Community members are reminded that this is an active construction site and to observe all on-site signage and fencing. Please keep a safe distance from the site at all times, preferably on the opposite sidewalks away from the fencing.

The post Bracebridge Memorial Arena Demolition appeared first on Muskoka411.

For the full listing of free activities and to register, check out the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre Opening Activities category at bracebridge.ca/programs.

NHL Training Practice and Meet and Greet
Friday, August 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab a seat in the Muskoka Lumber Arena to watch a live NHL training practice featuring a selection of NHL hockey players. After the practice, have the opportunity to meet the players and get an autograph.

Space is limited. Register at bracebridge.ca/programs.

Skate and Meet and Greet with Brady Leavold
Saturday, August 24 from 9 to 11:30

Brady Leavold’s story has inspired hundreds of thousands, with his online videos and in-person speaking events. Brady’s powerful story of recovery and his willingness to be vulnerable, has opened the door for others to find their own inner strength and voice. Join Brady for a skate in the Muskoka Lumber Arena followed by a discussion in the Muskoka Leon’s Auditorium.

Learn more about Brady’s story at bleavhockey.com.

Muskoka Bears Exhibition Game
Saturday, August 31 at 7 p.m.

Let’s show the Muskoka Bears what their fans are made of! Cheer them on at their first exhibition game in the Muskoka Lumber Arena against the Penetang Kings. Tickets are $10 at the door. Show up early to get your seat.

Learn more at muskokabears.pjhlon.hockeytech.com.

More programs and activities
From September 9 to 29, the fun doesn’t stop. Experience the facility amenities and try new activities with community user groups and more. Activities include:

• Breakers’ Parents Night Out;
• Lawn bowling try-it with the Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club;
• Muskoka Bears home opener against the Alliston Hornets;
• Bracebridge Tennis Club open house;
• Bracebridge Knight Hawks badminton try-it;
• MUFC soccer development try-it;
• Skate Muskoka Show;
• Pickleball; and
• Supervised play during select adult programs, drop-ins and more.

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Memorial Arena Silent Auction
Memorial Arena, 169 James Street

• Tuesday June 18 from 4 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday June 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Three, in-person sessions will be held at the arena for interested bidders to view the items and place their bids. Bidders will complete a bid sheet that outlines a description of the item, a picture for reference and a disclosure. Bid submissions will only be accepted in-person no later than 2 p.m. on June 22.

Items available for bidding include a variety of office furniture, large and small appliances, dishes, tables, shelving, sports equipment, tools and more. For the memorabilia collectors, place your bids on the score clock, Cooper clock and outdoor Memorial Arena sign so the legacy of the building lives on forever.

Once the auction closes, bids will be reviewed, and representatives from the Recreation department will contact the winning bidders to provide payment and schedule item pickup. Bidders are responsible for removing their items from Memorial Arena and supplying qualified contractors to remove any large items at their own expense. Contractors will be responsible for supplying a copy of their WSIB insurance and all necessary certifications to the Town prior to work commencing. Large items that will require a contractor include removal of the scoreboard, front entrance sign, and any items that require electrical connections and the use of lifts/cranes.

If bidders are interested in items that are not listed on the bid sheets, please contact Tim Bennett at tbennett@bracebridge.ca for consideration, no later than Friday June 21 at 12 p.m. Due to the age of the facility and materials used, certain items will not be available for sale due to hazardous materials and the environmental impacts such as bricks, certain arena bowl wood bench seating, flooring, piping and equipment. These items will be disposed of in accordance with Provincial regulations.

Proceeds from the silent auction will go towards supporting the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

To ensure the memory and legacy of the Memorial Arena are remembered, a selection of commemorative items will be on display in the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

To review the items, visit engagebracebridge.ca/auction.

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“I’m thrilled for the residents of Lake of Bays and pleased to finally be able to celebrate this important investment,” said MPP Graydon Smith, Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Our government knows that arenas are vital community hubs, particularly in small municipalities like Lake of Bays. This is why we’ve made investing in community infrastructure for projects such as this a government priority. I want to congratulate the Township of Lake of Bays on this securing this $500,000 grant and putting it to such great use.”

The grant was used to replace the Lake of Bays Arena’s aging refrigeration ice plant, which had been installed in 1979, with a more environmentally friendly upgrade utilizing geothermal technology. The addition of the new equipment also translates into providing a great ice surface for many years to come for everyone in the community. In addition to efficiency upgrades, the new replacement will also significantly contribute to facility cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint, and a decrease in the amount of required refrigerant.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the Ontario government,” said Scott MacKinnon, Superintendent of Parks and Facilities. “This state-of-the-art, cost-effective, eco-friendly upgrade ensures the community can keep making warm memories on the ice for decades to come.”

The Lake of Bays Arena boasts a 185’x85′ OMHA rink, six change rooms, and a referee room. The arena is used by a variety of community members and organizations for public skates, shinny, private rentals and birthday parties. It is also home of the Muskoka Women’s Hockey League and the Baysville Hockey League. For arena bookings or to view the event calendar, visit [lakeofbays.on.ca/arena]lakeofbays.on.ca/arena.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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This delay directly stems from the replacement of the arena’s ice plant responsible for refrigeration, which was originally scheduled for earlier this year. Supply chain challenges, compounded by shipping delays during recent labour strikes in Canada, have had a significant impact on the replacement timeline.

