Bracebridge Approves Long-term Planning Framework for Parks, Greenspace, and Public Water Access

The plan outlines a structured approach to enhancing public lands and water access points

Bracebridge General Committee approved a long-term planning framework to guide future development of parkland, greenspace, and municipal water access properties at its April 7, 2026, meeting.

The plan outlined in the staff report involves a structured approach to evaluating, prioritizing, and enhancing public lands and waterfront access as the community continues to grow.

Staff noted that increasing development and population growth are placing greater demand on parks, trails, and water access points across the municipality.

According to the report, the Town currently owns and operates 38 municipal parks, covering approximately 112 hectares, along with a trail network of about 72 kilometres. In addition, the Town manages multiple waterfront parks and access locations that support recreation, tourism, and community use.

The newly approved framework builds on previous work, including the Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan, and introduces a classification system to guide future planning decisions. This system is intended to help staff assess existing assets while also planning for newly acquired lands through subdivision development.

As part of the initiative, a feasibility study reviewed six shortlisted municipal water access properties. Karin Crescent was identified as the highest-ranked site and will undergo further detailed review, including considerations for safety, risk management, and overall suitability.

The report also highlights continued growth in the Town's parkland inventory, with several new park blocks being added through development agreements. Seven new parkland areas have been identified within the urban area, though many are still in early stages and have not yet been fully designed or integrated into long-term capital plans.

In addition to planning priorities, the framework includes future considerations such as evaluating parking and access at high-use waterfront locations, exploring a potential non-resident parking pass system, and developing a formal naming policy for municipal parks and trails.

Staff noted that while there is no immediate capital cost tied to the report, future projects and improvements identified through this framework will be brought forward through upcoming budgets and asset management planning.

The framework is intended to provide a long-term, coordinated approach to managing Bracebridge's growing network of parks, greenspaces, and waterfront access for years to come.

Committee raised concerns about items such as creating new names for existing parks. However, staff indicated that reviewing the history of some of the current names showed that some are “incorrect with what it was supposed to be.” So, they’ll be “reviewed, realigned, and make them correct.”

Councillor, Debbie Vernon, raised concerns about the Sadler site and the rocks and currents which makes her question the safety of the location for people interested in swimming or paddling there.

Staff advised that insurers and the MNR will be involved as a part of water safety review regarding issues such as ease and fluctuation of the water.

Councillor, Archie Buie, expressed concern about property owners blocking shoreline access for those on portage routes – namely one he personally encountered with a fence blocking continued access on a route while canoeing. He suggested the routes should be clearly identified and included in the report.

Staff advised that they are identified as being there, however, there’s “just no service for them.”

Buie added that some of the routes have a lot of history, with logging, fishing, and general exploring, and said, “we should put more effort into maintaining and advertising so more people can benefit from them.”

He continued that the Town should be mindful of shorelines being bought and limiting portage access and of “not allowing road allowances to be purchased,” or to “make sure access points are left as property owned by the Town so you can continue down the river.”

He said they “have to make sure they don’t get stopped up and closed.”

Staff suggested that provincial legislation prevents property owners from stopping people from going around moving water areas, and indicated that they will review this, in addition to other concerns brought forward in the meeting.