$2.6 million allocated for Bracebridge's Carnegie Library building rehabilitation

Some councilors expressed concern over the costs

Bracebridge Council agreed to include $2.6 million the Long-Term Capital Plan for the Carnegie Library rehabilitation, in the September 10,2025, meeting.

Staff reported that the cost includes $1,845,000 for 2026 and $762,000 for 2027, for a total of $2.6 million, plus an additional $100,000 to develop more parking in the Town’s adjacent vacant lot on 89 Kimberly Avenue.

They added that construction is set to begin in 2026 and continue into 2027, with occupancy expected in 2027.

Plans for the building occupancy include the Town’s Planning and Development Department, and a Business Development Centre housing the Muskoka Small Business Centre, Business Improvement Area, Chamber of Commerce and a Visitor Information Centre.

Council members debated about the whether more time is needed for a more thorough breakdown of the costs and whether that would impede upon the potential for decision making at budget time.

Councillor, Don Smith, expressed the need for more information for items such as environment, “because it’s an open-ended item,” the vacated federal building beside the library, and accommodation for the Public Works Department “that needs to be addressed” prior to moving forward with the development.

He also expressed concern that other options weren’t provided for the project, especially considering the initial placeholder was $350,000 for the development, which he said has grown almost 8 times since approved, which will present challenges given the economic times.

Another concern he had was that by “owning the project” they will eliminate their opportunity for government funding.

Staff advised, “The current number has contingencies into it,” and they will also need to consider factors such as market value and rising construction prices. However, they offered to look at other options if directed to.

Other Council members argued that staff have already put a lot of time into the process which is also costly, and the time required to investigate alternative options would likely cause delays and impair their relationship with the organizations involved.

Mayor, Rick Maloney, indicated that the matter is similar to the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and compromises were made because of costing. However, he added, “What’s on paper today doesn’t have to be what we build tomorrow.”

Councillor, Barb McMurray, said she had “lots of concerns,” especially in light of the news announcing “66,000 more people out of a job,” some of which could reside in the Town. “Asking them to take the additional expense of which could be upwards of 4%... I don’t think we are being fair to the people we are supposed to be looking after.”

Her other concerns included the building elevator being too small and having to increase its size. She said, “Are we opening up a can of worms by doing so? I believe we probably could be…. We need all our ticks in order before deciding what to do.”

She added, “I can’t see a $2 million dollar cost to allow us to stay in that footprint…plus more for parking.”

She also indicated that she visited the building to see inside it and suggested Council members do so as well to get a feel for its condition.

Maloney said, “We have staff and external consultants to do that.”

He agreed that there are lots of building costs “to keep the heritage building alive and well on Main Street,” which is fitting with bringing an older building “to modern standard.” He added, “The public wanted it in the hands of the municipality,”

Other Council concerns included the project ending up cut and the building uninhabited, adding more services than renovation costs, and finding cheaper alternatives for the project.

Councillor, Archie Buie, also expressed concerns about the environment and budget which he said, “need to be fully understood and addressed.”

Smith suggested an amendment to get further advice from an outside source to provide a clearer understanding about ambiguous matters. He said, “I’d like to see us get the advice necessary.” However, the amendment was defeated and Council voted in favour of moving forward with the original motion.