August 22, 2024

MLCC READY FOR SOFT OPENING FRIDAY WITH PUBLIC INVITED TO TOUR NEW FACILITY

Photos and story Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — The ice is in, the Field House is on track and the library now has shelves awaiting the return of thousands of books.

Custodial staff were busy today dusting doors and mopping up after construction workers for tomorrow’s unofficial soft opening of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

**Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney and District Chair Jeff Lehman got a last minute look at the MLCC this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s soft opening. Photos Mark Clairmont**

A big turnout is expected for a first look at the mega centre off Wellington Drive behind Monck Public School on Salmon Avenue.

A reserved NHL hockey practice at 11 a.m. — followed by an autograph session until 1 p.m. — for 300 is a big part of the first day.

But hundreds more are expected tour the town’s new pride and enjoy throughout the morning and afternoon.

The soft opening is part of a multi-week instruction of new parks and rec services.

Mayor Rick Maloney, who was giving District Chair Jeff Lehman a tour this afternoon, said he will be there.

“Like everyone else. But I have nothing to do with what’s going on. It’s all the rec department.”

He said the official opening and puck drop won’t be until October.

An exhibition hockey game by the new Bracebridge Bears Jr. C. team takes place Aug. 31 with their preseason start Sept. 9.

James MacBrien, the Lake of Bays Brewery’s director of brew pubs and and retail operations that is operating the snack bar, was also checking his site out, too.

He says they will open for that game. They’ll take a week off and then be open the following Friday going ahead seven days a week with coffee, sandwiches, snacks and will even be serving their craft beer.

He said they’ve got an LLBO licence for the entire MLCC, which means fans can take a drink to the viewing stands or even into the library for a brew and book.

See a list of all opening calendar events on the town’s website at: https://www.bracebridge.ca/