On Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 3:30 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were contacted by Peel Regional Police regarding a 13-year-old who had taken his parents vehicle and was potentially driving to Gravenhurst to see friends. Officers located the vehicle in the town of Gravenhurst near Lofty Pines Drive and attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the youth failed to comply and attempted to flee the area.

The suspect vehicle eventually left the roadway on Doe Lake Road and the driver, who was uninjured, was placed under arrest.

Police have charged the 13-year-old from Brampton, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with Dangerous Driving, Take Motor Vehicle without Consent, Flight from Peace Officer and Stunt Driving. He was held in custody and will appear in a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 19, 2026 to answer to his charges.

The post 13-Year-Old Youth In A Vehicle Charged After A Pursuit In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Town of Gravenhurst is pleased to announce the 2026 lineup for the Music On The Barge concert series. 

The post Gravenhurst Just Announced The 2026 Lineup For Music On The Barge Concert Series appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 4:45 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report of a theft that had just occurred at a local retail store in Gravenhurst after an off-duty police officer became aware of the incident. Police were able to track the vehicle, a white cube van, southbound on Highway 11 south, and Orillia OPP officers conducted a traffic stop on Atlantis Drive in Orillia.

Police arrested and charged 43-year-old David Ronto of Scarborough, 34-year-old Karoly Vadsz of North York and a 16-year-old also from North York, each with Theft Under $5000 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

The accused adults will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 23, 2026 to answer to their charges and the youth, whose identity is protected under provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, will appear in Bracebridge Youth Court on July 2, 2026 to answer to his charges.

The post Three People Charged For Theft From A Gravenhurst Grocery Store appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka, ON – The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Gravenhurst, is transforming Bay Street in the Town of Gravenhurst.  

The contractor is scheduled to begin site set-up for the next stage of the project as early as the week of Monday, May 11. Major construction, including the closing of Bay Street between Sarah Street and Muskoka Road South, is scheduled to start in June.  

The construction will take place throughout the balance of the year, with the road reopening by the end of December 2026.  

This multi-year, phased construction partnership project began in 2024 and spans approximately 1.9 kilometres. The work includes: 

• Replacing underground pipes from 1944 to help ensure reliable access to clean drinking water, and upgrading wastewater and stormwater management 
• Improving the road structure 
• Enhancing pedestrian safety 
• Creating more opportunities for active transportation 

What the Community Needs to Know   

Traffic Impacts 

• In May, crews will install temporary water services to minimize disruption during construction. This work will require occasional intersection closures. 
• In June, Bay Street will be fully closed from Sarah Street to Muskoka Road South to allow underground work to be completed safely and efficiently. 
• Bay Street is anticipated to open and work is expected to be complete by the end of December 2026. 
• A detour map is available. Signs will guide drivers and pedestrians safely through the area. 

Shop Local 

• Businesses continue to be open and accessible. Signs will help ensure easy access to shops and services.  

Updates and Scheduling 

• Municipal 511 will be updated to help keep Google Maps and Waze current. 
• Delays may occur due to unforeseen conditions. The District will provide advance notice where possible.  
• Residents can visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/bayandbeyond to sign up for project updates or submit comments or questions.   

The District recognizes construction can be disruptive for residents, motorists, and businesses, and thanks the community for their patience during this important project.  

The post Bay Street Construction Returning Between Sarah Street And Canada Post In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

Information Sessions — June 4 at Taboo Resort

These sessions will provide an overview of the partnership between Tourism Gravenhurst, the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, and Explorers’ Edge, including the project goals, how businesses can participate, and what the next steps will look like as Gravenhurst begins developing experience-led tourism packages and supporting research tools.

Session Details

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Location: Taboo Resort, Gravenhurst
Sessions: Two information sessions will be offered: 10:30am – 11:30am & 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Who Should Attend: Accommodators, attractions, restaurants, retailers, experience providers, tourism operators, and businesses interested in visitor economy development

About the Project

Explorers’ Edge, Tourism Gravenhurst, and the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce are working together on a new strategic partnership designed to strengthen Gravenhurst’s visitor economy through experience-led tourism development, bookable packages, business collaboration, and research-driven decision-making.

This project is focused on helping Gravenhurst tourism businesses develop new visitor experiences that encourage overnight stays, increase visitor spending, support shoulder-season visitation, and create stronger connections between local tourism operators, accommodations, attractions, and experience providers.

What This Work Will Support

The partnership will focus on:

• Developing market-ready tourism experiences and bookable packages
• Encouraging collaboration between accommodations, attractions, restaurants, retailers, and experience providers
• Supporting businesses through co-creation and capacity-building sessions
• Aligning local funding, marketing, and destination development opportunities
• Using research tools such as visitor exit surveys, occupancy insights, geofencing, website analytics, and sales outcomes to better understand tourism impact
• Creating a clearer picture of visitor behaviour, business opportunities, and future tourism investment needs

Why Business Participation Matters

Local tourism operators, accommodators, attractions, retailers, restaurants, and experience providers will play a key role in shaping the direction of this work.

Business participation will help identify existing tourism products and experiences that could be packaged, new partnership opportunities between local businesses, visitor experience gaps, marketing and sales priorities, and ways to encourage longer stays and off-peak visitation.

