Bay & Beyond project, Sidewalk repairs in Huntsville, Flood Watch in Bracebridge, new Fire Truck in Gravenhurst, CIP Incentive Programs in Muskoka Lakes, and Weekly Garbage Collection resumes

Select Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including our own reporting, media releases, and a few notes contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

Bay & Beyond Project Nears Start

The collaborative effort between the District of Muskoka and Town of Gravenhurst, which the two municipalities calling the “Bay & Beyond” project, is on track to start construction in May.

The phased-in work involves replacing underground pipes that have been in use since from 1944, improving the road platform, enhancements to pedestrian safety, and creating more opportunities for active transportation. The project is expected to run through 2026.

During a recent District engineering and public works committee meeting, Trisan Construction was announced as the successful contractor for the project.

A public community information session is being held on Wednesday, May 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott (285 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst).

Sidewalk Repairs Start April 22 in Huntsville

Starting April 22, needed sidewalk repair working on Main Street in Downtown Huntsville is set to begin.

The project is expected to take two to three weeks and includes replacing a few of the sidewalk panels installed during the Diggin’ Downtown construction project, causing impacts to traffic, parking, and pedestrian access in the area.

In order to complete this work, Main St. will require temporary single lane closures throughout the day and slower commute times can be expected.

Street parking on Main St. will not be available in the construction area. Motorists are encouraged to make use of nearby public parking lots (including Canada Summit Centre) and side streets (where applicable) –see Town of Huntsville Parking Map. Note that the parking lot on High St. will have reduced capacity due to construction equipment staging in the southeast corner. Pedestrians are encouraged to note and follow the posted signage to ensure safety.

The Diggin’ Downtown project is in the warranty period. Sidewalk repair works will be completed under the original contract, with no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Free Sandbags for Flood Watch in Bracebridge & Gravenhurst

Due to recent increased amounts of precipitation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a flood watch for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District until Friday, April 26. Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as lake/river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation.

A limited supply of free sand and sandbags are available for filling at the Municipal Office at 1000 Taylor Court for personal use. Sandbags can be placed around lower-level doors and windows to help prevent water from entering a home, or around propane tanks or other vulnerable infrastructure. Private contractors can also provide additional resources and support.

Property owners are encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect their property and minimize potential damage due to flooding.

Secure all outdoor property including docks and outdoor furniture to prevent them from becoming debris in the river and potentially limiting the flow of water; ensure sump-pumps and outdoor drainage systems are working properly; unplug electrical appliances – DO NOT do so if you are wet or standing in water; move any valuables and/or important documents to higher levels of your home and store them in water-proof containers; and move any household chemicals to higher levels of your home so they do not contaminate the water.

For more info on protecting your property, visit bracebridge.ca/emergencypreparedness.

The Town of Gravenhurst is also helping residents who could be impacted by high water and flooding by placing sandbag resources at Severn River Road East and Sunshine Court for residents’ use. 

The town says a limited supply of filled sandbags are available at each site. Additionally, at each location the town has placed sand and empty bags that people can fill.

Sand and empty bags that people can fill are also available at the Town of Gravenhurst Public Works Yard, on Crawford Rd. 

Gravenhurst council approves new fire truck purchase

Town council for Gravenhurst approved the purchase of a new pumper truck for the Gravenhurst Fire Department.

City View Specialty Vehicles will provide the truck at a cost of $762,320, excluding HST. The vehicle will replace an existing vehicle at Fire Station 3 in Barkway.

Council authorized staff to place a 10 per cent down payment for the vehicle with the remainder to be paid from the 2025 capital budget.

Community Improvement Incentives in Muskoka Lakes

The Township of Muskoka Lakes announced this week that applications are now being accepted for the spring intake for the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) private sector incentive program.

The CIP program assists property and business owners within the Community Improvement Area by providing financial incentives for projects that improve the vitality of the downtown areas and contribute to the year-round economy. Since 2022, the Township has provided approximately $75,000 in grants, and leveraged $260,000 in private investment.

“The Township continues to support investments which help to revitalize, refresh and enhance our community,” said Mayor Kelley via media release. “Since the CIP program was established, we have seen a number of great projects come to fruition, and we look forward to seeing investment in our community continue.”

The CIP private sector incentive program provides targeted support in the form of grants and fee rebates to projects that demonstrate a positive impact on the community. Program streams include: Attainable/Employee Housing, Shoreline Structures, Building and Mechanical Upgrades, Accessibility and Façade Upgrades, and Ecological Space Improvements.

CIP applications are accepted in two intake windows during the year. The Spring 2024 intake window is currently open and will be accepting applications until May 31, 2024. 

Find more information about each of the programs in the policy, or fill out the form to apply today.

Summer Collection Schedule Starts May 6

The District of Muskoka’s weekly curbside garbage collection is moving to weekly pick-up on May 6, 2024 for the spring and summer season.

Important to note is that the rules differ for those with curbside green bin collection and those without.

If you receive weekly green bin collection, then you are allowed one bag weekly for the upcoming collection schedule, while those who don’t get green bin collection can put out two bags.

Bag limits are based on standard 75 litre garbage bags or cans.

Learn more at: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/curbside-garbage-collection.aspx