Gravenhurst Council investigating ways to revamp their downtown core

The many vacant stores is causing disinterest in the area

Gravenhurst Council supported a resident request to investigate options for revitalizing the downtown core, in the June 17, 2025, meeting.

Kim Evans, a resident and business owner on Main Street attended the meeting to request that Council discuss the future of the downtown area.

She said what was once a thriving spot is now facing many business closures causing a disinterest in the area.

Evans added that winter already makes it challenging for business owners, however, last winter faced a 70% decline. “People can’t stay open year-round without walk in business,” she said.

She encouraged Council to have a conversation about an “actionable plan,” that involves ideas regarding dealing with the issues and economic growth.

She continued, “We have location, convenience, beauty… A plan with changes is a win for everybody for economic growth.”

According to Evans, Collingwood faced the same challenges 10 years ago and were able to turn it around.

She suggested that Gravenhurst “needs a plan to encourage business on Main Street.” She added that the interest is there, however, there is nowhere to rent.

According to Evans, “61% of rental spaces are vacant lots or unused unlawfully as residences.”

Turnover was another concern raised by Evans, expressing that she’s seeing properties for sale which will only increase over the next 10 years, especially with many people retiring.

She suggested that the Town tighten their by-laws and enforce new rules to support a “bustling place,” like what Bracebridge has. She added that this could also be a solution to vacant storefronts which need to be addressed along with property maintenance standards.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, indicated that lack of resources for by-law enforcement is an issue and an important reason for people to complain about problems they see.

She added that they “will put our heads together and see what we can come up with.”

Council members also discussed the impact of no longer having a BIA and investigating what Collingwood did to turn their situation around.

Councillor, Peter Johnston, said that the US trade war is anticipated to have a positive impact on tourism this summer. He said they’re expecting a 25% increase because people aren’t going to the US. “There’s a positive glimmer out there,” he added.

Council directed staff to investigate potential options for improving the downtown core, including business zoning, hours of operation, and municipal practices like the Downtown Revitalization and Community Improvement plans.

Lorenz suggested options “that may be available to promote a vibrant downtown core.”

Staff will consider the potential tools available to the Town and report back to Council in a future meeting.