Gravenhurst to increase User Fees by 3%

Councillor Sandy Cairns was against the measure

Gravenhurst staff recommended a 3% increase for User Fees and Services Charges for the Town, in the September 16, 2025, Council meeting.

Manager of Revenue and Deputy Treasurer, Rob Rosilius, said, “The Service Fees and User Charges are an important piece for the Town to help offset tax-related increases… [They] ease the burden on the taxpayer as a whole.”

He advised that the increase applies unless indicated otherwise in the report for individual department reasons.

Councillor, Sandy Cairns, said, “I’m not in tune or appreciate having to raise fees again,” expressing concern for youth and families that already struggle to afford the programs.

She added that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 1.7% for July and the increase should reflect that rate instead.

“I don’t think a lot of people in our community can afford to pay anymore,” said Cairns.

Council members agreed that the CPI numbers fluctuate throughout the year, with an annual rate up to 2.6%, which is close to the increase recommended.

Councillor, Jo Morphy, said, “Oil and gas are going up, so will the cost of living.”

Rosilius explained that the increase is in line with past practices of the Town and “in line with the tax levy increase for 2025, which was at 4 ½ %.”

Cairns debated, “We’re looking at an increase in the budget at 7%, and then you add another 3%... It’s really going to hurt people and the activities and things that people would look to do in this community.”

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, expressed disdain about appearing uncaring toward the community. She said, “I take real exception to the idea that none of us care about the people who can’t afford a 3% increase on these sort of things. It’s very minimal.”

She added, “What we’d like to see is that it’s not put back on all of the people, it’s put back on the users.”

Councillor, Peter Johnston, indicated that Council was also informed by the previous Treasurer that there was a municipal gap that they have to start bridging. He said, “I don’t want to be sitting on the outside having to explain to the next Council [asking] ‘Why did you let it get that big?’”

He added that their 2025 tax rate was the lowest in Muskoka. “We got things done at a reasonable cost.”

Council members voted in favour of the increase, except Cairns, who voted against it.