The Wednesday February 9th meeting was great! With close to a full house, a lot of great comments were received. We have posted those commentshereand invite you to take a minute to read them and give us your input.
I'd like to thank the Town of Gravenhurst for hosting the public meeting re the revitalization of the Downtown Core. I've read the comments on this blog and they're excellent. I was unable to attend the meeting but would like to post a quick comment. Three things are vital, in my opinion. 1. Constant hours of operation for all stores. 2. A transportation link (colourful, heritage, attractive, etc...ie trolley) between the retail areas of the Wharf, Uptown and south end plaza. 3. An "umbrella" BIA group including the above mentioned retail merchants. I'd also like to see one of the larger empty stores made into an indoor "mall", with vendors of importance to year round residents...ie. Shoe store, fabric shop, art supplies, etc. Not just artisan shops, but SOME boutique stores involved as well, would be a nice blend. The problem with shopping in Gravenhurst in the winter, specially at the Wharf, is the weather, but we COULD attract shoppers to town in the winter, if we had an indoor environment somewhere. Empty stores seems like a place to start. Could we entice a group to purchase?? Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Further to the Discussion Meeting on the future of the Business Core of downtown Gravenhurst, held yesterday evening at the Opera House, I wish to add one more supplementary suggestion:
It seems to me that, in order to plan effectively for the future of the Business Core, and the community as a whole, and to avoid working at cross-purposes, the Town needs a clear Vision Statement, defining just what sort of community we want, and hence what changes (if any) we want to implement to creat or achieve that community. Hopefully a majority of us can measure whether any proposed change or development will be in accord with the Vision, or not.
For example, if most of us envisage a Gravenhurst which will be just an extension of Greater Toronto, we may wish to demolish all the old buildings in the Business Core and replace them with high-rise apartments and condominium towers, with plenty of shopping malls and acres of asphalt to serve the needs of the occupants.
If, on the other hand we prefer that Gravenhurst shall remain an attractive, friendly, pretty small town that repects its past (ex lumbering, boat-building, railways and steamships), and wishes to enhance and build proudly on that past to create a viable, lively and affordable future, we may wish to conserve out old landmarks and maintain our streetscapes, and to turn our Downtown Core into a network of closely-linked specialty stores and shops, serving both local residents, visitors and cottagers.
If the little park a block from the post offive on S. Muskoka Road is to remain, how about some shade (trees?) and tables to encourage people to be there in the summer. This may help ice cream and sandwich business as customers would have a pleasant place to eat. Potential customers may see them and their food items and become customers also.
Can we get some parking reserved for train and bus passengers, including overnight (as they do in Bracebridg). People like me drive to Toronto, for example, I don't even pass through uptown. We could get (buy) a pass to put in our window when we buy our ticket - indicating the amount of time we expect to be away.
What about more complete sidewalk plowing to the curb, eliminating the tiny paths between snowbank and with safer walking conditions. Seniors and others with mobility challenges prefer to shop in the centre of town, so lets make it easier.
Trees - let's do all we can to preserve safely the trees that we have. Some towns have a bylaw that even a privately owned tree of a certain size cannot be cut down without municipal permission.
Town Hall/Cottage Country Health Centre. How about automatic doors to get into the health centre?
Let's keep as many essential services as possible in the centre of town. We have an industry of caring for seniors and physically challenged people. Some are moving to other communities where they beleive access to stores and services are easier.
How can we encourage more doctors to practice in Gravenhurst? Insist on local labs with the best equipment. Raise the standard of educationin our schools. Make sure we have excellent and sufficient child care.
Customer Service Make it an experienc. Make it easier for your customer to deal with you. If they want to return and item...let them...they will come back. DO NOT GIVE ATTITUDE: Your customer does not care how bad your day is...NEVER BE IN A BAD MOOD. Before they leave make sure they know YOU APPRECIATE THEIR BUSINESS. Get on a FIRST NAME BASIS. Nothing makes a person feel good if you can call them by their 1st name.
FACE LIFT Make it brighter. Windows should be clear so people can see in. Put a fresh can of paint on the inside and outside. Make it pleasing and welcoming to the eye. Use air freshener to have a welcome scent...not over powering or perfume.
PARADE: Christmas in July...wioth midnight madness or daytime.
MARKET FOOD: Have available inside stores that have closed down...have more vendors.
SPACE: If you have a business and part of your space is not being used, work with a smaller company who's business could complement yours. They help pay your taxes and heat. They are not your competition. Work together.
