July 2025

Vol. 3, Edition 5

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

July has definitely been a month with lots going on.

We kicked things off with Canada Day celebrations at Gull Lake Rotary Park.

It was terrific seeing so many of you join us for such a special day.

On behalf of council, I want to thank everyone for coming out and I want to acknowledge all the different groups and organizations that helped make the day possible.

The Muskoka Pirate Festival took place at Muskoka Wharf July 5 and 6 and I heard great feedback from people in attendance.

On Saturday, July 12, we hosted the 43rd annual Vintage Boat Show at Muskoka Wharf and it too proved a fun-filled day.

This magnificent gathering is always a special time for our community - one that reminds us of our heritage.

Each boat in the show represents a bygone era.

It is wonderful to get a close-up look at so many beautifully designed watercraft.

I want to commend the Antique and Classic Boat Society - Toronto for organizing such a wonderful event.

On July 18 and 19, we hosted the Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival at Gull Lake Rotary Park. As always, the event had great turnout.

I want to acknowledge organizers for once again pulling together a super event in Gravenhurst.

Coming up this weekend (July 25-27), we have The Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show/Muskoka Ribfest at Muskoka Wharf and I know it will be another memorable event.

August is shaping up to be another month with lots going on, including The Dockside Festival of the Arts on Aug. 9 and the Flaunt It - Swivel Ski Competition on Aug. 16. Check out our online calendar at Gravenhurst.ca to for details.

As you'll see in our latest newsletter, we've had other things happening in July, including the grand opening of a new business and a Pride flag-raising for Pride Week.

The newsletter also contains the link to our latest Council Highlights package. We had another productive council meeting so please take some time to learn what transpired.

One of the things I like best about serving as your mayor is chatting with residents and visitors and I've certainly had lots of wonderful conversations over the course of July at community events and association meetings.

Please give me a wave if we cross paths in the days and weeks ahead - I'm always happy to connect with people.

I look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

Pride flag-raising

Pride Week runs July 18 to 27. On July 21, we hosted Muskoka Pride at the municipal office for a Pride flag-raising. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the event. Earlier in the day, the District of Muskoka hosted a Pride flag-raising. See the 2025 Muskoka Pride Guide to learn more.

Nook Boutique and Gift Shop grand opening

On Friday, July 11, Mayor Heidi Lorenz was joined by council members and the community to officially open The Nook Boutique and Gift Shop at 121 Bay St. Drop by and check out the handmade goodies from multiple vendors. Welcome to Downtown Gravenhurst.

End of an era

Congratulations to Knapp's Gravenhurst Furniture and Appliances on 76 years in business. On behalf of council, Mayor Heidi Lorenz brought best wishes to the family-run business on Muskoka Road South on Saturday, July 19. Knapp's is winding down after diligently serving the community for many years. Happy retirement, Greg and Colleen Knapp!

First ministers' meeting

Mayor Heidi Lorenz and Rick Maloney, mayor of Bracebridge, chat with Premier Doug Ford at a Council of the Federation reception in Huntsville on July 22. Mayor Lorenz said it was an honour and a privilege to represent Gravenhurst at the reception.

Visit with us at the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market

We're at the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gull Lake Rotary Park. Drop by and say hello. Staff will be on hand with a variety of information.

Thanks for joining us...

Canada Day 2025 was a fun celebration at Gull Lake Rotary Park. Council members thank everyone who came out for the special day.

Apply today...

The Town of Gravenhurst is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the balance of the 2022-2026 term.

For more information, visit our website.

Did you know you can sign up for a pre-authorized payment plan for your taxes?

Visit our website to learn more.

Friendly reminder about open air burning

Just a friendly reminder that from April 1 until Oct. 31 there is no daytime burning allowed in Gravenhurst.

This means between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Visit our website to learn more.

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.

Supporting our community

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.

Cool down with us

Need to cool off this summer?

Drop by one of our facilities during regular business hours and enjoy the air conditioning.

Learn more about things to keep in mind on hot days this summer.

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 - July 22, 2025

Planning Council met July 22, 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.

Bike patrol in the community

Did you know we have a Bike Patrol Program?

As part of this green initiative, you'll see our bylaw officers riding around the downtown core and parks. Bikes assist in their patrols and make it easier to interact with community members.

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.

Community kiosks

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.

Join our team!

Looking for employment? Consider a career in the municipal sector.

See our website to learn what opportunities are available.

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.

Find out about upcoming movies

Cinema Under The Stars continues.

Check out our website to learn more.

Summer recreation programs

Registration is now open for summer recreation programs.

Visit our website to learn more.

Check out the Gravenhurst Public Library summer calendar

Looking for fun things to do this summer?

The Gravenhurst Public Library Summer Program Calendar is now available.

Review the calendar.

Make A Splash with us in August

Join the Town of Gravenhurst at Gull Lake Rotary Park Beach for a fun-filled day of water sports and other great beach fun on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is a free event.

Music On The Barge - Sunday nights

Join us for Music On The Barge at Gull Lake Rotary Park.

See our website for details.

Take in the show

Fireworks from Muskoka Wharf start at dusk on Saturday, Aug. 2. Join us for what will be a fun time.

Doors Open Gravenhurst

The Gravenhurst Train Station. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1919, this early 20th century station was restored by the town in 1986. To this date, it remains in great condition and is a proud symbol of Gravenhurst's heritage and charm. 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.

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.