Dear Mayor Smith,

It has come to the attention of many Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School (BMLSS) alumni that the state of our old high school building has left a stain on the reputation of Bracebridge. Photographs and information from the old BMLSS building have surfaced showing much-needed educational materials alongside historical pieces left in shambles to be destroyed at the mercy of contractors.

With this email, I am urging the Town of Bracebridge to act as a leader for its community. The old BMLSS building was built in the 1920s and saw generations of Muskokans pass through its hallways. Rich with the vibrant excitement of future leaders, the building took on a character all its own. Filled with musical instruments, art supplies, textbooks, chalkboards, and desks, BMLSS was the foundation of nearly a century of educating the town’s youth. Now we hear that none of the historical aspects of the building will be preserved. Just as disturbing was the news that textbooks, desks, and musical instruments are still left in the school — soon to be destroyed — while schools across Ontario are struggling to find these resources for their students.

Growing up in Bracebridge there was always a sense of history. Historic buildings always seemed to be the height of discussion in local papers and by local politicians. The clock tower, bridge, and many aspects of the downtown area are rich with a vibrant and important history. Mayor Smith, you and your council have the ability to continue to preserve the culture of an amazing legacy. Please preserve the artwork still found in the old BMLSS building. Memories from generations past should be displayed proudly in the halls of the new BMLSS building alongside graduate photos of students past. The new facility has the potential to remind alumni, teachers, and current students that they are not alone. They are not the only ones who care about their beloved school.

Being from Bracebridge means helping your neighbour. How many times can you remember the community rallying together for food banks, to gather clothing for families in need, and donating toys so the children in our community could enjoy a real Christmas? It takes a village to raise a child. And yet, we are turning our back on children and students everywhere by allowing useful educational materials to be destroyed in the old BMLSS building. Textbooks, novels, short stories, desks, chairs, tables, and musical instruments are all reported to still be within the walls of the doomed building. As a community, how can we call ourselves caring and compassionate while valuable resources are left by the wayside?

Mayor Smith, our town’s reputation as a place that cares about its history is at stake as well as our reputation for being good neighbours. Please reclaim the art and ensure the educational resources are directed to institutions and students in need.

Sincerely,

Allison Kosela
Class of 2004

Photo credit: Emily MacDuff

UPDATE:  I received a response from the Mayor on March 2, 2012

Hi Allie,

I do appreciate your email and have received similar notes from others. We are attempting to contact the parties involved to better understand if some of the murals can be salvaged and also if BMLSS is willing to accept them. If something is worked out I will let you know.

Thanks for caring about your community,

Graydon Smith