Gravenhurst - one of a few area municipalities without a council salary increase

Muskoka municipal councils are awarding significant salary increases, while Gravenhurst remains the only council holding steady.

The Gravenhurst 2026 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses report confirms Council as one in few area municipalities without a salary increase.

The statement indicates annual expenses covering areas such as transportation, accommodation, meals, from conferences and training, at $6,320 for the mayor, and averaging almost $1,300 for Council members, however, no salary increases.

In December 2025 budget meeting, the Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, emphasized it. She said, “Gravenhurst is one of the only Council’s in the region that didn’t give themselves a raise this year, other than the cost-of-living raise, so you can be rest assured that that’s not in this budget, so, a pat on the back to all of us for that.”

She indicated that the budget reflected significant decisions about what was possible, adding, “times are tough.”

Area Councils that did approve salary increases for themselves so far included:

Lake of Bays Council - the Deputy Mayor position received a 10.39% increase in salary to $32,782, and Councillor members each received a 11.34% increase to $28,253 according to the staff report.

In addition to the salary increases, the mayor will be provided with a corporate cell phone, and each Councillor will also receive a $500 per year stipend (with $1,200 in the first year) for IT costs and include “a more strategic and beneficial approach for council members including computers and a more comprehensive IT coverage,” adds the report.

Huntsville’s Deputy Mayor’s increase results in a $5,814 (23.4%) increase, bringing his salary to $34,603, according to the report.

Councillor increases result in a $2,165 (11.2%) increase, bringing their salaries to $28,247.

The mayor’s rate is currently at a 65^th percentile, therefore, an increase will not be applied “until the base rate meets the current pay percentile,” adds the report.

The municipal Council increases don’t include the additional pay for those that are District of Muskoka Councillors who recently approved a 48% raise for themselves.

The District Council approved a 48% pay increase to itself. According to the staff report, the increases will take place over 4 years, with Councillor’s pay going from the approved rate of $28,330 to $41,930, Deputy Chair increased by 42.4%, from $36,362 to $51,782, and the Chair by 27%, from $107,930 to $133,155.

The report adds that the initial review included Council approval for “an annual stipend for Committee Chairs of $2,000.”

Other municipality Council increases have yet to be determined so far for 2026.