Gravenhurst Council Highlights - Aug. 11, 2026
Cottage owner requests short-term rental fee waiver
A local cottage owner made a deputation to council.
Maria Vojtilia said they operate their cottage as a short-term rental and as a result have a short-term rental license through the town.
They asked to have the license fee waived for this year due to construction noise in the area.
People staying on their property have provided feedback about the noise.
Mayor Heidi Lorenz thanked Vojtilia for the presentation.
Council took no further action on the request.
Terry Fox Run set for Sept. 20
Cynthia Whalen of the Gravenhurst Terry Fox Run made a deputation to council.
Whalen highlighted Fox’s July 1980 visit to Gravenhurst, made as part of his Marathon of Hope run across Canada.
The presentation included a montage of photographs from Fox’s time in Gravenhurst and a related video.
Whalen also talked about this year’s run. The goal is to raise $25,000 for cancer research.
In addition to the run, Whalen touched on other ways that funds will be raised, including a trivia night and online silent auction.
Whalen said she needs volunteers to help make this year’s fundraiser a success.
The Gravenhurst Terry Fox Run will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Sept. 20.
The run will start and finish at the Centennial Centre.
Noise bylaw exemption request approved
Jason Gullett made a deputation to council.
He requested an exemption from the town’s noise bylaw.
The exemption will allow music to be played beyond 11 p.m. at a neighbourhood gathering he’s hosting.
The gathering is at his property at 1115 Kahshe Lake Rd. on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Later in the meeting, council considered a related staff report and approved the exemption.
Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee members appointed
Council received the Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee Report for information.
Council also approved the related bylaws and the appointment of committee members.
The members will serve from 2026 to 2030.
Lastly, council delegated authority to the clerk, Kayla Thibeault, to develop and adopt the applicable terms of reference and administrative procedures for the committee.
The role of the committee is to receive, review and make decisions on applications for compliance audits related to the campaign expenses of candidates and third-party advertisers in municipal elections.
This includes any by-elections that may be held throughout the term.
The committee is also responsible for reviewing any reports submitted by the clerk with respect to any contributor who appears to have contravened any of the contribution limits within the campaign.
Later in the meeting, council passed a related bylaw.
Mid-Year Financial Update
Council received the Mid-Year Financial Update Report for information.
The report provided an update on mid-year financial performance versus budget, as well as an update on some of the planned initiatives identified in the budget.
Overall, the report shows the town remains in good financial shape.
Muskoka River Watershed Staff Working Group Accord
Council received for information the Muskoka River Watershed Staff Working Group Accord - Integrated Watershed Management.
Council endorsed the accord and authorized the mayor and clerk to sign the document.
Council also directed staff to continue participating in the working group.
Integrated Watershed Management is a collaborative effort among municipal and provincial staff, First Nations, non-profit and charitable organizations, local businesses, and other rights and interest holders to ensure coordinated, evidence-based environmental management of the Muskoka River Watershed.
Gravenhurst staff have engaged in discussions around advancing integrated watershed management formally since 2024.
The endorsement of the accord will formalize collaboration efforts.
The Working Group aims to strengthen coordination, enabling a more unified, informed voice within the broader community of partners and collaborators advancing watershed management.
Committee changes get the OK
Council received the 2022-2026 Subcommittee and Appeals Committee Review report.
The report provided an overview of the town’s current subcommittee program and recommendations to improve, streamline and consolidate the program for the next term of council, starting Nov. 15, 2026.
As a result, council approved an amended Subcommittee Policy for the town.
Additionally, they approved, effective Nov. 15, 2026, dissolving the following committees:
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Public Art Advisory Committee (to become a staff-led working group)
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Fence/Viewer Dangerous Dog Committee
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Property Standards Appeal Committee
Council also directed staff to provide terms of reference for the following committees for review, approval, and implementation before the end of the current council term:
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Gravenhurst Trails Committee
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Gravenhurst Appeals Committee
Council names Aird and Berlis as integrity commissioner for upcoming term
Council received the Integrity Commissioner Appointment Report for information.
The report recommended a transition from the current interim integrity commissioner services appointment to a permanent appointment.
This would ensure consistent legislatively required services are secured for the 2026-2030 term of council while the integrity commissioner profession evolves based on changing legislation and requirements.
As a result, council agreed to appoint law firm Aird and Berlis as the provider of integrity commissioner services for the upcoming term, as per Option A in the report.
The firm has provided interim integrity commissioner services since 2025 when the town’s previous commissioner resigned.
Council gets look at 2027 budget information
Council received the 2027 Mayor’s Budget Review and Guideline Report for information.
The report, as per direction from Mayor Heidi Lorenz, provided the results of early research and advice on a recommended budget guideline and meeting schedule.
Administration said that the review schedule and guidelines are aligned with the strategic plan and the anticipated needs that have been identified through council direction, and through recommendations from reports, studies, and business plans that have been supported by council.
The preliminary analysis indicates that the 2027 budget will continue to be influenced by labour costs, the implementation of previously approved organizational initiatives, contracted services, technology investments, infrastructure renewal requirements, and broader economic conditions.
These pressures will be moderated through prudent revenue forecasting, assessment growth, investment income, employee benefit savings, funding opportunities, and continued operational efficiencies.
Administration will continue refining expenditure and revenue assumptions throughout the budget process using updated assessment information, departmental budget submissions and current economic conditions.
Council calls on province to step up flood assistance in Muskoka
Council passed a resolution put forward by Mayor Heidi Lorenz calling on the province to take immediate action on flood-related initiatives in the area.
This includes a call for the province to reconfirm its November 2024 commitment to undertake a comprehensive review and update of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan.
The resolution also calls on the province to convene one or more public information sessions within the affected watershed communities, for the purpose of hearing directly from residents impacted by the 2026 flooding event.
Additionally, the resolution calls on the province to activate the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) and Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) programs for all affected communities arising from the 2026 spring freshet flooding event and expedite the review and approval process generally to ensure timely access to financial assistance.
Lastly, the resolution calls for the province to amend eligibility criteria under the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program to also include seasonal and secondary residential properties in recognition of the unique characteristics and economic realities and benefits of watershed and seasonal municipalities.
Economic Development update
Council received the Economic Development Update Report for information.
The report provides a summary of information from March 2026 to date.
Update from the mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
The mayor touched on a variety of recent events in the community and upcoming activities.
As well, Mayor Lorenz noted she will be attending the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa.
The conference runs Aug. 16-19.
Councillors Michelle Robinson and Penny Varney will be joining her at the conference, in addition to chief administrative officer Scott Lucas.
Check out the update for full details.
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.