Target Opening Date:

A new timeline has been established for the Lake of Bays Arena to be fully operational, with the target opening date set for October 30, 2023.

Communication Efforts:

Staff have been engaging in one-on-one conversations with affected teams and user groups to keep them informed of the progress and challenges faced. This direct communication will continue as staff work towards a resolution. The public can stay updated on the status of the arena by visiting lakeofbays.on.ca/arena.

Context Behind the Ice Plant Replacement:

In 2022 the Township of Lake of Bays secured a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to modernize the arena’s aging 1979 ice plant, aligning with a commitment to environmentally friendly practices by including geothermal technology.

The new ice plant not only facilitates efficient ice generation but will also significantly contribute to cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint, and a decrease in the amount of required refrigerant. Importantly, it eliminates the need to burn propane for heat generation, as was done in the past.

Quick Facts:

• Unforeseen delays beyond staff’s control have postponed the opening of the Lake of Bays Arena.
• The postponement is due to delays in the replacement of the arena’s ice plant, which was originally scheduled for an upgrade earlier this year.
• The Lake of Bays Arena has a new timeline for opening the ice season with staff expecting the facility to be operational by October 30, 2023.
• The public can stay informed about the arena’s status by visiting lakeofbays.on.ca/arena.
• In 2022, the Township of Lake of Bays secured a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to modernize the arena’s aging 1979 ice plant with a plan to replace it with a more cost-effective, eco-friendly geothermal technology.
• The new ice plant will not only enhance ice generation efficiency but will also deliver substantial cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint, and reduced refrigerant usage.

The post Opening Of Baysville Arena Delayed Again appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Council has a keen interest in understanding the condition of the Township’s capital assets,” said Mayor Peter Kelley. “We want to hear from you! Sharing your feedback on our arenas will play an integral role as we plan for the future of recreation in Muskoka Lakes.”

After hearing from the community in 2022, Council adopted a Parks and Recreation Master Plan.  One of the key recommendations in that document was the completion of an Arena Feasibility Study.

The Arena Feasibility Study has now commenced with the goals of determining the current condition of both the Bala and Port Carling arenas, as well as further consulting on community wants and needs. Through this process, Lennox Architects has completed an inspection of each facility and life cycle analysis. Moving forward, the consultant will assess the community needs through a review of the existing facility usage data, results from the Parks and Recreation Master Plan survey, user group meetings, and a public survey with specific questions on the arena facilities.

When completed, Lennox Architects will share a final report detailing the preferred alternative for recreational space in Muskoka Lakes.

Share your thoughts before October 20, 2023 by visiting Engage Muskoka Lakes.

The post Have Your Say On The Future Of Arena Facilities In Muskoka Lakes appeared first on Muskoka411.

A community rink is so much more than that. It’s the skills learned with every glide across the ice, the camaraderie and friendships made, it’s the mentorship, the early mornings, the lessons learned and bruises gained, it’s the sights, smells and sounds that envelop your senses as you walk through the doors.

A community ice rink is not just a building but a gathering place that brings athletes, family, friends, recreational thrill seekers and the community together to engage with one another and celebrate achievements. That’s true of Bracebridge’s Memorial Arena. Since 1949, it’s been the town’s sole ice rink that has served as the location for local hockey and skating clubs, community events, a place to gather and so much more.

For Bracebridge native, Kris King, former professional hockey player and current Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations for the NHL, playing in community arenas was just as important to his hockey career as gliding across the ice at Maple Leaf Gardens.

“Playing in the National Hockey League and at historic arenas was a dream come true. But as great and prestigious as these locations were, they were not as important in my journey as the local rinks I competed in growing up which included Bracebridge’s Memorial Arena. My fondest memories of playing this great game occurred in small-town rinks that were the hub of the community.”

The town of Bracebridge has seen significant growth the past few years and is working to provide the amenities the community needs to be supported for the future. This includes the ambitious Muskoka Lumber Community Centre (MLCC). This 114,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility will provide the community with a multi-purpose venue and multi-generational “social hub” that consolidates community activities and services under one roof. This includes an arena, multi-sport fieldhouse, auditorium, outdoor courtyard, play space and playground that will service individuals and groups of all ages and complement the infrastructure of local schools.

For King, “The Muskoka Lumber Community Centre will continue in the tradition of giving our great town of Bracebridge an amazing new gathering place for families to enjoy. Not only the game of hockey but all the amenities it will have to offer the town.”

The MLCC will also be home to a new 25,000 square-foot Bracebridge Library that will contain so much more than books. This innovative location will house a maker space, recording studio and access to a range of technology and resources.

