To the Esteemed Members of the Bracebridge Community,

We, the undersigned, call upon our community leaders to acknowledge and address a critical issue facing our town's sporting future. With the construction of the Muskoka Lumber Community Center underway, it is imperative that we also consider the immediate needs of our local sports groups. The Bracebridge Memorial Arena, established in 1949, has long been a pillar of our community's athletic and social life. As we eagerly await the new facility, we must ensure that our current sports infrastructure continues to serve us without interruption and accounting for the growth of the community.

The recent introduction of the Jr C Bears team has brought new excitement and vibrancy to our town. However, it also adds to the existing pressure on our limited ice resources, which are already stretched thin by the flourishing minor hockey programs and other local user groups. This influx of activity, while positive in many aspects, has significantly reduced the availability of ice time for various sports, affecting not just hockey, but a wide range of activities that rely on these facilities.

In light of these challenges, we propose the continued operation of the Bracebridge Memorial Arena until the second ice pad at the Muskoka Lumber Community Center is constructed and operational. This decision is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for the sustenance and growth of our community's sports programs. The closure of the Memorial Arena before the new facility has 2 fully functioning ice pads would leave many of our youth and sports enthusiasts without a place to play, practice, and grow.  For example, as the population of Muskoka has grown so has the South Muskoka Minor Hockey Association from 300 participants to 425 and projected 450 next season.  With this growth comes additional teams and ice time needed.  Currently the local facilities of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Baysville and Bala can't support the growing needs of this one program, and the additional other user groups and their growth.

Now is a critical point to change the current path and speak up on the need for 2 ice pads in Bracebridge.

The role of sports in our community cannot be overstated. It fosters teamwork, community spirit, and physical health, and is a critical outlet for the energy and aspirations of our youth. Keeping the Memorial Arena open is an investment in our community's health, well-being, and future. By signing this petition you are also reminding the town of their comittment to the encourage healthy active living through town facilities as stated in the towns Strategic Plan, and by mainintaining only one ice pad in our community is not maintaining the availability as demand increases.  In short, having only 1 ice pad available as our community grows and young families continue to call Bracebridge home is actually reducing the availability of these healthy activities.

Therefore, we implore you to consider the immediate and future needs of our sports community. By signing this petition, we voice our collective support for the continued operation of the Bracebridge Memorial Arena until such time as the new facilities can adequately accommodate our growing sporting needs.

Together, let's ensure that our community remains a vibrant, active, and inclusive place for all who call it home.

This petition represents our community's commitment to its sports legacy and the well-being of its future generations. Let us unite in this cause and make a positive impact for Bracebridge.