Gravenhurst received the new Economic Development Strategy Plan Priority Actions
Gravenhurst Council received the new Economic Development Strategy Plan (EDSP) Priority Actions in the November 19, 2024, meeting.
According to the staff report, the economy, developments, business closures, and other changes in the Town post Covid resulted in a need for a new strategy plan, especially considering the last plan was created in 2013.
It adds that the EDSP will help support Council decisions in areas such as economic workplans and budget and aligns with the Town’s community vibrancy and sustainable growth goals.
Director of Development Services, Melissa Halford, advised that the EDSP will be a guide for corporate and economic development over the next 10 years.
Development Manager, Amy Taylor, advised that staff have considered community feedback about key areas, which will be outlined in the 2025 Budget, including actions to strengthen the BIA, changes to the Community Improvement Program, and using Municipal Accommodation funds to support areas such as Parks and Recreation and Wharf revitalization.
According to the report by McSweeney and Associates, who developed the new strategy, Priority Actions will also include supporting investment attraction, local businesses, tourism, and heritage, arts and culture.
Taylor said, “The crux of the whole strategy for us as staff is refocusing and realigning our core foundation in that we’ve been scattered in response to many Covid challenges, in response to some of our organizational changes in the community, such as the Chamber of Commerce, the BIA, Explorer’s Edge, and Muskoka Tourism.”
She added, “For us this is getting back to our roots, re-engaging those community members who have voiced that they want to be part of a community of Gravenhurst.”
She continued that the Town has 45 actions, compared to the usual 95 each year.
The process steps included a review of current strategies, community/stakeholder engagement, strategic development and implementation, and delivery of the final strategy.
Councillor, Randy Jorgensen, inquired about why the construction industry wasn’t included in the plan, alongside the retail sector. He said, “Construction workers make a lot more money than retail workers. So, why is there no goal to target improvements in that construction sector?”
He suggested that targeting the construction industry should be included in the plan. He said, “The best thing you can do for the retail sector would be to have more highly paid [construction] employees that get to spend their money on retail.”
Halford advised that the retail area is a part of their plan for revitalizing the downtown area. She added, “If everything’s a priority, nothing’s a priority, right.”
Taylor added that staff have been focused on workforce development for trades, including launching a video about choosing trades in Muskoka.
She added that Venture Muskoka has been targeting the construction industry with the goal to “continue to develop that sector” and can now focus on retail as well.
Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, expressed appreciation for the plan. She said, “We look forward to implementing some of these suggestions.”
