Efforts to revitalize downtown Gravenhurst in the works

Mayor Heidi Lorenz says the downtown core has not hit the decline that is mentioned in social media

Gravenhurst Council received an update confirming that efforts to revitalize the downtown core are in the works, in the April 21, 2026, meeting.

Manager of Economic Development, Amy Taylor, provided an update on the Town’s economic development activities, including plans to review and potentially revitalize the Town's Business Improvement Area (BIA).

The update will be part of ongoing summaries from the department, following a request from Council earlier this year for more consistent reporting on business retention and attraction efforts.

A key focus was the upcoming BIA review, which staff identified as a priority heading into the second quarter of 2026. The initiative is set to begin with a project launch in April, followed by the hiring of consultants to conduct a situational review, examine comparable communities, and assess existing zoning and land use policies.

A stakeholder Steering Committee will also be established, including local businesses, along with a staff liaison and a Council-appointed BIA representative, with the goal to help guide the development of the project's vision, goals, and milestones.

Taylor, confirmed that the Committee will be able to participate in consensus and decision-making, and there will also be other committees for areas like events, marketing, and beautification, “so those people who are not on the Steering Committee, largely because of the time commitment because they are working on their businesses, have the opportunity to still participate, will be involved in stakeholder engagement sessions, online surveys, in person sessions.”

She added that people that want to get involved can contact her.

Consultation is expected to take place through the summer and early fall, including discussions around potential levy area expansion and financial modelling. The review will tie into the Town's Official Plan update, with recommendations anticipated for zoning changes in key commercial areas.

A public presentation outlining potential organizational and geographic changes is planned for the fall, along with next steps if expansion or restructuring of the BIA is deemed viable.

Staff noted that maintaining an active and engaged BIA is critical to supporting Gravenhurst's downtown and broader business community. However, they emphasized that long-term success depends on strong leadership and participation from local businesses, with the municipality playing a supporting role.

The update also highlighted ongoing economic development work in the first quarter of 2026, including efforts related to business retention and expansion, investment attraction, tourism development, and community partnerships.

Staff pointed to continued challenges in the downtown core, including vacant storefronts, shifting business patterns, and reduced activity within the BIA, reinforcing the need for the review and renewed focus on local economic development strategies.

Councillor, Peter Johnston, expressed appreciation for staff efforts and suggested “the public perception is changing.” He added, “We need to do more to shout loud and promote and take credit for what we’re doing because it’s a lot of really good work.”

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, expressed, “The downtown of Gravenhurst is in an improvement stage, and it has not hit the decline that so many people are so quick to mention on social media. Of course there are comings and goings and there’s been bought – buildings bought and sold – and there’s been businesses closed and people have retired, but that is the natural progression of a downtown, and we are optimistic at the Town of Gravenhurst, and we know what a great community this is and we are working with people to come here, and we’re working with the people who are already here.”

She added, “So, as I’ve said before, you’re either with us or against us. So be on the side of positivity for Gravenhurst if you love Gravenhurst, like every person around this table. It is up to you to celebrate the wins and not get on the ‘Debbie Downer’ train because Gravenhurst is a great place to be and invest. We’re open for business here… Be on the right side of this. Don’t be negative.”