HOURS OF OPERATION: We get tourist in and they want something to do evenings everything is closed down. Make it inviting. Stay open late and sleep in. Winter and Summer.
COMPETITION: Know the businesses in your town. They are not your competition. Share what works for you. Meet regularily in the morning once a month at a different venue. Interact...refer other stores if you can't help. WALMART...BASS PRO..BIG STORES ARE YOUR COMPETITION.
Golf - Tiger Store - Indoor golf and putting green.
Water Slide - Gull Lake Park - Obstacle Course
Golf - Vacant Corner on Main Street (Must be cleaned up. Definitely needs a face lift, Not a good image for downtown) - Outdoor putting gree (when Mom wants to shop...Dad and kids can keep busy).
Sports Activity Centre (Have available for Seniors, Moms , Dads and Children to be in the same facility at the same time. If Mom wants to shop...have a place for the Dad and kids to go for an hour. Or instead of watching TV after supper go to the Sports Centre for some type of activity). - Old Canadian Tire Store, Vending Machines, Coffee Shop - Shuffle Board, Walking Outer Perimeter, WiFi large screen TV for children of different ages, pool tables, squash, Racket ball, obstacle course for the younger kids. Roller skating. Place for Kids while Mom or Dad is shopping. Tricycle, cars, bowling, WiFi, Computers with educational games.
Hours - All down town COMPETE Against Walmart - Stay open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
Hours - Restaurants Compete against Tim Horton's - Open earlier for Breakfast 6:00 - 9:00 am to close. Open again 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. Offer lunch bags with great value.
Clothing stores - All down town COMPETE against Walmart. Stay open same hours for at least 1 year. Your customers are working until 5:00 pm. 1 monthor 2 is not enough to let people know we can depend on you to be open. Convenient stores stay open. - Stay open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. Be open to children. Give them a balloon with helium. Tie on wrist...able to see where child is. Have small area with toys to keep occupied. Have a Table and chair for husband to sit while waiting. DON'T make a Sale for the sake of making a sale. If that outfit does not look right for that customer tell them. You may loose that sale but they will remember and come back because you cared about them not the sale.
Internet Cafe - Computer, Internet Access
Restaurants compete against Swiss Chalet - Existing, stay open later, offer coupons to the schools - Set up intimate area with fireplace, soft music, curtains to help seperate area. Set up area for children...Play area...table, boards, WIFI activity...computer for mind games. Set up flat screen at tables for interactive games. We use to have music in the old days when the kids could chose music. Welcome the students. Compete against Tim Horton's...Offer lunch bags. Open 6:00 for breakfast
Just to introduce myself; I now live in England, but have spent summers at my family cottage on Muldrew Lake since I was born. Muldrew Lake and Gravenhurst are very close to my heart, as it is to my mother, who is now 89, and now to my twelve year old daughter. She, by the way, shares her passion for it with all her friends and teachers. You would be surprised how may people in South East London know about Muldrew Lake and Gravenhurst! I hope this might indicate to you my familiarity with Gravenhurst, and how invested I am in the area and care about its future.
I know that it is a challenge to find a solution to how the dramatic changes in Gravenhurst have affected businesses on Main Street, and that this is an issue which is common to many towns in Ontario.
Distance prevents me fro attending your session today, but I have an idea which I would like to put forward.
What immediately came to mind when I was informed of your brainstorming session was a town-run tourist information and local residents "shop" which could provide information and services for the various user groups who live in or visit the area: the full-time town and local area residents, the seasonal residents (such as cottagers) and tourists. This venue could have:
an information center: geared for all potential user groups
a good, consession run, coffee shop with free wi-fi
a gallery space or wall space for exhibiting art: I've been to a tourist centre which had wall space for art shows, which was curated by an employee. Perhaps a Gravenhurst variation could be that the space is made available for others to curate. Some summer shows, for example. could have a link with Toronto artists or galleries, to draw in city residents who are spending extended time at cottages, as well as full-time residents. This would also provide an accessible exhibition space for local artists and art students.
an annual/semi-annual exhibition about Gravenhurst and the area: this could be about the history of it or a response to an aspect of it. I feel that this is fertile ground: the history of Gravenhurst and surrounding area can be viewed from many angles by people who are part of a community within it, or who engage with it from an 'outsiders' perspective: historians, artists, photographers, etc. An exhibition about Norman Bethune and, possibly, his importance in contemporary China is an example. My uncle, Ted Litherland, is an internationally aclaimed physicist has academic has associates who are Chinese scientists. He also has a cottage on Muldrew Lake, on the same island as mine. I know that he is very interested in your forum about Gravenhursts' Main Street, and particularly in harnassing the Bethune/China link.
