The field is beginning to take shape for Gravenhurst’s 2026 municipal election, with candidates stepping forward to seek seats on Town council and at the District of Muskoka table.
The race for mayor will feature incumbent Heidi Lorenz and challenger Jo Morphy.
Lorenz is seeking a second term after being elected mayor in 2022. During her time in office, she has been involved in several major municipal initiatives, including efforts related to healthcare, economic development and managing growth within the community.
Morphy currently serves as a town councillor and has spent the past eight years on Gravenhurst council. She has been active on issues ranging from infrastructure and transportation to downtown revitalization and economic development.
In Ward 1, longtime community advocate Gordie Merton has entered the race. Merton is known for his involvement in environmental and sustainability initiatives and has previously sought elected office at the municipal level.
Carol Ann LeMoine is seeking election in Ward 3.
Ward 4 candidate Randy Jorgensen brings extensive municipal experience to the race. Jorgensen currently serves as Gravenhurst’s deputy mayor and has represented Ward 4 throughout the current term of council.
A contested race is shaping up in Ward 5, where Tina Kilbourne and Samantha Renee Ennest will compete for the seat.
Kilbourne is a lifelong Gravenhurst resident and municipal professional with more than 26 years of experience in public sector leadership, including work in regional transit, economic development, child care and environmental advocacy. She is running in Ward 5 on a platform focused on fiscal accountability, environmental protection, community safety and strengthening local business and services.
Samantha Renee Ennest is a longtime Muskoka resident who has lived in Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst for more than eight years, where she has become actively involved in the community through work with The Literacy Society of South Muskoka, Muskoka Family Focus and volunteering with Gravenhurst Against Poverty. She is running for Ward 5 council on a platform focused on responsible growth, accessibility, transparency in local government and maintaining Gravenhurst’s community-focused character.
The contest for Gravenhurst’s District of Muskoka council seat is expected to attract significant attention.
Christina Hunter currently serves as Ward 5 councillor and is looking to move to the district council position. During her term, she has represented residents on a variety of municipal issues and committees.
She will face Jaden Hollingshead, a community advocate and current head of the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, who has been vocal on issues such as housing affordability, active transportation and economic development.
Also seeking the district council seat is Penny Varney, the current Ward 1 councillor. Varney has served on Gravenhurst council since 2022 and has participated in several municipal committees.
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