Grand Valley Economic Development Committee

Driving Growth, Building Opportunity, Welcoming Business

Welcome to the Economic Development Committee for the Town of Grand Valley — a vibrant and growing community in the heart of Dufferin County. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, developer, or community leader, Grand Valley is open for business and ready to grow with you.

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is dedicated to fostering a thriving local economy by: 

•    Supporting business retention and expansion 
•    Attracting new investment and development 
•    Promoting Grand Valley as a destination for entrepreneurship 
•    Collaborating with regional partners and stakeholders 
•    Providing strategic direction for marketing, research, and planning 


Together with our Business Improvement Area (BIA), we work to create a competitive, safe, and prosperous business environment for all. 

The EDC is guided by a clear set of strategic goals:

  •  Position Grand Valley competitively in the regional and provincial marketplace
  •  Streamline economic development activities to maximize impact
  •  Foster prosperity and opportunity for residents, businesses, and municipal partners
  •  Encourage regional thinking while supporting local autonomy
  • Provide a forum for collaboration, innovation, and shared success townofgrandvalley

The Committee is comprise of ten (10) voting members appointed by Grand Valley Council and one non-voting member, consisting of the following:

  • Two (2) representatives from Town Council
  • Eight (8) members of the public
  • One (1) representative of Town Staff (non-voting)

Meetings are held a minimum of 4 times in each calendar year at the Town's Municipal Offices, 5 Main Street North, Grand Valley.  All agendas and minutes are posted to the Town's website on the Committee and Council Calendar.

Current Committee Members

Chair Laura Goulding
Vice Chair Joanne Stevenson
Committee Member Martin Kouyoumdjian
Committee Member Amy Steel
Committee Member Steve Milies
Council Member Philip Rentsch, Deputy Mayor
Council Member James Jonker

3 Vacancies - as of September, 2025 

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Grand Valley?

The Economic Development Committee is always looking for engaged citizens, business owners, and professionals to join our mission. As a member, you’ll help guide strategic initiatives, share insights, and contribute to the town’s long-term success. 

Ready to join? Please send a letter of interest to mail@townotgrandvalley.ca 

Why Grand Valley?

Growing Community

Our town has grown by over 30% since 2016, now home to 3,851 residents. This growth is only just the beginning. The Town’s population is forecasted to increase to 16,500 by 2051, representing a quadruple increase from its current population. townofgrandvalley

Strategic Location

Nestled along the Grand River, Grand Valley offers scenic beauty, proximity to major urban centres, and a strong agricultural base. 

Affordable Land & Infrastructure

We offer available sites and buildings at competitive rates, ideal for startups and expansions. 

Supportive Ecosystem

Access free tools, business directories, and regional support through Valley Alive and our network of partners.

Diverse Economy

Agriculture remains a backbone, with nearly 100 farms generating over $17 million in gross receipts, while new sectors continue to  emerge.

Resident Survey Feedback

In 2025, the Economic Development Committee invited residents to share their thoughts about Grand Valley’s strengths and ways we could improve the community.  

A common theme was a love for the small town feel alongside the Grand River, with an appetite for more access to a variety of goods and services.

This is what we learned:

Approximately 70% of households have three or more people.

This means a large portion of our population are families with a variety of needs.

Approximately 50% of adults work at home, in a hybrid environment or are retired.

This means there is a large portion of our population who spend most of their time in Grand Valley and are seeking access to goods and services close to home.

Approximately 75% of households are shopping for their personal or household items in person.

This means our residents have a strong desire to access their needs via physical storefront (example:. Groceries, retail, excreta).

There is a strong desire for a variety of affordable goods and services within the community.

When asked, residents shared desire for:

  • Health care such as doctors office, walk in clinic or eye doctor
  • Bank
  • Larger grocery store
  • Fast Food such as Tim Hortons or Subway
  • Retail such as a Dollar Store, Giant Tiger or Walmart. 

Resources for business

Available Land

Business Directory

Community Profile

Start or relocate your business

Community Newsletter

Contact Us

Have questions or want to get involved?

Reach out to our Town Planner at 519-928-5652 or via email.

What are you looking for?

Contact Us

Town of Grand Valley
5 Main St. N., Grand Valley
Ontario L9W 5S6
Telephone: 1-519-928-5652
Fax: 1-519-928-2275

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Closed holidays.

Contact Us