October 2024

Vol. 2, Edition 8

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

Welcome to our October edition of The Monthly Update.


There are a number of items in the e-newsletter that I want to flag for you:


  • Gravenhurst council receives Housing Needs Assessment
  • Statement in response to hospital redevelopment update
  • Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence recognize Gravenhurst experiences
  • CMHA opens Gravenhurst location


As you can see, we had a productive month.


Additionally, we celebrated the grand opening of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and we showcased our new snowplows - Betty Whiteout and Clearopathra. Thanks to everyone who participated in the related snowplow naming contest. You'll find photos of the Popeyes grand opening and the new snowplows in the e-newsletter. Look for the new plows on local roads this winter.


The newsletter also includes information about an upcoming affordable/attainable housing event that may be of interest to many in our community.


You'll also find in the e-newsletter photos of our latest flag raisings, plus links to our events calendars and much more, including our Council Highlights package.


On behalf of council and staff, I wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween.


I look forward to updating you again next month.


Until then, please take care.


Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor. 

Gravenhurst council receives Housing Needs Assessment

Gravenhurst council members formally received the town's Housing Needs Assessment report on Oct. 15 and agreed to continue addressing housing needs in the community.

Learn more

Statement from Mayor Heidi Lorenz in response to hospital redevelopment update

The update from Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare earlier today (Oct. 7) regarding new hospitals for the area is a positive sign that things are going in the right direction. Since the outset we have placed our trust in the process and so it is reaffirming to see that MAHC's capital redevelopment steering committee is responding to feedback from various individuals and organizations.

Learn more

Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence recognize Gravenhurst experiences

Two Gravenhurst experiences have received top awards at the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario's (TIAO) Tourism Summit.

Learn more

CMHA opens Gravenhurst location

On Oct. 17, the community welcomed the Canadian Mental Health Association to Gravenhurst. The CMHA's new local office is at 1100A Muskoka Rd. S., Unit 1. Mayor Heidi Lorenz and council members were on hand for the grand opening, along with district chair Jeff Lehman, and MPP Graydon Smith. CMHA offers a variety of mental health services. Learn more about CMHA.

Welcome to Gravenhurst!

Feeling hungry? Drop by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at 351 Talisman Drive in Gravenhurst. Council, town staff, and the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce helped the restaurant celebrate its grand opening Oct. 10. Congratulations to the Popeyes team and welcome to Gravenhurst.

Online portal for bylaw complaints

Just around the corner!


Soon we'll be launching a new online portal on Gravenhurst.ca that people can use to make bylaw infraction complaints.


The portal will include easy-to-follow instructions on how to submit your complaint and mapping that can be used to identify the complaint area.


Watch for more details in the near future.

Meet the plows!

Meet Betty Whiteout and Clearopathra - our two new snowplows. We named them earlier this year through our 'Name the Plow' contest on Engage Gravenhurst. Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest, which involved people submitting names and then voting on the two names they liked best. Council and staff had a chance to check out the new plows on Oct. 15. Watch for the plows on local roads this winter!

Local Government Week

Local Government Week took place Oct. 20-26. We are proud of the work we do. Our team delivers important services and programs to the people of Gravenhurst. Land use planning, parks maintenance, arena programs and services, and municipal law enforcement are just some of the things we do. Visit Gravenhurst.ca to learn more about us.

MHTF 2.0 Affordable/Attainable Housing Service Swap and Talk

Are you a housing provider, community-based organization, or developer looking to overcome barriers to affordable housing?Are you a company offering innovative solutions for affordable housing?Have you heard of groundbreaking ideas that could contribute to affordable housing that you think should be shared more widely?If you fall into one or more of these categories, you are invited to join the Muskoka Housing Task Force 2.0 at the Affordable/Attainable Housing Service Swap and Talk coming up on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Learn more

National Breastfeeding Week

National Breastfeeding Week ran Oct. 1 to Oct. 7. The aim is to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, to strengthen individual, family, and community support for breastfeeding, and to further strategies that promote breastfeeding practices. The Muskoka Breastfeeding Coalition and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit teamed up to celebrate the week. On Oct. 4, council members hosted representatives for a related flag raising at town hall.

Ward Boundary Review update

On Sept. 30, we hosted an information session about our Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Check out the preliminary options. Watch our website and social media channels for further updates on the project. Photo: Deputy clerk Jonathan Gilston chats with residents about the review.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30 we observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Council and staff gathered in front of the municipal office to raise the Every Child Matters Flag.

Volunteers wanted

Skokie needs you. We've got some super fun events coming up to promote the 2025 Gravenhurst Winter Carnival and we are looking for volunteers. These are the hours required for volunteers (not event times).


Skate with Skokie - Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.


Gateway to the Holidays Tree Lighting - Nov. 22, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.


Santa Claus Parade - Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.


If you are available to assist at one of these events, please reach out to skokie@gravenhurst.ca.

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

Investing in Gravenhurst

The Town of Gravenhurst is moving ahead with various infrastructure-related projects. Review our list to see what we are working on.

Learn more
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Public Skating returns

Public skating is back for another season at the Graeme Murray Arena. The cost is $2 at the door. See our website for dates and times.

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 - Oct. 15, 2024

Learn what happened at the latest meeting.

Learn more

Planning Council - Oct. 22, 2024

Planning Council met Oct. 22.


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

Mini Chefs in Training and Kids' Kitchen Adventures

Mini Chefs in Training is for youth age 4-6. Kids' Kitchen Adventures is for children age 7-9.

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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