Invest and Grow

Gravenhurst is the permanent home of approximately 13,000 residents and grows to 27,000 seasonally between May and October. Gravenhurst also sees tens of thousands of additional visitors each year, from all around the world.  Our 2018 Retail Mix and Gap Analysis identified that our Regional Trade are is made up of 192,291 consumers, who spend over 1.9 billion annually. This does not include the more than 2 million annual visitors or their spending.

Our unique location puts us at the crossroads of Muskoka and Simcoe County, along Hwy 11.  Infrastructure including high speed fibre connections, transportation supply lines and our diverse workforce allow employers from Gravenhurst the ability to access and thrive in local, regional and international markets.

Easy Access to Customers and Trade Markets

• Large regional consumer base of mid to high income earners.
• Just over 90 minutes to Toronto.
• Home of the Muskoka Airport, recently renovated and expanded.
• Easy access to Highway 400 directly adjacent to Highway 11.

Workforce

• Close proximity to college and university campuses located in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Orillia and Barrie provides skilled and eager employees in a number of sectors. 
• There are a number of employer benefits in hiring students.  As seasonal population grows during peak season, there is a dynamic pool of workers looking for temporary employment to assist you.
• Gravenhurst is also home to the Ontario Fire College.

Connected Community

• Widespread access to high speed Internet, 100% in our urban core
• Fibre-to-the-home, Canada's fastest Internet is coming to Gravenhurst

Utility Services

• Veridian provides safe, easy and reliable electrical service to the Town of Gravenhurst
• Natural Gas service is provided by Union Gas, with rates adjusted four times annually
• Water and Wastewater services are administered by the District of Muskoka.

Visit the Gravenhurst Utilities page for more info

Why work and live anywhere else?  Gravenhurst offers you the opportunity to have it all.  Innovative entrepreneurs are settling in Gravenhurst because they value work-life balance and can do the same business as in a big city right from their lakefront cottage.

4 Season Recreation

• Km's of Hiking and Biking trails, public parks, lifeguarded beaches and lakes to explore.
• Prime area for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and other winter sports.
• New recreational facilities including arena with community programming delivered year-round.
• Two world-class golf courses (rated among the top 100 in Canada).

Arts and Culture

Gravenhurst honours the historic vision of the past but continues to grow into the future. The community is vibrant in arts, culture and heritage while incorporating modern lifestyle and conveniences - there is something for everyone.

• The Gravenhurst Opera House is your one-stop shop for entertainment
• From galleries to art cooperatives, many Muskoka artists call Gravenhurst home
• Festivals and events that make Muskoka the destination of choice are held in Gravenhurst.
• Thousands of people come to Gravenhurst annually for these events.

Opportunities, Funding & Business Support Services

In Gravenhurst we strive to make you feel like part of the community before you even get here. The Economic Development Department is committed to making your move here as quick and easy as possible. The following are some of the ways we can support your move to Gravenhurst.

Site Selection Services & Available Property

Gravenhurst has a diverse set of available lands and buildings. We keep our Available Property database up-to-date at all times to ensure ease of use when searching for your ideal location.   We can offer value for your investment dollars over current rates of large municipalities.

We are happy to provide you with assistance in choosing your new business location, working with you from concept to closing to ensure the right fit.  This includes liaison services with internal staff and external community partners and services. 

ZERO Commercial & Industrial Development Charges

In August, 2014, Town Council made a commitment to create a competitive advantage for the community by eliminating non-residential development charges. The District of Muskoka has also reduced their development charges by 50% to $1.53 a sq. ft.

This will save investors of new and expanding Commercial and industrial developments thousands of dollars.

Downtown Community Improvement Plan

A wide variety of grants are available to property and business owners whose buildings are found in the Community Improvement Area (CIP). Council's commitment to the program was demonstrated when available funds were doubled in 2014 from the previous year.

Business Retention and Expansion

At the Town of Gravenhurst every business is important to us. Whether you are a small retail store or an international corporation, we are here to help you grow.  Each year we reach out the the Annual Business Survey to discuss successes and challenges with local business owners.  Comments and data collected through this program help form local program and initiatives to help the community.

Data Services

When looking to start a new business it is important to know your market. The Town of Gravenhurst can provide local demographics and trends to help get your business started.

Business Marketing

We are committed to providing every business in Gravenhurst with a listing in our business directory. This not only provides business and online presence but also offers free advertising on the Town of Gravenhurst's website. With 2500 searches a month, this is a valuable resource.