Economic Development

Community Improvement Plan Now Open for Applications

Businesses and property owners can now submit their application for the 2023 intake of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP)!

The program assists property and business owners within the Community Improvement Area through several grant programs that all assist in the costs of improving the look and viability of the community. The program has contributed over $600,000.00 in grants and leveraged almost $11 Million in local investment since 2012.

During the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 21st,...

Annual Business Survey Returns to Help Gravenhurst Businesses Succeed

Input will Support Programs and Initiatives

Gravenhurst, ON – The Town of Gravenhurst’s Economic Development Team is seeking feedback from business owners again with the 8th Annual Business Survey. Information received through the survey is one of the ways the Economic Development Team sets priorities and designs new projects that support Gravenhurst businesses and fosters healthy growth in the community for the upcoming year.

Since implementing the program in 2015, the Annual Business Review...

Gravenhurst Completes First Wage Survey

Helping to Establish Local Wage Baseline

GRAVENHURST, ON – For the past several years, the Economic Development team has reached out to business owners to gain a greater sense as to where Gravenhurst business owners and organizations currently stand operationally and where the Town may be able to offer further assistance.

From these conversations, a considerable number of operators have voiced concerns over attracting and retaining employees. As part of the Town’s commitment to ongoing improvement...

Short-Term Rental Licensing Coming to Gravenhurst

Gravenhurst, ON – A new short-term rental licensing by-law is in the works and set to take effect January 2023, following Gravenhurst Council’s approval at the May 31st Planning Council.

“We’ve heard from the community that we would greatly benefit from this new licensing platform; it would help ensure compliance of accompanying by-laws and most importantly promote being a good neighbour,” said Mayor Paul Kelly. “I think that is the most important element, mutual respect, so that we can all...

2022 CIP Recipients Announced

Funding Will Continue to Enhance Visual Impact of Downtown and Muskoka Wharf

GRAVENHURST, ON – On May 17th, at the Committee of the Whole meeting, Town Council approved $99,387.37 in Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grants for property improvements within the designated urban area. This year, the CIP Review Committee received sixteen (16) applications for projects that were eligible for grants. The Review Committee recommended funding allocations to fourteen (14) property improvement projects...