workshops/courses/performances/support groups/playgroups/a venue for museum out-reach programs: it would be important that this space worked with, and didn't compete against, existing venues, such as the Opera House. It would have to be an adaptable space and could be based on people making proposals for workshops or courses they want to run. Toronto-based museums may have educational programs, geared for reaching people within the provence who are not in the Toronto area. The member of staff, who organises the usable space, could be pro-active in seeking out and organizing workshops with these organizations.
In summary, I'm thinking of a flexible space that reflects the needs and interests of the people who live, stay long-term or visit Gravenhurst and one that also had a bit of a buzz to it. If designed and run well, it could attract as broad a range of people as possible; families, young people, those who have retired to Gravenhurst, as well as those who are visiting, who want to see what the town has to offer.
Along with providing services, the point would be to give people a reason to visit the main street. This would mean more 'passing trade' for existing businesses and could encourage other businesses to open. It would, therefore, need to be located on Muskoka Rd itself, probably in an existing shop.
Another, more ambitious possibility is that it could occupy part of a new build, mixed use development, on the vacant lot on Muskoka Rd South and Hotchkiss St, for example. If an Architecture Competition was used to arrive at the design, the town would get exposure for the project and be more 'on the map', itself. A design which is contemporary and thoughtful would possibly be more apt, unique and exciting than the pseudo colonial stlye which seems to be the default for so many developments now.
I hope that this idea is one you feel is worth sharing in your brainstorming session.
My wife and I have had a cottage on Muskoka Bay just inside the Narrows for many years. Our children have been attanding the cottage since their childhood and the oldest is now 45 years old. We have watched the downtown Gravenhurst retail district decline and wouldn't it be grand to see it flourish again? The reason for this message is to suggest that your committee might find if of interest to visit the town/city of Unionville, Ontario to see how the main section has rejuvenated their downtown area. What a pleasant place to shop and visit. Keep up the good thoughts!
I'd like to thank the Town of Gravenhurst for hosting the public meeting re the revitalization of the Downtown Core. I've read the comments on this blog and they're excellent. I was unable to attend the meeting but would like to post a quick comment. Three things are vital, in my opinion.
ReplyDelete1. Constant hours of operation for all stores.
2. A transportation link (colourful, heritage, attractive, etc...ie trolley) between the retail areas of the Wharf, Uptown and south end plaza.
3. An "umbrella" BIA group including the above mentioned retail merchants.
I'd also like to see one of the larger empty stores made into an indoor "mall", with vendors of importance to year round residents...ie. Shoe store, fabric shop, art supplies, etc. Not just artisan shops, but SOME boutique stores involved as well, would be a nice blend.
The problem with shopping in Gravenhurst in the winter, specially at the Wharf, is the weather, but we COULD attract shoppers to town in the winter, if we had an indoor environment somewhere. Empty stores seems like a place to start. Could we entice a group to purchase??
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Further to the Discussion Meeting on the future of the Business Core of downtown Gravenhurst, held yesterday evening at the Opera House, I wish to add one more supplementary suggestion:
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that, in order to plan effectively for the future of the Business Core, and the community as a whole, and to avoid working at cross-purposes, the Town needs a clear Vision Statement, defining just what sort of community we want, and hence what changes (if any) we want to implement to creat or achieve that community. Hopefully a majority of us can measure whether any proposed change or development will be in accord with the Vision, or not.
For example, if most of us envisage a Gravenhurst which will be just an extension of Greater Toronto, we may wish to demolish all the old buildings in the Business Core and replace them with high-rise apartments and condominium towers, with plenty of shopping malls and acres of asphalt to serve the needs of the occupants.
If, on the other hand we prefer that Gravenhurst shall remain an attractive, friendly, pretty small town that repects its past (ex lumbering, boat-building, railways and steamships), and wishes to enhance and build proudly on that past to create a viable, lively and affordable future, we may wish to conserve out old landmarks and maintain our streetscapes, and to turn our Downtown Core into a network of closely-linked specialty stores and shops, serving both local residents, visitors and cottagers.
My own personal preference would be the latter.
Adapt/adopt a more friendly/helpful liaison between Town & Municipal resources and services to business/industry.
