Gravenhurst council has approved a resolution directing municipal staff to provide regular updates on business retention and attraction efforts, responding to growing public concern about vacant storefronts and the overall health of the downtown core.
The resolution, brought forward by Councillor Peter Johnston at the Jan. 20 council meeting, builds on the town’s existing Economic Development Strategic Plan and a series of initiatives already approved by council in October 2025. Those initiatives include the development of a Vacant Building and Land Registry bylaw, changes to the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to allow a continuous year-round intake, a review of the Official Plan with a stronger focus on business activity in key commercial areas, and updates to the zoning bylaw to better support traditional retail and downtown commercial uses.
Johnston emphasized that the motion does not introduce new policy but instead reinforces work already underway.
“This motion simply directs staff to continue doing what they’re doing,” he said. “There’s been a lot of noise on social media suggesting council and the town aren’t doing anything, and that’s simply not true.”
While defending council’s efforts, Johnston acknowledged ongoing challenges in the downtown, particularly the number of closed buildings. He told council he has personally visited each vacant property and spoken with owners to understand the reasons behind the closures.
“There is a problem — quite frankly, I’m concerned with the buildings that are closed,” Johnston said. “But many of those reasons have nothing to do with Gravenhurst.”
He added that he has developed a business retention strategy and has shared his ideas with town staff to help inform ongoing economic development work.
Councillor Penny Varney also highlighted concerns from the local business community, noting the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce has expressed worry about the state of the main street. Varney said the chamber plans to invite business owners to a meeting to discuss how to strengthen the downtown and revive the town’s Business Improvement Area (BIA).
Council members agreed that providing regular, public-facing updates on business retention and attraction activities—particularly within the CIP area—will help keep residents informed and demonstrate progress on downtown revitalization.
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my comments to Peter Johnston . vacant buildings has every thing to do with Gravenhurst use your brain Peter I just wish your father could see the mess we are in ,. in this town respectfully Irene Turney
As an outsider looking in and traveling through Gravenhurst, the issue of parking stops me from shopping Gravenhurst.( no public parking spaces)In the winter no snow removal on literally any street throughout the town which makes anyonecwhocwants to shop impossible. . The appearance is very uninviting. No interesting stores.