Gravenhurst Council Highlights - June 16, 2026
Gravenhurst Chamber update
Meghan Pratt, executive director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, provided her annual update to council members.
She provided an overview of the chamber’s activities for the past year and a look at its plans for the year ahead.
Council Oks Noise Control Bylaw exemption
Council members granted an exemption from the town’s Noise Control Bylaw.
The exemption applies to a Winhara Road property.
An indoor wedding is taking place at the property on Saturday, June 27 and the exemption will allow music to be played until 1 a.m.
The property owners have informed neighbours about the wedding.
Emergency Management Program Update Report
Council received for information the Emergency Management Program Update Report.
The purpose of the report is to inform council of the key activities undertaken by the Emergency Management Program during 2025 and to confirm that all mandated obligations have been met.
The report also outlines the program’s work plan for 2026.
Council also approved appointing the director of finance to the town’s Emergency Control Group.
The director’s expertise will be instrumental in addressing the financial implications and detailed tracking requirements that arise during an emergency.
CAO delegated authority to award project contract
Council members gave the town’s chief administrative officer (CAO) the authority to award a construction contract.
The authority applies to the planned Municipal Office Building Automation System Upgrades, subject to the tender submissions being to the satisfaction of the director of infrastructure services and director of financial services.
A building automation system is a network of software and hardware that controls a facility's most critical operational systems.
The purpose of granting authority to administration is so staff can award a tender above the procurement limits provided for in the Town’s Procurement Policy. This approach will allow the project to proceed on track.
Council awards tender for road and drainage project
Council awarded the tender for the North Kahshe Lake Road Rehabilitation and Drainage Project.
Council awarded the project to the lowest compliant bidder, Fowler Construction Company Ltd., at a cost of $1,443,970.49, excluding HST.
The project is scheduled to occur between June 21 to Aug. 21, with completion anticipated by Aug. 28.
Council approves amendments to the Sign By-law
Council members authorized an amendment to the town’s Sign By-law.
The amendment allows community event businesses permission to post a maximum of eight incidental signs for up to 24 hours in advance of an event.
The signs would need to be removed at the end of the event.
Affordable Housing Rebate Program Policy approved
Council approved an Affordable Housing Rebate Program Policy and approved up to $20,000 to support the program in 2026.
Drawing from the action items identified in the town’s Housing Action Plan, an administrative working group developed the rebate program policy.
The policy defines the parameters of providing relief from town fees and charges for housing that meets the District of Muskoka’s definition of affordable, and that have been granted funding through their affordable housing initiatives.
Qualifying developments will not have to pay municipal (Gravenhurst) fees and charges that include development charges, building permits, entrance permit fees as well as planning fees.
The town will allocate a certain amount of funds annually to support the program.
Piratefest granted extension for Parks By-law exemption
Council received the Piratefest Report for information and granted an additional extension to the dates Piratefest requested for an exemption from the town’s Parks By-law.
The extension will allow midway workers to set up their trailers in the Wharf Sports Field parking lot for an additional three nights, July 28-30 as they prepare for the event.
Downtown BIA Working Group update
Councillor Erin Strength provided an update on the Downtown BIA Working Group.
The group is looking at the BIA’s future in Gravenhurst as part of the BIA Review Project.
In 2025, council put the BIA into dormancy for three years due to operational struggles.
Strength said the working group is now well established, noting they’ve had about three meetings so far.
She said the group is having good discussions about how the BIA can move forward.
Watch the update to learn more.
Update from the Mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
The mayor began by encouraging people to support local businesses this summer.
Mayor Lorenz also noted the Gravenhurst Opera House has some great shows coming up.
She added several cottage associations are having their annual general meetings in the coming weeks.
Mayor Lorenz also commended Gravenhurst High School on its recent OFSAA badminton gold medal win.
As well, the mayor passed along condolences to the families of the two Ontario police officers recently killed in the line of duty.
Additionally, the mayor reminded people to keep water safety at the forefront following a couple close calls on lakes in Gravenhurst recently, and our Fire Department was called upon to save lives.
Watch the meeting
Special council meeting – Official Plan Review
Following the regular committee of the whole meeting and the council meeting, a special council meeting was held regarding the Official Plan Review exercise, which is in its early stages.
The town announced the start of its Official Plan Review in early May.
At the special council meeting Tuesday night, staff and consultants provided an overview the Official Plan Review process.
The public also had a chance to comment.
The Official Plan is a document outlining how land will be used in the municipality in the years ahead.
Under the Planning Act, the town is required to review its Official Plan periodically to ensure the document conforms with provincial plans and policy statements.
The review also serves as an opportunity to ensure the plan reflects the needs of the community.
The Official Plan review will result in a completely new plan that will serve as a dynamic roadmap for the town for the next 30 years.
As part of the review, there will be a series of community engagement opportunities.
See the town’s Engage Gravenhurst page to learn more.
The goal is to have the new Official Plan in place by July 2027.
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.