TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

STRATEGIC PLAN
2015-2020

Vision without action is merely a dream.

Action without vision just passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.
Joel A. Barker

CONTENTS
Message from the Mayor and Council..................................................................................................... 2
Message from the CAO and Staff............................................................................................................ 2
Vision Statement..................................................................................................................................... 3
Mission Statement................................................................................................................................... 3
Corporate Values..................................................................................................................................... 4
Pillars of Sustainability............................................................................................................................. 5
Our Strategic Goals................................................................................................................................. 6
Goal 1: Build Economic & Employment Opportunities....................................................................... 7
Goal 2: Build A Safer, Healthier & More Environmentally Sustainable Community............................ 8
Goal 3: Build Our Partnerships, Connections & Connectivity.......................................................... 10
Goal 4: Build Our Cultural Capital....................................................................................................11
Goal 5: Provide Better Municipal Service........................................................................................ 12
Framework and Structure of Our Strategic Plan.................................................................................... 13
Moving Our Plan Forward...................................................................................................................... 14

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Message from the Mayor and Council

On behalf of Council, I am pleased to present our new Strategic Plan. This document was developed
with the input of elected officials, Town staff and our community partners. It is reflective of Councils
collective commitment to action. This Plan will guide the actions of Council over the balance of this term
and offer an important platform for future Councils to assess their collective priorities moving forward.
Mayor Paisley Donaldson

As we consider our past and the many accomplishments we have realized by working together, we can
look to a future that holds a constellation of opportunity for us, individually and collectively.
This Strategic Plan is our roadmap to a bright and prosperous future. We look forward to making our
strategic goals and long term vision a reality.

Message from the CAO and Staff

Glen Davies
Chief Administrative Officer

This Strategic Plan will guide the actions of Town staff and be used to make critical decisions at the
operational level about how we effectively allocate our resources, both human and fiscal. This
document represents our blueprint for strategic change, and for securing future opportunities. We will
be guided in all of our actions by the priorities identified herein. We will report regularly on the progress
we are making to realize the key goals and actions, and we will ensure that all submissions that proceed
to Council clearly identify the linkage to the goals of the Strategic Plan.
Within the 20 year vision, this Plan represents the first 5 year cycle that will layout actionable items to
be built on in the subsequent 5 year cycles.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Vision Statement

Gravenhurst will be the Muskoka destination. The most innovative community in

Ontario clean, green, intelligent and sustainable.

Mission Statement
Preserving and enhancing quality of life in Gravenhurst through exceptional and
responsible municipal service delivery.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Corporate Values
Accountability: We are accountable to those we serve. We are responsible and responsive.


Collaboration: We work together as a whole team. We value all of our community
partners.

Integrity: We are open, honest and transparent.

Respect: We are inclusive and welcoming. We value diversity and we treat

everyone fairly and with respect.

Service
Excellence:

We are constantly looking to improve our services and to

enhance our practices.

Wisdom:

We value knowledge and the insight of all.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Balance: The 4 Pillars of Sustainability

During the strategic planning process, community
leaders, Town staff and community members recognized
the importance of promoting Gravenhurst as a Quality
Lifestyle Community.

ECONOMIC HEALTH

CULTURAL
VITALITY

QUALITY
LIFESTYLE
COMMUNITY

SOCIAL WELL-BEING
COHESION

ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY

There was resounding support to endorse the four pillars

of sustainability and to work collectively toward the goal
of balancing social cohesion, environmental resilience,
economic health and cultural vitality. These 4 Pillars
provide a critical framework that will offer an important
strategic platform to guide ongoing municipal
commitments and the decision making processes, today
and into the future.
Definition of a Sustainable Community: A sustainable
community is one that values all of its assets social,
cultural, environmental and economic. A sustainable
community is a healthy community supported by
sustainable development. Sustainable development is
defined as development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
(Bruntland Commission)

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Our Strategic Goals

Our vision for the Town of Gravenhurst offers a 20 year time horizon the same time frame that is articulated in our Official Plan.
To achieve our Vision, we have used a sustainability framework and will focus our efforts in five key goal areas:

GOAL 1:

GOAL 2:

GOAL 3:

GOAL 4:

GOAL 5:

Build Economic
& Employment
Opportunities

Build a Safer,
Healthier & more
Environmentally
Sustainable
Community

Build
Partnerships,
Connections &
Connectivity

Build Cultural
Capital

Provide Better
Municipal
Services

This plan takes a holistic view of the Gravenhurst community emphasizing the interrelationships between its unique elements - rural/urban and
full-time/seasonal residents. The numbers associated with each goal do not indicate order of priority or importance.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Goal 1: Build Economic & Employment Opportunities

