Gravenhurst BIA Review

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This page is the key way to get information from and engage with the Town of Gravenhurst on the efforts to revive and expand the Gravenhurst Improvement area. Subscribe for updates.

Background

Gravenhurst currently has no active Business Improvement Area (BIA) organization. The BIA movement, which began in Toronto and has since expanded worldwide, allows businesses to organize collectively, establish a designated business district, and advocate for shared interests with government and the public.

In 2025, the previous Gravenhurst BIA Board voted to place the organization into dormancy for three years. During this period, the tax levy is paused, and reserve funds are held in trust for future use should the BIA be reactivated. The existing BIA boundary covers roughly five blocks along the main downtown corridor and includes approximately 70 members with an annual budget of $50,000. Established in 1979, the boundary has remained unchanged despite earlier expansion efforts.

Across Ontario, historic downtowns like Gravenhurst face new challenges and opportunities. Communities are dealing with lingering impacts from vacant or underdeveloped properties purchased during COVID, rising operational costs, supply chain pressures, tariffs, shifting tourism trends, and fluctuating interest rates—all while managing the everyday demands of running a business. Reviving and potentially expanding the BIA is one way Gravenhurst is meeting these evolving circumstances.

Efforts to Address BIA Concerns

On June 17, 2025, Council heard a deputation from Kim Evans, owner of Blooming Muskoka, representing concerns from the business community. The purpose was to begin a conversation about the future of Downtown Gravenhurst and seek Council’s support in developing an actionable plan to address economic and logistical challenges.

An RFP to hire a consultant to lead the BIA review and potential expansion process was released and closed on April 7. You can view it online through the Town’s Bids & Tenders portal. The consultant will collaborate with the business community to determine the most suitable business model, geographic boundary, and action plan for Gravenhurst’s BIA. Working alongside the Town, they will guide the expansion process and identify best practices for building a sustainable BIA and vibrant downtown.

Ongoing Projects Affecting the BIA

  • Greater Business Community Supports: Several initiatives are underway, including the Wharf Revitalization Plan, the Tourism Destination Plan, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
  • Vacant Building By-Law: Council directed staff to develop a Vacant Building and Land Registry By-Law to improve maintenance standards for undeveloped properties. The proposed by-law includes inspection and review schedules, penalties for non-compliance, and guidelines to standardize the “look and feel” of vacant properties in key commercial areas.
    Update: Council will review the proposed by-law and its immediate implementation on April 21, 2026.
  • Economic Development Initiatives: These include a successful investment attraction campaign, ongoing outreach with businesses and investors, new downtown banners and beautification projects, and an expanded Community Improvement Plan (CIP) process. Grant funding opportunities are being actively pursued to support marketing, events, and other business activations.

Community Engagement – Join the Movement!

Everyone: Subscribe to this page for real-time updates and share your ideas or comments.
Business Owners: Watch for invitations from the Town to participate in meetings and focus groups. Learn how to take part in the BIA organization—vote on expansion proposals, represent your business, and help shape the future of downtown Gravenhurst.
Community Groups: Get involved! Host events and activations downtown, share ideas, celebrate successes, and consider joining a subcommittee.
Property Owners: Connect with the Economic Development Department for zoning guidance, tenant search support, and strategies to enhance long-term property value in a thriving business district.
Interested Citizens: Shop local, share what you love about our community, and reach out any time to get involved.

About BIAs

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a defined geographic district established by a municipality where business and property owners work together to improve, beautify, and promote their commercial area. BIAs are funded through a special levy collected by the municipality and used to support streetscape improvements, marketing, and events that enhance local economic development.

Key Aspects of a BIA in Ontario:

  • Purpose: To promote, beautify, and maintain commercial areas—creating attractive, safe, and vibrant environments for business and shopping.
  • Funding: Collected as a levy from commercial property owners within the BIA boundary.
  • Governance: Managed by a volunteer board of directors (including local business owners and council members) approved by municipal council.
  • Activities: May include sidewalk cleaning, lighting upgrades, floral displays, graffiti removal, festivals, and marketing campaigns.
  • Legislation: Established under the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001.
    Further information is available from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA).

This page is the key way to get information from and engage with the Town of Gravenhurst on the efforts to revive and expand the Gravenhurst Improvement area. Subscribe for updates.

Background

Gravenhurst currently has no active Business Improvement Area (BIA) organization. The BIA movement, which began in Toronto and has since expanded worldwide, allows businesses to organize collectively, establish a designated business district, and advocate for shared interests with government and the public.

In 2025, the previous Gravenhurst BIA Board voted to place the organization into dormancy for three years. During this period, the tax levy is paused, and reserve funds are held in trust for future use should the BIA be reactivated. The existing BIA boundary covers roughly five blocks along the main downtown corridor and includes approximately 70 members with an annual budget of $50,000. Established in 1979, the boundary has remained unchanged despite earlier expansion efforts.

Across Ontario, historic downtowns like Gravenhurst face new challenges and opportunities. Communities are dealing with lingering impacts from vacant or underdeveloped properties purchased during COVID, rising operational costs, supply chain pressures, tariffs, shifting tourism trends, and fluctuating interest rates—all while managing the everyday demands of running a business. Reviving and potentially expanding the BIA is one way Gravenhurst is meeting these evolving circumstances.

Efforts to Address BIA Concerns

On June 17, 2025, Council heard a deputation from Kim Evans, owner of Blooming Muskoka, representing concerns from the business community. The purpose was to begin a conversation about the future of Downtown Gravenhurst and seek Council’s support in developing an actionable plan to address economic and logistical challenges.

An RFP to hire a consultant to lead the BIA review and potential expansion process was released and closed on April 7. You can view it online through the Town’s Bids & Tenders portal. The consultant will collaborate with the business community to determine the most suitable business model, geographic boundary, and action plan for Gravenhurst’s BIA. Working alongside the Town, they will guide the expansion process and identify best practices for building a sustainable BIA and vibrant downtown.

Ongoing Projects Affecting the BIA

  • Greater Business Community Supports: Several initiatives are underway, including the Wharf Revitalization Plan, the Tourism Destination Plan, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
  • Vacant Building By-Law: Council directed staff to develop a Vacant Building and Land Registry By-Law to improve maintenance standards for undeveloped properties. The proposed by-law includes inspection and review schedules, penalties for non-compliance, and guidelines to standardize the “look and feel” of vacant properties in key commercial areas.
    Update: Council will review the proposed by-law and its immediate implementation on April 21, 2026.
  • Economic Development Initiatives: These include a successful investment attraction campaign, ongoing outreach with businesses and investors, new downtown banners and beautification projects, and an expanded Community Improvement Plan (CIP) process. Grant funding opportunities are being actively pursued to support marketing, events, and other business activations.

Community Engagement – Join the Movement!

Everyone: Subscribe to this page for real-time updates and share your ideas or comments.
Business Owners: Watch for invitations from the Town to participate in meetings and focus groups. Learn how to take part in the BIA organization—vote on expansion proposals, represent your business, and help shape the future of downtown Gravenhurst.
Community Groups: Get involved! Host events and activations downtown, share ideas, celebrate successes, and consider joining a subcommittee.
Property Owners: Connect with the Economic Development Department for zoning guidance, tenant search support, and strategies to enhance long-term property value in a thriving business district.
Interested Citizens: Shop local, share what you love about our community, and reach out any time to get involved.

About BIAs

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a defined geographic district established by a municipality where business and property owners work together to improve, beautify, and promote their commercial area. BIAs are funded through a special levy collected by the municipality and used to support streetscape improvements, marketing, and events that enhance local economic development.

Key Aspects of a BIA in Ontario:

  • Purpose: To promote, beautify, and maintain commercial areas—creating attractive, safe, and vibrant environments for business and shopping.
  • Funding: Collected as a levy from commercial property owners within the BIA boundary.
  • Governance: Managed by a volunteer board of directors (including local business owners and council members) approved by municipal council.
  • Activities: May include sidewalk cleaning, lighting upgrades, floral displays, graffiti removal, festivals, and marketing campaigns.
  • Legislation: Established under the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001.
    Further information is available from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA).
Page last updated: 30 Apr 2026, 01:51 PM