Gravenhurst Report Signals No Relief for Abbey Lane STR Appeal

Councilor had previously heard a request to compensate the homeowner for financial losses due to construction

A Gravenhurst report signaled no relief for property owners of a short-term rental (STR) at 130 Abbey Lane, in the February 10, 2026, meeting.

At the January 20, 2026, Council meeting, the owners raised concerns about the impact of 2025 construction activities on their STR business, including drilling, blasting, communication gaps, and associated noise, health, economic and environmental impacts.

As a result, they requested reimbursement of their 2025 STR licence fee, a waiver of 2026 fees, an arborist assessment and plant health plan, and for the Town to assume responsibility for tree loss, mitigation and replacement.

Council directed staff to return with a report about the Town’s construction protocols prior to deciding about the matter.

Today staff presented a report outlining construction protocols and licensing requirements, noting that rock blasting was always identified as a required component of the storm sewer installation, with drilling and hammering necessary near existing utilities.

They indicated all work was completed in accordance with the Town's Noise By-law, with third-party noise and vibration monitoring in place, and tree removals within the Town's right-of-way were reviewed in advance by a biologist and ecologist and minimized where feasible.

The report also outlined standard construction practices, including hand-delivered notices to residents, site meetings where required, and ongoing field communication when access disruptions were anticipated. Weekend work was avoided where possible to reduce impacts on STR guests, and property access was maintained.

Under the Town's STR Business Licence By-law, adopted in 2022, operators must obtain an annual licence. The fee was $750 in 2025 and increased to $800 for 2026.

Staff also emphasized that Gravenhurst's licensing model is less restrictive than some Ontario municipalities and does not fluctuate based on rental volume.

They concluded that previous requests for similar fee concessions tied to construction impacts were not supported and did not recommend a waiver in the absence of clear policy direction.

They said, “Not to say construction isn’t disruptive…blasting and rock can have vibrations,” and they used equipment “to ensure the house was safe and sound.”

They added that discoveries are also sometimes made during the excavating process. They said, “Unfortunately, to the discovery of underground infrastructure we weren’t fully aware of it at the time as we started excavating, we discover new things,” and changed from blasting to picking. However, this slowed the process and “at some point we had to regain the schedule back.”

Council members supported the Infrastructure Department’s process and protocols.

Councillor, Peter Johnston, said, “We do everything we can to address those concerns. Due diligence is followed.”

Councillor, Erin Strength, expressed that it’s “unfortunate for people on Abbey Lane.” However, she added that Town staff “went above and beyond” regarding contact and communication.

She continued that the Town didn’t receive complaints from the other nearby property.

She said, “It’s unfortunate for all the parties but I think I stand…that they should be responsible for paying for their rental fees.”