Week of May. 23, 2017
Georgina Economic Development Updates
Province takes important step towards building the Highway 400-404 Connecting Link.hwylink

A critical connection between Highway 400 and Highway 404 through the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is one significant step closer to reality, after the long sought-after transportation link was added to the Government of Ontario's updated Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe on May 18.

The new Growth Plan cites the Highway 400-404 Connecting Link - referred to in the plan as a "Highway Extension" - as an element of the infrastructure required to support growth in the area as well as the province's strategy for moving goods. Previous versions of the plan did not include the Link.

Inclusion in the plan shows that the province recognizes the need for the Connecting Link to better move people and goods through this region. The plan does not specify timelines for construction of new infrastructure; however a provincial environmental assessment has already been undertaken and approved. 

Click Here for more information on the proposed Link.
2017 Discover Georgina Visitor's Guide Released.Discovergeorgina

You can start planning your trip by checking out where to  stay, play and dine  or our by viewing the new Discover Georgina Tourism Guide. 

If you would like to order a copy of the new Discover Georgina guide please Click Here.

Click Here for the digital version.
Vacant Unit Property Tax Rebate Program May 30th.vacant

Property owners are invited
to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) regarding the Vacant Unit Property Tax Rebate Program on Tuesday, May 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Town of Newmarket Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive), hosted by the Northern Six (N6) municipalities of York Region, including Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville, with participation by York Region.

Based on the opportunity provided by the Province of Ontario, the N6 municipalities are considering
options to modify or eliminate the Vacant Unit Property Tax Rebate Program. Currently, property owners
of vacant commercial and industrial buildings can apply for property tax relief through their municipality.
Successful vacant rebate applications receive a property tax rebate of 30 per cent for vacant commercial
space and 35 per cent for vacant industrial space.

Location: Newmarket Municipal Offices ( 395 Mulock Drive, Newmarket). Cane Room A and B.
Date: Tuesday, May 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Click Here if you cannot attend and wish to provide feedback.
Business Signage.signs
cafe_sign.jpg
Are you a new business in town and wanting to install permanent, temporary or replace existing signage?

The Town of Georgina has a by-law regulating signage which can be viewed Here. The by-law indicates prohibited signs, permit information, including other guidelines.

For signage permit application questions inquiries please contact the Town of Georgina By-law Department at 905-476-4301 ext. 2279.  
Explore Lake Simcoe Project. lakesimcoe

The Explore Lake Simcoe Project is a partnership
between the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and Tourism Barrie. The project was created to provide free support to small and medium-size independent business owners operating in the Lake Simcoe watershed who are interested in adopting environmetnally sustainable business practices.

Explore Lake Simcoe looks forward to working with local businesses on the path towards making the Lake Simcoe area a sustainable tourist destination.

Please visit and complete the online operator self-assessment, or download a PDF of a sector-specific toolkit to complete the assessment and email it to [email protected] .

Click Here for more information on this project and access to the toolkits. 
Enterprising Careers. Exploring Self-employment Program for Women.yrkworks

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?
  • Potential advantages and disadvantages
  • Explore the entrepreneurial traits and the technical skills required to operate the business.
  • Identify resources for research related to starting a business.
  • Attend group sessions one morning a week for 3 weeks.
Now registering for our spring session in Sutton

Date: Tuesday June 6th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please call or email to sign up for an Orentation Session scheduled on May 30th.

Call: 905-853-9270 ext. 104 or Email: [email protected]
Upcoming Programs at GTTI - The Training Centre.GTTI
  • Construction Hands on Training - 10 Week NO COST Program.
  • Personal Support Worker Program.
  • Learn To Weld Program.
Contact us today to register for a program or for more information visit www.gtti.ca.

Call: 905-722-6300 or Email: [email protected]
Do you want to revitalize your business with new Façade Improvements? Apply for a 2017 Community Improvement Plan Grant!CIP

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is intended   to improve a defined area within a community that has been identified as in need of revitalization. The CIP will articulate visions for Upt own Keswick, Downtown Sutton and Downtown Jackson's Point.

