Gravenhurst Council Highlights - Jan. 20, 2026
Clark family raises concerns about Abbey Lane project
Scott Clark made a deputation to council, outlining concerns he has with the Abbey Lane drainage and road construction project.
Clark said the project has been extremely disruptive to his family. They own a home at 130 Abbey Lane.
He outlined specific requests he would like the town to consider due to the project.
Council thanked Clark for his deputation and officially received it for information.
Also, council directed staff to report back on the approach to the construction project.
The report is to also include information about communications and standard protocols for all town construction practices.
Coldest Night of the Year presentation
Greg Poole and Beth Houston, representing Gravenhurst Against Poverty, made a deputation to council regarding the group’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser.
The event is Feb. 28, 2026 and funds raised support the organization’s activities in the community.
Watch the deputation to learn more.
Council attendance report
The Gravenhurst Council and Committee Attendance Report was received for information.
The report provides details on council members’ attendance at council and subcommittee meetings.
Statement of expenses received for information
Council received for information a report that outlines remuneration and expenses for council members and committee members in 2025.
Single source procurement for firefighter equipment
Council received a report outlining why single source procurement is required for firefighter protective clothing.
They also authorized staff to proceed with single source procurement, through Safe Design Apparel Incorporated, for Globe Firefighter Protective Clothing.
The department has an extensive history with Globe protective clothing because it meets the needs of firefighters.
“Safe Design Apparel Incorporated has continuously delivered a competitive program at competitive pricing, and administration are confident that this will continue, while meeting our safety goals,” Fire Chief Jared Cayley noted in the report.
Review the staff report to learn more.
Snowmobile trail license agreement
Council received the Snowmobile Trail License Agreement Report for information.
They also directed staff to enter into a license agreement with the Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club.
The agreement will allow the continued use of municipal properties and road allowances for snowmobile trails.
Council authorized Director of Infrastructure Andrew Stacey to sign the agreement on behalf of the town.
The agreement will be for a five-year term with a possible extension for another five years.
The Snowcrest Riders have operated and maintained local trails for several decades under various agreements with the town, noted Kyla Bruce, Gravenhurst’s parks and trails technician, in the related report.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs recently indicated the updated agreement is required, she said.
Council requests report on building permit process for local project
Council directed staff to prepare a report for the Feb. 10 committee of the whole meeting that outlines the details of a resident’s building permit and the building permit deposit process.
In December, Gravenhurst cottage owner Marvin Goldstein appeared before council and requested a refund of his $2,000 deposit for a building permit.
At this month’s meeting, Councillor Christina Hunter brought forward the motion that council supported, directing staff to prepare a related report for the February committee of the whole meeting.
Council requests regular updates on business retention and activities
Council members passed a resolution directing staff to provide regular updates on business retention and attraction activities, particularly within the town’s Community Improvement Plan area.
Councillor Peter Johnston put forward the resolution that council supported.
The resolution acknowledges people’s concern for the state of Gravenhurst’s downtown and highlights steps the town is taking to support a healthier downtown.
Multi-Year accessibility plan approved
Council received the 2026-2030 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for information and approved the document.
The plan includes steps the town will take to improve accessibility in the community for residents and visitors.
Council says clerk can declare events ‘municipally significant’ when Special Occasion Permit required for alcohol sales
Council received the Delegation of Authority – Municipally Significant Events Report for information.
They also gave the clerk, Kayla Thibeault, the authority to declare certain events as municipally significant.
So, what does that mean?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario administers the Liquor License and Control Act and governs the administration of Special Occasion Permits (SOP) where alcohol is for sale outside of licensed establishments or private places.
The SOP program allows for the sale, service and consumption of liquor on special occasions, such as charity fundraisers or special events.
When an event applicant is applying for their license, they require a municipal council resolution declaring the event as municipally significant.
Alternatively, this authority may be delegated to municipal staff who can write a letter identifying the event as municipally significant – an ability council has now granted to the clerk.
The ability streamlines the process for applicants as they no longer require the matter to go before council for consideration.
Sign bylaw exemption for Scotiabank
Scotiabank received an exemption from the town’s sign bylaw.
The sign bylaw states that illuminated signs are not allowed in the business improvement area except for externally illuminated signs.
The exemption will allow the financial institution to erect three illuminated backlit wall signs at its 198 Muskoka Rd. N. location.
Staff view the variance as minor in nature.
“As the signs are backlit and do not include any flashing lights or electronic messaging,” staff can support the exemption, Manager of Bylaw Services Kristen Ford wrote in the related report.
Sign bylaw exemption for GAP
Council approved a sign bylaw exemption for Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP).
The exemption permits the installation of a banner sign, as defined by the sign bylaw, at a site next to Muskoka Surf and Turf.
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.
New art at town hall
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 Linda Gidora, a retired teacher from Whitby.
A lifelong connection to the Georgian Bay area inspires her painting. She often captures the region’s iconic shoreline and sky in her work.
Gidora’s work can be seen in the lobby at town hall during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in the council chambers when meetings are in session.
GAP fee waiver approved
Council agreed to waive the municipal fees that Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) was facing in relation to its upcoming Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser.
The town’s Fees and Charges Bylaw sets rental rates for municipal facilities and includes a 75 per cent reduction for not-for-profits.
However, GAP requested the remaining 25 per cent fee be waived.
This amounts to $425.43 (sign permit, rental of Lions Pavillion, sign exemption request).
Update from the mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
Mayor Lorenz said she attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto from Jan. 18-20.
She said it was a fun-filled and informative three days, noting that Councillor Christina Hunter, who also attended, will provide a full report on the conference at council’s February meeting.
But the mayor did share that at ROMA she participated in a plenary discussion about the Gravenhurst Health Hub project. The mayor said it was a great opportunity to talk about such a terrific initiative.
In other news, the mayor mentioned the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is happening on Feb. 28.
And she highlighted the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival, happening Family Day weekend.
Mayor Lorenz also announced the winner of this year’s Gravenhurst Winter Carnival button design contest.
Mikaila Anderson, 13, created the design for this year’s carnival button, which serves as the official pass for most events and activities.
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.
Watch the meeting
Contact Us
Town of Gravenhurst
3-5 Pineridge Gate
Gravenhurst ON P1P1Z3
T: 705-687-3412
TF: 1-855-687-3412
info@gravenhurst.ca