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It
looks like Gravenhurst's boat - or, more specifically,
steamboat - has finally come in.
All
too often overlooked in favour of the towns of Bracebridge
and Huntsville when new development comes to Muskoka,
Gravenhurst will soon be home to a new multi-million dollar
waterfront development.
“When
all is said and done, we’ll be looking at $48 million of
new investment to create a new destination tourism
development on Muskoka Bay,” says Ian Sugden, coordinator
of development services for the town of Gravenhurst. “You
just can’t beat that.”
The
project includes heritage-themed attractions at each end if
the waterfront site – presently the home to the RMS
Segwun steamship – as well as complimentary retail,
food and accommodation services. Marine facilities and a
large expanse of natural parkland and open spaces will be
included.
In
addition to the Segwun,
the Wanda III and
the soon-to-be-completed replica steamship, the Wenonah
II, an interpretive centre focussing on the boating,
tourism and lumber history of the region is also planned. A
large boathouse will be used to display classic and antique
boats, and will provide workshop space for a wooden boat
building school.
An
80-room hotel with a pedestrian link to the retail area will
also be built.
“The
site will preserve the natural Muskoka landscape and provide
substantial new parkland for the community,” says Sugden,
adding that walking trails, picnic areas and pavilions will
be included in the development.
It’s
estimated the project will draw more than 500,000 visitors a
year, adding $24 million in revenues to the site and up to
$70 million to the Muskoka region.
“The
economic benefits of a project of this magnitude are
staggering for our community,” says Ann Curly, executive
director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. “We’re
looking at more than 250 construction jobs over a two-year
period, 200 new permanent jobs and additional local property
taxes of $452,000.”
The
project is a partnership of the town of Gravenhurst, the
Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society, Forrec Ltd. And
Evanco Corp.
For
further information, telephone the Gravenhurst chambre of
Commerce at 705-687-4432, or e-mail chamber@vianet.on.ca
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