ReplyDeleteIf the little park a block from the post offive on S. Muskoka Road is to remain, how about some shade (trees?) and tables to encourage people to be there in the summer. This may help ice cream and sandwich business as customers would have a pleasant place to eat. Potential customers may see them and their food items and become customers also.
ReplyDeleteCan we get some parking reserved for train and bus passengers, including overnight (as they do in Bracebridg). People like me drive to Toronto, for example, I don't even pass through uptown. We could get (buy) a pass to put in our window when we buy our ticket - indicating the amount of time we expect to be away.
What about more complete sidewalk plowing to the curb, eliminating the tiny paths between snowbank and with safer walking conditions. Seniors and others with mobility challenges prefer to shop in the centre of town, so lets make it easier.
Trees - let's do all we can to preserve safely the trees that we have. Some towns have a bylaw that even a privately owned tree of a certain size cannot be cut down without municipal permission.
Town Hall/Cottage Country Health Centre. How about automatic doors to get into the health centre?
Let's keep as many essential services as possible in the centre of town. We have an industry of caring for seniors and physically challenged people. Some are moving to other communities where they beleive access to stores and services are easier.
How can we encourage more doctors to practice in Gravenhurst? Insist on local labs with the best equipment. Raise the standard of educationin our schools. Make sure we have excellent and sufficient child care.
Customer Service
ReplyDeleteMake it an experienc. Make it easier for your customer to deal with you. If they want to return and item...let them...they will come back. DO NOT GIVE ATTITUDE: Your customer does not care how bad your day is...NEVER BE IN A BAD MOOD. Before they leave make sure they know YOU APPRECIATE THEIR BUSINESS. Get on a FIRST NAME BASIS. Nothing makes a person feel good if you can call them by their 1st name.
FACE LIFT
Make it brighter. Windows should be clear so people can see in. Put a fresh can of paint on the inside and outside. Make it pleasing and welcoming to the eye. Use air freshener to have a welcome scent...not over powering or perfume.
PARADE:
Christmas in July...wioth midnight madness or daytime.
MARKET FOOD:
Have available inside stores that have closed down...have more vendors.
SPACE:
If you have a business and part of your space is not being used, work with a smaller company who's business could complement yours. They help pay your taxes and heat. They are not your competition. Work together.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
We get tourist in and they want something to do evenings everything is closed down. Make it inviting. Stay open late and sleep in. Winter and Summer.
COMPETITION:
Know the businesses in your town. They are not your competition. Share what works for you. Meet regularily in the morning once a month at a different venue. Interact...refer other stores if you can't help. WALMART...BASS PRO..BIG STORES ARE YOUR COMPETITION.
Golf - Tiger Store - Indoor golf and putting green.
Water Slide - Gull Lake Park - Obstacle Course
Golf - Vacant Corner on Main Street (Must be cleaned up. Definitely needs a face lift, Not a good image for downtown) - Outdoor putting gree (when Mom wants to shop...Dad and kids can keep busy).
Sports Activity Centre (Have available for Seniors, Moms , Dads and Children to be in the same facility at the same time. If Mom wants to shop...have a place for the Dad and kids to go for an hour. Or instead of watching TV after supper go to the Sports Centre for some type of activity). - Old Canadian Tire Store, Vending Machines, Coffee Shop - Shuffle Board, Walking Outer Perimeter, WiFi large screen TV for children of different ages, pool tables, squash, Racket ball, obstacle course for the younger kids. Roller skating. Place for Kids while Mom or Dad is shopping. Tricycle, cars, bowling, WiFi, Computers with educational games.
Hours - All down town COMPETE Against Walmart - Stay open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
Hours - Restaurants Compete against Tim Horton's - Open earlier for Breakfast 6:00 - 9:00 am to close. Open again 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. Offer lunch bags with great value.
Clothing stores - All down town COMPETE against Walmart. Stay open same hours for at least 1 year. Your customers are working until 5:00 pm. 1 monthor 2 is not enough to let people know we can depend on you to be open. Convenient stores stay open. - Stay open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. Be open to children. Give them a balloon with helium. Tie on wrist...able to see where child is. Have small area with toys to keep occupied. Have a Table and chair for husband to sit while waiting. DON'T make a Sale for the sake of making a sale. If that outfit does not look right for that customer tell them. You may loose that sale but they will remember and come back because you cared about them not the sale.
