Economic Development News
Economic Development Update – Village of South River
Stargazing Tourism – A Growing Success for South River
The Village of South River's Stargazing Experience at Tom Thomson Park has become a successful new tourism initiative, demonstrating strong interest in South River as a destination for astronomy, nature-based tourism, and unique outdoor experiences.
The August 2026 Perseid Meteor Shower & Stargazing Experience reached full capacity, attracting visitors from communities across Ontario, including a significant number travelling from southern Ontario. The strong participation demonstrated the potential for specialized tourism experiences to bring new visitors to South River, support local businesses, and increase the community's regional visibility.
The Village sincerely appreciates the support and collaboration of local businesses, Great Canadian Wilderness, tourism partners, volunteers, and community supporters who helped promote and strengthen the event. These partnerships play an important role in expanding South River's tourism reach and creating opportunities for broader local economic benefits.
Building on this success, the Village has planned different tourism and community experiences throughout the year, consistent with its strategic approach to developing year-round and shoulder-season visitation. Stargazing, fall colours, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and other community assets provide opportunities to create experiences that encourage visitors to discover South River, return to the community, and support the local economy.
Tom Thomson Park – Stargazing & Tourism Development – Ongoing (2026)
The Village has made significant progress in developing Tom Thomson Park as a destination for stargazing, outdoor recreation, and experiential tourism.
A major focus of this work has been pursuing Urban Star Park designation. The Village began the application process in late 2025 and has worked through the required criteria, documentation, site assessment, night-sky measurements, lighting considerations, public education, and other supporting requirements. Following this extensive process, the Village has now submitted its application and reached the final stage of the designation process.
The designation would represent an important milestone for both the Park and the community, helping position Tom Thomson Park as a recognized destination for dark-sky observation, astronomy, stargazing, and night-sky experiences.
Following designation, the Village intends to build on this recognition through continued tourism development, stargazing programming, public education, special events, and destination marketing. The long-term goal is to attract dark-sky observers, stargazers, photographers, astronomy enthusiasts, and visitors from across Canada and internationally, while creating new opportunities for local tourism and economic activity.
This initiative demonstrates the Village's commitment to developing its natural assets into distinctive and sustainable tourism opportunities while strengthening South River's profile as a unique destination in Northern Ontario.
Business and Tourism Marketing, Community Visibility & Regional Promotion- Ongoing
The Village continues to expand its efforts to promote South River as a place to visit, live, invest, and do business.
Through the Economic Development Office, the Village is strengthening its business and tourism marketing activities, with a particular focus on increasing the visibility of local businesses and showcasing what South River has to offer.
As part of this initiative, the Village has produced five promotional videos featuring local businesses, providing businesses with an additional platform to showcase their products, services, and stories. These videos are being shared through the Village of South River's YouTube channel and other digital platforms to reach audiences both within and beyond the community.
The business video promotion initiative is ongoing, with additional promotional videos planned as the Village continues to work with and highlight local businesses.
These efforts complement the Village's broader promotion of local attractions, community events, tourism experiences, transportation connections, and investment opportunities, helping strengthen South River's visibility and presence across the region.
Business Retention, Growth & Funding Support - Ongoing
The Village of South River continues to support the retention and growth of local businesses by providing direct assistance through the Economic Development Office.
Local businesses have opportunities to participate in one-to-one meetings to discuss their individual needs, challenges, future plans, and potential opportunities. This allows the Village to better understand the needs of the local business community and provide relevant information and guidance.
The Village also assists businesses in identifying available funding programs, grants, and other resources that may align with their needs. Where appropriate, businesses are connected with government programs, regional economic development organizations, and other partners that can provide additional expertise and support.
Through ongoing communication and individualized support, the Village aims to help businesses identify opportunities, access available resources, plan for growth, and remain successful in South River.
Businesses interested in discussing their needs, potential funding opportunities, or future plans are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Office.
Growing Business Engagement & Local Business Promotion- July 2026
The Village continues to strengthen its relationship with the local business community through business meetings, outreach, and ongoing communication.
At a recent meeting with the local business community, discussions focused on ongoing economic development activities and initiatives within the Village. Mayor Jim Coleman welcomed local business representatives, while Councillor Brenda Scott invited businesses to share their perspectives on how current initiatives are supporting the local business community.
