MUSKOKA SPRINGS CARRIES ON 150-YEAR TRADITION QUENCHING THIRSTS IN MUSKOKA BEGUN BY DUGALD BROWN

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Long before Nabob (1896) and Canada Dry (1904) became iconic Canadian drinks, Dugald Brown was quenching thirsts in Gravenhurst for soda pop.

His Muskoka Dry Ginger-Ale was the taste of Muskoka and beyond beginning in 1873.

Only Molson (1786) has been in the brewing business longer.

This afternoon the 150th anniversary of Brown’s Beverages was celebrated with a “surprise” presentation to Christopher Kadonoff who is carrying on the local tradition as president of Muskoka Springs — a subsidiary of The Rosseau Group.

Norah Fountain, executive director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, arranged the unexpected recognition after Kadonoff missed similar presentation last month.

Norah Fountain, executive director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, arranged a second “surprise” 150th presentation to Chris Kadonoff at noon today.

Kadonoff says he grew up in Muskoka admiring the famed brand. And he intends to keep expanding it beyond the water business it is mostly known for.

He says in addition to its line of craft springs sodas — including Muskoka Dry Ginger-Ale — and continued distribution of Coca-Cola products, Muskoka Springs has recently partnered with Sawdust City Brewery in town to produce “Hop Water” a non-alcohol drink.

It’s only available now at Sawdust City, but Kadonoff expects a larger launch through its retail network in the spring.

Deputy Mayor Randy Jorgensen congratulated Muskoka Springs and thanked them for their ongoing contribution to the town especially in terms of jobs.

Shane Leeder, left, director of operations at Muskoka Springs and company president Chris Kadonoff with recognition certificates from MPP Graydon Smith and MP Scott Aitchison — along with a framed photo of some of their products from Fountain. 

He says that while the traditional water and pop business slows after Labour Day and Thanksgiving, the small Gravenhurst business continues to see product demand beyond the district through its broader distribution networks from cottage fans of Muskoka Springs products.

With a dozen employees and a half-dozen trucks on the road, they’d like to see the business grow in Gravenhurst.

The current recognizable location a block off Muskoka Road, the town’s main street, is beyond its needs where it bottles water for sale.

Kadonoff said ideally Muskoka Springs would like to relocate its factory and distribution centre elsewhere in Gravenhurst.

He said that goal is three to four years.

So what of the big 40,000 square-foot brown brick Brown’s building (not the original but part of many add-ons)?

Kadonoff said he’s working with the town at finding a new location and the existing site would be “re-purposed” for much-needed “affordable housing.”

However the facade would remain in place fronting Bay Street.

A couple dozen Muskoka Springs supporters and local councillors joined in the celebration.
Kadonoff said the iconic brown brick building on Bay Street in Gravenhurst could be re-purposed into affordable housing in three to four years if Muskoka Springs can find a new location in town for its factory and drinks distribution centre.

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