Gravenhurst resident seeking financial compensation for impact to property from Town construction

The resident is asking for compensation after municipal road construction

A Gravenhurst resident is seeking financial compensation for impact to their property from Town construction, in the January 20, 2026, meeting.

Scott Clark, a resident owning a property adjacent to municipal road construction on Abby Lane and Winewood Road said they are exposed to the impacts of drilling and blasting. He said, “All day and it vibrates inside and outside, and it just burrows into your brain.”

He added that he runs a short-term rental (STR) in the summer season, however, can only rent it out on weekends because of the construction, although he must pay $750 for the annual license for it, which he deemed “unfair.”

Clark also expressed concern about trees being cut down on his property for a culvert resulting in the remaining mature oak and pine trees at “long-term visual and environmental risks.”

He suggested, “The zoning setback should consider tree root systems. Trees demise from 6 months to 5 years after disturbance…. Affected roots are impacted by structural failure and/or wind.”

According to Clark, removing the large mature trees can cost between $1,000 to $3,000.

He told Council that remediation for the trees should be at the expense of the Town.

Councillor, Jo Morphy, asked him what he felt was fair.

Clark replied, “No license fees for STRs this year and last year, tree remediation and treatment – an arborist can inject trees under duress to help them – and if they die, the cost for removal covered and replacements for the trees,” (versus them having to take them down at their cost).

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, suggested that Council get more information about the number of projects completed each year and financial adjustments to properties be evaluated long term. She requested that staff return with this information for consideration, including what the current policy looks like and whether they have done this before.

Councillor, Penny Varney, supported the property owner’s request, indicating “It feels this couple have a legitimate reason” for seeking cost recovery.

Director of Infrastructure, Andrew Stacey, said they will “bring back a report on the construction approach [they] took and protocol for construction in the community and go from there.”

He added that staff will also inform the property owner about the information when it returns to Council.