Bracebridge Moves Ahead with $2.5M Carnagie Library Transformation

The library building will host the planning dept along with the Small Business Centre

Bracebridge General Committee agreed to move ahead with $2.5M Carnagie Library transformation, in the September 1, 2026, General Committee meeting.

According to the staff report, the project will transform the historic building at 94 Manitoba Street to accommodate the Town's Planning and Development Department and establish the Bracebridge Business Development Centre.

Committee supported awarding the interior renovation contract to W.S. Morgan Construction Limited for $1.805 million plus HST. The amount includes a base tender price of $1.567 million and $238,000 in optional mechanical work.

The total project budget, including contingencies and non-recoverable HST, has an upset limit of $2.5 million.

Four compliant bids were received following a tender process that attracted 49 document takers and nine prospective bidders to a mandatory site meeting. The staff report adds, W.S. Morgan submitted the highest-ranked compliant bid following the evaluation process.

Staff noted the company has completed similar projects involving the restoration and renovation of heritage buildings while preserving heritage features. References from the City of Orillia and Township of Perth provided positive feedback on recently completed projects.

They continued that built in 1908, the Carnegie Library is a municipal heritage building that served as the Bracebridge Library until it relocated to the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in 2024.

Council subsequently decided to retain the Manitoba Street property and repurpose it for municipal operations rather than dispose of the building.

However, Councillor, Don Smith, said he couldn’t support the endeavour at this time “in relation to the neighbouring post office and I guess things we just don’t know related to it,” including timing regarding “financial concerns I have.”

Smith added, “I need to do what I feel is right in the circumstance.”

In addition to the Planning and Development Department, plans for the building include space for the Muskoka Small Business Centre, Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre.

The Town retained heritage consultants to review the interior design plans and ensure historic features are appropriately considered and preserved during the renovations.

Construction is anticipated to begin before the end of 2026 and take approximately 20 weeks. Following substantial completion, inspections and occupancy approvals, the facility is expected to be available for occupancy in 2027.

Staff indicated construction is expected to occur largely outside the busy summer downtown season to reduce potential impacts on businesses and visitors.