Objective 1A: A More Diverse Economy With More Year-Round Employment Opportunities
We will retain existing and attract new businesses to Gravenhurst by:

Committing to the ongoing promotion, implementation and review of the Town of Gravenhurst Economic Development
Strategic Plan.
Continuing to develop and implement a Business Retention & Attraction Strategy.
Strengthening our existing construction and tourism industries by convening meetings with industry partners to explore
value-added opportunities.
Supporting the continued revitalization of our downtown.
Lobbying for the expedited redevelopment and optimal use of key Gravenhurst properties.
Continuing to identify properties in the Town that are shovel ready and available for development and redevelopment.
Reviewing municipal best practices to encourage and support private sector investment in Gravenhurst.
Working with the District of Muskoka and partners to promote the enhanced use of the Muskoka Airport.
Continuing to improve the Towns website and the use of technology to advance timely and accessible communications.

We will attract workers, families and students to choose Gravenhurst as a place for long-term residence by:

Continuing to support the development of a Welcoming Strategy

in conjunction with community partners.

We will increase employment opportunities by:

Creating an Employment Opportunities Roundtable/Task Force

to identify strategies to attract and mentor entrepreneurs,
home-based businesses and the creative class.

Objective 1B: More Effective Marketing

We will connect Gravenhurst to the world by:

Exploring opportunities to increase the Towns profile and visibility so that Gravenhurst is known as the Muskoka Destination.
Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Goal 2: Build A Safer, Healthier & More Environmentally

Sustainable Community
Objective 2A: A Safer Community
We will make Gravenhurst a safer community by:

Investing in emergency services that protect all residents and support the
efforts of emergency services through annual updates and ongoing
implementation of the Emergency Management Plan and Master Fire Plan.
Strengthening relationships with key community partners to address the risk
factors of crime and explore opportunities to increase resident safety.

Objective 2B: A Well-Planned, Healthy, Green and Livable Community

We will improve the health and livability of Gravenhurst by:

Increasing the range of affordable and attainable housing options by working with the District of
Muskoka and the development industry.
Strengthening services for those living at or below the poverty line by working with partners.
Continuing to commit to environmental sustainability by greening our municipal operations
and leading by example.
Identifying opportunities to create better movement of people and linkages
between the three commercial districts in Gravenhurst the south-end
business area, the Wharf and the downtown.
Investing in walking, hiking and biking trails through the development and
implementation of a Parks and Trails Master Plan.
Working with partners to protect water quality and to advance environmental
sustainability practices.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Objective 2B: A Well-Planned, Healthy, Green and Livable Community (Continued)

We will enhance the resilience of our Town by:
Assessing, implementing and monitoring energy conservation programs and policies that reduce our carbon
footprint.
Working with the District of Muskoka to encourage waste reduction and waste diversion.
We will enhance the accessibility of our community by:

Working with District partners to identify opportunities to improve public transportation within the Town
and beyond.
Developing and implementing an Age-Friendly Active Transportation Strategy to improve community
accessibility and walk-ability.
Providing leadership in promoting accessible and inclusive recreational services for all.
Working with partners including Public Health, District Social Service staff and others to enhance the quality of
life for seniors by researching, developing, implementing and evaluating best practices associated with
age-in-place services.
Implementing wayfinding and signage improvements for both residents and visitors. Investing in roads, bridges
and other municipal infrastructure by allocating resources to implement the Capital Plan.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

Goal 3: Build Our Partnerships, Connections & Connectivity

Objective 3A: A More Connected Community A Vibrant Town supported by solid and active partnerships
We will improve our community partnerships and engagement by:

Supporting Community Hubs to encourage social interaction and

community engagement among all community members by

supporting the implementation of key strategic partner initiatives

(i.e. Gravenhurst Library Strategic Plan).

Building civic pride through pro-active community engagement of

citizens and business by implementing strong community development

practices (e.g. Youth Service Providers Network; Cultural Roundtable).

Increasing Town staff presence at community events.

Identifying opportunities to support community volunteer engagement and
recognition.
We will improve community connectivity by:

Promoting Gravenhurst as a leading-edge, technologically advanced

and intelligent community.
Relentlessly pursuing the best information and communications
technology available to support the growth of home based businesses,
e-commerce, telecommuting and effective municipal services.
Supporting and participating in the Intelligent Communities Forum.
Working with our partners to expand fiber-optic services.

