Jeff Watson, a former Gravenhurst town councillor and deputy mayor, has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Gravenhurst, marking a return to municipal politics after several years focused on private and community roles.
Watson joins incumbent Mayor Heidi Lorenz and two-term Ward 2 Councillor Jo Morphy as the nominees for mayor.
Watson made the announcement on July 3, 2026.
A familiar name in local governance, Watson previously served as a town councillor representing Ward 5 from 2010 to 2018. During that time, he also held the role of deputy mayor, working alongside former mayor Paisley Donaldson.
Although no longer on council, Watson has remained active in municipal affairs, serving as chair of the Gravenhurst Community Grants Committee, where he oversees funding decisions for local non-profits, including programs such as the Terence Haight Financial Assistance initiative. In 2023, he was also appointed as a public member to the town’s Committee of Adjustment.
Beyond politics, Watson spent more than three decades as a Tim Hortons franchisee, operating two locations in Gravenhurst before selling the businesses in December 2023. His background also includes service with the Gravenhurst Fire Department, where he worked as a training officer, and as an associate instructor at the Ontario Fire College.
Watson now works as a wedding officiant across Muskoka as a member of the Ontario Professional Officiant Association.
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