McGuinty Government Helps Town With Development Of Its
Market-based Strategy

There is more to the revitalization of downtown Collingwood than the on-street upgrades. The Town of Collingwood is developing market-based, downtown revitalization plans with assistance from the Province of Ontario. Collingwood will receive $150,000 in provincial funding for its downtown revitalization project through the Rural Economic Development Program.

Collingwood's strategic analysis of its newly-expanded Business Improvement Area has identified several initiatives that business and community partners want to develop and deliver. The McGuinty Government recognizes that healthy rural downtowns are a driving force behind Ontario's economic well-being and the communities they serve.

Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said that Collingwood's redevelopment of the downtown commercial Heritage District and waterfront is exciting news for the community. "I congratulate the community leaders who are behind these goals, making a difference in their community."

Mayor Chris Carrier agrees that development that will link the downtown to the waterfront is exciting for the community. "This provincial support sill serve to create linkages within our newly renovated and expanded downtown core ensuring Collingwood's continued success as the region's leading commercial district."

Jeffrey Shearer, Chair of the Collingwood Business Improvement Area, said that the BIA knows from customer surveys that Downtown Collingwood is highly regarded. "With this new project, we want to create a seamlessly connected, downtown shopping experience linked to our Georgian Bay shoreline."

Collingwood has already completed a great deal of work in preparation for the downtown project. An updated branding strategy has been undertaken and the BIA has expanded its district to include more area businesses. Collingwood has also completed a First Impressions Community Exchange project and a Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) study to provide market-based information for future decisions.

The Town of Collingwood will also rely on assistance from economic development staff at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs who live and work in rural Ontario.