A Collaborative Approach to Gravenhurst’s Visitor Economy

This work is about bringing Gravenhurst’s tourism strengths together in a more coordinated and strategic way.

By connecting businesses, research, marketing, transportation opportunities, and bookable experiences, the partnership aims to support measurable tourism outcomes while helping Gravenhurst continue to grow as a compelling destination for visitors throughout the year.

Stay Connected

Gravenhurst tourism stakeholders are encouraged to attend one of the June 4 information sessions and take part in shaping this project from the beginning.

The post Information Sessions Coming Up To Embrace Tourism Experiences In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

Bracebridge Chamber Executive Director and 2022 Gravenhurst candidate enters the race with a focus on housing, downtown revival, environmental stewardship, and a strong Gravenhurst voice at District Council.

Jaden Hollingshead officially launched his campaign for District Councillor in the Town of Gravenhurst’s 2026 municipal election. His platform is centred on housing, downtown revitalization, environmental stewardship, and strong representation for Gravenhurst at District Council.

“I’ve seen the housing crisis hold young families and workers back from succeeding in our
community,” said Hollingshead. “I’ve spent years working with Chambers of Commerce and on the Muskoka Community Land Trust board to find solutions. Now I want to bring that same energy to the District Council table.”

Hollingshead, 27, was born and raised in Muskoka and currently serves as Executive Director of the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, where he works on solutions for housing, workforce, economic development, and rural transportation policy from a business perspective. He is also a board member and treasurer of the Muskoka Community Land Trust. In 2022, during his first run for office in Gravenhurst, he received 1,691 votes, finishing 142 votes shy of a seat at the council table.

Election Day is October 26, 2026.

About Jaden Hollingshead
Jaden Hollingshead is the Executive Director of the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, a
board member of the Muskoka Community Land Trust and a former board member of the
Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. Jaden was born and raised in Muskoka with over five
years calling Gravenhurst home, he has worked in economic development and business
advocacy across the region.

Election Day: October 26, 2026
Website: jadenhollingshead.ca
Instagram: @Jaden_Hollingshead
Facebook: facebook.com/VoteForJaden
Email: campaign@jadenhollingshead.ca

The post Jaden Hollingshead Launches 2026 Campaign For Gravenhurst District Councillor appeared first on Muskoka411.

Today (Friday, I am announcing my candidacy for re-election as Mayor.

In a time of uncertainty, Gravenhurst needs experienced, steady, and collaborative leadership.

Over the past three years, we’ve made meaningful progress together. After 15 years of vacancy, the second floor of the Cottage Country Family

Health Team will soon become home to the new Gravenhurst Health Hub. It

has been an honour to work alongside the Gravenhurst Rotary Club to bring this vision to life. Through sustained advocacy and recruitment, we have secured provincial funding to provide primary care for hundreds of unattached patients while also expanding local services to include both palliative and transitional beds.

We’ve seen strong investment in housing, with new purpose-built rental developments underway and 12 affordable units being added, including six transitional units for those who need them most.

Transportation has improved as well. The District’s Demand-Responsive Transit program has expanded due to its success, now serving Severn Bridge and areas south of Highway 118.

I also committed to improving communication with residents. With the launch of the Stay In Touch page, it’s now easier than ever to access monthly updates, Council highlights, and meeting information. A modernized electronic meeting system has made it simpler to participate in and follow Council decisions.

We’ve laid a strong foundation for continued growth in our historic downtown, guided by a focused economic development plan that supports local businesses and encourages new investment. In fact, four new businesses opened just this week.

These achievements reflect what’s possible when we work together building strong relationships with all levels of government and community partners, and always putting Gravenhurst first.

While challenges remain, there is much to be proud of and important work still ahead. That work requires experience, compassion, optimism and determination.

Let’s keep the momentum going, together. Mayor Heidi Lorenz

The post Heidi Lorenz Seeks Re-Election As Mayor Of Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

At the time of death, the inmate was 48 years old and had been serving a life sentence since May 17, 2005.
The inmate’s next of kin have been notified.

As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances.

CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner be notified.

The post Inmate From Beaver Creek Institution Dies Of Apparent Natural Causes appeared first on Muskoka411.

From Hale Muskoka in Gravenhurst:

Calling All Makers & Creators!

The post Hale Muskoka In Gravenhurst Is Looking For Artisans And Producers To Join The Weekly Friday Market appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday April 22, 2026 at 4:10 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers, along with a member of the Central Region OPP SAVE team, responded to multiple reports of an aggressive driver travelling north in the southbound lanes of Highway 11, just south of Gravenhurst. Drivers reported having to take evasive action in order to avoid a collision.

Police located the vehicle and subsequently arrested and charged 20-year-old Wabin Edwards of Fort Albany, ON with the following:

·      Operation while impaired

·      Over 80

·      Dangerous operation

·      Failure to stop after accident

·      Possession of property obtained by crime

·      Drive wrong way-divided highway

·      Young driver- B.A.C. above zero

·      Class G1 licence holder-unaccompanied by qualified driver.

She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on April 22, 2026 for a bail hearing.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

The post Wrong Way Driver In Gravenhurst Faces Several Charges appeared first on Muskoka411.