Bracebridge Wellness Retreat Proposal Draws Concerns Over River Safety, Flooding

The proposal would turn a tourist camp on the Muskoka River into a year round operation with up to 30 cabins

Bracebridge's Planning and Development Committee heard plans to transform an existing Muskoka River tourist camp into a year-round wellness destination, during its August 5, 2026, meeting.

They also heard concerns raised by neighbouring residents about flooding, septic servicing, boating and swimming safety.

The zoning amendment application from South Muskoka (GP) Inc. involves approximately 22 hectares at 1083 Ashley Lane, with about 380 metres of frontage on the Muskoka River.

The property currently operates as a tourist camp with seven cabins, two dwellings, a shower building, tent and trailer sites and other facilities. The proposal would redevelop the seven existing cabins and add 23 new tourist cabins, bringing the total to 30, and eliminating the seasonal tent and trailer sites.

Owner Jeremy Hill told Committee his vision is to shift the property toward what he described as a “quieter, higher end wellness model.” He added that amenities could also include a sauna and tea pavilion, and that protecting the river and natural environment are priorities and the development is intended to provide year-round employment.

Resident, Paul Melcher, questioned whether replacing seasonal camping sites with cabins would actually reduce visitors and the intensity of use, suggesting that “the number of guests could instead increase.”

Several residents said they generally supported aspects of the proposal but raised concerns about its potential impacts.

Resident, Lauren Power, expressed that the proposal represents a reduction in the intensity of use, however, questioned the proposed increase in occupancy from previous estimates and raised concerns about the carrying capacity of both the property and the river.

Other concerns included the location of septic servicing relative to the river, fluctuating water levels and flooding, campfire smoke, noise and the potential for increased use of the river.

Residents also raised safety concerns involving swimmers, boat traffic and the existing nine-kilometre-per-hour boating speed limit.

Staff said the existing and proposed septic systems have received necessary approvals and are outside flood-prone areas.

Hill said the retreat would not support motorized recreational boating, waterskiing or snowmobiling, and guests would not be permitted to bring boats or snowmobiles onto the property.

Committee also discussed whether additional boating safety signage and a designated swimming area could improve safety. Staff noted boating regulations fall under provincial and federal authorities and the Town's planning regulations do not provide authority to designate swimming areas.

The application also proposes reducing the waterfront setback from 30 metres to 20 metres. Staff said the former 30-metre requirement resulted from the river's previous designation as a cold-water stream, which no longer applies.

Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal conforms with Town and District planning policies and would support year-round tourist use.