2026 Budget

Budget 2026

The budget process is a little different this year.

On May 1, 2025, the Government of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to several municipalities in Ontario. This included the Town of Gravenhurst.

Learn more about strong mayor powers.

As a result of these new powers, Mayor Heidi Lorenz is responsible for preparing and proposing a budget to council. In the past, budgets were prepared by staff and presented to council for consideration.

Regardless of these changes, there are still various opportunities for the public to participate in the budget process. Please review the Key Dates section below or the Timeline to learn more.

Key dates

Draft budget consultation started on Sept. 23, 2025. We want to hear what you think should be budget priorities for the year ahead. Please leave your comments below.

Mayor Lorenz's draft budget will be available for review on Gravenhurst.ca and EngageGravenhurst.ca on Nov. 7, 2025. There will be an opportunity through Engage Gravenhurst to share your thoughts about the draft budget.

Mayor Lorenz will present the draft budget and host a public meeting on Nov. 26, 2025.

The public can provide written comments about the proposed budget prior to the meeting. These should be directed to Wayne Campbell, director of financial services and treasurer, at wayne.campbell@Gravenhurst.ca. Submissions made prior to the meeting should be provided no later than 12:00 PM (Noon) on November 25, 2025.

At the meeting, the public can submit written comments on the budget or step up to the podium in-person and make verbal comments.

Written comments received prior to the meeting and written and verbal submissions made at the public meeting, will be considered by council as part of the budget process.

ALTERNATIVELY, any person or agency may also provide verbal comments during the Nov. 26 meeting electronically using MVI EasyConf Connect Conference System, in accordance with Section 238 of the Municipal Act and the Town’s Procedural By-law. A request to address Council electronically must completed at https://webforms.gravenhurst.ca/Finance/2026-Draft-Budget-Public-Meeting-Participation and submitted prior to 12:00 pm (Noon) on Nov. 25, 2025. Please note that the public meeting is taking place in person and any issues with electronic participation will not prevent the meeting from proceeding.

Council will consider amendments to the draft budget on Dec. 9/10, 2025 prior to adoption.

What are we doing right now?

We want to hear what you think should be budget priorities for the year ahead.

Please see below to share your budget thoughts with us.

Review the mayor's budget directives:

Mayoral Directive - Research and Advice for the Preparation of the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget.

Mayoral Directive - Development of the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget.

Check back with us in November to review the mayor's draft budget and share your thoughts.