Move to allow longer sign postings fails in Gravenhurst

Mayor Heidi Lorenz says she can't support the longer times, saying she found the issue frustrating

Gravenhurst Council approved amendments to the Town's Sign By-law at its June 16, 2026, meeting.

The amendment will enable community event signs to be placed on municipal property under specific conditions.

The changes were introduced after the Town received multiple requests from local organizations seeking exemptions to existing sign regulations.

Under the current by-law, incidental signs are prohibited on Town property, requiring event organizers to apply to Council each time they sought permission to advertise community events using temporary signs.

According to a staff report, last May Council directed administration to review the by-law and develop amendments that would provide a consistent framework for community event signage. The request followed recent exemptions granted to the Gravenhurst Farmers Market, Gravenhurst Community Market and Muskoka Hale Market.

As part of the amendments, the Town has created a new definition for a "Community Event Sign." The definition applies to temporary signs promoting short-term, seasonal or recurring local events that are physically hosted and operated within the Town of Gravenhurst. Signs advertising events outside the municipality remain prohibited.

The amended by-law also establishes several conditions for the placement of community event signs. Events will be permitted to display a maximum of eight signs, and the signs may be erected no more than 24 hours before the event begins. Organizers must remove the signs immediately following the conclusion of the event.

The changes also clarify that community event signs meeting the new definition will not require a permit, provided they comply with the requirements set out in the by-law.

Staff noted that the Town's Sign By-law was originally approved to regulate signs and advertising devices as a way to reduce visual clutter and help protect community aesthetics.

While the by-law continues to prohibit incidental signs on municipal property in most circumstances, the amendment creates a specific exception for qualifying community events.

The report stated that the new approach is intended to address recurring requests for exemptions while providing local organizations with a clear and consistent process for promoting community events within Gravenhurst.

Councillor, Sandy Cairns, advocated for a longer period for businesses to put the signs up, after being approached by them indicating that 24 hours isn’t enough. She asked that Council consider an amendment giving businesses 4 days instead, allowing businesses more time to advertise their events to the public.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, said they already spent time making the decision last month, adding, “I can’t support this.”

She added that markets had time to communicate to Council. “I just find it a little frustrating… I just can’t see that this is a good use of staff time.”

Cairns explained that she was doing what the public has asked of her. She said, “This is their business. This is their livelihood.”

She added, “This is what people from the market asked me to do. If Council doesn’t think it’s a good idea so they can prosper… It’s very important in our community. We thrive in the summertime.”

She also indicated that the Town puts their event signs up earlier than 24 hours - and quite a bit ahead of time, such as in November/December for the winter carnival.

After stopping Cairns, Lorenz suggested the conversation was veering in a different direction.

Councillor, Penny Varney, proposed changing the amendment to 48 hours instead, however, it too was voted against buy all except Cairns, who expressed that any bit of extra time would be helpful to business owners.

All the Council members voted in favour of maintaining the original amendment of 24 hours, except Cairns, advocating to give businesses more time.