Today, two-term Councillor Jo Morphy officially filed her nomination papers for Mayor of the Town of Gravenhurst. Bringing eight years of council experience and a career in senior management, Morphy is running on a platform of economic action, downtown revitalization and accountable leadership.
“Gravenhurst is at a turning point,” said Morphy. “We have incredible potential, but potential alone won’t restore our downtown or protect our lakes. We need a Mayor who moves projects from ‘idea’ to ‘implementation’ without bureaucratic delay. I am running to ensure Town Hall works for the residents—delivering the services we need and the growth we deserve.”
A Proven Record of Leadership
Jo Morphy has represented Ward 2 for the past eight years, earning a reputation as a proactive advocate for local infrastructure. Before her time on Council, she served as President of the Muskoka Bay Property Owners Association (MBPOA), where she led critical efforts in waterfront stewardship. Her professional background in IT and retail management provides the private sector lens required to manage the Town’s budget with discipline and transparency.
The Morphy Plan: Three Pillars for Gravenhurst
1. Economic & Downtown Revitalization:
- Launch an urgent “Business Back to Main Street” program.
- Leverage the return of the Ontario Northland Train to capture new visitor dollars and spark investment in the Wharf and downtown core.
2. Community Infrastructure & Recreation:
- Prioritize securing a second ice pad to meet the growing demand for hockey, figure skating, and family recreation.
- Streamline Town Hall processes to accelerate local housing.
3. Responsible Waterfront Stewardship:
- Protect lake water quality and shorelines through proactive policies that balance environmental protection with sustainable, responsible development.
“Whether it’s adding ice time for our families or ensuring our Wharf is a world-class destination, the goal is the same: results.”
Morphy added. “I’m ready to get to work.”
Article submitted by Jo Morphy
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Municipal elections coming up for Gravenhurst?
I’ll vote for the first person that will remove the 9 feet of snow that the plow (when it comes) leaves at the end of my driveway and causes me to be snow-blinded as I back up and consequently takes the side of my car and scrapes and dents it in leaving this poor little Kia looking all roughed up and bullied. NOT to mention the 2 foot deep ice trenches that are left on the roads that gouge out everything from the manifold back to the muffler. Do I expect the Town of Gravenhurst to pay for the repairs? No. Do I expect town councillors to notice and care and do something? No. But it sure would be nice if I could go to church on Sunday and worship my saviour Jesus without having to wash my mouth out with soap and water before I even get out of the driveway! Being a cantankerous, 70 year old Irish Canadian is more than enough of a challenge when it comes to notty language. I don’t need the town’s blatant negligence to provoke it further.
Barney O’Hara
Gravenhurst, ON