January 2026

Vol. 3, Edition 11

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

I know this is the end of January but nonetheless let me start by wishing you a Happy New Year.

I hope 2026 is a fulfilling and rewarding year for everyone in our community.

Over the last few weeks there has been significant snowfall in Gravenhurst. On behalf of council, I want to thank our public works team for all their hard work. These people put in long days to keep our roads and sidewalks clear and we are grateful for what they do.

If you have a concern about winter road maintenance, please let us know. You can reach us by e-mail at info@gravenhurst.ca or call us at 705-687-3412. You can also use our 'Report a Problem' portal on the town website.

On another note, I have some good news to share with you. The Gravenhurst Health Hub hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 28. Please see the information item in the newsletter to learn more. The Town of Gravenhurst is a proud supporter of this project, which will enhance the quality of health care for our residents now and for years to come. The involvement of so many in this project is a testament to what a great community we live in.

Earlier this month, I spoke about the health hub project at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto. I was delighted to share how the community has come together to support this initiative.

Also in the newsletter is an information item about our new online portal that people can use for planning applications. We are excited to roll out this new service, which provides a fast and efficient approach to development approvals. I hope you will check it out.

Some other good news I want to share is we are now looking for students to fill various summer job opportunities. Please look for the related item in the newsletter. Working for the Town of Gravenhurst is a great way to learn about the municipal sector.

The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is fast approaching. Set for Family Day weekend, we have some fun activities and entertainment planned. Please see the information item in the newsletter to learn more and mark the date on your calendar. We hope to see you there.

Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) is hosting the annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser on Feb. 28. The fundraiser helps GAP carry out its important work in our community. You can learn more by visiting the GAP website.

Our first council meeting of the year was Jan. 20. Please see the Council Highlights in the newsletter to learn what transpired. A reminder - you can always watch our meetings by visiting our YouTube channel.

We look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

Gravenhurst Health Hub groundbreaking ceremony

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Gravenhurst Health Hub. The event took place in the council chambers at the municipal office. Spearheading the health hub project, which includes a substantial fundraising campaign, is the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst and the Cottage Country Family Health Team. The project involves transforming more than 12,000 square feet of unused space at 5 Pineridge Gate. The space is on the second floor of the Cottage Country Family Health Team building. The project will result in a vibrant health care hub featuring a variety of services. Mayor Heidi Lorenz was on hand for the groundbreaking, along with other local dignitaries, including fellow council members, District Municipality of Muskoka Chair Jeff Lehman, and MPP Graydon Smith. The Town of Gravenhurst has agreed to contribute up to $200,000 to the project. Bruce Hemphill, chair of the steering committee, says they have raised over $1 million toward the estimated $1.5 to $1.7 million goal for all three phases to fully complete the vision for 2027. Visit the health hub website to learn more about the project.

Earn money, gain experience: Gravenhurst now hiring students for the summer

Are you a student in high school or at the post-secondary level and looking for a summer job?

The Town of Gravenhurst might be the place for you. The town has a variety of jobs available through its annual Summer Student Program.

See our news release to learn more.   

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.

New art display features work by Linda Gidora

The Town of Gravenhurst and the Muskoka Discovery Centre are pleased to announce there is a new display of artwork at the municipal office (3-5 Pineridge Gate). The new display features work by Linda Gidora. Her work is hanging in the lobby and in the council chambers. See our news release to learn more.  

Crime Stoppers Month

January is Crime Stoppers Month. On Jan. 13, we hosted a flag-raising ceremony at the municipal office to recognize the occasion. Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka is a civilian, volunteer-based crime fighting program which provides a way for the public to anonymously report information about crimes and criminals to the police. Learn more about Crime Stoppers.

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 - Jan. 27, 2026

Planning Council met Jan. 27, 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.

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.

And the winner is...

Mikaila Anderson submitted the winning design for this year's Gravenhurst Winter Carnival button. On Jan. 20, Mayor Heidi Lorenz presented Anderson with a certificate in recognition of her achievement. Congratulations!

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.