October 2026

Vol. 4, 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.

Notice - Certification of Election Results

Review the results of the 2026 Gravenhurst municipal election.

Fall in Muskoka: New interactive public art installation celebrates local creativity in downtown Gravenhurst

The Town of Gravenhurst, in collaboration with the Gravenhurst BIA Review Steering Committee, is pleased to unveil Fall in Muskoka, a new interactive public art installation by local artist Hanna Dykstra, located in Heritage Square.

See our media release to learn more.

National Breastfeeding Week

On Oct. 5, the Town of Gravenhurst hoisted the National Breastfeeding Week flag. National Breastfeeding Week takes place during the 40th week of the year. This symbolically reflects the length of a full-term pregnancy. The Breastfeeding Committee of Canada says the timing highlights the critical early days of a newborn's life, when breastfeeding is first established, and underscores the importance of support for families during this period. Gravenhurst town council members, municipal staff, and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit representatives were on hand for the flag-raising event. Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided remarks on behalf of council.

Grand opening celebration

On Oct. 2, council members joined The Muskoka Wellness Co. to celebrate the grand opening of the business under Dr. Emily Martin and Dr. Karissa Wall. The business is at 205 Steamship Bay Rd. They provide a variety of services. See the company website to learn more.

Halloween fun

Gravenhurst is the place to be for daytime Halloween adventures.

See our online events calendar for details.

Get your spook on!

The Centennial Centre is the place to be on Halloween night.

Check out our online events calendar for details.

Official Plan Review open house

Join us for an open house regarding the Gravenhurst Official Plan Review project.

The open house is at the Terry Fox Auditorium in the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

At the open house, learn more about the project, discuss related topics in breakout groups, and chat with project team members.

The Official Plan will serve as a roadmap to 2056 - creating a vision for where homes and businesses can go. The plan will also determine how the town will protect lakes and natural spaces. As well, the plan will consider community transportation needs.

For more information about the project, visit Engage Gravenhurst and attend the upcoming meeting.  

Sign up for text messaging

The Town of Gravenhurst will now periodically use text messaging as a way to share information with the community.

If you'd like to receive text messages from us, sign up today.

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.

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.

Free access to youth and adult programs for eligible low-income individuals and households

Do you qualify?

Contact us for more information.

E-mail: recreation@gravenhurst.ca or call 705-687-3412, ext. 2129. You can also drop by the Recreation Office at the Centennial Centre.

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.

These programs are a terrific way to try something new and meet other residents in the community.

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 excellent 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.