What’s
UP
Downtown
Fall 2014 It’s About Time…
Get to Know ‘Downtown Dan’
Next year will mark the 80th birthday of the clock tower at the Gravenhurst Post Office. The clock itself hasn’t worked for years, so we’ve been working with Canada Post to try to get things ticking!
Dan’s also a seasoned retailer and has served as manager for the BIA in Orillia.
Daniel Kerr (aka Downtown Dan) was appointed Coordinator for the Gravenhurst Downtown Revitalization project in Spring 2014. He comes with a wealth of economic development experience, having worked in two other communities implementing a similar revitalization program before joining the Gravenhurst team.
The Downtown Gravenhurst Revitalization Committee have some exciting ideas for updating the appearance of our Downtown – and the results start now. Look for Dan around town, or drop him a line at: Dan.Kerr@gravenhurst.ca, to discuss your ideas and suggestions for making Downtown Gravenhurst a better place for your business.
The clock tower was added to the Post Office in 1935.
What’s in the
So far we’ve been up the tower to investigate, and been able to source pieces of the original control mechanism from Canada Post storage in Sudbury. So watch that dial!
‘C.I.P.’ stands for the Community Improvement Plan, which provides financial incentives and other support to property owners and tenants wanting to improve the physical characteristics of their buildings and properties.
Being in the CIP area doesn’t make you part of any club or association. There are no annual dues to pay or extra levies on your tax bill. It does mean that you are eligible to take advantage of building, façade, and in some cases tax incentive grants permitted under the Municipal Act for improvements to your downtown property. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant and healthy commercial core and apply now:
In Gravenhurst, CIP benefits are only available for properties located within the CIP area (see map). This area was recognized as a part of town that has cultural, economic, historic, architectural and social assets that residents and visitors all share and enjoy. In short, the CIP area is Downtown Gravenhurst, the hub of civic life in our town, and where our Revitalization efforts are focused.
www.gravenhurst.ca/en/doingbusiness/Community-Improvement-Plan.asp
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For more information about the Downtown Gravenhurst Revitalization initiative, please contact Daniel Kerr, Downtown Gravenhurst Revitalization Coordinator at 705.687.2230 x 270, or Dan.Kerr@gravenhurst.ca
What’s
UP
Downtown
Fall, 2014
Working Together on Our Streetscape Now in its second year of funding property improvement projects, the Downtown Gravenhurst Community Improvement Plan is beginning to show results! 2013 Grant applicants: Albion Hotel, Well Fed Deli, 170 Muskoka Rd. N., and Sawdust City
Brewing Co. have all completed the work as approved and will receiving their grants cheques shortly. Applications for 2015 Grants are being accepted now. www.gravenhurst.ca/en/doingbusiness/ Community-Improvement-Plan.asp
2014
2014
2014
now 2014
then 2013
2013
2005
The Numbers: As part of the revitalization process, we’ve conducted a number of surveys about the Downtown. In fact, we’ve recorded over 1,100 responses from residents, visitors, business and property owners. Clearly many of you want to be part of the transformation of our downtown! Here are just some of the things we learned:
Development Charges Gravenhurst Council has recently eliminated all commercial, industrial & institutional development charges. Downtown Gravenhurst Revitalization Partners:
Business Owners’ Top FOUR priorities for improving the local business climate: 1. Repair or removal of ‘eyesore’ buildings 2. Additional niche market specialty shops 3. Additional and/or improved festivals 4. Additional entertainment facilities
95% of Gravenhurst business owners reported being involved in day to day operations, 80% are residents of the community, and 62% are family-owned businesses.
For more information about the Downtown Gravenhurst Revitalization initiative, please contact Daniel Kerr, Downtown Gravenhurst Revitalization Coordinator at 705.687.2230 x 270, or Dan.Kerr@gravenhurst.ca