Gravenhurst Council Highlights - Feb. 10, 2026
Vacant building and land bylaw discussion
Council hosted a working session to discuss what it would like to see in a vacant building and land bylaw.
Manager of Economic Development Amy Taylor led the discussion.
Such a bylaw would provide stipulations to prevent or mitigate neighbourhood decay.
Council directed staff late last fall to start working on the creation of such a bylaw.
Taylor updated council on staff efforts to date.
Council then discussed the bylaw and gave Taylor feedback.
She said staff will continue working on the bylaw and report back imminently.
Staff recognized for educational achievement
Council congratulated Town of Gravenhurst staffer Hailey Lehman on completing the Municipal Administration Program (MAP).
Lehman is an Administrative Clerk 2 in the Legislative Services Department.
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.
Lehman thanked council and staff for supporting her professional development.
MAT program update
Council received the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Program Update for information.
“The purpose of the report is to update Committee on the contract changes proposed between the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel, Motel Association (ORHMA) and the Town of Gravenhurst and to share housekeeping amendments to the related bylaw to ensure remittance periods align,” staff noted in the report.
Council also agreed to repeal the Municipal Accommodations Tax Bylaw and replace it with an updated bylaw.
They also directed staff to renew the contract for Municipal Accommodations Tax collections services with the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel, Motel Association.
And lastly, they delegated authority to staff to renew the contract for an additional term when required, if deemed beneficial.
Revised Automatic Aid Agreement with Bracebridge
Council received the Automatic Aid Agreement with Bracebridge Report for information.
“The purpose of the Automatic Aid Agreement with Bracebridge Report is to inform Committee that a revised Automatic Aid Agreement for fire protection services has been developed between the towns of Gravenhurst and Bracebridge,” wrote Fire Chief Jared Cayley in the report.
He added that one of the recommendations contained in the 2024 Gravenhurst Fire Master Plan was to review and update current automatic aid agreements to ensure their effectiveness.
“Staff from both municipalities have reviewed the agreement, utilizing the most recent GIS data and historical response data. Dispatch services for both fire departments were also consulted to ensure the agreement could be easily interpreted by communicators and the correct department will be dispatched accordingly,” Cayley said. “Administrations of both departments are confident that this latest agreement will strengthen responses to the geographic locations indicated, so that a fire response arrives as soon as possible.”
Upcoming special event report will include details about application process
The March Special Event Report will include a detailed review of the special event application process and the process that event organizers must go through for sign bylaw exemptions.
Council passed a resolution directing staff to include the review in the report.
Mayor Heidi Lorenz put forward the resolution.
She hopes the review will provide council and the community with a better understanding of the town’s special event permit process and signage rules.
CAO verbal update
Chief Administrative Officer Scott Lucas provided a verbal update on various initiatives staff are working on and recommended revisiting the recently approved budget and business plan for a more detailed and comprehensive list of initiatives for 2026.
Lucas said staff recruitment efforts are ongoing.
He noted staff are continuing with Lean training to develop skills to lead projects that will improve efficiency and customer experience.
In other news, Lucas said the town is providing co-op education opportunities for local high school students.
He also mentioned that a number of technological improvements are taking place in the organization. In January, the town launched a new online portal that people can use for planning applications.
Lucas noted the town has applied for Ontario Trillium funding to hire the town’s first climate change coordinator.
He also said that various economic development initiatives are ongoing, including initiation of a project to try and guide the reinstatement of a functional BIA in the downtown. He also highlighted several other planning and infrastructure projects.
Additionally, Lucas said staff are busy reviewing special event applications for the 2026 season.
Council Oks Accessibility Advisory Committee work plan for this year
Council received for information a report about the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s work plan for the year ahead and approved the plan.
The report provides a summary of the committee’s goals and objectives for 2026.
Building permit report received
Council received for information a staff report about a request in December from Marvin Goldstein for a refund of his deposit for a building permit.
“The purpose of the … report is to provide Committee with some history of the town’s User Fees and Services Bylaw and the effectiveness of the bylaw, as well as provide the history and background on the subject building permit leading to the refund being requested by the applicant.
Gravenhurst invests in community organizations and businesses
Council approved a series of grants through the Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program and the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program.
The Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program has $30,000 in funds to be distributed for 2026.
The CIP has approximately $115,000 available for distribution in 2026.
Terence Haight grants include $3,000 for Muskoka Ringette, $4,000 for Gravenhurst High School Robotics, $2,500 for Hospice Muskoka, and $1,700 for the Gravenhurst Legion.
CIP grants represent a significant investment with a focus on such things as façade upgrades and landscaping improvements.
For the full list of Terence Haight recipients and CIP grant recipients, see the staff report.
Venture Muskoka update and new MOU
Council received the Venture Muskoka Update Report for information.
Additionally, they directed staff to sign a related memorandum of understanding (MOU).
In 2014, economic development representatives from the lower-tier municipalities across Muskoka developed the Venture Muskoka brand and launched an investment attraction website to collaboratively promote the region and leverage the strength of the Muskoka brand.
In 2017, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Venture Muskoka was approved by councils from all lower-tier municipalities to formalize guiding principles for ongoing collaboration.
Since that time, members have successfully partnered on a range of regional economic development initiatives, including regional investment attraction efforts and other projects of regional significance identified as priorities by both the business community and respective municipal councils.
More specifically, these initiatives have included the development of a regional broadband strategy, a regional workforce strategy, and related implementation projects aimed at addressing shared regional opportunities and challenges.
In 2024, the District of Muskoka created its first economic development staff position. This addition of a dedicated role to this specific portfolio represents an evolution in the regional economic development framework and creates a new opportunity for coordination between both levels of municipal government in Muskoka.
The updated MOU recognizes the continued evolution of Venture Muskoka, including the District of Muskoka as a new member.
Report outlines protocols for construction projects
Council received the Construction Practices and Communications Report for information.
“The purpose of the Construction Practices and Communications Report is to provide … a high-level overview of current contract administration protocols used throughout the lifecycle of a capital construction project and to explain how these protocols were applied towards the Abbey Lane Drainage Improvements Project,” staff said in the report.
In January, council received a deputation from the owners of 130 Abbey Lane.
The individuals outlined concerns they had regarding the Abbey Lane project and its impact on them.
Following the deputation, council directed staff to report back on the approach to the construction project.
They also asked for information about communications and standard protocols for all town construction practices.
“Administration concludes that [the] Abbey Lane Drainage Improvements project has and continues to be delivered using reasonable standard construction protocols, supplemented by tailored communication and coordination efforts intended to minimize disruption,” staff said.
Muskoka Watershed Council update
Councillor Peter Johnston presented his monthly update on the Muskoka Watershed Council.
Johnston is the town’s representative on the council.
ROMA conference report
Councillor Christina Hunter provided a report on the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference that took place in January.
Hunter attended the Toronto conference with Mayor Heidi Lorenz.
Council asks district to look at traffic calming for road
Members of council passed a resolution calling on the District of Muskoka to look at traffic calming measures for Muskoka Rd. 169.
Specifically, they want the district to look at the area where Muskoka Rd. 169 meets Pine Lake Road.
The request comes after a resident raised concerns about school bus safety in the area.
Gravenhurst council wants the district to look at decreasing the speed limit in the area, installing flashing lights on the school bus signs, and other traffic calming measures.
Update from the mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
The mayor reminded everyone that the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is Family Day weekend.
She also said the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is Feb. 28.
Additionally, she encouraged everyone to follow the Winter Olympics and support Team Canada.
Mayor Lorenz also touched on the Gravenhurst Opera House 125th anniversary celebration coming up in March.
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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