Gravenhurst Council Highlights - July 21, 2026
Council participates in Accessibility Strategic Plan working session
Consultants working on the creation of an Accessibility Strategic Plan for the town presented an overview of their work to date.
The working session with council also allowed elected officials the opportunity to provide feedback.
Zoie Browne of the consulting firm LURA led the discussion.
Browne noted a survey is available for people wanting to share their thoughts about accessibility in Gravenhurst.
The survey is available online.
The deadline for submissions is Aug. 7.
Watch the discussion to learn more.
Council recognizes GHS Bursary recipient for 2026
On behalf of council, Mayor Heidi Lorenz announced that Noah Rousom is this year’s recipient of the Gravenhurst High School (GHS) Bursary.
Each year, the town provides $2,000 to a graduating Gravenhurst High School student.
The purpose of the bursary is to help offset the costs of post-secondary education.
Earlier this year, the town called for GHS students to apply for the annual bursary.
Applications were due May 29. A council working group then reviewed the submissions and selected this year’s recipient.
“Noah is no stranger here at the Town of Gravenhurst,” Mayor Lorenz said. “That’s because he did his co-op with our Economic Development division, working closely with manager Amy Taylor and her team.”
During his time with the town, Rousom supported the local business community and various events, including the 125th anniversary celebrations for the Gravenhurst Opera House.
Currently, Rousom is working for the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce for the summer.
In the fall, he is attending Fanshawe College for the Urban Planning and GIS program.
The town wishes him all the best with his studies.
Rousom thanked council for the bursary.
Staff to look at best practices for regulating e-bikes and e-scooters
Council directed staff to review and report back on best practices for municipalities as it relates to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Council also asked staff to investigate a public outreach program for safe e-bike and e-scooter use.
The direction stemmed from a notice of motion by Mayor Heidi Lorenz.
Milkweed motion withdrawn
Council considered a motion directing staff to create a policy permitting the preservation of milkweed plants on both public and private property.
Councillor Penny Varney introduced the motion, but following an in-depth discussion, including comments from staff, council voted to withdraw the motion.
Staff will continue to use their discretion about whether to remove milkweed from public property, particularly if it is causing safety issues, such as interfering with signage and intersection sightlines.
Town finances in sound shape
Council received the 2025 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements Report for information.
“Overall, the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements reflect a healthy and stable financial position for the town,” Deputy Treasurer Thresea Trott wrote in the report. “The town continues to maintain positive net financial assets, reduce external debt, invest significantly in municipal infrastructure, and generate strong investment income while maintaining a substantial accumulated surplus.”
Council received the related 2025 financial statements for information.
Review the 2025 Audited Consolidated Financial Statement.
Review the 2025 Gravenhurst BIA Statement.
Review the 2025 Gravenhurst Trust Funds Financial Statement.
Town could take over St. George’s Anglican Church and Cemetery property
Council received the St. George’s Anglican Church and Cemetery Report for information.
Council directed staff to proceed with Option 1 to take over the property, subject to proper due diligence.
The Anglican Church of Canada has requested the town assume ownership of the property at 1816 Cooper’s Falls Rd.
St. George’s Anglican Church, which held its first service on Oct. 26, 1884, was closed and deconsecrated in 2009.
The cemetery, which shares the lands with the church, remains active with the earliest recorded interment dating back to 1889 and the most recent occurring in 2024.
The cemetery lands are approximately one acre with 350 plots on record. Of these, 40 to 50 plots remain available for purchase.
Prior to completing the transfer, staff will retain legal services to conduct a title review and advise on property matters, including the status of care and maintenance funds, plot surveys, land boundaries, and facility condition reports.
Staff will also consult with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario regarding the transfer of the cemetery operator licence and any associated regulatory requirements.
Gravenhurst currently operates and maintains 13 cemeteries.
Update from the Mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
Mayor Lorenz said it has been a busy summer with lots happening in the community.
She highlighted several upcoming events in town.
For the latest information, see the events calendar.
Also, the mayor reminded residents to keep water safety at the forefront when enjoying local waterways this summer.
Paid leave OK’d for Councillor Johnston
Council approved Councillor Peter Johnston’s request for paid leave from July 1 to Nov. 14, 2026.
Under the Municipal Act, a member’s seat becomes vacant if they are absent from council meetings for three consecutive months without council authorization.
Council did not disclose publicly the reason for the absence.
Watch the meeting
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.