March 2026

Vol. 4, 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.

Message from the Mayor

Welcome to our latest edition of The Monthly Update.

On behalf of council and staff, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter weekend.

Hopefully, you get to spend some quality time with family and friends.

If you have to work this long weekend, I hope you get an opportunity at a later date to enjoy some time with the people who matter most to you.

I want to pay special tribute to the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other medical professionals who are working this Easter weekend. Thank you for your service to our community. We appreciate all the great work you do.

In our latest e-newsletter, we have some terrific information to share.

Earlier in the month, Graydon Smith, Ontario's associate minister of municipal affairs and housing, announced that the Town of Gravenhurst is receiving up to $780,000 to help pay for emergency response and cleanup costs due to the extreme snowfall that occurred in November 2024.

A few days later, the minister said Gravenhurst will receive $243,000 to help cover cleanup and emergency response costs due to the March 2025 ice storm.

Please see both items in the newsletter to learn more.

Council and staff have worked hard to secure this funding. We are grateful to the province for its support.

And the good news continues.

Earlier in March, through the town's Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program, we awarded $30,000 to 11 deserving organizations. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your fantastic contributions to Gravenhurst.

See the newsletter to learn more about this year's funding.

There are two other things I want to highlight.

The first is we are now accepting nominations for the Ontario Senior of the Year Award. If you know a deserving individual, please consider nominating them.

As well, the town is now accepting applications for its annual Gravenhurst High School Bursary. The $2,000 bursary can be used to offset any post-secondary education costs.

Details regarding both these opportunities - Senior of the Year and GHS Bursary - can be found further down in the newsletter.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who joined us for the recent 125th anniversary celebrations we had for the Gravenhurst Opera House. It was wonderful to see so many people turn out.

That's all I have for now.

We look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

Gravenhurst secures substantial financial assistance from the province to pay for 2024 emergency-related costs

The Ontario government is providing the Town of Gravenhurst with up to $780,000 to help pay for emergency response and cleanup costs due to the extreme snowfall that occurred in November 2024. Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Graydon Smith was at the municipal office on March 11 to announce the funding. See the news release to learn more.

Ontario supporting ice storm recovery in Parry Sound-Muskoka

Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith announced ice storm recovery funding on March 19. This includes $243,000 for the Town of Gravenhurst. The funding is part of Ontario's $90-million Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program, and will help cover cleanup and emergency response costs due to a severe winter weather event on March 28, 2025. See the MPP's news release to learn more.

Town of Gravenhurst awards 2026 Terence Haight grants

The Town of Gravenhurst is happy to announce the list of Terence Haight grant recipients this year. See our news release to learn more.

Ontario Senior of the Year Award nominations now open

The Town of Gravenhurst is now accepting nominations for the Ontario Senior of the Year Award.

Please consider nominating a deserving individual.

See our news release to learn more.

Gravenhurst High School Bursary applications now available

The Town of Gravenhurst is now accepting applications for its annual Gravenhurst High School Bursary.

The bursary provides $2,000 to a graduating Gravenhurst High School student to help offset the costs of post-secondary education.

Bursary applications are due May 29.

See our news release to learn more.

BE PREPARED: What you need to know about flooding

Flooding is a real risk in the spring.

See our online resources to make sure you are prepared.

Visit the town website to learn more.

Town of Gravenhurst makes sandbag resources available

Milder temperatures mean a chance for rising water levels in Gravenhurst.

To help people protect their homes and businesses, the Town of Gravenhurst has filled sandbags available.

The town also has sand and empty sandbags that people can fill as needed.

See our website to learn more.

Reduced-load restrictions now in place

The Town of Gravenhurst has implemented reduced-load restrictions.

During the annual spring thaw period, typically early March to mid to late May, municipalities in the District of Muskoka place reduced-load restrictions on most roads.

See our website to learn more.

Gravenhurst celebrates 125 years of the opera house

The community gathered March 12 to kick off the 125th anniversary celebrations for the Gravenhurst Opera House. An array of talent provided live entertainment. Performances continued March 13 and 14. Council members (above with the celebratory cake) were on hand for the party. For more images, see the Gravenhurst Opera House Facebook page.

End-of-life educational series coming to library in April

The Gravenhurst Public Library is hosting an engaging and thoughtful educational series in April that will focus on end-of-life planning. Dubbed the 'Planning Ahead: End of Life Series' the free sessions will feature local professionals talking about a variety of topics over four days. See our news release to learn more.

Accommodation needed for visiting theatre professionals

Every summer the Gravenhurst Opera House hosts a series of productions and that means visiting entertainment professionals, including actors and directors, often need a place to stay while in town. We're looking for people to billet these individuals. Can you help? See our news release to learn more.

Can you vote in the Gravenhurst municipal election?

Do you know if you can vote in the Gravenhurst municipal election this fall?

See our news release to learn all about voting.

Want to learn more about serving on council?

Attend the 'What is a Councillor?' session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.

The session is in the District of Muskoka council chambers, 70 Pine St., Bracebridge.

Air Canada expands Landline service to Muskoka

Beginning June 15, 2026, Air Canada will expand its Landline luxury motorcoach service to include Muskoka Airport, creating a seamless connection between Muskoka and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

See the 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.

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 - March 24, 2026

Planning Council met March 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

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

Spring is here and we've got so many great recreation programs and workshops lined up for you.

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

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.