Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Town of Georgina's grant program helps with downtown revitalization |
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Georgina has three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) with locations in Jackson’s Point (est. 1992), Keswick (est. 2014) and Sutton (est. 1995), representing more than 150 storefront businesses. As part of the Municipal Act, the Town can offer grants and programs to businesses commercially assessed within the designated borders intended to improve and revitalize the area.
Since 2015, the Town of Georgina has offered grants to businesses through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which includes streams to enhance facade, landscaping, accessibility, heritage building improvements and most recently, COVID-19 streams. To date, more than $730K has been invested into the BIAs, with $152,663 in funding provided through the Economic Development and Tourism office.
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Town moves ahead with multi-use recreational complex in Keswick |
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The Town of Georgina is moving forward with the largest project in its history – the construction of the Multi-use Recreation Complex (MURC). On June 23, 2021, Council approved the full build which will include a Discovery Library branch. Construction of the MURC is anticipated to begin in September 2021 with completion and the facility open for use expected in the fall of 2023. Visit georgina.ca/MURC to learn more.
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Streetscape Design Standards feedback |
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Did you know the Town is working on design standards that will look at ways to improve streetscapes in Business Improvement Areas in Keswick, Pefferlaw, Jackson’s Point and Sutton?
The Town is preparing streetscape design standards that can be implemented when opportunities arise and as financial resources become available. These design standards address the need to create attractive streetscapes that can accommodate safe vehicular, cycling and pedestrian movements. View the draft design standards and send us your comments by July 16.
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2021 Discover Georgina Guide |
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The 2021 summer/fall Discover Georgina Guide is your official source to discover the sites, outdoor activities and businesses that make the Town of Georgina a desirable place to live, work and play. You can view the guide digitally, pick up a copy at the Georgina Farmers' Market, Georgina Chamber of Commerce or at one of many ambassador locations throughout Georgina.
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Deadline to apply: July 30, 2021 |
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Georgina's food establishments are invited to apply to participate in the Town's summer edition of Taste of Georgina (three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus) that will run between Sept. 10 and Sept. 26.
The first Taste of Georgina takeout event was launched earlier this year in February, giving local restaurants support during the pandemic when indoor dining was not allowed. The 10 participating businesses throughout Georgina reported more than 28K in revenue overall and many new customers.
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The Briars Resort and Spa's history and impact on the Town of Georgina |
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Many long-time residents in Georgina can share an experience or tell a story about the history of the Briars Resort and Spa, one of the area's oldest business establishments. Maybe they worked there during the summer, celebrated an important event, saw a play at the Red Barn Theatre or knew of some famous people that were guests. Whatever the connection, there is no denying the Briar’s Resort and Spa is part of Georgina’s fabric, and its existence has had a multigenerational impact on the area.
We stopped by the resort to ask staff to share their perspective on the impact tourism has on the local economy and learn a little more about this important piece of the Town’s history.
Bob Law, Resort Manager, commented on the evolution of the resort and how the community’s growth has changed how they have done business since its beginning as a summer holiday spot in 1942. “I think that the resort has changed a lot since 1988 when I first came here. We used to put on all of the entertainment because this was a small, seasonal community. We had to entertain our guests, but business has changed, and so has the area. As the area has grown, we have more partners, artisans, restaurants, shops and interesting places for our guests. It’s really become a draw for us,” said Bob.
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Disclaimer: Listings are provided to the Town from brokers, real estate agents, and various real estate websites. The Town of Georgina assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information shown, and does not make any representation, warranties or guarantees of any kind in relation to the listings in this e-newsletter or the properties described therein. Please contact the real estate agent or other contact person identified on the listing to verify all information.
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As we continue to navigate the pandemic together, know our team is available to discuss your challenges and guide you to programs, resources or funding opportunities you may not be aware of. Connect with us.
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Georgina Business Support Programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
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Business Bounce Back Program
A new three-month program offered by the Town of Georgina with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University's YSpace is designed to support businesses and individuals that require the entrepreneurial and digital skills needed to pivot their existing business or create a new venture. Applications for the second cohort open July 19. Learn more.
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Professional Services Access Program
The Northern York Region Professional Services Access Program provides eligible businesses with access to free professional advice, including legal, financial, marketing and more. Learn more.
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Digital Main Street programs
Digital Transformation Grant, Digital Service Squad Program and DMS shopHERE. All programs involve free support in helping businesses expand their digital presence. Learn more.
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COVID-19 Response Fund
South Lake Futures has established the COVID-19 Response Fund to offer loans below prime rate to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. Learn more.
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Ontario Music Industry Initiative
50 per cent to a maximum of $300,000 per funding cycle. Application deadline: Oct. 28, 2021. Learn more
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Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Up to 50-75 per cent of expenses to a max of $1M in grants. Learn more
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For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
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Discover Georgina Scavenger Hunt |
Sunday, July 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Sunday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Link in Sutton (20849 Dalton Rd.).
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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