Gravenhurst will be going ahead with the development of its harbour into a tourist attraction thanks to a $2,000,000 commitment by FedNor, along with an initial investment of $496,100 going toward a planning and environmental study. The total amount contributed by FedNor will be $2,496,100.
The Muskoka Wharf project involves a number of tourist attractions to replenish the economy by encouraging the potential growth as a marine-related tourism centre.
A public and private partnership, which includes Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society, Forrec Ltd. and Evanco Corp., will help to complement the venture.
Approximately 200 permanent jobs will be created as a result of this project, which is expected to attract an estimated 520,000 visitors annually. Ultimately the long-term objective is to nurture sustainable jobs, while creating an economic climate that will promote new businesses to the area, says an official with the Town of Gravenhurst.
In 1994 the town council established a sub-committee to oversee the marketing of the lands around Gravenhurst Bay as a development opportunity in an effort to kick-start the area’s prominence in the economy.
FedNor will assist with costs related with engineering design, master planning, and infrastructure and heritage attraction components.
“The support from FedNor is a catalyst for our endeavors to promote tourism and economic development in the Gravenhurst area,” John Klink, Gravenhurst’s town mayor says.
