Gravenhurst Council Highlights - July 15, 2025
Council supports road easement agreement request
Council received a deputation from the Fish Hook Lane Cottagers Association.
Sean Macaulay and Mark Turney represented the organization.
The association has a license of occupation for a road allowance that allows some members to access their properties.
The license is expiring – renewals are no longer permitted – and in its place the association is requesting a road easement agreement with the town.
Without the agreement, 25 properties would only be accessible by water.
Fish Hook Lane is three kilometres in length and occupies just over one kilometre of the town’s unopened road allowance.
Following the presentation, council passed a resolution directing staff to proceed with the steps necessary to establish the road easement agreement.
2024 Capital Year-end Report
Council received for information the 2024 Capital Year-end Report.
They also directed staff to continue managing capital spending as approved in the 2025 budget.
“The purpose of the… report is to provide committee with an update on the status of the Town of Gravenhurst 2024 Capital Program,” deputy treasurer Theresa Trott wrote in the report.
The 2024 capital program has demonstrated effective management and oversight, she said, adding later that “all completed and on-going 2024 capital projects are fully funded within the overall funding envelope approved by council.”
2024 Annual Reserve and Reserve Funds Report
Council received the 2024 Annual Reserve and Reserve Funds Report for information.
“The purpose of the 2024 Annual Reserve and Reserve Funds Report is to share the continuity of reserve and reserve fund balances for the year ended 2024 and to provide updated projected balances for the year ended 2025 and the 20-year balances ending in 2034 for information purposes only,” deputy treasurer Theresa Trott wrote in the report.
Integrity Commissioner annual report
Council received integrity commissioner Suzanne Craig’s annual report.
Craig noted in the report that she is resigning her position with the town.
First appointed in 2019, Craig said she is resigning after receiving correspondence stating disappointment in her work.
Later in the meeting, council passed a resolution directing staff to retain law firm Aird and Berlis for integrity commissioner services on an interim basis until next steps can be determined.
Contact information for Aird and Berlis will be provided to council members. The public will find contact information for the firm on the town’s website.
Council amends Administrative Monetary Penalty Bylaw
Council amended the Administrative Monetary Penalty Bylaw to reflect additional penalties.
These apply to the Clean and Clear Bylaw and the Property Standards Bylaw, approved by council in June.
Terms of reference updated for Community Awards Committee
Council approved changes to the Community Awards Committee’s terms of reference.
The terms of reference now note that the committee will meet the second Monday “of the month in the designated event year, beginning in September and ending in November, with ad-hoc meetings to be scheduled as required.”
Accessible Wayfinding pilot project moves ahead
Council passed a resolution directing staff to provide a report about the Accessible Wayfinding Pilot Project at the Aug. 12 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, deputy clerk Jonathan Gilston said the project involves the use of a GPS navigational app that enhances a person’s wayfinding experiences.
He said the plan is to launch a pilot project that allows people to download the app and use it as a navigational tool to access different areas of the municipal office.
Based on the success of the project, use of the app could be expanded to other municipal facilities and amenities in Gravenhurst.
2024 Operating Year-end Report
Council members received the 2024 Operating Year-end Report for information.
They also approved funding a 2024 operating deficit of just over $440,000 from the Tax Stabilization reserve.
The Tax Stabilization Reserve is designed to fund emergencies and one-time pressures relating to operating issues.
The reserve helps to maintain stability in the town's tax rates and ensures that essential services are not disrupted.
“The purpose of the…report is to provide an overview of financial performance for the year and confirm the appropriate policy treatment of the 2024 Year End Operating deficit,” deputy treasurer Theresa Trott wrote in the report.
In the report, Trott notes that “…the report reveals a significant impact on the operating budget due to a severe snow event, primarily affecting the infrastructure divisions. This outcome marks a departure from the town's historical trend of generating operating surpluses, which have been used to build reserve funds and support long-term financial sustainability, with a target of achieving annual surpluses of three per cent. An application for financial assistance has been submitted to the Municipal Disaster Recovery program, and the town is awaiting a response from the province.”
Town applying for ice storm financial assistance
Council received the Emergency Funding Report for information.
“The purpose of the Emergency Funding Report is to inform council of administration’s intention to submit a claim under the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) Program for costs related to the March 2025 ice storm, and to seek committee‘s approval for administration to proceed with the claim process, with final costs to be determined and reported back as necessary,” treasurer Wayne Campbell said in the report.
Council authorized staff to apply to the province’s Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program once all costs are known.
Council directed staff to report back on the final claim details and the outcome of the application for financial assistance.
Council approves policy changes
The Community Grants Chair, Jeff Watson, provided a presentation to council members regarding the successes of the town’s various financial support programs.
The report included details on the Community Grants Mid-Year Update.
Council approved revisions to the following policies:
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Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program Policy;
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Community Improvement Program Policy
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Community Improvement Plan
Council Oks changes to fee reduction schedule for schools
Council received the Fee Reduction Schedule Report for information and approved changes to the fee reduction schedule as it relates to local schools using town facilities.
The recommended changes are a result of collaborative discussions with staff and representatives from Gravenhurst High School.
“The purpose of the Amendment to the Fee Reduction Schedule Report is to propose a change to the current fee reduction schedule as it relates to local school usage of town facilities. Additional language clean-up is included for clarification purposes,” wrote director of recreation, arts and culture Shawna Patterson in the report.
Later in the meeting, council passed a related bylaw.
Digital sports hall of fame on the way
Council received for information a report about plans to digitize the Lions Sports Hall of Fame at the Centennial Centre.
They also authorized moving $8,000 from the hall of fame reserve fund to purchase and install a digital screen, software, and wall wrap for the hall of fame.
The hall of fame is on the second floor; the new digital hall of fame will be in the main lobby and will “significantly increase its visibility and ensure all past and present nominees receive the recognition they deserve,” director of recreation, arts and culture Shawna Patterson said in the report.
Patterson noted staff “will continue to work with the Community Awards Committee to ensure that the hall of fame is maintained both physically and digitally.”
Muskoka Watershed Council Report
Councillor Peter Johnston provided his monthly update on the Muskoka Watershed Council.
He is town council’s representative at the watershed council meetings.
He said the integrated watershed management workshop being planned will not happen because it is too close to the Summit on the Environment, which has a theme of ‘Living Smarter with Climate Change.’
He said the council is planning to start an integrated watershed management governance body and will start talking to municipalities about appointing representatives.
New art on display at municipal office
Speaking as the council representative of the Public Art Advisory Committee, Councillor Christina Hunter advised that new art is now on display in the municipal office lobby and council chambers.
The latest display features work by Frieda Ambroziak.
The art is featured through a Public Art Advisory Committee program that aims to showcase work by local and regional artists.
Artwork on display in the lobby and council chambers is changed every few months.
The Muskoka Discovery Centre sources the works.
Ambroziak started painting eight years ago and is self-taught.
Her paintings feature beautiful, detailed outdoor images.
Ambroziak’s work can be seen in the lobby during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in the council chambers when meetings are in session.
This is the third display since the launch of the program.
Update from the mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
She said it has been a busy summer.
Mayor Lorenz noted there have been several lake association meetings to attend.
She said the Vintage Boat Show took place July 12 and was well attended.
The Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival is happening July 18 and 19, Mayor Lorenz added. The event is at Gull Lake Rotary Park.
And she said Muskoka Ribfest is taking place July 25-27, as is the Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show. The events are at Muskoka Wharf.
Mayor Lorenz thanked park staff and event staff for all the hard work that goes into getting the town’s outdoor spaces ready for special activities in the summer.
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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