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August 2025
Vol. 3, Edition 6
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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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Labour Day is just around the corner.
I hope that everyone in our community had a terrific summer.
As students and teachers prepare to head back to class, I want to wish each one of you a successful school year.
A reminder to motorists: please use extra caution navigating local roads once school starts. We want everyone to reach their destination safely.
I'm happy to report that work on the 2026 municipal budget is now under way. The draft budget will be available for review and comment later this fall. Watch EngageGravenhurst.ca for details about how to participate in this year's budget process.
As you will see in this month's e-newsletter, you can visit EngageGravenhurst.ca to share your thoughts about proposed user fees and charges for 2026. I hope you will take some time to review the information and let us know what you think.
This month's e-newsletter contains a variety of other information that I hope you and your family will find useful. Please be sure to check out the fall programs we have available.
There are some great events happening in September.
The 150th annual Severn Bridge Fall Fair is Saturday, Sept. 6. For fair details, check out severnfair.org.
On behalf of council, I extend congratulations to the community on the 150th anniversary of the fair. Reaching such a monumental milestone is a remarkable achievement - one that is a testament to everyone involved in making this fall tradition possible over the years.
Another great event we have coming up is Doors Open Gravenhurst on Sept. 20 and the Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour on Sept. 27 and 28.
I look forward to updating you again next month.
Until then, please take care.
Heidi Lorenz,
Mayor.
| Community engagement opportunity | |
The Town of Gravenhurst wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed user fees and charges for 2026.
Visit Engage Gravenhurst to review the proposed user fees and charges and provide your feedback.
| On Aug. 12, council acknowledged Finn MacDonald as the 2025 Gravenhurst High School Bursary recipient. On behalf of council, Mayor Heidi Lorenz congratulated MacDonald on receiving the $2,000 bursary. The town provides the bursary each year to a GHS graduate to help them further their education at the post-second level. The town accepts bursary applications every spring. MacDonald is attending the University of Ottawa this fall, where he will study political science and philosophy. | Educational achievement for town staffer | Congratulations to Bessie Steele, an administrative clerk 2 in the Town of Gravenhurst's Legislative Services Department, on completing the Municipal Administration Program (MAP). MAP is a certificate program through the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. Each unit in the program has assignments that involve reading, research, writing, and application, providing individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the municipal sector. On Aug. 12, Mayor Heidi Lorenz and Kayla Thibeault, director of legislative services for the town, presented Steele with her MAP certificate. | Mark your calendar for Coffee with Council | |
We're holding our first Coffee with Council on Saturday, Sept. 27 and we hope you'll attend.
Coffee with Council will take place in the Terry Fox Auditorium at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre from 10 a.m. to noon. People are welcome to drop in at any point during the session.
The purpose of Coffee with Council is to allow the public and council members the opportunity to have informal one-on-one talks and small group conversations about topics of interest.
Want to get to know your council members better? Have a question you want to ask them? Is there an issue in the community you want to raise?
Then join us for Coffee with Council.
See you soon!
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Community Improvement Grants can help businesses make their properties more accessible and inclusive.
This is a win for everyone.
Gravenhurst Optometry took advantage of the Structural Improvement Grant to install an accessible door and pave their driveway.
Learn more about the CIP program.
| Gravenhurst business expands | On Aug. 27, members of council and the community gathered to celebrate the expansion of the Artisans Edge at 480 Muskoka Rd. S. The business now has a dedicated salon space in addition to the barbershop. Learn more about Artisans Edge. | Pickleball tourney supports GAP | On Aug. 13, The Gravenhurst Curling Club hosted a pickleball tournament as a fundraiser for Gravenhurst Against Poverty. On hand for the fun were five members of Gravenhurst council: Councillors Sandy Cairns, Jo Morphy, Peter Johnston, Erin Strength, and Christina Hunter. GAP offers meals, food hampers, transportation, and wellness programs to adults and youth. Learn more about GAP. | Special anniversary for Kilworthy Park | The Sparrow Lake Historical Society celebrated the 30th anniversary of Kilworthy Park in August. Betty Chish-Graham, one of the original committee members and a local driving force for preservation, is pictured marking the anniversary with other community members. | Habitat build in Gravenhurst | On July 29, Mayor Heidi Lorenz was joined by Gravenhurst councillors, MP Scott Aitchison, MPP Graydon Smith, and other dignitaries for Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North's groundbreaking of its newest housing project at 369 Muskoka Beach Road in Gravenhurst. The project involves the creation of six affordable housing units. Learn more about the project. | Mayor Heidi Lorenz (from left), Councillor Jo Morphy, and Councillor Sandy Cairns attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa Aug. 17-20. The three joined fellow Muskoka area representatives and met with provincial officials to discuss topics such as primary care recruitment, emergency detour routes, and housing. | And the Daisy Award goes to... | |
Congratulations to the gardeners and/or property owners recognized with a Daisy Award for their beautiful front yards that contribute to a more attractive community.
Visit our website for a map of locations, list of winners, and photos.
| Bay and Beyond project information | |
The Bay and Beyond infrastructure project has resumed for another season.
Looking for information about the work that's taking place?
Check out the project page.
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We dig Gravenhurst is a Town of Gravenhurst initiative designed to support and enhance the experience of businesses, visitors, and residents during the Bay and Beyond infrastructure project.
Learn more about what we are up to and how you can help.
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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 - Aug. 26, 2025 | |
Planning Council met Aug. 26, 2025.
Watch the meeting.
| 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.
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Check out our community kiosks for town information.
Find them at the following locations: Gravenhurst Post Office, Gravenhurst Public Library, Gull Lake Rotary Park, Kinsmen Park, Muskoka Wharf.
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Looking for employment? Consider a career in the municipal sector.
See our website to learn what opportunities are available.
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Are you signed up for Community Connect?
Community Connect is a secure platform that allows residents to share critical information about their household, helping the Gravenhurst Fire Department respond more efficiently and effectively.
Learn more about Community Connect.
| Register with Voyent Alert | |
The Town of Gravenhurst and all other municipalities in the District of Muskoka use the VoyentAlert! application to send emergency notifications to subscribers.
To register and learn more about Voyent Alert!, visit their registration page.
| Getting married in Ontario? Visit our website | |
Getting married in Ontario?
The Town of Gravenhurst offers ServiceOntario's online marriage licence applications.
It's quick, easy, and convenient.
See our website to learn more.
| Did you know? We perform civil ceremonies | |
The Town of Gravenhurst has three wedding commissioners who can perform civil ceremonies that take place within the boundaries of the municipality.
See our website to learn more.
| Music On The Barge - Sunday nights | |
Join us for Music On The Barge at Gull Lake Rotary Park.
See our website for details.
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Registration opens Sept. 2 for fall recreation programs.
Visit our website to learn more.
| The Manor has a long history in Gravenhurst. Built in 1931, it first opened as the Martin Manor Hotel, a popular stop during the town's early tourism boom. In 1974, it began a new chapter as a retirement home. Since then, it's been part of many local family stories. Some original features remain, like the old hotel phone booth and the veranda; quiet reminders of the building's past. Don't miss your chance to explore this site and many more during Doors Open Gravenhurst on Sept. 20. Watch our website and social media channels for more details. Learn more about Doors Open. | Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour | |
The third annual Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour is Sept. 27 and 28.
Visit artists at their studios and at locations throughout Gravenhurst.
See our website to learn more.
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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.
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Looking for something to do in Gravenhurst?
Make our website your first stop for information.
Visit our calendar for great ideas.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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