Perhaps the most ambitious element of this new facility is the cost. While the Town of Bracebridge has received a generous amount of funding from the Provincial government in the amount of $16,862,234 through the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund – Priority Local Infrastructure Stream, the Town is responsible for funding the remaining $58 million dollars to bring this project to life. The Town is making strides forward thanks to the generosity of local organizations and community members who have taken on sponsorship opportunities and naming rights to amenities and features in the facility.

However, there is still a long way to go, which is why the Town has introduced the Best Seat in the House initiative. This legacy fundraising campaign will give sponsors the opportunity to have their name on a seat placard for the next twenty-five years and sales are on the move. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will go towards the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation’s annual capital fundraising campaign for much-needed medical equipment.

For King, sponsoring a seat was an easy decision to make and leaving his family legacy on the facility is a special opportunity. “My dad Dave was such a fixture in these buildings throughout my life. Whether he was coaching, running our summer hockey school or just sitting in the stands to cheer on his children and their friends, when I think of community rinks, I can’t help but think of my dad. My family is proud to support the MLCC by purchasing a seat in memory of David King, and I’m hoping whoever sits in that seat will enjoy the experience as much as he did.”

To learn more about the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and the available sponsorship opportunities, visit engagebracebridge.ca.

The post Kris King’s Hometown Of Bracebridge Building Arena That Will Support The Community For Decades appeared first on Muskoka411.

“We have a vibrant and committed business and philanthropic community in Bracebridge that continues to be incredibly supportive of this project,” stated Mayor Graydon Smith. “Individuals and families can participate in wellness, sport, recreation, learning, personal development and entertainment activities and our local businesses and community supporters understand the importance of the healthy lifestyles residents and visitors will experience when they are able to use our amazing new facility. My sincere thanks on behalf of our community.”

The accessible, approximately 113,640 square foot community centre includes a 1,000 seat arena, modern library, auditorium, indoor multi-sport fieldhouse, common lobby, 330 parking stalls, outdoor play spaces, and an area retained for a future second arena to accommodate the community’s growth projections.

Bracebridge is pleased to share that the newest sponsors to have partnered with the Town include:

 Proline Rentals and Bins will contribute $240,000, over the next twenty years, for naming rights to the Multi-Sport Fieldhouse.

 Castle Peak Retirement Residence will contribute $50,000, over the next fifteen years, for naming rights to the Library multi-purpose program room.

 NorStar Exteriors will contribute $45,000, over the next fifteen years, for naming rights to the Sports Hall of Fame.

 Muskoka Insurance Brokers Ltd. will contribute $35,000, over the next fifteen years, for the naming rights to one arena team in the Muskoka Lumber Arena.

 Gilbert and Larkin LLP will contribute $35,000, over the next fifteen years, for the naming rights to one arena team in the Muskoka Lumber Arena.

 The Hutchinson Family will contribute $15,000 and a Daisy Reader and a DaVinci Low Visibility Reader, for the naming rights, in memory of Murray D. Locke, to the Library Study Group Room.

This announcement is the third of its kind to recognize the sponsors of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. Attached as Appendix “A” is the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre Fact Sheet, which contains further information on all the local business and community supporters and the MLCC project.

Regular project updates are provided by the Town as work on the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre continues. For further information on the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre Project, please visit Engage Bracebridge. For a list of remaining naming rights sponsorship opportunities, click here.

The post Almost $3M In Additional Funding Announced For The New Muskoka Lumber Community Centre appeared first on Muskoka411.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Bala Arena did not open for the 2020/2021 season, and Council was considering reopening it for use this fall as a walking track.

“After hearing from the community, it is clear that the right decision is to put the ice back in the Bala Arena,” said Mayor Harding. “Due to COVID-19 we were not able to put the ice in last year, so I am glad we were able to work with users to get them back on the ice this year.”

The estimated opening date for the installation of ice in the Bala Arena is November 22, 2021. The reopening of the Bala Arena will include modifications to comply with public health guidelines and Provincial restrictions, including physical distancing, group size restrictions and staggered start times. The Township will have enhanced cleaning protocols and health screening measures once reopened. Proof of vaccination will be required.

Although the Municipal Office reopened to the public by appointment only on September 13, 2021, it will be open for regular transactional services beginning November 15, 2021. Appointments will now only be required for longer duration meetings with staff. Proof of vaccination is not required to enter the Municipal Office. Township services will also continue to be offered through curbside pick-up, outdoor drop box and online through the Township website, email and over the phone.

“The situation with Covid-19 is rapidly changing and we will continue to adjust our services accordingly,” says Mayor Harding. “It feels good to once again have the office open to the public for transactional services without requiring an appointment.”

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The overall facility will now be named the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and the arena will be named the Muskoka Lumber Arena.

“We have a deep and engaged business community in Bracebridge that has been incredibly supportive of this project, but the commitment of Muskoka Lumber of $100,000 per year for 20 years is simply remarkable,” stated Mayor Graydon Smith. “Muskoka Lumber is not only a significant business and employer in our town, but has been a supporter of our community for decades. I can’t think of a business that better represents all that is Bracebridge and I am delighted that their name will be on these incredible facilities for years to come. My sincere thanks on behalf of our community.”

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