5. establish organizational success and performance measures;
6. promote organizational alignment and focus; and
7. ensure clear and effective communication within the organization and throughout the community related to Corporate projects, initiatives, programs and services.

For information on annual initiatives and spending priorities, review our Budget and Business Plan page.

The Bracebridge town-wide Community Improvement Plan (CIP) provides a strategic and flexible framework for community improvement throughout the Town. This plan was approved in 2012 in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act.  This Plan identifies Municipal Leadership Initiatives and Financial Incentive Programs that may be implemented in key commercial, industrial, business, mixed-use, and tourist areas of Bracebridge.  Under the Community Improvement Plan, Council has approved a number of financial incentives.  View the CIP information page for more information or contact the Economic Development Branch.

The Corporate Communications Strategy was approved by Council on September 29, 2021. 

The Downtown Master Plan was approved by Council on October 20, 2021.  View details on the project's process. 

The Engineering Design Criteria and Standards Manual is intended to provide a sound engineering basis and consistent design standards for municipal projects within the geographic area of the Town of Bracebridge. These standards are to be read in conjunction with the Standard Drawings as well as the District Municipality of Muskoka’s Engineering Design Criteria and Standards Manual, the Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications (OPSS) and the Ontario Provincial Standard Drawings (OPSD).

• Design Drawing and Supporting Study Requirements
• Reports
• Road Design Criteria
• Utilities, Street Lighting, Traffic Signals and Underground Service
• Storm Drainage and Stormwater Management
• Lot Grading
• Landscaping
• Agreements

The Fire Master Plan was adopted by Council on October 20, 2021 and will assist with future initiatives and direction for the Bracebridge Fire Department through a number of recommendations.

View details of the Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan. This will be updated as often as new information becomes available.

The Bracebridge Action Plan and Implementation Schedule is the town-specific portion of the District of Muskoka’s Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan (ReCAP), which outlines the actions that each Muskoka municipality plans to take to address the most urgent and threatening impacts of climate change.

The Town of Bracebridge Action Plan and Implementation Schedule is comprised of 30 action items grouped under five themes:

• Development and infrastructure;
• Communication and educational awareness;
• Adaptation programs;
• Emergency response measures; and
• Policy change.

This plan will be used when developing future Municipal Budgets and Business Plans, and to help guide future climate change adaptation activities.

The Muskoka Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan was developed in partnership by the District of Muskoka and the lower-tier Muskoka municipalities and was approved by municipal Councils across the region in Spring 2024.

Muskoka Workforce Strategy

Muskoka Workforce Strategy Implementation Plan

The Town of Bracebridge engaged KPMG to conduct a Service Delivery and Modernization review of the Planning and Development Department.  The key objective was to identify optimum paths for developing digitized, streamlined and integrated building and planning processes.   The project was completed at the end of January 2022 and will be forwarded to the Town's Planning and Development Committee in March 2022.  View the report.

The Transportation Master Plan, completed in 2023, was developed to provide a long-range planning document that outlines transportation infrastructure recommendations and priorities for the Town through 2043. Developed in collaboration with the District Municipality of Muskoka (District), the Transportation Master Plan supports the Town’s vision for its future transportation system by responding to current issues and priorities, as well as forecasted needs. The Plan provides an opportunity to integrate all transportation modes with an increased emphasis on safety and the environment.

The document developed provides a guide to the planning, expansion and management of a multi-modal transportation system – the infrastructure and services that move people and goods. The transportation system is comprised of roads, public transit services, goods movement systems, and cycling and walking networks.

The implementation of the Plan is coordinated through the Town's Public Works Department. Contact the Public Works Department for current initiatives.

The Urban Tree Management Plan, completed in 2018, was developed to provide a coordinated and proactive plan to better manage the Town’s trees utilizing arboricultural best practices. The Management Plan provides information for adequate maintenance procedures to ensure the perpetuation and enhancement of the Town’s urban forest as well as ensuring public safety in our Downtown core and parks. The implementation of the Plan is coordinated through the Town's Public Works Department. Contact the Public Works Department for current initiatives.