Lyell Bergstrome

This Community Analysis for the Town of Gravenhurst provides a detailed statistical perspective to inform the Town's Economic Development Strategy. It assesses socio-demographics, including population characteristics, age profiles, and educational attainment. The analysis further examines housing affordability, income levels, and the local labor force, identifying participation rates, employment trends, and market gaps or surpluses. Finally, it provides an in-depth economic base analysis of both the Town and its broader economic region, covering employment profiles, economic output, export sales, industry supply chains, location quotients, and employer structures, with the aim of uncovering key industries and future opportunities.

Key discussions included a deputation regarding volunteers for the Opera House 125 Celebration, which is scheduled for March 12th. The Heritage Recognition Working Group had no update. The Interpretive Signs and Plaques Working Group reported on creating content for the Mickey and Mother McCabe panel and developing a heritage walking tour at the Muskoka Wharf. New business focused on the Municipal Register requirements related to Bill 23 for designating listed properties by January 1, 2027, and the committee sought information on maintaining their own list. Correspondence included updates on the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario's heritage week and the upcoming Heritage Conference in June.

This Asset Management Plan for the Town of Gravenhurst reviews current asset-based Levels of Service and proposes a financial strategy to maintain existing service levels for core and non-core assets. The plan identifies a significant annual funding shortfall of $10 million for capital replacement and rehabilitation, outlining a 10-year strategy to address it through structured tax levy increases, revenue reallocation, maximization of government grants, and inflation-adjusted budgeting. The primary objective is to safeguard assets, control costs, ensure reliable services, and comply with O. Reg 588/17.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda for January 20th, 2026, removing a presentation item. Following the land acknowledgement statement and declarations of pecuniary interest, the council heard deputations. The first deputation concerned significant disruption, lack of communication, and disproportionate impacts from ongoing storm water infrastructure improvements, including excessive noise and vibration from drilling and blasting adjacent to a homeowner's property, which severely impacted their ability to use their home and operate their licensed short-term rental business. Requests for mitigation included reimbursement of licensing fees and assurance of future tree remediation and replacement at the town's expense. The second deputation involved a request from Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) for fee exemptions for their 'Coldest Night of the Year' event, specifically concerning an 8x6 sign placement, use of the Lions Pavilion, and a $100 music fee which the presenter argued was unnecessary due to their media sponsor providing music coverage. The council resolved to direct administration to report back on the construction approach, communication procedures, and standard protocols for construction projects following the first deputation. The council also agreed to revisit bylaws regarding signage exemptions for the charity group.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the Council agenda for November 18, 2025. A closed session was held to consider personnel matters concerning identifiable individuals, including labor relations and employee negotiations, pursuant to the Municipal Act 2001. Following the closed session, the committee proceeded with deputations. The first was an employee recognition for Kyla Bruce, Parks and Trails Technician, who obtained her parks management practitioner designation. The second deputation was from Megan Pratt, Executive Director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, who provided an operations update highlighting significant website traffic increases (87% year-over-year), strong event performance, and future plans for community initiatives like Unite Gravenhurst and the tourist guide distribution. The third deputation was from Anita Kry, Global Campaign Coordinator for the Plant-Based Treaty, urging the Council to endorse the initiative to promote a shift towards a just plant-based food system and enable reforesting efforts. Council members also commented on the upcoming Santa Claus parade and the Chamber taking over the arts festival for the following year.