2017 GRANT PROGRAMS:
  • Facade Improvement Grant Program
  • Heritage Building Improvement Grant Program
  • Landscape Improvement Grant Program
  • Accessibility Improvement Grant Program
Click Here to view the application forms.

Sean Columbus
Economic Development Officer
905-476-4301 ext. 2330
Town of Georgina Economic Development & Community Betterment Grants.commbett

The purpose of this Grant Program is to provide funds to support festivals and events that are aligned with the ongoing initiatives being undertaken by the Economic Development and Tourism Division. Eligible events, festivals and programs are those that assist with enhancing the identity of, and create an economic impact within the community. These events will also support the development of the Town's Cultural Plan and create an increased awareness of opportunities available in Georgina.  
 
Anyone interested in the grant program is asked to contact Cristina Liu to review the proposed submission and application process before submitting an application.  
 
All applications must be submitted to:

Cristina Liu
Economic Development Office
905-476-4301 ext. 2300
MARKETING TIPS
Have you created your FREE online profile on TripAdvisor? Reviews mean more $$$.mkttips 

  • 50% of TripAdvisor users reference TripAdvisor reviews before booking or choosing a business.
  • 80% read at least 6-12 reviews before making a decision.
Click Here for more information on the benefits TripAdvisor can have to your business and how to get started.

To claim you listing visit:  https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Owners
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 
Upcoming Georgina Events

Georgina Farmers Market. Sunday's May 14th - Oct 29th, 2017

Follow the Farmers Market Facebook page for the latest updates.

For vendor inquiries please contact Natalia Zammitti for more information.

Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Ones Vehicle Event May 27th.

Events run May to September Saturday's 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather permitted).

Local weekly car show to bring together families and vehicle enthusiasts. Join us for games, music, contests, movies, food and the showcasing of rare and spectacular vehicles.

Click Here for more info.

2nd Annual Georgina Mayor's Golf Classic June 6th.

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

There is still the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor for as little as $250 as a Hole Sponsor or $500 as a Bronze Sponsor in exchange for promotion of your business at the tournament.

We are also looking for prizes for our various contests and also for door prizes. Big or small we welcome all donations.

For more details call Tammi Roberts at
905-476-4305 ext 2213 or email [email protected]

Located at the Briars Golf Club. 
Registration & Lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Shotgun Start 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

"Dolls and Monsters"
May 27th.

"Sean McCann"
June 1st.

"Surfin Safari"
July 8th.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets and for more details. 

Georgina Military Day June 10th.

It is a fun filled day for the whole family. Restored military vehicles, hunger satisfying BBQ'd food, face painting for kids, exhibiltions from re-enactors, and a great silent auction. Featuring The Queen's York Rangers.

Located at the Georgina Military Museum.

Click Here for more info.

Red Barn Concert Series June 11th.

All of the concerts in the Jackson's Point Parkette are free and open to the public, so enjoy the shows and the vendors and exhibitors in the Red Barn Concert Series.

Click Here for more info.

Music in the Streets June 24th. 

Live entertainment throughout the day, including students from Connors Music as well as local bands, choirs and theatre groups.

Click Here for more info.

Canada Day Celebration July 1st.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation presents communities across the nation with a unique opportunity to create and showcase the evolution of our great country. In true Canadian form, event goers can enjoy a diverse collection of live entertainment, great food, inflatables, and activities for all ages that truly honour and commemorate our heritage and culture. The day's events conclude with a spectacular firework display fit for the Queen! Paint our town red and shite this Canada Day and join us for a fun filled family event that is sure to go down in history! 

Click Here for more info.

Yorkworks Sutton
June W orkshop & Events Calendar. 

Click Here to access the current June calendar.
Town of Georgina - Economic Development & Tourism Division | 905-476-4301
| [email protected] | www.georgina.ca
Town of Georgina
26557 Civic Centre Road
Keswick, L4P 3G1