Gravenhurst council has approved a new bylaw to penalize vacant and underdeveloped buildings.
It comes after concerns raised in a 2025 staff report, which says the business landscape across Ontario continues to see challenges and impacts that are negatively affecting many communities, including Gravenhurst. Staff was then directed to investigate better business incentives and vacancy deterrents to ensure that new development keeps pace with the community’s expansion.
During the April 21 council meeting, Melissa Halford, director of development services, presented a report introducing a new bylaw, which includes new rules and regulations, penalties and maintenance requirements for the owners of vacant properties.
According to the report, the bylaw includes a 90-day introductory period focused on compliance and education for vacant commercial buildings and landowners within the Town’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area before penalties are enforced. After that, unregistered vacant buildings and parcels would be subject to increased penalties.
The penalties range from $1,000 to $5,000 per unoccupied unit in a building. Additionally, failure to register a building within 30 days results in a $2,500 penalty, followed by a final 30-day window to achieve compliance. A $5,000 penalty would also be imposed if the fine is not paid within seven days, along with an additional $1,500 per infraction for owners who fail to comply with owner responsibilities.
The report states any properties remaining vacant for a period of two years would be subject to review by committee and direction, and the owner could face potential action through court orders, expropriation efforts, or the implementation of different tax programs.
Halford said the Economic Development Division would be in contact with existing property owners to inform them of the new bylaw and the relevant dates. She said an online registration portal will be launched to facilitate both applications and fee payments.
Following the initial contact, Halford said staff will schedule follow-up appointments prior to the compliance deadline and issue formal written notices as required.
