Industrial park groundbreaking.
BREAKING GROUND. The atmosphere was jubilant despite the rain as local dignitaries broke ground on the roadway improvements at Canyon Court Business Park on Ecclestone Drive. From left, former mayors Don Coates and Scott Northmore, Tony Joosse of Battlefield, Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith, MP Tony Clement and Tom O’Callaghan of Fowler get their shovels dirty. (Photo by Pamela Steel)
Pamela Steel
BRACEBRIDGE - Mayor Graydon Smith was all smiles on Saturday afternoon, despite being pelted with blowing rain. Smith was one of several dignitaries gathered together to break ground on the next stage of Canyon Court Business Park at the corner of Ecclestone Drive and Kirkhill Drive.
The development was previously known as South Bracebridge Business Park.
MP Tony Clement braved the weather to announce FedNor funding of $163,336 to assist in completing infrastructure upgrades to District Road 118 to enable business and light industrial park development at the business park. Two former mayors, Don Coates and Scott Northmore, were on hand to see the first steps of the newest stage of a development they both supported.
“We’re always looking for new ways to strengthen economic development,” said Smith.
“We are open for business and ready for investment.”
The mayor also said that having the business park in place will help to market Bracebridge to new industrial businesses.
“This is an opportunity to have business come into town, expanding our tax base. There will be 70 acres with 20 new, good-sized lots here.”
Clement said he is hopeful for the future of industry in Muskoka.
“This will attract businesses to decide to locate here, creating year-round, full-time jobs,” he said.
Cheryl Kelley, director of economic development for the Town of Bracebridge, said the roadwork which will improve the existing roadway and create turning lanes to provide safe access to this 70-acre industrial park development site is expected to begin in a few weeks. The majority of the work is expected to be completed by the end of December.