April 2025

Vol. 3, Edition 2

The Monthly Update

Welcome to The Monthly Update.


The monthly e-newsletter is a great way to stay informed about council decisions, programs, services, and other types of information relevant to the Town of Gravenhurst.


Click the button below and sign up to receive future editions in your e-mail inbox.

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Message from the Mayor

Welcome to our April edition of The Monthly Update.


Scroll on and you'll find the lineup for this summer's Music On The Barge concert series.


I don't know about you, but I can't wait to hear some great tunes at Gull Lake Rotary Park on Sunday nights.


The newsletter also contains details about how to apply for our Gravenhurst High School Bursary.


We have $2,000 up for grabs again this year through the bursary program.


Bursary applications are due May 31.


Read on and you will learn about this year's Terence Haight grant recipients.


We awarded $30,000 to nine organizations for 2025.


Again, congratulations to each recipient.


Our Council Highlights package - see further down in the newsletter - contains details about what transpired at our latest meeting.


As you'll see, we're moving ahead with drainage improvements to Abbey Lane and replacing the roof at the Muskoka Discovery Centre.


Additionally, we appointed new members to our committees.


I want to thank these individuals for serving and I hope they find the experience rewarding.


Our council highlights package includes lots of other information I think you'll find interesting, so please be sure to check it out.


Remember, you can always watch our meetings through Gravenhurst.ca or directly on our YouTube channel. Meetings are livestreamed or you can catch the recording at your convenience.


Other items of note in this edition include a blurb about our asset management survey - I hope you'll participate - and a link to our Cinema Under The Stars feedback page, where we want your suggestions for movies we should show this summer.


As always, thanks for spending some time with the newsletter.


I look forward to updating you again next month.


Until then, please take care.


Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

2025 Music On The Barge lineup

The Town of Gravenhurst is pleased to announce the 2025 lineup for the Music On The Barge concert series.


See our website to learn more.

Gravenhurst High School Bursary applications available

The Town of Gravenhurst is now accepting applications for its annual Gravenhurst High School Bursary.


Check out our website to learn more.

Town of Gravenhurst awards 2025 Terence Haight grants

The Town of Gravenhurst is pleased to announce this year's Terence Haight grant recipients.


"On behalf of council and staff, I want to congratulate all our recipients and thank them for the good work they do in our community," Mayor Heidi Lorenz said.


See our website to learn more.   

Be A Donor Month

On April 7, the Town of Gravenhurst hoisted the Be A Donor flag to mark Be A Donor Month. The purpose of the month is to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. April 7 was also Green Shirt Day, another occasion that spotlights organ donation. Muskoka Gift of Life representatives, Gravenhurst council members, and staff were on hand for the flag-raising.

World Autism Day

On April 16, Mayor Heidi Lorenz and fellow council members, along with town staff, joined Autism Ontario representatives for a flag-raising at the municipal office to recognize World Autism Day. Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of more than 50 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario.

Advisory: Silt fencing part of Canada Goose Management Program

Residents and visitors to Gravenhurst will notice silt fencing at the following parks: Muskoka Bay, Muskoka Beach, and Gull Lake.


This fencing is part of our Canada Goose Management Program.


The fencing is a temporary measure to deter geese from nesting and feeding in the parks and will be removed by the second week of June at the latest.


See our website to learn more.


Leo Heritage Trail extension closure

The Leo Heritage Trail extension, crossing over private property to James Street, is closed to pedestrians until further notice.


See our website to learn more.

When it comes to staying connected with the Town of Gravenhurst you've got options.


Visit our website to learn more.

Gravenhurst Council Highlights

Learn what happened at the latest meeting.


Visit our website to review Gravenhurst Council Highlights.

Planning Council - April 29, 2025

Planning Council met April 29, 2025.


Watch the meeting.

SURVEY: Levels of Service - Asset Management

The Town of Gravenhurst is developing a framework to measure, monitor and evaluate the municipal services being provided to the community, and the nature and quality of those services.


