Engineering

The Town of Bracebridge's 16 bridges and 7 large culverts with a span of 3 metres of more are inspected by qualified structural engineers every second year as prescribed by the Ontario Regulation 104-97 or as directed by the structural engineer. These inspections ensure all bridges and large culverts are in a safe condition.

The Town's structural engineers through regular inspections make recommendation to close structures as structural and public safety concerns arise:

• Goltz Bridge on Ball's Drive from Highway 118 West to Covered Bridge Trail is closed due to bridge repairs.

The Public Works Department operates and maintains the storm drainage infrastructure throughout the Town of Bracebridge. Maintenance activities include culvert replacements, catchbasin cleaning, storm sewer construction, flushing, video camera inspections and spot repairs, etc. Complete replacements, if necessary, are normally undertaken concurrently with road reconstruction projects.

To manage the increased risks to flooding, erosion, watercourse health and aquatic life caused by stormwater runoff, the Town often requires developers to construct stormwater management ponds to control stormwater runoff from their subdivisions. Upon assumption of the development, the Town starts maintaining the stormwater management ponds.

The Town maintains 15 stormwater management systems and role in pond maintenance includes:

• Removal of sediments (as needed)
• Removal of debris in and around the pond 
• Maintenance of structures such as gates and valves
• Maintenance of surrounding vegetation and plants
• Vegetation replacement if required
• Bank stabilization to prevent erosion
• Pond monitoring

 Residents should abide by the following guidelines:

• Do not swim, wade, skate or boat within the stormwater pond
• Exercise safety around stormwater ponds, as conditions in the ponds can change rapidly, which can include fluctuating water levels and thin ice

SWM systems are approved for construction by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) who issue an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for their construction based on the submission of engineered drawings.

SWM systems include works such as storm sewers, manholes, catchbasins, sediment forebays, dry ponds, wet ponds, oil and grit separators, headwalls and overflow spillways, etc. The SWM systems are located in residential, commercial and institutional developments throughout the Town of Bracebridge. Public Works inspects the SWM systems annually as mandated by the MOECC. Maintenance work is completed as required to ensure the various SWM systems operate as intended.

The Town does not maintain SWM facilities on private property.

2023 Stormwater Management System Annual Performance Report

Street light maintenance and installation provide an overall safe environment for vehicles and pedestrians during periods of diminished light or darkness. Lighting on roadways and walkways is maintained by Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd. on behalf of the Town of Bracebridge. Common street light maintenance issues include:

• Burnt out lights
• Flickering lights
• Lights left on throughout the day
• Damaged poles
• Opened lens

To report concerns with street lighting, contact the Public Works Department. Please take note of the exact location and be specific with the street it is on, cross streets, the address or building it fronts and any light pole identification numbers.

Traffic Calming

Traffic calming is a term used to describe a combination of mostly physical features that are intended to reduce vehicle speeds, alter driver behaviour and improve safety conditions for everyone who uses the street.

There are many methods of traffic calming and some of the most common types of traffic calming measures are:

• Reduce the speed of traffic
• Reduce collision severity and frequency
• Improve safety for drivers and pedestrians
• Enhance safety of pedestrians and cyclists
• Increase the quality of rural and urban life

Traffic calming measures may include:

• Lane narrowing
• Speed humps
• Raised crossings
• Chicanes
• Bump outs
• Contrasting surfaces

How to apply for traffic calming on a street?

• Fill out a Traffic Calming Request Application Form
• Submit completed application form to the Public Works Office in person or publicworks@bracebridge.ca
• Staff will review the request to determine if it is eligible for traffic calming as outlined in the Traffic Calming Policy and Traffic Calming Measures Manual.

What happens if a street is eligible for traffic calming?

Requests determined to be consistent with the Traffic Calming Policy and Traffic Calming Measures Manual requirements, will be reviewed by staff in collaboration with the following:

• Traffic Data Collection and Public Awareness
• Preliminary Traffic Calming Plan
• Notification to Area Residents
• Budget Allocation and Installation
• Evaluation
• Modifications

What happens if a street is not eligible for traffic calming?

In the event the request does not meet the requirements of the Traffic Calming Policy and Traffic Calming Measures Manual, the requester shall be notified and the review process is complete.

Traffic and Pedestrian Signals

Traffic control signals, including those directing vehicles and pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, are necessary to ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. In an effort to meet this task, it is essential that signals be functional and efficient at all times. These signals are owned and maintained by the District Municipality of Muskoka.

To report signal problems, contact the Engineering and Public Works Department - District Municipality of Muskoka