MUSKOKA LIVING

Matt Driscoll, is a freelance writer and editor based out of Bracebridge, Ontario. He was a former editor with Muskoka Magazine and former photojournalist with the Bracebridge Examiner and Sioux Lookout Bulletin. Matt worked for several years in the museums field, both in Canada and internationally, before moving into full-time journalism more than a decade ago.

The Muskoka Leather Company operated from 1882 until 1890 when it was re-acquired by the original owner, Beardmore, to become Muskoka Leather Company.

Beardmore Tannery Once a Vital Economic Hub in Muskoka

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MUSKOKA DIGITAL ARCHIVES

Largely now a relic of the past, the tannery was once a hub of economic prosperity for many northern Ontario communities and Muskoka was no exception.

The first of Bracebridge’s tanneries was the Beardmore Tanning Company, which was locally known as the “old” tannery and was established along the Muskoka River in Bracebridge in 1877. The Beardmore Tannery first started in the Acton area, where they had extensive operations under company founder George Beardmore. When it came time for expansion, the company considered several options but ultimately settled on Bracebridge, largely due to the massive supply of hemlock trees located in local forests. At the time, tanneries transformed cowhide to leather. The process involved the use of tannic acid, which could be readily derived from the hemlock bark that was abundant in the area.

Muskoka Leather Company’s tannery was located on Muskoka River in Bracebridge. It opened in 1877 as the Beardmore Co. tannery but was sold in 1882 to Muskoka Leather Company.

Located on 35 acres, by 1890 the tannery was one of the largest in Canada producing sole leather. Although it expanded in 1913, it was closed down in 1922.

The company (alternatively referred to in historical sources as the Beardmore Tannery, the Muskoka Tannery and the Muskoka Leather Company) struck a deal with the village of Bracebridge (now a town) following a referendum put to the voting-age population. The deal included a $2,000 bonus for the Beardmore Company, plus a 10-year exemption from taxes in exchange for hiring at least 12 men.

It turned out that hiring 12 men would not be a problem as the tannery quickly became one of the busiest in the country.

Just five years after opening, the tannery was sold to Charles Tilson. However, in 1890 the tannery once again became Beardmore’s after Tilson passed away.

By the turn of the century there were four tanneries in Bracebridge, including the large Anglo-Canadian Tannery.

In his book, Bracebridge: Muskoka Heritage, local historian Ken Veitch details an incident in 1916 when an attempt was made to bring 10 Austrian prisoners of war into Bracebridge to work at the Muskoka Leather Company. Many Bracebridge residents and tannery employees were furious with the idea of housing “the enemy” and attended a meeting at the Town Hall to voice their objections. Mysteriously, in the late-night hours following the meeting, the building meant to house the POWs burned to the ground. locally with labour shortages, multiple strikes in 1908 and 1916 and workplace injuries and fatalities. Locals also grew increasingly irritated with the amount of pollution being poured into the Muskoka River, making it virtually unusable downstream for any purpose.

Despite an expansion in 1913, the Beardmore Tannery closed in 1922 as the demand for leather soles declined across North America.

The building was later used to raise poultry but in 1959 a fire killed 4,000 chickens and 3,000 turkeys.

The facilities were never rebuilt following the fire, but over the past decade that section of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge has become home to a waterfront residential community and water quality is now on par with anything in the province.

Glenn Burney Blends Ecology and Architecture

BY MATT DRISCOLL

Although the site has been used as a lodge for nearly 100 years, the latest incarnation is something quite different.

The Lodge at Glenn Burney isn’t so much located on Georgian Bay, as it is a part of Georgian Bay. Set for construction in 2022, the new Lodge at Glenn Burney will enjoy the south-western sunsets of Georgian Bay while being nestled in a private, serene, century forest, lined with mature 100-foot pines. The residences will have floor-to-ceiling windows, magnificent waterfront views, an open concept main floor featuring a chef-inspired kitchen, stone counters and top-of-the-line appliances, cozy fireplace and lower-level master retreat.

The project was designed by the international firm Brisbin Brook Beynon (BBB) Architects, designers of world-class projects including resorts in the Caribbean, Florida and Montenegro.

“This is a really exciting project,” says Brian Brisbin of BBB. “It’s a pretty special lifestyle we’re providing and there’s nothing else like it in the Parry Sound area, or really in Ontario.”

Every residence is complete in every way and managed by GB Lodge with hands-on site management, including concierge, housekeeping, and room services. There are 12 two-storey woodland cottages at Glenn Burney Lodge beside Glenn Burney Marina in Parry Sound.

The Lodge was purchased just over 10 years ago by Wesley Thuro, and Brisbin credits Thuro with creating the unique atmosphere of the Lodge. A focal point of the property is the lakeside bistro, which Brisbin describes as having a “Key West vibe.” >>

A one-of-a-kind property that respects nature with a minimal footprint to the surrounding environment.

“It’s a laid-back feel directly on the waterfront but it’s widely recognized for the quality of food and wine they serve,” says Brisbin.

The bistro is also the point of entry for guest check-in, room services, and the operations of the Lodge’s site management team.

Sadly, in 2013 the original Lodge burned to the ground but a new vision emerged and eventually, the Lodge was reborn. The goal was to create a project unequalled in the luxury of a rustic retreat, where guests arrive to ready-to-light wood-burning fireplaces, stocked wine coolers and lunches at the bistro.

The new units are located on the sites of the former cabins and cantilever to minimize impact on the surrounding forest. In fact, ensuring the new project merged seamlessly in the environment was a key tenant of BBB’s work.

“The entire thing is surrounded by a 100-year-old forest with massive pines and spruces. We had to make sure it was connected with trees,” says Brisbin. “We also wanted the smallest possible footprint.” Respect for the natural environment is something BBB has made a priority in projects around the globe. The firm is responsible for Canada’s first “vertical forest” in Toronto, incorporating some 400 trees and creating sustainable microclimates into a condo development. Brisbin says the vertical forest helps to serve as something of a waypoint for cross-pollination where the natural forest has been interrupted by urban construction.

The Lodge at Glenn Burney also features state-of-the-art insulation and green roofs, and every cottage is situated to enjoy lakefront views.

Those not using their property have the option to automatically add it to the reservation system. The system offers a simple and easy way to earn a return on investment when the unit isn’t in use.

Glenn Burney Marina has docks to accommodate over 230 boats up to 30’ and stacker buildings to winter store more than 300 boats.

Eco-friendly and organic finishes invite warmth and serenity to everyday living.

The Lodge also benefits from its proximity to Parry Sound and Highway 400. There’s plenty to do in the area, with nearby hiking trails and provincial parks, as well as the stunning Ridge at Manitou golf course, which has now entered a partnership with the Lodge at Glenn Burney.

The project is already 70 percent pre-sold, says Brisbin, and he anticipates it won’t be long until all the units are gone. BBB expects an 18-month build, with much of the construction being done off-site to minimize the impact on the property.

When finished, the Lodge at Glenn Burney promises to be unlike anything else on Georgian Bay and a unique community unto itself.

For purchase information and a digital brochure, contact Emilie Shaw, Broker 705 644 2825

Amy McDonald, Sales Representative 705 309 0895 Chestnut Park® Real Estate, Limited Georgian Bay & Muskoka Luxury Real Estate