Please take our related survey.


Your input is essential to help us understand your priorities, satisfaction with current services, and willingness to invest in future improvements.


Take the survey today.

Cinema Under The Stars

Cinema Under The Stars returns for another season this summer.


Do you have a suggestion that you think would be a great addition to the 2025 lineup?


Let us know what you would like to see.


Visit Engage Gravenhurst to share your movie suggestions.


How to invite members of council to your event

Would you like members of council to attend your event?


Submit your request through our website.

Lottery licensing - know the rules

Are you planning to hold a lottery or raffle in our community? Before you proceed, check out our website to learn more about lottery licensing regulations.

Have you got your short-term rental licence?

Do you operate a short-term rental? The Town of Gravenhurst's STR Licensing Program requires that you have a licence.


Visit our website to learn more.

See a problem? Let us know

If you see playground equipment or other forms of town infrastructure needing repair, please let us know so we can take the proper steps to address the issue.


Visit our website to learn more.

Join our team!

Looking for employment? Consider a career in the municipal sector.


See our website to learn what opportunities are available.

Spring Skating

Spring Skating Programs - take advantage of a longer season with Adult Leisure Skates, Parent and Child Skates, and Parent and Child Shinny.


Fee is $2 each at the door.


Graeme Murray Arena. Until June 26.


Check the calendar for an up-to-date schedule.

Soccer registration

Soccer is back.


This is a non-competitive program focusing on skill development and having fun.


Each session consists of skills, drills, and a game.


Teams will be made and changed each session.


For more details and to register, see our website.

Animal Services

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The Town of Gravenhurst is a pet-friendly community.


Our Animal Services team works to ensure the safety of people and pets in Gravenhurst.


For information about dog licensing, animal control services, and more see our website.


Visit our website to learn more.

Community Calendar

Looking for something to do in Gravenhurst?


Make our website your first stop for information.


Visit our calendar for great ideas.

Recreation

We have a variety of recreation options available in Gravenhurst.


In some instances, these opportunities are offered through the town and in other cases they are provided by various organizations.


Visit our website to learn more.

Opera House

Stay in touch with the Gravenhurst Opera House.


Built in 1901, the opera house is a focal point for great entertainment.


Check out the opera house website to learn more about upcoming performances.


Visit the opera house website.

Gravenhurst Public Library

The Gravenhurst Public Library is a great spot to access reading material, movies, programs, entertainment, and so much more.


Located at 180 Sharpe St. W., the library is open Monday to Saturday.


For hours and more information, visit the library website.

Planning and Building

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Looking for planning and building information?


We are here to help.


Visit our website to learn about the town's official plan, zoning bylaw, building permits, and much more.


Visit our website.

Gravenhurst Fire Department

The Gravenhurst Fire Department provides fire protection services for the community.


Please call 9-1-1 if the department's assistance is required in an emergency.


Read a message from the chief.


Visit our website to learn more about the department.

Council contact

Members of council are your representatives.


They are elected to a four-year council term.


Visit our website to learn more about council members and how you can reach them.

Meeting agenda information

Find meeting agendas at Gravenhurst.ca.


Visit our website to learn more.


You can also subscribe to receive notice when new agendas are available for review.


Subscribe to agendas.

Watch our meetings online

Did you know our council meetings are available on our YouTube channel?


By watching the meetings, you can hear council and staff discussion on a variety of topics and stay better informed about municipal business.


Visit our livestream portal.

District of Muskoka

The District of Muskoka provides important services to our community.


Governing the district is a 23-member council.


To learn more about the district and what it does visit the district website. 

Ontario Provincial Police

Policing in Gravenhurst is provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.


If you require police assistance for an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.


For non-emergency matters, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.


Minor non-emergency matters can also be reported through the OPP website.

211 Ontario

211 Ontario is a free service that connects people to a variety of resources.


To reach 211 Ontario, simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone. 211 is also available by text and e-mail.


Learn more by visiting the 211 website.