March 2025

Vol. 3, Edition 1

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.

Sign up for future editions

Message from the Mayor

We are pleased to present our latest edition of The Monthly Update.


As we ease our way into spring, I encourage you to check out our flood information page on the town's website.


It contains a variety of flood-related resources.


You can learn what causes flooding, access flood forecasting and warning information, and learn how to protect your property.


As the town has done for several years now, we're making sandbags available for people in need. Watch our website and social media channels for details on where to get them.


In other news, I want to once again congratulate the 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction nominees and award recipients.


These remarkable individuals were recognized at the 19th Women of Distinction Awards Gala on March 8.


I am happy to note our very own Kelly Hamilton, manager of theatre operations at the Gravenhurst Opera House, was nominated in the Arts, Culture, and Creativity category.


Hamilton was nominated for her contributions to arts and cultural activities in Muskoka.


Additionally, Marie Little, a Gravenhurst Opera House ambassador, was nominated in the Lifetime Achievement Award Category.


Little was nominated for helping improve the quality of life in the community.


And, I'm pleased to say, Councillor Michelle Robinson was nominated in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship category for her efforts in entrepreneurial endeavours.


Councillor Robinson is deeply involved in community life.


She serves as chair of the Muskoka Gutsy Walk and is part of several other organizations, in addition to serving as a municipal councillor.


Also at the gala, Councillor Penny Varney received The King Charles III Coronation Medal for her dedication to the community.


Councillor Varney has participated in the BIA, the high school breakfast program, the Spring into Summer Art Crawl, and so much more. Congratulations, Penny.


On another note, I am delighted to report nominations are now open for the Ontario Senior of the Year Award.


To nominate a deserving individual, visit Gravenhurst.ca or simply click the link further down in our newsletter.


Soon, we will start accepting applications for the town's Gravenhurst High School Bursary. Watch our website and social media channels for details.


We have a lot of terrific information to share with you in our latest newsletter.


Three items I'll flag for you:


  1. Check out the item about our new project that involves displaying local artwork at town hall. We are excited to get this off the ground and are planning an open house to celebrate.
  2. We are recruiting for the Gravenhurst Fire Department. You can click on the item in the newsletter to learn more. This is a great opportunity to be a part of the community and give back.
  3. Review Gravenhurst Council Highlights to learn about our latest council meeting.


I look forward to updating you again next month.


Until then, please take care.


Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor. 

Gravenhurst puts the spotlight on local artists

The Town of Gravenhurst is pleased to announce that it is teaming up with the Muskoka Discovery Centre to display local artwork at the municipal office (3-5 Pineridge Gate).

Learn more

Ontario Senior of the Year Award nominations open

Nominees, after the age of 65, must have enriched the social, cultural, or civic life of the community. Contributions can be through a variety of fields, including arts, literature, volunteering, education, environment, fitness, or humanitarian. Nominees must be residents of Gravenhurst and not hold a political office.

Learn more

Gravenhurst Fire Department now recruiting

People interested in applying should have a desire to learn new transferable skills and an interest in working in a team environment. It's also important to have plenty of spare time to dedicate to regular training, attending public events, and responding to emergencies.

Learn more

Flood Watch bulletin - March 26, 2025

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) - Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch bulletin is in effect for all watersheds in the District until Wednesday, April 02, 2025. The Flood Watch will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, which includes portions of the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and the County of Haliburton.

Learn more

BE PREPARED: What you need to know about flooding

Visit Gravenhurst.ca for an array of helpful flood-related resources.

Learn more

It's easy to stay in touch with us

When it comes to staying connected with the Town of Gravenhurst you've got lots of options.

Learn more

Gravenhurst Council Highlights - March 18, 2025

Learn what happened at the latest meeting.

Learn more

Planning Council - March 25, 2025

Planning Council met March 25.


Click the above image to watch the meeting and learn what happened.

How to invite council members to your event

Would you like council members to attend your community event? Submit your request through our website.

Learn more

Public Art Advisory Committee

The Public Art Advisory Committee is looking for a new committee member. Learn more about the committee here and apply here. The deadline is April 4.

Municipal Heritage Committee

Are you passionate about the Town of Gravenhurst's rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage? Join the Municipal Heritage Committee. Learn more about the committee here. Apply here. Deadline is April 4.

Gravenhurst Public Library Board

The Town of Gravenhurst is seeking one individual to fill a vacancy on the Gravenhurst Public Library Board. Learn more about the board here. Apply here. Deadline is April 4.

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 about lottery licensing regulations.

Learn more

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 obtain a licence. APPLY or RENEW now.

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.

Learn more

Join our team!

We are hiring for a variety of positions.


Visit our website to learn more about these opportunities.

Learn more

Women of Distinction Gala

Congratulations to the recent 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction nominees and award recipients. Learn more about the gala.

Gravenhurst Dollars

Have you heard about Gravenhurst Dollars? This is a gift program that promotes shopping in our community.

Learn more

Animal Services

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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.

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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 YouTube channel.

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.

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