November 2024

Vol. 2, Edition 9

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.

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Message from the Mayor

Well, we are certainly getting into the Christmas spirit.


It was terrific to see so many of you at the tree lighting at Muskoka Wharf on Friday, Nov. 22.


The event was a fun way to kick off our Gateway to the Holidays activities.


On behalf of council, I want to thank our staff and participants for making the evening so enjoyable.


Visit the Gateway to the Holidays page on Gravenhurst.ca to learn about other wonderful festive things happening in our community.


On Saturday, Nov. 23, we had the annual Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade. Once again, we had a beautiful collection of floats in the parade.


I want to thank the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce for organizing such a spectacular event and I want to commend all the businesses and organizations for participating.


And, of course, it was fantastic to see so many smiling faces along the parade route. Generations of families turn out for the parade each year and that makes the day extra special.


Gift-giving is definitely part of the season and so I encourage you to shop locally as much as possible.


We are fortunate to have a variety of shops and restaurants in our community where you can find tremendous gift ideas.


And, if you are in a position to do so, please look for ways to support those in need this holiday season.


This is our second last e-newsletter for the year. As you'll see, it contains an array of information we hope you find useful.


Here are some of the newsletter items I recommend you check out:


  • 2025 Town of Gravenhurst draft budget available for review
  • Muskoka Job Board campaign wins national marketing award
  • How to reach us during the Canada Post Labour dispute
  • Gravenhurst council approves new development charge rates
  • District launches Demand-Responsive Transit
  • Bay and Beyond update
  • Gravenhurst Council Highlights


I look forward to updating you again next month.


Until then, please take care.


Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor. 

Gateway to the Holidays Kick-off

Thank you to everyone who joined council and staff for the Gateway to the Holidays Kick-off on Friday, Nov. 22. The event took place at Muskoka Wharf. Learn more about Gateway to the Holidays.

2025 Town of Gravenhurst draft budget available for review

Check out the draft 2025 budget and share your thoughts with us.

Learn more

Muskoka Job Board campaign wins national marketing award

Venture Muskoka, an economic alliance of the lower-tier municipalities within the District of Muskoka, kicked off implementation of the Muskoka Workforce Development Strategy with the celebration of a Marketing Canada Award from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) for the impactful Muskoka Job Board digital marketing campaign.

Learn more

How to reach us during the Canada Post labour dispute

Not sure how to get something to us during the Canada Post labour dispute? You have a variety of options.

Learn more

We're ready for winter

Visit our website and learn how we keep roads and sidewalks clear and safe in the winter months.

Learn more

Gravenhurst council approves new development charge rates

Council members approved the new rates and a related bylaw at their regular monthly meeting on Nov. 19. The town collects development charge fees from new construction projects to help pay for growth-related infrastructure investments in the community.

Learn more

New online portal for bylaw complaints

The Town of Gravenhurst has launched a new online portal on Gravenhurst.ca that people can use to make bylaw infraction complaints.

Learn more

Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program

Calling all non-profit community groups and organizations in Gravenhurst. The deadline to apply for the Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program is Dec. 16.

Learn more

Flags at half-mast for Murray Sinclair

Flags at Town of Gravenhurst facilities were lowered to half-mast earlier this month following the death of Murray Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair, a former judge, lawyer, and senator, served as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into residential schools. Mr. Sinclair died in Winnipeg on Nov. 4. He was 73. On behalf of council and staff, Mayor Heidi Lorenz extends condolences to Mr. Sinclair's family and friends.

Lest we forget

On behalf of residents, Mayor Heidi Lorenz placed a wreath at the cenotaph on Remembrance Day. The annual service, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, was well attended.

Flag raising

A flag raising for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Awareness Month and Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month took place at town hall on Nov. 4. Council members, CAO Scott Lucas, and Crohn's and Colitis volunteer Jennifer Jolley were in attendance. Learn more about inflammatory bowel disease.

District launches Demand-Responsive Transit

The District of Muskoka has launched Phase 1 of its Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service. Phase 1 is a small area of the urban centre of Gravenhurst. There are three ways that riders can book a ride on the DRT: using an app, by visiting a website, or by calling a telephone number.

Learn more

Holiday Lights Road Map 2024

Do your holiday lights always draw a crowd? Then add your home or business location to our Holiday Lights Road Map. As if spreading good cheer wasn't enough, this year we are offering even more prizes! To be eligible to win, make sure that you add a picture to the map.

Learn more

Gateway to the Holidays

Check out the Gateway to the Holidays for your guide to all the festive events and markets happening in Gravenhurst this holiday season.

Learn more

Tennis courts closed for the winter months

The tennis courts at Gull Lake Rotary Park and Muskoka Bay Park are now closed for the winter. Staff removed the nets on Nov. 8. See you in the spring.

Bay and Beyond

Looking for information on the Bay and Beyond infrastructure project. Check out the project website.

Learn more

We Dig Gravenhurst

We Dig Gravenhurst is a Town of Gravenhurst initiative designed to support and enhance the experience of businesses, visitors, and residents during the Bay & Beyond infrastructure project. Construction is inconvenient. And we know disruptions and detours aren't fun. We Dig Gravenhurst is a call to action to support local businesses, community organizations, and events during this necessary project!

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 - Nov. 19, 2024

Learn what happened at the latest meeting.

Learn more

Planning Council - Nov. 26, 2024

Planning Council met Nov. 26.


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

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

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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