The Town of Bracebridge is considering a proposal to close and sell a portion of municipal land situated along the waterfront in the Oakley area. The land, known as an original shore road allowance, sits directly in front of the property located at 1111 Merrick Drive.
These road allowances are 66-foot-wide strips of land that typically separate private waterfront properties from the water’s edge. They were originally created between the 1850s and 1870s to provide public access to waterways during the logging era, with ownership eventually moving to local municipalities.
The owner of the Merrick Drive property has applied to purchase this section of land. Under the current municipal process, the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with the transfer, including legal fees, survey costs, and the land purchase price. The town charges an application fee of $1,475, with additional purchase costs ranging from $0.70 to $1.70 per square foot, depending on the type of waterbody.
Town council is expected to consider the proposed by-law during its regular meeting on May 13, 2026. Residents who wish to provide feedback on the proposal have until May 12, 2026, to submit written comments to the clerk. Questions regarding the process can be directed to Elizabeth Hisey, the town’s land and agreements coordinator.