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

10

Goal 4: Build Our Cultural Capital

Objective 4A: Valuing Our Cultural & Heritage Assets and Fostering Cultural Innovation
We will make Gravenhurst a Cultural Destination in Canada by:

Working with partners to make existing cultural and heritage features stronger and more attractive to visitors and residents.
Strengthening cultural connections and networks regionally.
Committing to the ongoing promotion, implementation and review of the Municipal Cultural Plan and Town of Gravenhurst
Opera House Strategic Business Plan.
Continuing to support the work of the Cultural Roundtable by identifying opportunities to make Gravenhurst even more welcoming,
inclusive and culturally vibrant.
Developing policies to support the protection of cultural heritage features and public art.

Bethune Memorial House

Music on The Barge - Gull Lake

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

11

Goal 5: Provide Better Municipal Service

Objective 5A: Exceptional Municipal Customer Service
We will work to exceed customer expectations by:

Developing and implementing a Customer Service Standard including Customer

Service Satisfaction Surveys completed by all community members who obtain
services from the Town of Gravenhurst.
Committing to the ongoing review of existing municipal procedures and practices to
identify opportunities for process improvements.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders to find mutually satisfactory solutions that are beneficial for all.
Updating and making an accessible and user-friendly Municipal Services Directory available.

Objective 5B: Exceptional Municipal Management & Operational Excellence

We will promote operational excellence by:

Developing a Comprehensive Human Resources Management Plan to address the human resources needs of the organization

including recruitment and retention, succession planning, staff training and development, compensation and performance
measurement.

Updating a Municipal Asset Management Plan to document current state of municipal infrastructure (parks, etc.).

Completing capital investment plans to address aging infrastructure and growing demand.

Developing and implementing a financial management tracking system to report on financial accountability and progress on key
initiatives.

Creating Team Gravenhurst to promote a whole team approach to municipal service excellence.

Continuing to identify opportunities to improve internal communications.

Continuing to identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and effectiveness improvements.

Controlling costs and managing the Corporation responsibly, professionally and in a fiscally prudent manner.

Monitoring the implementation of the Strategic Plan and reporting outcomes.

Upholding the strategic priorities in the Strategic Plan by ensuring that all Staff Reports to Council demonstrate how the Strategic

Plan is being advanced and supported.

Ensuring municipal operations are carried out in accordance with all applicable legislation, policies and practices but continue to

reflect emerging municipal management best practices.
Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

12

Framework and Structure of Our Strategic Plan

VISION
Gravenhurst will be the Muskoka destination. The most
innovative community in Ontario - Clean, green, intelligent
and sustainable

MISSION: Preserving and enhancing quality of life in Gravenhurst through

exceptional and responsible municipal service delivery

CORPORATE VALUES:
Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Wisdom, Service Excellence, Collaboration

Strategic Objectives

Strategic Goals

The Four Pillars of Sustainability

Economic Health

Goal 1

Environmental
Sustainability

Goal 2

Build Economic &

Employment Opportunities

Build A Safer, Healthier &

More Environmentally
Sustainable Community

A more diverse economy more

year-round employment

A safer community

More effective marketing

Social Well-Being
and Cohesion

Goal 3

Cultural Vitality

Goal 4

Build Our Partnerships,

Connections & Connectivity

Build Our Cultural Capital

A more connected community

supported by solid & active
partnerships

Valuing our Cultural Heritage

Assets & Promoting
Cultural Innovation

A healthier, well-planned, more

livable community, cleaner,
greener, more
sustainable, more accessible

Goal 5

Provide Better Municipal

Service

Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional municipal
management

Strategic Actions

Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

13

Moving Our Plan Forward...

The real measure of a Strategic Plan is the commitment associated with its implementation. This Strategic Plan is considered a living
document. The Strategic Plan is integrated with the Towns business planning and budget process. It is also aligned with staff and
financial management reporting to ensure that desired progress on specific actions are achieved. The relationship between this Strategic
Plan and the Towns business and operational planning is shown in the schematic below:

Strategic Plan

Fiscal Strategy

Department Plans & Budgets

Individual Performance Plans

Every year, staff will review and report to Town Council on progress relating to the implementation of the Strategic Plan. On an ongoing
basis, all reports to Council will require an assessment of how each initiative being presented to Council aligns with this document. Staff
will be required in their report to indicate how each item upholds the vision, goals and strategic objectives of this Plan. We encourage you
to follow our progress. All reports will be posted to our website (www.gravenhurst.ca) for ready access.
The next phase of the strategic planning process will focus on implementing the plan. In Q1 2016, tools such as departmental business
plans, performance measures and report cards, among others will be determined as a means to track the progress being made.
Town of Gravenhurst - Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020

14

Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst

3 - 5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst
P1P 1Z3
Municipal Office
Phone: (705) 687- 3412
Fax: (705) 687- 7016
Toll Free: 1-855-687-3412

www.gravenhurst.ca