Roads and Sidewalks

The Infrastructure Services Department oversees various permits and applications specific to road operations.  All applicable permits must be issued and applicable fees paid prior to an applicant proceeding with any work on Town property.

Once received, the Infrastructure Services Department reviews the application for consideration.  The process takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to complete.

The following is a description of the Permits and Applications within our Public Works division:

Roadway Occupation Permit

This permit is required for construction or any works within the Town road allowance or Town owned lands, including any works that could impact the road surfaces, sidewalk or boulevard.

 This would include:

• Service connection work;
• Installation or relocation of public utilities;
• Curb cuts, culvert installation, service connections; and
• Placement of a bin(s) or any other type of equipment on the Town’s right-of-way.

All Roadway Occupancy Permits are processed by the Town’s Infrastructure Services Department. 

All works are at the owner’s expense. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to advise the Infrastructure Services Department that the work has been completed and request an inspection for security release.

To apply for a Road Occupancy Permit (ROP), please complete the following Road Occupancy Permit application and submit to:

Overload Permit

The movement of commercial vehicles on public roads throughout Ontario is regulated under the Highway Traffic Act. Maximum vehicle load weights and sizes are defined in the Act.

All Heavy/Wide Load permits are processed by the Town’s Infrastructure Services Department. 

For Town roads designated as ‘Half Load Restriction Year Round’, a special permit may be issued by the Town for the moving of heavier and / or larger vehicle loads than those specified in the Act.

To apply for an Overload Permit, please complete the following Overload Permit 

Each year, the Town restricts weights on some of its roads during the spring thaw, typically between March 1 and April 30. This protects the road from unnecessary deterioration while the frost is coming out of the ground.

If you are planning a project within the Town's road allowance, you are reminded that you will also require a Road Occupancy Permit.

Entrance Permit

Any person wishing to install, alter, or repair a driveway access (entrance) on a public road allowance requires a permit.  An Entrance Permit is required for:

• Temporary access to a property;
• Entrance to a new property;
• Constructing a new building on vacant property;
• Culvert expansions;
• Changes to existing entrances;
• Expanding depressed curb widths; and
• Expanding driveway widths (in road allowance).

All Entrance Permits are processed by the Town’s Infrastructure Services Department. 

There is a permit cost and a refundable environmental fee required for Entrance Permits, which is based on the scope of work.

To ensure entrances are visible and safe, applicants may be required to pay for road signage (such as ‘hidden entrance’) should the Town staff assess that such signage is required.

To apply for an Entrance Permit, please complete the following Entrance Permit application. 

All works are at the owner’s expense. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to advise the Infrastructure Services Department that the work has been completed and request an inspection for security release.

All fees associated with the permits and applications are consistent with the Town’s 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Temporary Road Closure

If you or your organization is planning to conduct a special event (i.e. such as parades or parties) that will use or close a Town road, a Temporary Road Closure Application must be submitted and approved by the Town.

If you or your organization is organizing a special event through our Recreation Department, the Temporary Road Closure Permit may be included in that application process.

Individuals or organizations planning such events must account for time for the Town to review and process the application, as applications may need to be circulated, reviewed and approved by multiple parties.

Applicants are reminded that:

• Applications must be made not later than 90 days prior to the event;
• Application may require Committee and Council approval should event exceed four (4) hours;
• Applicant’s Insurance Certificate must name the Town of Gravenhurst as an ‘additional insured’ in the amount of no less than two million dollars; and
• There is no charge for a Temporary Road Closure Permit.

To apply for a Temporary Road Closure permit, please complete the Temporary Road Closure Permit and submit to: