The Gravenhurst Business Improvement Area (GBIA) was placed into dormancy for three years, in the February 11, 2025, Council meeting.

According to the staff report, last month the GBIA Board voted in favour of a dormancy period because of issues with staff turnover, attendance, member burnout, limited interest, and inactivity over the past few years.

It adds, “Given the challenges faced by the GBIA Board of Directors, the business ownership changes over through COVID-19 and the ever-changing economic landscape, that the current GBIA should move into a three-year period of dormancy to reassess and re-evaluate the relevancy and efficacy of the GBIA geography, and the organizational structure needed for the GBIA Board.”

As a result, the GBIA which was established in 1979, is no longer compliant with the applicable by-laws.

The report continues that consultation with community groups and staff has resulted in enthusiasm about having a BIA, along with “the benefits that can come from a dedicated paid position overseeing the BIA’s needs,” with consideration to a review of the structure and potential for expanding the boundaries.”

Manager of Economic Development, Amy Taylor, advised that the Town’s Economic Development Strategy suggested a review be conducted, so, in addition to the BIA going into dormancy “we would execute the action item of the Economic Strategy, and hopefully arrive at a place where we have two projects in play that ultimately benefit Gravenhurst at the end of the day.”

The report indicates, “The importance of having our Downtown promoted, beautified and managed is key to having a vibrant community where businesses can succeed and grow,” which is the goal of the review.

It adds, “The ultimate goal is creating a vibrant, designated area that has financial and administrative supports in place to assist with the investment and growth of the designated area.”

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, thanked the Board and Council members for their involvement with the BIA.

She added, “Sometimes things get reinvented, and they come back better than ever, so, we’ll put this on the back burner for now and see where we land.”

The Economic Development department will review the organizational structure and geographical area of the GBIA and present updates for Council direction in a future meeting.