Cottages, resorts and golf courses, oh my! The 2008 season in Muskoka will see some major restoration projects, continued building and new ground broken. For the details, The Muskokan spoke with planning departments, resorts, and developers on what to expect this summer.

Georgian Bay
Edgewater Estates, Port Severn – Construction will begin this month on 22 cottage-style houses that overlook the Trent- Severn waterway. The building will last all season long and residents can expect to move in at the end of August. The $10-million project is the first phase of a larger development, called the Gates of Muskoka, that will eventually see 39 townhouses and 520 condos built in Port Severn.Construction on these projects is expected to begin in May 2009.

District of Parry Sound
Resort Tapatoo, Parry Sound – The existing 61-room resort remains operational throughout the season while plans to develop fractional ownership cottages are underway. The construction of new cottages – seven each in the first and second phases and 11 in the last phase – is planned but no details have been released on when it will begin.

Trapper’s Point Landing, Kearney – Located in Kearney, this fractional ownership cottage development will feature nine two-bedroom units. No word yet on when construction or occupancy is expected to begin.

Parry Sound wharf – A project inspired by the success of the Gravenhurst wharf, the Parry Sound makeover will be an estimated 10 years before the redevelopment of its wharf, a 100-acre project, will be complete. Evanco Corporation recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the town, moving the project a step closer to a start date.

Lake of Bays
Marnoc Conservancy, near Arrowhead Provincial Park. A 60-unit boutique hotel and 315 fractional ownership cottages constructed on 800 acres, with 1,000 acres to be developed for outdoor enjoyment. The proposed development would contain a clubhouse, tennis courts, indoor pools, a restaurant, a general store, a spa, maintained walking trails, groomed ski trails, sports fields, equestrian stables, a stocked fishing pond and an outdoor ice-skating pad. The proposal was turned down by Lake of Bays council in April. The developers say they will be appealing the decision.

Landscapes, Baysville – The $60-million development along the southern end of Lake of Bays continues construction this year. The 2,190-square-feet cottages and smaller villas are near completion in the second phase of development. Two villas are available for immediate occupancy, and construction on the next phase is expected to start next spring.

Blue Water Acres, near Dwight – The first stage of the $10-million transformation of the resort into fractionally owned cottages is complete, with 12 new homes ranging from 635 to 1,384 square feet. The second phase of seven more cottages is under construction and will continue throughout the summer. The cost for one share, which includes five weeks spread over the year, ranges from $29,900 to $87,900.

Township of Muskoka Lakes
Marygrove – A demolition permit has been issued for Marygrove, the historic resort once a source of rest and relaxation for Hamilton’s nuns of St. Joseph. The Sisters have been trying to sell the property for the last two years with little luck. They hope to have better success if the building is demolished. In addition, they have applied to get the property rezoned into a waterfront residential area which would allow for residential development.

The Muskokan, Lake Joseph – The first phase of the 42-acre resort has been completed, with 10 units built and ready. Construction on another nine units is expected to be complete by the end of June. The first week of occupancy will be Canada Day weekend. The cost of a five week per year shared ownership ranges from $142,000 to $180,000. Sales for the planned third phase (a row of log homes) will begin at the end of June.

Touchstone, Lake Muskoka – Construction is well underway with occupancy expected for May 2008. Set along 30 acres of shoreline, this project features a five-star vacation residence club and fractional ownership villas, spa, fitness facilities, restaurant and lounge.

Milford Manor golf course – Plans to improve the current nine-hole, par-three golf course and build a high-end resort have been interrupted by zoning confusion and application mix ups. The developers, Correct Group, purchased the property with the understanding that it had been rezoned to open space but recently learned that the municipality failed to accurately document the change. Whether the property should be designated as commercial or left as residential has since sparked much debate.

Red Leaves – In the village of Minnett, the 221-room J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa, called The Rosseau, is nearing completion. Also included under the Red Leaves umbrella are the newly acquired Clevelands House and a 700-acre nature reserve. The Marriot Resort is expected to open in July or August of this year.

Bracebridge
Bangor Lodge – After the family resort closed in 2006, the property has gone unused and looks like it will remain that way this summer. The Bracebridge planning department hasn’t received any applications from the property owner to build, and says there “won’t be much action at all” this season.

Muskoka River’s Edge – 98 unit condominium community on Spencer Street, off Santa’s Village Road. Work on the site started this month.

Gravenhurst
The Muskoka Wharf – Situated along the waterfront in Gravenhurst, The Marriott Residence Inn, a $26-million project, continues to be constructed. It’s expected to be open for business in the spring of next year. The adjacent two condominium buildings have been completed and are being sold for year-round occupancy. Construction of a third and final building is scheduled to begin next year.