December 2025

Vol. 3, Edition 10

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

On behalf of council and staff, I want to wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope over the holidays you find a way to rest and relax.

Our latest newsletter contains information about the 2026 municipal budget, which was adopted earlier in December.

Please take some time to review this budget material.

As you'll see, we are committed to delivering strong, reliable services while keeping affordability in mind.

And we are investing where it matters most to ensure that Gravenhurst can continue to grow and thrive in a sustainable manner.

The newsletter also includes important information about new provincial carbon monoxide alarm rules that start on Jan. 1, so please make sure you review this item and are prepared for the changes. The intent is to enhance safety for everyone.

You'll also find in the newsletter our Council Highlights package - we had a productive year-end meeting on Dec. 16 - and information about upcoming winter programs.

We look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

Happy Holidays

Best wishes from Gravenhurst council members for a happy holiday season.

Municipal budget adopted for 2026

Mayor Heidi Lorenz's municipal budget for 2026 was passed Dec. 9.

The budget sets out a clear financial plan for the year ahead, one that will maintain high-quality service levels, invest in key infrastructure projects, and set aside money for future initiatives that will benefit the community.

See our news release to learn more.

New carbon monoxide alarm rules start Jan. 1

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every storey of a home that has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

See our news release to learn more.

New online portal

Soon we'll be launching a new online portal on Gravenhurst.ca that people can use to submit planning applications.

The portal will include easy-to-follow instructions on how to submit your application.

Watch for more details in early January 2026.

New Gravenhurst Opera House marquee

Our new marquee at the Gravenhurst Opera House is nearly complete. Still to come is the lettering and lighting. Overall, we're pleased with the heritage-themed look and we hope you are too. Next year is a big one for the opera house as we celebrate 125 years of this gem in our community. Learn more about the upcoming celebration.

Get your dog licence for 2026

Dog owners in Gravenhurst can now purchase their pet's 2026 licence.

Licences are available at PetValu, Unit 3, 351 Talisman Dr.

See our website for more information.

All residents are required to have a licence for their dog. Residents are allowed three dogs per household.

Questions about dog licensing should be directed to the Bylaw Services Division. Call 705-687-3412, ext. 2905 or e-mail bylaw@gravenhurst.ca.

Light up the Wharf!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Light up the Wharf on Nov. 29. We had a great time and hope residents did too. Top photo: Residents watch a performance at the wharf. Second photo: Council members gather with Skokie.

Holiday Lights Road Map

The Holiday Lights Road Map is back for another season.

Check out our page on Engage Gravenhurst to learn more.

Curbside collection shuffle over the holidays

The District of Muskoka's curbside collection days are doing a festive shuffle over the holidays by shifting one day later over the week of Christmas and New Year's.

Check your app or the District of Muskoka website to see your updated schedule customized for your address.

Winter maintenance

Our staff work diligently to keep our roads clear throughout the winter.

See our website to learn about our winter operations.

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.

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.

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.

Get out on the ice and have fun

Looking for public skating? There are programs at the Graeme Murray Arena for only $2 per person.

Check out the website for details.

Fun things to do

Get moving, learn new skills, and meet new people.

We have some awesome new programs for all ages starting in January.

See our website to learn more.

Save the date! Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

Mark your calendar.

The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is Feb. 13-15, 2026 (Family Day weekend).

The carnival is a cherished annual tradition in the heart of Muskoka.

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.