Investment Opportunities

Gravenhurst is a four season community with a number of opportunities for business and redevelopment investment. There are a number of target sectors that Gravenhurst is always looking to attract, however there are a number of specific opportunities that exist in Gravenhurst. 

Muskoka Wharf and Downtown Gravenhurst
Muskoka Wharf and Downtown Gravenhurst are two attractive locations for new businesses looking at this area.  Location, Location! continue to be king in helping businesses ensure they are close to their prospective customers.  
Tourist Accommodation and Entertainment
Tourism continues to be one of Gravenhurst's largest economic drivers and with that brings the demand for additional tourist accommodations. In addition to the Tourism Destination Plan there are opportunities to invest in more Entertainment & Lodging
Restaurant and Food Services
Permanent residence, seasonal residence and visitors alike are looking for new and exciting places to get a meal.  Join the growing number of restaurants and food service providers in providing Food & Drink to those that enjoy Gravenhurst. 
Boutique Retail Stores
Shopping is more than a need, in Gravenhurst it has become a past time.  Gravenhurst is home to a number of boutique retailers who benefit from a the hybrid of bricks and mortar and e-commerce available in the area. Ensuring that the Products and Services that those from Gravenhurst are looking for! 
Muskoka Regional Centre
 
PROJECT BACKGROUND
 

Infrastructure Ontario conducted an Opportunities Assessment and Optimal Use Study for the Muskoka Regional Centre property.  The study was released publicly in the summer of 2015. 

  • The purpose of the study was to determine potential land use options for the property that will result in economic benefit to the Town of Gravenhurst and the Province of Ontario.  The land use options must also create employment.
  • Options for the future use of the former Muskoka Regional Centre were considered.  The Town of Gravenhurst, residents and other stakeholders were consulted to ensure the redevelopment is consistent with the community's priorities.  This feedback was incorporated into the report. 
  • Outreach and consultation with the Town of Gravenhurst, residents and other stakeholders is an important component of the study. 
  • The property has been declared surplus by the Ontario government. 
  • Infrastructure Ontario is currently undertaking a market sounding exercise with the intention of locating potential purchasers for the property
  • Infrastructure Ontario solicited proposals from the General Public and is currently reviewing those submissions. 
CHRONOLOGY
Muskoka Regional Centre Chronology
CURRENT UPDATES/DEVELOPMENTS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - OCTOBER 5, 3 PM - GRAVENHURST COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FAQ'S 

Q: What is the cost of the property? 

The cost of the property has been established through Infrastruture Ontario's dispostion policy and has not been released at this time. 

Q: Can you provide details on the offers that have been submitted to the province?

Negotiations and offers are made directly to the Province of Ontario. The Municipality is not involved with or privy to ongoing negoations regarding the property.  All requests for information should be directed to the Province.  

Q: Does the Town own any of the property?

The municipality does not have any ownership of the property, it is owned in whole by the Province of Ontario. 

Q: What is currently happening with the site?  Can I access the site?

The site is currently closed to the public.  This site has been deemed unsafe and should not be accessed.  Those who go onto the property without express permission from Infrastructure Ontario are trespassing and will be prosecuted accordingly. 

Q: Who do I contact at Infrastructure Ontario if I have questions?

You can reach Infrastructure Ontario at their general line 1-416-327-3937 or on their website at https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/Contact-Us/

Q: What will happen to the buildings currently on the site?  Can they be re mediated?

All of the buildings on the site have been assessed and are considered unsafe, with the exception of the heritage gazebo located on the South-West shore. The buildings will have to be demolished, using industry practice and following government legislations to ensure the safety of workers and residents as well as ensure that is safe for the environment.  

MEDIA

Council Votes to Return MRC Property to Province to Enter Open Market - June 2019

MRC Redevelopment Negotiations with Province to Resume - May 2019

Town Keeps MRC Front and Centre at ROMA - January 2019

Town Refreshes MRC Talks with Province - December 2018

YOUR TV - MUSKOKA - Interview March 2018

 

 Gravenhurst Calling For Rallied Support on Muskoka Regional Centre - June 16. 2017 Gravenhurst Banner

MAYOR DONALDSON SPEAKS ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS - OPEN LETTER June 7, 2017

Province rejects initial offer for the sale of the former Muskoka Regional Centre - Cogeco May 2, 2017

Plan in the works for the old Muskoka Regional Centre - CTV Barrie March 1, 2017

'Ni hao' Say Hello to new Chinese boarding school in Gravenhurst for fall 2019 classes- Muskoka To-Daily.com March 7, 17

Gravenhurst signs official partnership with Chinese school, developer - Gravenhurst Banner March 1, 2017

Open House Public Meeting- Muskoka Regional Centre Redevelopment - Cogeco Feb. 28/17

Gravenhurst CAO fields questions on proposed Muskoka centre development - Gravenhurst Banner Nov 10/16 

Cogeco Muskoka Interview: Nov.1/2016 - Development Partner Selection Maple Leaf Schools - Glen Davies, CAO

 Cogeco Muskoka interview: July 7/16 - Glen Davies, Chief Administrative Officer

NEWSLETTERS & RESOURCES

Muskoka Regional Centre Newsletter - June 2013 (PDF)

Muskoka Regional Centre Newsletter - July 2013 (PDF)

Community Design Workshop - July 27, 2013 (PDF) 

Muskoka Regional Centre Newsletter - March 2014 (PDF)

Options Presentation - April 26, 2014 (PDF)

Optimal Use Study - Final Report September 2015 (PDF)

Expression of Interest Document - September, 2016 (PDF)

LEARN MORE/REQUEST INFORMATION

Please contact Jeff Loney, Manager of Economic Development, Marketing and Tourism

705-687-2230 Ext.2280

 

Looking for land and buildings? Check out our online real estate listings or contact the Economic Development Team at 705-687-2230 

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