Georgian College to close in Bracebridge, but what will happen to the property?

Left to right: Rick Maloney, Mayor; Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College; Brent Frith, President, Muskoka Health and Wellness Centre; Matt Miller, Miller Health. (Town of Bracebridge)

The town of Bracebridge says it is looking to see if a community health space can be opened up, now that Georgian College is closing.

In September, Georgian College announced the closure of its Bracebridge campus, located at 111 Wellington Street.

Also in September, Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney said news of Georgian College ceasing programming at the end of the 2025-2026 term was “deeply upsetting.”

On Thursday, Bracebridge announced it was working with town staff and the college and other “interested partners” to see what could be made of the property at 111 Wellington, once it is vacated.

In a statement, the town said a proposal had been submitted by Muskoka Health and Wellness Centre, who aims to turn the existing building into a community health and wellness centre, serving all of Bracebridge and larger Muskoka region.

“While there are still important approvals and processes ahead, the vision being presented aligns strongly with our community’s priorities around health care access, wellness, and creating long-term benefits for Bracebridge and Muskoka,” Maloney said in the town’s latest statement.

If approved and later renovated, Muskoka Health and Wellness Centre said the place could offer up to 18,000 square feet of dedicated health related services and programming,

Services could include clinical and primary care spaces, a supportive suite of medical and wellness services and future opportunity for primary care and other health education.

The application is to be considered by town council at the July 15 meeting.