Airbnb invests $550K in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and others ahead of World Cup

Mayor Rick Maloney, Town of Bracebridge, speaking at a podium on June 1, 2026 (Matt McNama)

Bracebridge and Gravenhurst are set to receive part of a $550,000 investment from Airbnb.

The investment comes as part of Airbnb’s FIFA World up 2026 Impact Program, a total $5 million commitment from the rental platform to help support host regions.

READ: FIFA coming to Cineplex Barrie

A total of $550,000 will be split by Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Prince Edward County and Niagara-On-the-Lake.

In Bracebridge, the money will go toward replacing lighting at randy Gostick Park with more modern, energy efficient LED system lighting that Airbnb says will last 25 years and cut energy consumption.

“Randy Gostick Park is an important recreational hub where athletes of all ages come together to play, compete and connect,” said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney.

“Upgrading the field lighting with modern LED technology will improve the experience for users,” Maloney added.

Airbnb says $122,000 will go toward upgrading a local soccer field at Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst and help fund subsidized soccer programming for children aged two to 14 locally, as well as ensure those children have new gear to play with.

“This is definitely a win for Gravenhurst,” said Mayor Heidi Lorenz.

“This will make a difference in so many lives in terms of skill development and healthy living,” Lorenz added.

The FIFA world cup kicks off in Toronto on June 12 and the city of Toronto estimates more than 300,000 will visit the county during the course of the tournament.