Gravenhurst Council Highlights - Sept. 15, 2026
Backyard chickens discussion
Local resident Jesse Wilson made a presentation to council about backyard chickens.
Wilson and his family keep chickens on their urban property, however; the town’s zoning bylaw does not allow for this.
They want to change that.
Wilson said they keep five hens on a 0.43-acre property.
Council received the presentation for information.
They also told staff to have planning consultants consider allowing backyard chickens in urban areas when they update the town’s comprehensive Zoning Bylaw following the Official Plan Review.
Council also passed a resolution reducing the application fee to $1,000 for the Wilson family, should they choose to apply for a zoning change to keep chickens on their property.
They must submit their application within 60 days.
Ontario Open Water Championships presentation
Al Shaw of the Ontario Open Water Championships provided a summary of this year’s event.
The championships were on July 25 and 26 at Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst.
Shaw said about 800 swimmers from roughly 51 clubs across Ontario participated.
Shaw thanked town staff and local volunteers for helping make the event successful.
He said next year they will host the national level open water championships at Gull Lake. The event will be in conjunction with the annual provincial gathering.
Ideas pitched for Muskoka Wharf
Scott Moffat of The Rosseau Group made a presentation to council.
He put forward a series of ideas to improve Muskoka Wharf.
He proposed the following:
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Allowing alcohol consumption in designated public areas of the wharf;
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More events and activities at Cockburn Square and Lions Pavilion;
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Improving property maintenance.
Mayor Lorenz thanked Moffat for the suggestions.
She noted council has directed staff to look at nearby Muskoka Wharf Sports Field and how it can be made a more engaging space for the community.
At the wharf specifically, the mayor said the town has added small pop-up shops in recent years.
User fees and charges OK’d for 2027
Council approved next year’s rates for user fees and service charges after receiving a related report for information.
Fees and charges support program and service delivery not covered through municipal taxation.
Deputy Treasurer Rob Rosilius said most fees are increasing by three per cent due to inflation.
He said the exception is the residential building permit fee, which is going up by 17 per cent. He said staff believe the fee will be more in keeping with what neighbouring municipalities charge and better reflects the extent of review work required.
The public had an opportunity to comment on the proposed fees and service charges.
In August, the town posted the information to its Engage Gravenhurst website, where people could review the material and share their thoughts.
Feedback included comments about ballpark rental fees and boat slip rental fees.
Town wants to participate in province’s Development Charge Reduction Program
Council received the Development Charge Reduction Program Delegated Authority Report for information.
On June 1, the province announced the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), which allows municipalities to apply for infrastructure funding if a commitment is made to reduce current residential development charge rates.
The aim of the program is to boost housing construction and improve housing affordability by lowering upfront construction costs for home builders.
The program provides municipalities with funding to support a variety of capital costs related to infrastructure that supports new housing.
In exchange for funding, municipalities agree to lower their development charges, the one-time fees they charge builders to finance growth-related capital costs.
As per recommendations in the report, council authorized staff to negotiate and sign a funding agreement with the province to participate in the DCRP.
If the town enters into an agreement with the province, council has authorized staff to reduce residential development charges by 30 per cent of the rates specified in Bylaw 2024-110.
The deadline for applying to the DCRP was June 19.
The town submitted an application that included five infrastructure projects identified in the Development Charges Background Study.
If the town is successful in its bid for funding, this information will be posted on the municipality’s website and social media channels.
Council will consider pickleball court options during budget talks
Council received a report that outlines three options for expanding the number of pickleball courts at Muskoka Bay Park.
Elected officials asked for the report at a meeting in May
Council will consider the options during the 2027 budget deliberations.
Seasonal Maintained Roads and Sidewalks Report
Council received the Seasonal Maintained Road and Sidewalks Report for information.
They also passed a related bylaw and directed staff to implement relevant signage and mapping.
The bylaw formally identifies roads and sidewalks that are already maintained on a seasonal basis and establishes an applicable maintenance period.
Formalizing this practice in a bylaw establishes a clear legal framework for the town and provides greater clarity to council, staff, and residents regarding the service levels and expectations funded by the municipal tax base.
Council also gave staff permission to update the bylaw, when required, as it relates to the registry of roads and sidewalks.
Town to look at rules for feeding wildlife
Council passed a resolution directing staff to review the options for controlling the feeding of wildlife in urban areas.
Council passed the resolution in response to a letter from local resident Jane Templeton.
She asked council to consider passing a bylaw that would prohibit the feeding of deer and other animals in local neighbourhoods.
“Over the past several years, the number of deer regularly entering our neighbourhood has increased significantly. While many residents enjoy seeing wildlife, the practice of intentionally feeding deer is encouraging them to remain in residential areas rather than in their natural habitat,” she wrote.
Templeton said the deer are damaging gardens and “there are growing concerns about public safety, including an increased risk of vehicle collisions, deer becoming accustomed to people, and the potential for the spread of disease among wildlife.”
She said a bylaw prohibiting the feeding of wildlife would “help protect both residents and the animals by reducing dependence on human food sources and encouraging wildlife to remain in natural environments.”
Councillor Varney reports on AMO conference
Councillor Penny Varney provided a report on the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference.
Varney attended the conference with Mayor Heidi Lorenz, Councillor Michelle Robinson, and chief administrative officer Scott Lucas.
The conference was held Aug. 16 to 19 in Ottawa.
Housing, homelessness, and discussions about protecting local democracy were among the topics at the conference, Varney said.
She noted keynote speakers included Premier Doug Ford, Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont, and John Fraser, interim leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Varney said the conference was an informative four days.
Councillor Hunter reports on new art display
Councillor Christina Hunter provided a report on the newest display of artwork at the municipal office.
The new display features paintings by Sara West.
West’s work is hanging in the council chambers.
The display is viewable during committee meetings and council meetings.
West has been creating art since the 1990s. She works in a variety of mediums, including painting and sculpting.
West has a studio in Milford Bay and is a member of Discover Arts Muskoka: Gallery and Gifts in Gravenhurst, and the Annex in Bracebridge.
The Town of Gravenhurst spearheads the art showcase project. The Muskoka Discovery Centre sources the work on display.
Update from the Mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
The mayor reminded people to use extra caution when driving now that students are back in school.
She also extended best wishes to students as they embark on another school year.
The mayor noted several events are taking place in the community this fall.
The Severn Bridge Fall Fair was Sept. 12. Mayor Lorenz thanked everyone who made the day possible.
Bark in the Park is Sept. 19 and 20 at Gull Lake Rotary Park. The event includes the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada Ontario Water Trials.
See the town’s event calendar for further details.
The Gravenhurst Terry Fox Run is Sept. 20. The event is at the Centennial Centre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
See the Terry Fox website for more details.
The town raised the Terry Fox flag on Monday, Sept. 14.
In other news, the mayor said the town continues to work on its Official Plan review.
People have until Oct. 13 to participate in a related survey on Engage Gravenhurst.
The Official Plan is a document outlining how land will be used in the municipality in the years ahead.
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.
Mayor Lorenz also thanked town staff for all their hard work this council term. This was the last regular council meeting for the term.
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.