August 2026

Vol. 4, Edition 6

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.

Message from the Mayor

With Labour Day nearly upon us I want to start my message by saying I hope everyone in our community has enjoyed the summer.

There has certainly been no shortage of things to do in Gravenhurst the last few months. It has been a pleasure to connect with so many residents, cottagers, and visitors at various events. I have truly enjoyed our conversations. Thank you to everyone who had time to chat.

On behalf of council, I wish all our local students the very best as they return to the classroom in September. We hope you have a successful and rewarding academic year. At the same time, I want to recognize all our teachers and school support staff for the important role they play in Gravenhurst.

There are a few things in this month's newsletter that I want to call to your attention.

First, please check out the item about the Official Plan Review survey. As I mentioned earlier this year, we are creating a new Official Plan for the town. The document will serve as a development roadmap for the next 30 years, outlining how we want our community to grow.

The related survey, which we just launched a few days ago on Engage Gravenhurst, is a great way for you to share your thoughts about how Gravenhurst should evolve and thrive. I hope you will participate. Your input through the survey will be taken into account by town staff when creating the new Official Plan.

Second, please look at the item about our proposed fees and charges for 2027. As you will see, the proposed fees and charges are now available for review and comment on Engage Gravenhurst. I hope you will check out the information and then let us know what you think. These fees and charges support program and service delivery not covered through taxation.

Third, I hope you will examine the two items in the newsletter regarding the new heritage-themed panels we have placed in the community. Kudos to everyone involved in these projects.

As always, we have a lot more for you in the newsletter, including information about our fall recreation programs and the highlights from our latest council meeting.

We look forward to sharing more with you next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

Gravenhurst Official Plan review survey now open

The public can now participate in a survey regarding the Town of Gravenhurst's Official Plan review.

See our media release to learn more.

Take the survey.

New heritage panels at Muskoka Wharf

The Town of Gravenhurst is proud to announce that a series of eight heritage-themed panels are now on display at the iconic Muskoka Wharf.

See our media release to learn more.

New interpretive panel celebrates the legacy of James McCabe and Gravenhurst's early history

The Town of Gravenhurst continues to showcase its rich heritage with the installation of a new interpretive panel.

See our media release to learn more.

Electronic device causes fire in Gravenhurst

An electronic device not approved for use in Canada caused a fire at a short-term rental in Gravenhurst recently, resulting in a hand injury to one person.

See our media release to learn more.  

Community engagement: 2027 User fees and charges

The Town of Gravenhurst wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed user fees and charges for 2027.

Visit Engage Gravenhurst to learn more and share your thoughts.

Happy 10th anniversary, Calloway Storage!

Calloway Storage in Gravenhurst celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Aug. 18. Gravenhurst council members helped the Beiers Road business mark the special occasion. Councillor Randy Jorgensen, speaking on behalf of Mayor Heidi Lorenz, thanked Calloway Storage for its commitment to Gravenhurst and commended the business for providing professional storage options in the community.

Registration is open for fall recreation programs

Looking for something fun to do?

Check out our fall recreation programs.

REMINDER: Taxes are due Aug. 31

Final tax bills are due Monday, Aug. 31.

If you have not received your bill, please contact the Town of Gravenhurst Tax Department.

Call 705-687-3412.

Venture Muskoka launches video to promote career development in the healthcare sector

Venture Muskoka has released a new promotional video showcasing career opportunities in Muskoka's healthcare sector, encouraging job seekers to explore rewarding careers that support the health and well-being of people throughout the region.

See Venture Muskoka to learn more.

Sign up for text messaging

The Town of Gravenhurst will now periodically use text messaging as a way to share information with the community.

If you'd like to receive text messages from us, sign up today.

Find out how you can stay informed

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. 25, 2026

Planning Council met Aug. 25, 2026.

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.

Gravenhurst Votes

Municipal election day in Gravenhurst is Oct. 26, 2026.

See our related webpage for all you need to know.

Check out the list of certified candidates.

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.

Get your STR licence for 2026

Do you operate a short-term rental in Gravenhurst?

Submit your application for a 2026 Short-Term Rental Licence.

Licences must be obtained annually.

See our website to learn more.

Animal Services

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

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.