Gravenhurst Council Highlights - April 21, 2026
Town staffer earns CBCO designation
Council recognized town staffer Caleb Stoneman for achieving his Certified Building Code Official (CBCO) designation.
Stoneman is a building inspector with the town.
The CBCO designation is through the Ontario Building Officials Association in the following categories:
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Housing
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HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
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On-site sewage systems
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Plumbing
To achieve the designation in each of these categories requires many hours of training, provincial testing, and municipal experience.
The CBCO program is an enhancement to the baseline Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Qualification examination requirements, thereby signifying a level of competency above the legislated baseline.
On behalf of council, Mayor Heidi Lorenz congratulated Stoneman and thanked him for his service.
Deputy treasurer receives Municipal Administration Program credentials
Council recognized Rob Rosilius, deputy treasurer, for earning his Municipal Administration Program (MAP) certificate.
MAP is a certificate program through the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario.
Each unit in the program has assignments that involve reading, research, writing, and application, providing individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the municipal sector.
Several town employees have completed MAP training over the years.
Mayor Lorenz congratulated Rosilius and commended him for his contributions to the municipality.
Council OKs road salt resolution
Dr. Neil Hutchinson and Joanne Smith spoke on behalf of Friends of the Muskoka Watershed.
Their presentation focused on the effect road salt has on water in Muskoka.
They asked that council pass a resolution calling on the province to act on road salt pollution.
Mayor Lorenz thanked the two for the presentation.
Later in the meeting, council passed a resolution calling on the province to take steps to protect water from salt pollution and for enhanced local public reporting.
Resident asks for Lorne Street Creek improvements
Eniko Campbell made a presentation to council.
She outlined a request she’d like to see to the Lorne Street Creek area regarding community park development.
Mayor Lorenz thanked Campbell for the presentation.
Elect Respect resolution passed
Council reviewed a copy of Bracebridge’s Elect Respect Resolution.
The resolution calls for respect, integrity, and civility in the political arena.
Council passed its own resolution calling for respectful conduct by everyone participating in the political process.
Update to Procedural Bylaw
Council received the Procedural Bylaw Report for information.
The report provided an overview of proposed amendments to the bylaw.
“The revisions are in responses to changes in legislation, specifically the introduction of Strong Mayor authority, and the discussion of [council] at the working session held on March 16, 2026,” Director of Legislative Servies Kayla Thibeault said.
To learn more about the changes to the bylaw, see the related staff report.
Later in the meeting, council passed a bylaw to implement the amendments which come into effect for the new term of council.
Council appoints student bylaw officers
Council received for information a report proposing that Eva Szumska and Bennett Mack be appointed as student municipal law enforcement officers.
Later in the meeting, council passed a pair of bylaws formalizing the appointments.
The two will assist the town during the busy summer season.
Council appoints septic re-inspector
Council members received for information a report recommending that Luke Bannink be appointed as a septic re-inspector for the town.
Each summer, the municipality endeavors to hire students from related fields to conduct septic system re-inspections around the municipality, with particular focus on those systems that service waterfront development.
Later in the meeting, council passed a bylaw appointing Bannink to the septic re-inspector role for the summer.
Town finances are in good shape
Council received for information the 2026 First Quarter Financial Update Report.
“Administration concludes that the 2026 First Quarter Financial Update is in line with expectations at the end of Q1 2026 and early projections for year end. Administration will endeavor to remain within or as close to budget as possible,” Deputy Treasurer Theresa Trott wrote in the report.
Council awards Musquash Road Drainage Improvements tender
Council members received the Musquash Road Drainage Improvements Tender Report.
They also approved awarding the project to the lowest compliant bidder, HLD Muskoka, at the tendered price of $3,782,615.15 excluding HST.
The Musquash Drainage improvement project represents the largest single investment in capital infrastructure since the construction of the Centennial Centre.
The scope of work is substantial in size and when completed it will put in place a climate resilient storm system that safeguards a residential area from persistent flooding.
The project has been structured to occur over a two-year construction window, with Part A being completed by Oct. 30, 2026, and Part B by Oct. 29, 2027.
Gravenhurst renewing District Area Maintenance Agreement
Council OK’d the renewal of the District Area Maintenance Agreement.
The agreement will enable the town to continue delivering maintenance services along District of Muskoka roadways in Gravenhurst.
The agreement will be in place until 2028.
Works performed by the town will continue to be remunerated by the district based on pre-determined activity rates.
Contracted services will be remunerated based on the amount invoiced by the respective service providers.
Town investments show gains
Council received the 2025 Annual Investment Report for information.
Treasurer Wayne Campbell said the town’s investment portfolio remains strong.
He said the municipality is well positioned with its investments.
Campbell noted that in 2025 the town’s portfolio achieved an annual return of 11.2 per cent, up from 7.81 per cent in 2024.
Council also received a new investment policy for the town.
Land declared surplus
Council received a surplus land report for information.
The purpose of the report was to provide council with an update “regarding the proposed sale of currently unused municipal lands that abut businesses at Muskoka Wharf along with the property located at 200 Nelson St. and seek direction in disposing the lands…” Deputy Treasurer Rob Rosilius wrote in the report.
Council declared the properties surplus and available for sale.
Council approves Vacant Building and Land Registry Bylaw
Gravenhurst council received the Vacant Building and Land Registry Bylaw Report for information.
Council later approved the Vacant Building and Land Registry Bylaw and related amendments to the town’s Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs).
They also approved related amendments to the municipality’s User Fees and Charges Bylaw.
The bylaw requires the owners of empty properties to formally register them with the town.
