Economic Development and Tourism News
Town seeks feedback on Waterfront Parks Master Plan design concepts
Lake Simcoe is Georgina’s most important tourism asset that brings many visitors to the area year-round. The Waterfront Parks Master Plan will strengthen tourism in Georgina and help ensure businesses that rely on the industry can thrive in the future.

We’ve received a lot of great feedback on the Waterfront Parks Master Plan and are reaching out again to find out what you think of the updated design concepts. There are several ways to participate. 

In-person public consultation sessions: 
Aug. 21 – Willow Beach 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and De La Salle 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  
Aug. 28 – Jackson’s Point Harbour 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Holmes Point 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  
Sept. 1 – De La Salle 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Virtual consultation: 
Sept.8 – Two virtual public input sessions will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each session will cover all of the parks and be hosted by the Planning Partnership.

Survey: 
A survey that will focus on people using the park. It will be available in print at the in-person sessions and is available online.
Business Bounce Back Program launches with a full cohort
The new Business Bounce Back program created by the Town of Georgina, in partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University, launched successfully on July 12 with a full cohort of 26 participants.

The Business Bounce Back program is here to help founders and co-founders fill their entrepreneurial toolbox with the necessary business skills to launch, grow, pivot, and connect with the right experts to help their companies thrive today and into the future.
Georgina's Field to Table event celebrates local food and small businesses
Now in its fourth year, Georgina's Field to Table farm tour has grown in its awareness, offerings and local collaborations. The event connects the public with sustainable agri-businesses supporting our local economy.

In 2020, the event shifted online, bringing awareness to a larger audience for which the Town won an award through Festival and Events Ontario. This year, the Town furthered the event's growth by securing a partnership with Central Counties Tourism and funding from the Greenbelt Foundation to support marketing efforts.

Through the growth, we've also seen a number of collaborations between the farms, restaurants and other local businesses. On tour, event-goers will be witnesses to local restaurants that serve locally grown food and other small businesses such as artisan/manufacturer Live Edged Woodcraft, which makes charcuterie boards and EddieBee and Tootsie's MESSHALL that produces spices and rubs.
TIAO seeks feedback to advocate for the tourism industry
TIAO is conducting a survey to collect up-to-date information on the impact of Step 3, post-Step 3 and border reopening on tourism businesses. As the border reopens to non-essential travel and public health restrictions are being eased, it is necessary to gather information to demonstrate the tourism industry’s continued need for government support even as tourism revenues rise.  

The purpose of the survey is to understand to what extent tourism revenues have improved and are expected to improve since key reopening dates were announced; staffing challenges facing tourism businesses; industry perspectives on using proof of vaccination to access certain tourism services and activities; commercial insurance rates; and challenges to recovery. TIAO seeks your assistance in providing this high-level reporting so it can advocate on your behalf.  
Local Spotlight
Georgina Made artist Nadya Edwards
Nadya is a mixed-media artist who creates art that speaks. Using objects found on her property, in nature around Georgina and through her international travels, Nadya transforms everyday items like plastic shopping bags and end pieces of wood into different art forms. She specializes in cards, canvases, prints, 3D artwork, journals and resin artwork. Read Nadya's spotlight to learn more about her journey and how the Town is helping her grow her business.
Featured Properties
Are you looking for the perfect site to start or expand your business? Connect with us. We can help you find a location that will meet your needs and is zoned for your industry.
Keswick
$1
Udora
$999,000
Sutton
$2,699,999

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.
Events
Field to Table Farm Tour
Saturday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Download the tour map and learn more about our farmers at georgina.ca/Field-to-Table
Georgina Farmers' Market
Sunday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Link in Sutton (20849 Dalton Rd.).

Uptown Keswick BIA Annual General Meeting
Aug. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 951 2505 1657
Passcode: T3Mg7g
Save the Date: 2021 Agri-Food Forum
The 2021 Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum is being hosted virtually by the Regional Municipality of York in collaboration with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and local municipalities from Nov. 3 to 4, 2021. 

This year’s theme is Innovation and Resiliency in the Agri-Food Sector, focused on agri-tech, entrepreneurship, exploring innovative ways of doing business and building a resilient agri-food sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a great opportunity for those with an interest in regional and local economic development and land use planning to learn, network and share experiences.

Local Business Support
Georgina's Economic Development Officer, Sean Columbus, is available to guide you to programs, resources or funding opportunities you may not be aware of. Connect with him.
Georgina Business Support Programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Funding Opportunities
Tourism Relief Fund
Up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $100K (non-repayable contributions). Learn more.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Extended until Sept. 25, 2021. CEWS covers 75 per cent of an employee’s first $58,700 earned, which equates to a subsidy of up to $847/week per employee. Learn more.
For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism