February 2026

Vol. 3, Edition 12

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

Welcome to the February edition of The Monthly Update.

As you'll see in our latest issue, we had some great things happen in our community this month.

Here's three examples of what I mean:

• the Gravenhurst Curling Club celebrated its new accessible entrance.
• we hosted the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival and it once again proved to be a terrific weekend.
• Gravenhurst firefighters visited three elementary schools to promote fire safety.

In other news, I'm happy to share we are hosting another Coffee with Council event in March.

Coffee with Council is an informal way for residents and council members to connect. Got a question? Want to better understand a council decision? Looking to share an idea? Then join us at Coffee with Council. We hope to see you there. See the newsletter for full details.

The newsletter also contains the latest installment of Gravenhurst Council Highlights.

As you'll read in the highlights, at our February meeting council had a great discussion with staff about what we'd like to see in a vacant building and land bylaw. Ultimately, this bylaw will contain stipulations to prevent or mitigate neighbourhood decay. Watch for further updates on this topic in the months ahead.

As always, the newsletter contains an array of other information we hope you find useful. This includes links to upcoming recreation programs.

March will be a special month for the Gravenhurst Opera House as we celebrate its 125th anniversary. You can learn more about what we have in store on the town website. I hope you are planning to take part in the fun.

We look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

New accessible entrance for curling club

On Feb. 12, Mayor Heidi Lorenz and fellow council members helped Gravenhurst Curling Club officials and guests, including local Special Olympians, cut the ribbon for the club's new wheelchair-accessible entrance. The project was possible thanks to a federal Enabling Accessibility Fund grant and a donation of materials from Gravenhurst Home Building Centre. Club officials say the project represents a major step forward in the organization's ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community participation. Mayor Lorenz brought greetings on behalf of council, noting the new wheelchair-accessible entrance will help ensure the club remains a space that everyone can enjoy. The club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Learn more about the club.

Way to go, Hailey!

Congratulations to Town of Gravenhurst staffer Hailey Lehman on completing the Municipal Administration Program (MAP). Lehman is an Administrative Clerk 2 in the Legislative Services Department. 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 Feb. 10, Mayor Heidi Lorenz (right) and Kayla Thibeault (left), director of legislative services for the town, presented Lehman with her MAP certificate. Good job, Hailey and thank you for your service to the town.

Olympic spirit

Gravenhurst staffers were showing their Olympic Winter Games spirit on Feb. 6 with their Canada-themed clothing. The Winter Olympics concluded Feb. 22 in Italy. The Winter Paralympics get under way March 6.

Winter carnival fun

The annual Gravenhurst Winter Carnival took place Family Day weekend. Council and staff thank everyone who came out.

Community outreach

The week of Feb. 23, the Gravenhurst Fire Department, in partnership with the Sparrow Lake Women's Institute, visited three local public schools. The visit allowed firefighters to read to Grade 1 students, sharing with them the story of Sprinkles the Fire Dog. Sprinkles the Fire Dog is billed as "an inspirational story about a little puppy from the big city who dreams of one day becoming a fire dog." The story is written by Frank Viscuso and illustrated by Paul Combs. Following the story time, a copy of the book was donated to each school's library. As well, educational materials were given to each student to help them remember the importance of fire safety. The Sparrow Lake Women's Institute funded the initiative. Kevin McKelvey (above), assistant chief of fire prevention, reads to students.

Pink Shirt Day

Gravenhurst council members were sporting pink at the February Planning Council meeting in support of Pink Shirt Day (Feb. 25). Pink Shirt Day is an annual anti-bullying campaign that encourages everyone to wear pink to show their support for safe and inclusive environments.

Join us for Coffee with Council

Coffee with Council is a great way to connect with your local council members.

Drop by the Trillium Court at the Gravenhurst Opera House on Saturday, March 28, between 10 a.m. and noon.

Start your planning project with Cloudpermit

We have a new online portal that people can use to submit planning applications.

Visit our website to learn more.

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 - Feb. 24, 2026

Planning Council met Feb. 24, 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.

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.

Get your steps walking at the Centennial Centre

Want to get your steps in while avoiding the cold?

Come to the Centennial Centre and walk inside.

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Free and no registration required.

Fun things to do

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

We have some awesome new programs.

See our website to learn more.

Sign up today

Are you dreaming of spring?

Get in the mood by signing up for this cheerful garden-themed paint class on Wednesday, April 29.

See our website to learn more.

Sign up for Community Connect

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.

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.