Gravenhurst Economic Development efforts attract new business interest

The mayor says there's “Lots of exciting things happening across the Town.”

Gravenhurst Council received an update on the Town's economic development activities, including business attraction, tourism initiatives and grant funding, during its August 11, 2026, meeting.

The staff report summarizes work undertaken by the Economic Development Division since March. During that period, staff facilitated six ribbon cuttings for new businesses, fielded 15 inquiries about opening new businesses in the Town and attended 16 community organization meetings.

Business retention and expansion efforts include a review of the Business Improvement Area, which has moved into the community consultation phase, and continued implementation of the Community Improvement Plan. The Town has received 10 applications through the plan's continuous intake program, along with another 12 inquiries from eligible properties.

Investment attraction efforts have included visits and "concierge" services for prospective businesses, such as touring potential locations and discussing expansion opportunities with existing business owners. Between April and July, staff received inquiries from 15 businesses interested in opening in the community.

Staff report that tourism work includes planning for activities at Muskoka Wharf and downtown, support for ghost walks, music and the water ski show, and development of tourism products including community audio tours, heritage panels and walking tours. Staff are also working on pet-focused tourism, trail promotion and tourism packages involving stargazing, e-bike tours, and Gravenhurst Dollars.

Other projects include replacement and installation of wayfinding signs throughout the community, workforce recruitment videos with a focus on health care, and development of the Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial with the Gravenhurst Lions Club.

Economic Development has also assisted with five applications to grant programs, including Rural Economic Development, capital accessibility programs and energy-efficiency upgrades for public facilities.

According to the report, more than $85,000 has been secured through those applications, while additional applications are seeking more than $1.5 million in funding.

The update stems from a January Council request for more regular reporting on business retention and attraction activities. The division's broader work also includes destination development, community partnerships, grant writing and efforts to attract investment while supporting existing businesses.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, said, “Lots of exciting things happening across the Town.”

She added that the Town’s Economic Department have received letters from new businesses expressing appreciation for staff help, including with grants.