The Economic Development Council of Ontario held their President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 7, where awards and honourable mentions were given to outstanding economic development initiatives from across the province.
This year, the Town of Gravenhurst was the successful winner of the Investment Attraction Award for communities with a population under 100,000 people, for their Outfitter Attraction Program. This program was developed as an action to the Council-approved Tourism Destination Plan and Muskoka Wharf Revitalization Plan which used a short video to attract leads for potential entrepreneurs looking to open an outfitter in the Town. On top of attracting a higher-than-expected number of leads, the program has resulted in successful investment for the area.
“A continued focus by our economic development team to fill the needs and wants of the community is important,” said Mayor Paul Kelly. “It further supports the various strategies and reports that this Council has approved,” he noted.
The award highlights only one part of the investment attraction program run by the municipality which aims to fill gaps identified in the Gravenhurst Retail Gap Analysis, the Tourism Destination Plan, and the Muskoka Wharf Revitalization Plan.
“While not all leads result in successful investment in our area, the continued efforts to develop leads in priority areas continues to be a focus of the municipality,” said Jeff Loney, Manager of Economic Development, Marketing, and Tourism. “To be recognized by our provincial body for excellence in this area celebrates a continued focus on moving the community forward.”
If you are interested in starting a business in Gravenhurst, please reach out to the Economic Development team at 705-687-3412.
For more information on Town reports visit www.gravenhurst.ca/doingbusiness.
