June 2025

Vol. 3, Edition 4

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

June has been one of those months that reminds me how fortunate we are to call Gravenhurst home.

For example, on June 11 the annual Mayor's Tea took place and at that event we presented Bruce Hemphill with an Ontario Senior of the Year Award.

Bruce is incredibly deserving and it was so nice to recognize him for all his contributions.

Also at the tea, we had a chance to see Kasandra Bois perform and what a tremendously talented artist.

Again, I want to thank everyone who joined us for the 41st annual tea.

The following day, the Gravenhurst Fire Department hosted its annual recruit graduation evening.

I am so proud of the department's newest firefighters and all they have accomplished.

It was also great to see promotions take place at the event and the presentation of long service medals. Congratulations to everyone.

And on June 17, our public works and operations foreman, Paul Dobias, received his Certified Road Supervisor designation. Way to go, Paul.

Earlier in the month, we welcomed a new business to Gravenhurst called Driverseat.

You can learn about all these things in our latest e-newsletter.

As well, you'll find a link to our Council Highlights package, The Gravenhurst Public Library Summer Program Calendar, details about our plans for Canada Day celebrations at Gull Lake Rotary Park, and much more.

I also want to mention that we are back at the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market this summer.

Drop by on market day - Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - and chat with us.

We'll have a variety of town information to share with you.

Lately, we've had some wonderful events in town, including the Toronto Outdoor Racing Club Powerboat Races and the annual Gravenhurst Car Show.

You can learn more about other fun activities happening in the summer months ahead by visiting our online calendar at Gravenhurst.ca.

Lastly, on behalf of council and staff, I want to congratulate all our local students on the completion of another school year, and a special nod to all our graduates. I hope you have a great summer break and best wishes for the fall.

That's all I have for now.

I look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

Bruce Hemphill Gravenhurst Senior of the Year

Bruce Hemphill, a man known for his considerable community involvement, is the Town of Gravenhurst's Senior of the Year. Mayor Heidi Lorenz made the announcement at the Gravenhurst Opera House during the 41st annual Mayor's Tea on June 11. See our website to learn more.

41st annual Mayor's Tea

The 41st annual Mayor's Tea took place at the Gravenhurst Opera House on Wednesday, June 11. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Kasandra Bois (below) provided musical entertainment and did a terrific job.

Kasandra Bois performs at the annual Mayor's Tea.

Councillor Randy Jorgensen (left) and Councillor Sandy Cairns serve guests at the Mayor's Tea.

Abbey Lane project starting

The Town of Gravenhurst is proceeding with drainage improvements on Abbey Lane and Winewood Avenue West, south of Lookout Park, and within the town's unopened road allowance, from Abbey Lane towards Lake Muskoka. The purpose is to construct a new storm drainage outlet and storm sewer system to improve storm water drainage along Abbey Lane and a portion of Winewood Avenue West. See 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.

Gravenhurst's newest firefighters

On June 12, at Fire Station 1, the Gravenhurst Fire Department hosted its annual Graduation and Recognition Evening. Firefighters completing recruit training were presented with their diplomas and helmets at the the event. Additionally, promotions and service award presentations took place. For more photos and information about the night, see our Facebook page.

Congratulations, Paul

Paul Dobias, our public works and operations foreman, has received his Certified Road Supervisor certification through the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors. According to the association, the Certified Road Supervisor (CRS) designation is awarded to individuals who have met the education and experience requirements as set out in the program. It is an objective validation of an individual's familiarity with public works technologies, applicable regulations, and current supervisory and management technologies. On June 17, Andrew Stacey (from left), director of infrastructure services and president of the Muskoka Road Supervisors, Mayor Heidi Lorenz, and Lyell Bergstrome, manager of operations, presented Dobias with his CRS certificate.

Muskoka Wharf Marina open for 2025 season

The Muskoka Wharf Marina at 295 Steamship Bay Rd. is now open for the season. See our website to learn more.

Pride Month

June is Pride Month and the start of Pride Season, which runs June to September. Happy Pride, Gravenhurst! Learn more about Pride Season. Learn more about Muskoka Pride and its activities.

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. Learn more about the month.

Join us at Music On The Barge

Music On The Barge starts Sunday, June. 29. Learn more about the season.

Celebrate Canada Day in Gravenhurst

Canada Day celebrations will take place at Gull Lake Rotary Park. See our website to learn more. Read our related news release.

Driverseat now in Gravenhurst

On June 3, Mayor Heidi Lorenz was joined by Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney, town crier Bruce Kruger, council members and enthusiastic supporters to welcome Driverseat to Gravenhurst at their Muskoka Airport location. For more information on their services, or to book a ride, visit the company's website.

Wildfire season

Are you prepared for wildfire season? Learn what you can do to protect your property. Visit FireSmart Canada.

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.

Splash pad open for the season

The splash pad at Muskoka Wharf Sports Field is now open. See our website to learn more.

Swim advisory at Franklin Park

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has posted a swim advisory for Franklin Park on Sparrow Lake. Learn more.

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 - June 24, 2025

Planning Council met June 24, 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.

Dock Control By-Law

Did you know the Town of Gravenhurst has a Dock Control By-Law?

The purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the use of public docks, landings, and prevent the abandonment of boats and materials at docks.

Review the by-law to learn more.

If you have concerns about possible illegal activity at our docks, please submit an online complaint or contact us at 705-687-3412.

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.

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.

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.