Ground Breaking for Muskoka's Newest Business Park

On Saturday, October 27th, The Honourable Tony Clement, MP and Minister for FedNor, Mayor Graydon Smith and Tom O'Callaghan, Vice President of Fowler Construction participated in the official ground breaking for Canyon Court Business Park - Muskoka's Newest Business Park.

Left to Right:
 Retired Mayors Don Coates & Scott Northmore, Tony Joosse, Battlefield/Toromont,
Mayor Graydon Smith, MP Tony Clement, Tom O'Callaghan, Fowler Construction 

Funding Announced for Business Park Infrastructure

On Saturday, October 27th, The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, announced FedNor funding of $163,336 to assist in completing infrastructure upgrades to District Road #118 to enable the development of a business and light industrial park development at the Canyon Court Business Park.  Specifically, the funding will be used to improve the existing roadway and create turning lanes to provide safe access to this 70-acre industrial park development site.

The Honourable Tony Clement (with Mayor Smith and Tom O'Callaghan, Fowler Construction)

Tom O'Callaghan, Fowler Construction, Emcee for the Event

Mayor Graydon Smith at Funding Announcement

The majority of the work funded by FedNor will be completed by year end (i.e. December 31^st).  We would expect work to begin in a few weeks.

This property was formerly known as South Bracebridge Business Park and was recently named Canyon Court Business Park because of its proximity to the Muskoka River Canyon.  The park includes 22 lots that range in size from .84 acres to 9 acres and it will be fully wired with Fibre Optics.

The unique Business Park Zoning allows for a large range of uses including:   Contractor’s Yard, Emergency Service Depot, Equipment Sales & Rental, Farm Implement Dealer, Fuel Storage Tank, Home Improvement Centre , Indoor Storage Facilities, Light Manufacturing, Manufacturing and Processing Plant, Motor Vehicle Body Shop, Motor Vehicle Dealership, Motor Vehicle Parts Establishment, Motor Vehicle Rental Agency, Motor Vehicle Repair Garage, Office, Outside Display and Sale - Permitted only as an accessory use, Outside Storage (permitted with buffering), Passenger Transportation Depot, Printing and Publishing Establishment, Rental Agency, Retail Store Permitted only as an accessory use (not exceeding 25%), Service and Repair Shop, Truck or Transportation Depot, Veterinary Clinic

For information contact, Cheryl Kelley, Town of Bracebridge

Bracebridge's Tourism Brand moving to next step

Following a comprehensive community assessment and subsequent rebranding process, Bracebridge is about to embark upon a new economic development initiative.  This new initiative will be based around attracting visitors with a variety of hands-on learning experiences designed to increase traffic, and therefore spending, in our community throughout the year.

Life-long learning is the fastest growing element in today’s tourism marketplace. Our hands-on experiences will be based around three pillars: the Arts, Culinary and Muskoka Lifestyle. The experiences will be provided by local businesses or individuals who have a vested interest in attracting new customers through these experiences.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity and how you and your business could benefit check out Bracebridge's Branding Blog for more information.  

(From Bracebridge Brand Leadership Blog, October 19, 2012)

Women in Business starts this week in Bracebridge

YMCA Muskoka


This integrated life skills and business/employment skills program is designed to increase confidence, self-esteem, skill levels and personal and professional networks, ultimately leading to greater economic independence. Participants are supported in completing a Life Plan or a Business Plan. 

Approximately 40% of our graduates chose to operate their own businesses in Muskoka, including several main street businesses throughout Muskoka. Others have changed careers and explored further education. 

Program will take place in Bracebridge on Tuesdays and Thursdays and starts October 11, 2012.

To learn more about the program visit the Y's website or in person at our Bracebridge office

440 Ecclestone Drive, Unit 3

Unemployed? Thinking About Starting Your Own Business

Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program

2 Free Workshops

Exploring Self Employment Part 1  Monday, October 22, 1 - 4 pm

Exploring Self Employment Part 2 Monday, October 29, 9 am to Noon

Both Sessions to be held at Gagnon's Indpendent Grocer 270 Wellington St., Bracebridge, ON P1L 1B8

To register or for more information call Business Enterprise Resource Network 705.645.4225 or email
sue@selfemploymentassistance.ca

October Workshops for Business Owners

Do You Need Developing a Business Idea?  Do you Need Help with your Existing Business

Join Muskoka Futures, Muskoka Small Business Centre, Muskoka Self Employment Assistance Program and Donna Douglas as we coach you through workshops designed to make a positive impact on your business.


Business Planning                 Huntsville Oct 19th           Bracebridge Oct 11th
Marketing & Advertising        Huntsville Oct 16th           Bracebridge Oct 18th
Business Financials               Huntsville Oct 22nd         Bracebridge Oct 25th 
Books & Taxes                       Huntsville Oct 29th           Bracebridge Nov 5th

Business Catalyst Event            Port Sydney Nov12th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Huntsville classes will be held at the University of Waterloo, 87 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
Bracebridge classes will be held at Nipissing University, Muskoka Campus, 125 Wellingston St., Bracebridge

Businesses that attend all four workshops will be invited to participate in our Business Catalyst Event on November 12th at the Port Sydney Community Centre

Please register

Employment issues for diverse groups

We just received notice that there is still time to register....

Employers in Simcoe and Muskoka are invited to join us for a Lunch & Learn in the Silver Nightingale room at Casino Rama from 10 a.m.— 3 p.m. on October 10th. There is no charge for the event and the lunch.

Employers are often unable to fill positions, conversely, job seekers with job placement challenges find it difficult to secure employment due to a lack of understanding of their unique value.  


SMWDB, in conjunction with a panel of experts, plans, at this presentation, to address challenges in attracting, retaining and enhancing local talent by discussing diverse groups (youth, immigrants, aboriginals, people with diversity issues and those with criminal records) so local employers can expand their labour pool.  Time will be allocated after presentations for questions.

Key Note Speaker and Youth Expert Panelist Max Valiquette is one of Canada's best known culture and media experts and commentators. He focuses primarily on media, youth and popular culture, and marketing. Max is a regular contributor to CBC Radio and also a featured commentator on the television program "What's in a Name."


For more information visit the Workforce Development Board's Website