The Sutton Business Improvement Area (BIA) officially inaugurated a floating water fountain at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their annual Festival on High festival this past weekend. Located south of the High St. Bridge in the Black River, the project enhances the Sutton Downtown area and is a great addition for residents and tourists visiting the municipality. 

There have been countless hours involved in this beautification project with support from many stakeholders and individuals within the municipality and outside. Specifically the Town of Georgina, the Georgina Kinsmen, and Southlake Community Futures Development Corporation. 

The Sutton BIA extends its gratitude to a wealth of local supports, including: the residents and merchants of downtown Sutton, in particular Terry Russel; Ward 4 Councillor Frank Sebo; Town of Georgina Economic Development Officer Sean Columbus; Larry Brandbridge, commercial diver with Lower Lakes Marine Bridgenorth; Meek Electric: and Arbrux Fountains of Barrie. 

The general objectives of a BIA are to provide beautification enhancements in a business area to create a more pleasant atmosphere for local businesses and neighboring residential areas. "We're very excited", says Carolyn Crate, Chair of the Sutton BIA. "The fountain is an eye-catching landmark that we hope will encourage travelers to stay in town and shop".

The local Georgina community and tourists have been engaging with Town of Georgina staff at various festivals and events this summer. Most recently staff have been on site at the Sutton BIA Festival on High and Purple Turtle Arts Festival. The next upcoming event where Town Staff will be, is the Pefferlaw Family Picnic on August 6.

The Chicken Station - 2100 Metro Rd, Jackson's Point

The Chicken Station just recently celebrated their 1 year anniversary and official ribbon cutting. Located in the Jackson's Point Business Improvement Area, the Chicken Station is a takeout restaurant which also offers catering.

If you would like to request an official Grand Opening and want your picture featured in an upcoming e-newsletter contact Sean Columbus.

In Ontario, the average farmer is 55 years old, but only 8.5% of farms have a succession plan. How can you help?

Join the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Community of Practice for a webinar exploring the transition of farm businesses.  Whether the farm has a successor in mind or the future is still unknown, it will be explored on what municipalities are doing to bridge this gap, and identify the resources available to help Ontario farmers with succession planning.

Click Here to Register

Click Here to view the application forms.  Please note the CIP Grants are only available for businesses within the BIA Boundaries. Applications must also be submitted before work starts.

Contact Sean Columbus if you are interested.

Economic Development Officer

905-476-4301 ext. 2330

[email protected]

The objective of the grant program is to provide financial assistance for programs and events that serve to promote the Town of Georgina to markets outside Georgina, generate economic opportunities for the local business community and provide for the betterment of the Community. In order to take full advantage of the collaborative marketing efforts provided by the Economic Development & Tourism Division, applications should be submitted six (6) months prior to the event date. You can view the application by  Clicking Here.

If you are interested in applying please contact Cristina Liu via email  [email protected] or call 905-476-4301 ext 2300.

Article Courtesy of The Story of Telling.