Internet Cafe - Computer, Internet Access
Restaurants compete against Swiss Chalet - Existing, stay open later, offer coupons to the schools - Set up intimate area with fireplace, soft music, curtains to help seperate area. Set up area for children...Play area...table, boards, WIFI activity...computer for mind games. Set up flat screen at tables for interactive games. We use to have music in the old days when the kids could chose music. Welcome the students. Compete against Tim Horton's...Offer lunch bags. Open 6:00 for breakfast
Consider the draft Marketing Committee report from 2009
ReplyDeleteJust to introduce myself; I now live in England, but have spent summers at my family cottage on Muldrew Lake since I was born. Muldrew Lake and Gravenhurst are very close to my heart, as it is to my mother, who is now 89, and now to my twelve year old daughter. She, by the way, shares her passion for it with all her friends and teachers. You would be surprised how may people in South East London know about Muldrew Lake and Gravenhurst! I hope this might indicate to you my familiarity with Gravenhurst, and how invested I am in the area and care about its future.
ReplyDeleteI know that it is a challenge to find a solution to how the dramatic changes in Gravenhurst have affected businesses on Main Street, and that this is an issue which is common to many towns in Ontario.
Distance prevents me fro attending your session today, but I have an idea which I would like to put forward.
What immediately came to mind when I was informed of your brainstorming session was a town-run tourist information and local residents "shop" which could provide information and services for the various user groups who live in or visit the area: the full-time town and local area residents, the seasonal residents (such as cottagers) and tourists.
This venue could have:
an information center: geared for all potential user groups
a good, consession run, coffee shop with free wi-fi
a gallery space or wall space for exhibiting art:
I've been to a tourist centre which had wall space for art shows, which was curated by an employee. Perhaps a Gravenhurst variation could be that the space is made available for others to curate. Some summer shows, for example. could have a link with Toronto artists or galleries, to draw in city residents who are spending extended time at cottages, as well as full-time residents. This would also provide an accessible exhibition space for local artists and art students.
Continued from previous post
ReplyDeletean annual/semi-annual exhibition about Gravenhurst and the area:
this could be about the history of it or a response to an aspect of it. I feel that this is fertile ground: the history of Gravenhurst and surrounding area can be viewed from many angles by people who are part of a community within it, or who engage with it from an 'outsiders' perspective: historians, artists, photographers, etc. An exhibition about Norman Bethune and, possibly, his importance in contemporary China is an example. My uncle, Ted Litherland, is an internationally aclaimed physicist has academic has associates who are Chinese scientists. He also has a cottage on Muldrew Lake, on the same island as mine. I know that he is very interested in your forum about Gravenhursts' Main Street, and particularly in harnassing the Bethune/China link.
workshops/courses/performances/support groups/playgroups/a venue for museum out-reach programs:
it would be important that this space worked with, and didn't compete against, existing venues, such as the Opera House. It would have to be an adaptable space and could be based on people making proposals for workshops or courses they want to run. Toronto-based museums may have educational programs, geared for reaching people within the provence who are not in the Toronto area. The member of staff, who organises the usable space, could be pro-active in seeking out and organizing workshops with these organizations.
In summary, I'm thinking of a flexible space that reflects the needs and interests of the people who live, stay long-term or visit Gravenhurst and one that also had a bit of a buzz to it. If designed and run well, it could attract as broad a range of people as possible; families, young people, those who have retired to Gravenhurst, as well as those who are visiting, who want to see what the town has to offer.
Along with providing services, the point would be to give people a reason to visit the main street. This would mean more 'passing trade' for existing businesses and could encourage other businesses to open. It would, therefore, need to be located on Muskoka Rd itself, probably in an existing shop.
Another, more ambitious possibility is that it could occupy part of a new build, mixed use development, on the vacant lot on Muskoka Rd South and Hotchkiss St, for example. If an Architecture Competition was used to arrive at the design, the town would get exposure for the project and be more 'on the map', itself. A design which is contemporary and thoughtful would possibly be more apt, unique and exciting than the pseudo colonial stlye which seems to be the default for so many developments now.
I hope that this idea is one you feel is worth sharing in your brainstorming session.
Received via email....
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have had a cottage on Muskoka Bay just inside the Narrows for many years. Our children have been attanding the cottage since their childhood and the oldest is now 45 years old. We have watched the downtown Gravenhurst retail district decline and wouldn't it be grand to see it flourish again? The reason for this message is to suggest that your committee might find if of interest to visit the town/city of Unionville, Ontario to see how the main section has rejuvenated their downtown area. What a pleasant place to shop and visit. Keep up the good thoughts!