The bylaw also contains various stipulations regarding the care of vacant properties.
Failure to comply with the regulations will result in financial penalties.
Council approves community grant request
Council received the Community Grants Committee Update Report for information and approved a $7,500 grant for 230 Muskoka Rd. S.
The funding is awarded through the town’s Community Improvement Program.
Manager of Economic Development Amy Taylor said the funding will support asbestos abatement.
Economic Development Quarterly Update
Gravenhurst council members received the Economic Development Quarterly Update.
Amy Taylor, manager of economic development, said the purpose of the report is to provide an update on the town’s economic development activities.
“At the Jan. 20, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting a Notice of Motion was put forward requesting more regular updates from the Economic Development Division regarding business retention and attraction activities. This report is the first such update, and administration intends to provide these on a quarterly basis to start,” Taylor said.
The focus for the first quarter has been business retention and expansion, investment attraction, tourism development, and community partnerships.
Staff will primarily focus on the BIA review in the second quarter.
Bylaw exemption for Piratefest
Council approved an exemption to its bylaw that regulates activities in town parks.
The exemption will allow overnight camping for midway workers and historical encampment display workers during Piratefest.
The exemption accommodates a request from Piratefest organizer Cathy Tait that council received in March.
The exemption will allow camping in Cockburn Square and the Muskoka Wharf Field parking lot during Piratefest.
Camping will be allowed from July 31 to Aug. 2.
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival debrief
Council received the Winter Carnival Debrief Report for information.
“The purpose of the Winter Carnival Debrief Report is to provide an overview of the 2026 winter carnival event and inform committee of changes that are being planned/contemplated to sustain and improve the winter carnival,” wrote Community Recreation Coordinator Nicole Gray.
Overall, the annual winter carnival was a success.
“The vendor market grew substantially in 2026 to house 18 local vendors and three community groups. New events and activities were added and some ‘classics’ returned, all of which were well received by attendees,” Gray said. “Hotel packages were very well received with a total of 42 rooms booked specifically for the winter carnival between the Residence Inn and the Fairfield.”
She said the event brought in $13,500 from button sales, and the working group secured $15,200 in sponsorship. Additional support came from the Municipal Accommodation Tax in the amount of $22,500.
Good Roads Conference report
Councillor Jo Morphy attended the recent Good Roads Conference and provided council with a report on the experience.
The conference took place from March 29 to April 1 in Toronto.
Good Roads is a municipal association that focuses on the road system across Ontario.
The association dates to 1894.
The annual conference brings interested parties together for such things as educational presentations and networking opportunities.
New art display at the municipal office
Councillor Christina Hunter said there is a new display of artwork at the municipal office.
The art display is a joint initiative involving the town’s Public Art Advisory Committee and the Muskoka Discovery Centre, which sources the artwork.
Hunter said the latest display features paintings by Orillia-based artist Deby Melillo.
Melillo’s work is hanging in the lobby and in the council chambers.
People can check out the lobby display during regular business hours – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – and the display in the council chambers is viewable during committee meetings and council meetings.
Melillo describes herself as an emerging artist who has been “joyfully splashing paint around for the past five years.”
Melillo’s work has been displayed in a variety of locations, including at the Orillia Opera House, the Severn Township municipal office, and the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst.
Melillo’s work leans towards abstract pieces and landscapes that play with mood and movement.
Better Regional Government Act discussion
Councillor Peter Johnston provided his thoughts on the shortcomings of the province’s proposed Better Regional Government Act.
Later, he put forward a motion that was seconded by Councillor Erin Strength and passed by council.
The motion supports a District of Muskoka council resolution calling on the province to allow the district to continue appointing its own chair
As the proposed provincial legislation stands, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing would be granted the authority to directly appoint regional chairs.
Update from the Mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
The mayor spoke about the flooding taking place across parts of Muskoka.
“While other Muskoka municipalities have experienced some significant flood-related challenges this spring – that has fortunately, for the most part, not been our experience here,” Mayor Lorenz said.
“We have certainly witnessed high water in Lake Muskoka, especially down at Muskoka Wharf, and along the Severn River, and we’ve had a couple of roads affected by floodwater, but we have gotten off lucky this year when compared to past seasons,” she added.
However, the mayor cautioned there is still a great deal of water to work its way through the system.
She assured residents that the Town of Gravenhurst remains vigilant and prepared to act.
As in past years, town staff are meeting regularly with Parks Canada representatives for updates regarding the Severn River and with MNR staff for updates on other local bodies of water, including Lake Muskoka.
The town has shared MNR’s flood information on its website and social media channels and will continue to do so.
To help people protect their homes and businesses from flooding, since early March the town has made sandbags available to those in need.
The mayor also mentioned that it is Volunteer Week and paid tribute to the many local people who give their time freely to a cause.
In other news, Mayor Lorenz said she attended a provincial funding announcement on Friday, April 17 at the Cottage Country Family Health Team in Gravenhurst.
MPP Graydon Smith announced $2.1-million for the Cottage Country Family Health Team, which serves South Muskoka.
The funding will be used to help connect patients to the primary care they need.
Mayor Lorenz said town officials have advocated for the funding for a long time.
She thanked the family health team for its great work and commended the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst, which is spearheading the Gravenhurst Health Hub project.
Lastly, she noted the Mayor’s Tea is coming up June 3 at the Gravenhurst Opera House. She invited everyone to save the date. Watch the town’s website and social media channels for further details in the coming weeks.
Council Highlights
Council Highlights is prepared as an overview of the council meeting. For the official record, please refer to the agenda and minutes on the town website at www.gravenhurst.ca.
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