October 2025

Vol. 3, 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.

Message from the Mayor

Halloween is almost here and on that note, on behalf of council and staff, I want to wish all the trick-or-treaters in our community a fun night out on Oct. 31.

If your schedule permits, drop by Spook Spot on Halloween.

Spook Spot is a great Halloween trick-or-treat pit stop in the YMCA gym at the Centennial Centre.

The event will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The town is pleased to present Spook Spot with the YMCA.

Earlier this month, we had the Gravenhurst Halloween Trick-or-Treat daytime event in the downtown core and the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds hosted the Trick-or-Truck gathering. It was great seeing so many people at these events and kudos to everyone who helped make these fun activities possible.

These events certainly highlight that community spirit is alive and well.

We've marked some other special occasions this month, too.

On Oct. 7, we hosted a flag-raising for National Breastfeeding Week.

Oct. 19-25 we celebrated Small Business Week and Local Government Week.

And on Oct. 27, we welcomed a new fire truck into the Gravenhurst Fire Department's fleet.

It was my privilege on Oct. 23 to attend the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario conference in Toronto. I joined local health care professionals and Rotary Club of Gravenhurst members as part of a panel presentation on the Gravenhurst Health Hub project.

The presentation went great and we received some terrific questions.

Fundraising for the health hub continues. The project team said earlier this month they have raised just over $950,000. The town is pleased to support this project and you can learn more about it at gravenhursthealthhub.com.

In other news, council's monthly meeting took place Oct. 21 and it was another productive session. We received the Third Quarter Financial Update Report and I am pleased to say that operations and capital spending are expected to fall within the parameters of the 2025 budget.

The draft budget for 2026 will be available for review on Engage Gravenhurst in early November. Please take some time to review the draft budget and share your thoughts with us.

I hope you enjoy our latest newsletter. It contains details about many of the things I have mentioned.

We look forward to updating you again next month.

Until then, please take care.

Heidi Lorenz,

Mayor.

New fire truck for Station 3

The Gravenhurst Fire Department welcomed a new pumper truck into its fleet on Monday, Oct. 27. The vehicle is based at Fire Station 3, 1622 Barkway Rd. The Rosenbauer Type 3 Pumper sits on an International chassis and was assembled in Lyons, S.D. The $762,000 vehicle replaces a 2004 E-One International Pumper now at the end of its lifespan. The town's asset management plan allows for the replacement of large frontline equipment every 20 years.

WATCH: Check out our related video.

Gravenhurst Health Hub project gets Toronto audience

On Oct. 23, at the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario conference in Toronto, Mayor Heidi Lorenz joined local health care professionals and Rotary Club of Gravenhurst members as part of a panel presentation on the Gravenhurst Health Hub project. The presentation about the local initiative was well received. Learn more about the Gravenhurst Health Hub.

Gravenhurst ready for winter season

The Town of Gravenhurst is prepared for another winter season.

See our news release to learn more.

National Breastfeeding Week

On Oct. 7, we hosted a flag-raising at the municipal office to mark National Breastfeeding Week. Joining council members and town staff were Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit representatives. This year's theme, "Prioritizing Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems," highlights the critical connection between breastfeeding, environmental sustainability, and climate change. Learn more on the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit website.

Participate in our communications survey

We're conducting a survey to better understand how you access information from us.

We also want to know what type of information you wish to receive.

Additionally, we'd like to know what else we can do to keep you informed.

To participate in the survey, visit EngageGravenhurst.ca.

Have your say! What should be budget priorities for 2026?

Draft budget consultation has started.

We want to hear what you think should be budget priorities for the year ahead.

Please visit Engage Gravenhurst to share your thoughts.

Small Business Week

Small Business Week was Oct. 19-25. Gravenhurst is powered by incredible small businesses, from local shops and restaurants to trades and creative minds. Mark your calendars for Muskoka Business Week celebrations Nov. 24-28. Check out the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about local small businesses.

Local Government Week

Local Government Week was Oct. 19-25. We are proud of the work we do.

Our team delivers important services and programs for the people of Gravenhurst.

Watch our service delivery video to learn more.

Go Blue Jays!

Town of Gravenhurst staffers were sporting their Toronto Blue Jays colours on Friday, Oct. 24 to support the team in its bid to win the World Series.

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.

Supporting our community

We dig Gravenhurst is a Town of Gravenhurst initiative designed to support and enhance the experience of businesses, visitors, and residents during the Bay and Beyond infrastructure project.

Learn more about what we are up to and how you can help.

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 - Oct. 28, 2025

Planning Council met Oct. 28, 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.

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.

Our Community Improvement Program can help

Hey property and business owners.

Looking to make some improvements?

Check out our Community Improvement Program and find out how we can help you. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.

Learn more about CIP.

Join us for Spook Spot

Join the Town of Gravenhurst and the Gravenhurst YMCA for Spook Spot, a fun Halloween trick or treat pit stop.

Spook Spot is Friday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre YMCA gym.

• Inflatable maze
• Trick or treating
• Zombie Archery and Axe Throwing
• Witch's and Warlock's Touch or Treat

Registration is open for fall recreation programs.

Visit our website to learn more.

Looking for public skating? There are programs at the Graeme Murray Arena for only $2 per person.

Check out the website for details.

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.