The Economic Development Officer provided updates on ongoing initiatives and opportunities, and Councillor Teri Brandt also attended and participated in the meeting. Clerk-Administrator Don McArthur presided over the meeting.
These meetings provide valuable opportunities for local businesses to connect with the Village and with one another, share ideas and perspectives, discuss local opportunities and challenges, and stay informed about municipal initiatives.
New Regional Transportation Connection – FlixBus- June 2026
In June 2026, South River welcomed the arrival of its first FlixBus service, providing a direct transportation connection between South River and Toronto, with access to destinations across Ontario and beyond.
The Village continues to actively support initiatives and partnerships that improve transportation and regional connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors. Village representatives participated in the inaugural arrival and welcomed this important addition to the community's transportation options.
The Village values its continued relationships with Crystal Cave Canada, Explorers' Edge, Great Canadian Wilderness, and other regional and tourism partners whose collaboration helps strengthen transportation, tourism, and economic opportunities throughout the region.
South River Council Mayor Jim Coleman, Deputy Mayor Bill O’Hallarn, Councillor Brenda Scott and Councillor Teri Brandt congratulating John and Julia Breckenridge, James Toth and Braelyn Rose of Crystal Cave on the arrival of FlixBus!
The addition of FlixBus, alongside existing bus services and the planned return of passenger rail, further strengthens South River's accessibility and connection to larger communities and markets, supporting tourism, visitor movement, and long-term economic development.
Community-Wide Garage Sale – Growing Local Economic Activity - May 2026
The South River Community-Wide Garage Sale, held on May 16, 2026, continues to grow as a successful annual community initiative. First introduced in 2025, the event grew from 21 registered participants in its first year to over 35 registered households in 2026, with additional unregistered participants also joining throughout the Village.
To support the event's continued growth, the Village undertook an expanded promotional campaign, including multiple promotional videos, posters, digital advertising, and regular social media promotion. Registration and promotion also extended beyond South River, helping attract participants and visitors from neighbouring communities.
The 2026 event generated strong visitor traffic throughout South River and over $10,000 in estimated direct household economic activity alone. This estimate represents household sales and does not include additional spending at local businesses. Local food and convenience businesses also reported increased customer traffic and sales activity during the event.
The Village continues to review participant feedback and identify opportunities to improve and expand the event each year, including promotion, organization, visitor experience, and community participation.
The continued growth of the Community-Wide Garage Sale demonstrates how community events can bring visitors into South River, encourage local spending, support businesses, strengthen community participation, and increase the Village's regional visibility.
Strengthening Regional Rail Connectivity – May 2026
On May 8, 2026, the Village of South River welcomed Ontario Northland and regional municipal leaders to the South River Train Station as preparations continue for the return of passenger rail service.
The gathering brought together municipal leaders from across the region and highlighted South River’s important role in the renewed Northern transportation network.
The return of passenger rail represents an important opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity, tourism, access to employment and services, and local economic development, while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Pictured from left to right: Town of Huntsville Deputy Mayor Dan Armour, Town of Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock, Village of South River Mayor Jim Coleman, Town of Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz, Graydon Smith, MPP, Ciara Ryan, Tourism and Cultural Development Officer for the Town of Bracebridge, and Town of Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney.
$1.5 Million Provincial Investment in Water Infrastructure – February 2026
In February 2026, the Village of South River welcomed an investment of $1,523,875 from the Government of Ontario through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream. The funding will support important upgrades to the South River Water Treatment Plant, including upgrades and a new centrifuge designed to improve efficiency, reduce sludge-management costs, and help maintain the continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water.
The funding announcement was attended by Mayor Jim Coleman, Clerk-Administrator Don McArthur, and MPP Graydon Smith, who announced the investment on behalf of the Government of Ontario.
This investment strengthens South River’s critical infrastructure while helping prepare the community for future housing, population growth, business development, and long-term economic sustainability.
Provincial Engagement on Regional Transportation – January 2026
The Village of South River continues to maintain active communication with provincial and regional partners regarding transportation and connectivity priorities for the community. In January 2026, Deputy Mayor Bill O’Hallarn and the Economic Development Officer met with Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria to discuss the Village’s ongoing local transportation efforts and the return of the Ontario Northlander passenger rail service.
