Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz has announced she is seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal vote, scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Lorenz, who was first elected mayor in 2022, brings more than a decade of municipal experience to the role. She previously served multiple terms on council, first elected as Ward 1 councillor in 2010, later becoming a district councillor, and was appointed deputy mayor in 2020 before winning the mayor’s seat.
In announcing her campaign, Lorenz pointed to her track record in office and emphasized the need for experienced leadership as Gravenhurst continues to navigate growth and ongoing challenges.
Read her announcement below:
“Today, I am announcing my candidacy for re-election as Mayor.
In a time of uncertainty, Gravenhurst needs experienced, steady, and collaborative leadership.
Over the past three years, we’ve made meaningful progress together.
After 15 years of vacancy, the second floor of the Cottage Country Family Health Team will soon become home to the new Gravenhurst Health Hub. It has been an honour to work alongside the Gravenhurst Rotary Club to bring this vision to life. Through sustained advocacy and recruitment, we have secured provincial funding to provide primary care for hundreds of unattached patients, while also expanding local services to include both palliative and transitional beds.
We’ve seen strong investment in housing, with new purpose-built rental developments underway and 12 affordable units being added, including six transitional units for those who need them most.
Transportation has improved as well. The District’s Demand-Responsive Transit program has expanded due to its success, now serving Severn Bridge and areas south of Highway 118.
I also committed to improving communication with residents. With the launch of the Stay In Touch page, it’s now easier than ever to access monthly updates, Council highlights, and meeting information. A modernized electronic meeting system has made it simpler to participate in and follow Council decisions.
We’ve laid a strong foundation for continued growth in our historic downtown, guided by a focused economic development plan that supports local businesses and encourages new investment. In fact, four new businesses opened just this week.
These achievements reflect what’s possible when we work together—building strong relationships with all levels of government and community partners, and always putting Gravenhurst first.
While challenges remain, there is much to be proud of and important work still ahead. That work requires experience, compassion, optimism, and determination.
Let’s keep the momentum going, together.
Mayor Heidi Lorenz”
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Heidi is a disappointment. Not here to protect the taxpayers or the Muskoka environment. All focussed on growth which will destroy the Gravenhurst wharf area., destroy our quality of life with massive subdivisions, overwhelm our infrastructure. The Muskoka Regional centre development is high density with cottages in the water. She won’t say no to this scheme. Don’t know whose interests she represents but it’s not average taxpayers and residents.
I am new to Gravenhurst but have been impressed by the collaborative leadership provided by Mayor Lorenz making Gravenhurst an awesome place to live.