Huntsville Council approves over $100K to rehabilitate the Purser's Cabin at MHP

The footings have shifted over 12inches in the past 25 years, closing the structure

Huntsville Council approved an additional $101,500 for work at the Muskoka Heritage Place (MHP), during the July 27, 2026, meeting.

According to staff, additional work is required at Purser's Cabin, including the platform, footings and railings.

Staff reported that the project was originally included in the museum's 2026 capital budget at a cost of $100,000 initially approved by Council. However, during the design phase engineers determined that the cabin and platform footings had shifted approximately seven to 12 inches over more than 25 years.

A geotechnical investigation recommended replacing the existing concrete footings with steel helical piles and replacing the cabin footings with steel shoring.

The report states that the cabin has been closed to the public on the recommendation of the Chief Building Official until the work is completed.

While interpretive panels have been moved outside to allow visitors to continue viewing some exhibits, staff noted that artifacts cannot be displayed outdoors and that the temporary arrangement is not sustainable over the long term.

The cabin is also designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and is an important part of MHP operations, including the annual Portage Flyer Christmas program.

Staff recommended completing the full scope of work this year to allow the cabin to reopen by the end of 2026 and to avoid higher costs and operational impacts associated with delaying the repairs.

The additional funding will come from $42,190 in previously received cannabis-related funding that is no longer restricted for cannabis uses, with the remaining amount, up to $59,310, funded through the MHP Capital Reserve.

Councillor, Bob Stone, expressed concerns about the MHP deficit of over $200,000. He asked, “So, how is that going to play out in the future?”

Staff advised that the strategy is to build capital reserves through less spending going forward. They explained that higher spending “contributed to a negative reserve balance,” and anticipate a decrease in spending, resulting in an increase in reserves.

Councillor, Cory Clarke, said he wasn’t aware of a cannabis grant, and inquired about whether there were other grants available to help replenish some of the costs, and if there are options for the train route instead.

Staff advised that they already looked into grants, however, the timing and urgency make it challenging. They added that it wouldn’t be possible to try and change the train route from the end stop at the cabin.