During the visit, Village representatives also had the opportunity to meet with other regional leaders and municipal representatives, strengthening relationships and discussing shared transportation priorities and opportunities for improved regional connectivity.
The Village continues to stay engaged with government representatives, regional leaders, and transportation partners to ensure South River’s needs and opportunities remain part of regional transportation discussions. These ongoing efforts support improved connectivity, tourism, workforce mobility, and long-term economic development.
Local Ride-Share Transit Initiative (Planning Stage) - August 2025
The Village of South River is currently in the planning stage of introducing a local ride-share transit system designed to improve mobility and accessibility for residents, workers, and visitors. This initiative will prioritize local hiring, creating employment opportunities while strengthening community capacity.
Once implemented, the service will enhance local connectivity by linking neighbourhoods, employment locations, services, and regional transportation hubs. Importantly, the ride-share system is intended to complement the return of the Ontario Northlander rail service, providing first- and last-mile transportation options. Improved mobility supports workforce participation, access to education and healthcare, and helps local businesses attract both customers and employees- key drivers of sustainable economic development.
Return of Ontario Northlander Rail Service – October 2025
The Village is pleased to welcome the return of Ontario Northlander passenger rail service in Fall 2026. South River will be the only train stop between Huntsville and North Bay, positioning the community as a strategic regional access point.
This renewed rail connection is expected to significantly enhance tourism, visitor spending, and regional visibility, while also supporting residents who commute or travel for education, healthcare, and employment. Improved regional accessibility strengthens South River’s competitiveness as a destination for investment, small business development, and tourism-related enterprises, including accommodations, food services, and cultural experiences.
Tom Thomson Park – Urban Dark Sky Park Designation (In Progress)- Sept 2025
The Village is actively working toward securing an Urban Dark Sky Park designation for Tom Thomson Park. Building on the success of stargazing events hosted during Summer 2025, this designation would formally recognize the park as a unique natural and educational asset.
Urban dark sky initiatives support astro-tourism, cultural programming, and seasonal events, attracting visitors during shoulder seasons and extending overnight stays. This initiative aligns with broader tourism development goals, enhances the Village’s brand, and creates opportunities for partnerships with regional tourism organizations, local businesses, and educational institutions.
Restored Train Station – Heritage Building
The South River Train Station, one of the oldest train station buildings in the region, has recently been restored by the Village to preserve its historical character and community significance. The renovation project focused on maintaining the heritage value of the building while preparing it for active use within the community.
Municipal Investment in Solar Energy Opportunities (In Progress)
The Village of South River is actively exploring solar energy initiatives as part of its commitment to sustainability, cost efficiency, and long-term economic resilience. These efforts focus on assessing opportunities for renewable energy generation on municipal assets and lands, with the dual objective of reducing operational costs and supporting environmental stewardship.
Investing in solar energy positions the Village to attract green investment, support climate-resilient infrastructure, and demonstrate leadership in clean energy adoption. Over the long term, renewable energy projects can generate operational savings, create skilled employment opportunities, and enhance South River’s appeal to environmentally conscious businesses and residents.
Supporting Newcomer Settlement and Workforce Integration
The Village continues to support newcomer settlement and integration as a key component of workforce development and community growth. South River works in collaboration with the North Bay Multicultural Centre, connecting newcomers to settlement services, employment supports, and job search resources.
By supporting newcomers in their transition to the community, the Village strengthens local labour supply, supports employers facing workforce shortages, and fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment. These efforts contribute to population retention, economic stability, and long-term community sustainability.
Business Promotion and Marketing Initiatives (Ongoing)
The Village of South River has recently launched business promotion initiatives aimed at increasing visibility for local enterprises and strengthening the community’s economic profile. This includes the production of promotional videos highlighting local businesses, assets, and opportunities, with additional marketing content currently in development.
Businesses interested in participating in promotional initiatives or seeking support with visibility and outreach are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Office. These initiatives support local entrepreneurship, attract visitors and investors, and reinforce South River’s identity as an active, business-friendly community.