Gravenhurst Councillor seeks new Sign By-law review for Community Event Businesses

The proposed by-law would allow signs for event businesses

Gravenhurst Councillor, Christina Hunter, presented a Notice of Motion for a Sign By-law review during the May 12, 2026, Council meeting.

Hunter requested that the Town review its Sign By-law to allow temporary incidental signs for community event businesses.

The motion states Council has received requests and deputations from community event organizers seeking exemptions to the current Sign By-law to permit temporary signs promoting local events within the community.

Under the proposed motion, staff would be directed to review the by-law and report back with possible amendments that would allow community event businesses to post up to eight incidental signs for a maximum of 24 hours before an event. The signs would also be required to be removed after the event concludes.

The motion also describes incidental signs as signs of "minor consequence and size," as defined under the Town's current Sign By-law, and a community event business as a business that operates temporarily within community spaces and is seasonal in nature.

Hunter explained that the request is a “clean up” because of several requests brought forward last month, “so any community event can have the same as we had last month.”

Council members agreed that the change would have a positive impact for staff and Council time involved in the process.

Councillor, Randy Jorgensen, said “I see this as a good way forward to streamline the process…a good way to deal with it moving forward.”

The Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, Scott Lucas, confirmed that the goal will be to be specific about items like time and provide clarity considering the past meeting and communication today. He said they will provide a report with advice for Council to consider moving forward.

Lorenz emphasized time as a factor for the changes. She said, “It’s something that happens frequently…and it’s not a good use of time.”