State of emergency in Muskoka

The District of Muskoka is in a state of emergency due to the recent ice storm. 

For emergency updates, see the district's website. 

The Centennial Centre in Gravenhurst is open as a warming centre from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The centre is at 101 Centennial Dr. 

See our storm resource directory. 

Gravenhurst FAQs

The Legislative Services Department facilitates the licensing process for Refreshment Business Licences in accordance with By-law 2024-22. If your business fits within one of the following definitions, from the By-law, you are required to apply for a Refreshment Business Licence, in order to operate in the town of Gravenhurst:

  • 2.9 Mobile Cart means a pushcart, pedal-driven cart, wagon, or other nonmotorized cart.
  • 2.10 Mobile Refreshment Stand means a portable building or structure that is used to prepare and/or serve food to the general public.
  • 2.11 Mobile Refreshment Vehicle means a Vehicle or Mobile Cart from which food is sold or offered for sale for consumption by the public and includes a wagon, a trailer, bicycle carts and food trucks, but does not include a Catering Truck.

Refreshment business operators can acquire their licence by applying online, or by contacting the Legislative Services staff at 705-687-3412, extension 8. 

The licensing period is from January 1st to December 31st, each calendar year.

The purpose of this Q&A is to educate the public on the town’s updated Refreshment Vehicle Bylaw.

What is the town’s Refreshment Business Licence Bylaw? 

The Town of Gravenhurst has a Refreshment Business Licence Bylaw that regulates the operation of refreshment vehicles in the municipality. 

The purpose is to ensure that operators are insured, operating safely, and observing public health regulations. 

The bylaw applies to anyone who is operating a mobile refreshment vehicle or mobile refreshment stand.

Where can I review the bylaw? 

The bylaw is available for review on our website. 

Additionally, we have a refreshment vehicle information page on our website that contains a variety of related material.

How do I apply for a licence? 

You can apply on our website using our online fillable form. 

You can also visit our website and print the form, fill it out, and submit a completed application in-person at the municipal office, 3-5 Pineridge Gate, or you can e-mail your completed application to us at info@gravenhurst.ca. Note our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours drop box is available (do not leave cash). 

Another option is to visit our website, print the form, fill it out, and mail your completed application to us at: Town of Gravenhurst, 3-5 Pineridge Gate, P1P 1Z3. 

If you have an accessibility issue regarding the application process, please contact the Legislative Services Department at 705-687-3412, ext. 2900.

When do I need to apply for a licence? 

If you are operating anywhere in Gravenhurst, you must apply for a licence.

We ask that operators submit their applications five business days before they intend to open.

If you are looking to operate in a municipal park, please fill out an expression of interest form PRIOR to applying for a licence and wait for our economic development staff to contact you. Do not proceed with your application until you hear from our staff.

What documentation do I need to provide when applying?

Please see our checklist.

How long is my licence valid?

Your licence is valid from the date of issue until the end of the calendar year.

You must apply for a new licence each year.

What is the cost of the licence?

The fee is $200, which includes the cost of your fire department inspection.

How can I pay for my licence?

You can pay for your licence during the online application process, or you can pay in-person at the municipal office within 72 hours of submitting your application.

You can pay online using MasterCard or Visa.

You can pay in-person using cash, debit, MasterCard, or Visa.

What should I know about the insurance process?

You will need a minimum of $5 million in general liability insurance.

You will also need to list the Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst as an additional insured.

Do I need to display my licence?

Yes. Your licence must be displayed with your vehicle or cart.

What role does the Gravenhurst Fire Department play in the application process?

The Gravenhurst Fire Department will conduct a fire inspection of your vehicle, stand, or cart to ensure it meets the Ontario Fire Code and specific fire and electrical elements of the bylaw.

To book your inspection, see our website.

Inspections can be booked Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., subject to staff availability.

To see an example of the emergency plan you will be required to have, see our website. (See the second page of the document.)

What if I have other questions?

Contact the Legislative Services Department at 705-687-3412, ext. 2900.

For fire inspection related questions, contact the Gravenhurst Fire Department’s fire prevention officer Kevin McKelvey at 705-687-3414, ext. 2523. 

Legislative Services Documents
  • Written permission from property owner (if leased)
  • Copy of Driver's Licence
  • Copy of Business Name Registration
  • Picture of Refreshment Vehicle
  • Copy of Vehicle Registration
  • Certificate of Insurance (min. $5,000,000)
  • Health unit certificate or letter of approval
Fire Department Documents
  • Certificate of propane inspection (if applicable)
  • Certificate of TSSA annual inspection
  • Certificate of fire suppression system/portable extinguisher (if applicable)
  • Certificate of hydro inspection (if applicable)
  • Fire safety plan

Refreshment Vehicle Licence Fee: $200.00 

This Fee Includes:

  • Fire Department Inspection Fee ($125.00)
  • Application for Licence Fee ($75.00)

The Legislative Services Department is experiencing an issue with its online Short-term Rental Licence application and its online Refreshment Vehicle Licence application.

If you are interested in filling out either application, please contact the department first.

Call 705-687-3412, ext. 8.

Refreshment Vehicle Licence Application

* If you are looking operating in a Public Park, Please fill out our Expression of Interest form before submitting a licence Application

As per section 4.1 b) of the By-law, each refreshment vehicle must pass a Gravenhurst Fire Department inspection. You may book your inspection here: Gravenhurst Fire Department Inspection Booking Form

Gravenhurst is looking to expand opportunities for small business owners by creating a program to allow Food Trucks or Carts to operate in Municipally designated park. In this pilot program, interested trucks and food providers can apply to book a spot in Gull Lake Rotary Park, Muskoka Bay Park or at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre.
Bookings will be available from May - October, with no extra charge beyond the licensing fee. 

Please note that if there is an event that closes the entire park, your refreshment vehicle will not be able to operate. Please monitor our Event Calendar to be aware of Park Events. Please reach out to Legislative Department or Economic Development Division for any questions.

If you are interested, before submitting a Licence Application please fill out our Expression Of Interest Form so we can help you find the right spot!

As per 'Schedule A' of the By-law, the following park spaces are available for operation. These spaces must be booked with Legislative Services for two-week periods:

Gull Lake Rotary Park

405 Brock Street, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1H4

The Golden Nugget BBQ is operating out of Spot 1 for the 2023 season.

The Creative Plate Eatery is operating out of Spot 2 for the 2023 season. 

Gull Lake has two operational spots as you can see below, highlighted in blue. Both spots are no longer available for the 2023 Summer season.

Gull Lake Park trucks spots

GULL LAKE ROTARY PARK (Gravenhurst) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go

Centennial Centre

101 Centennial Drive, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1B7

Centennial Drive has two operational spots as you can see below, highlighted in Blue. Both are still available for the 2023 Season.

Centennial centre trucks spots

Project Profile: Steel adds to the beauty of Gravenhurst… | CSSBI

Muskoka Bay Park

700 Muskoka Road 169, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R2

Tiki Taka Muskoka is operating out of the only spot for the 2023 season.

Muskoka Bay Park has one operational spot as you can see below, highlighted in Blue. This spot is no longer available for the 2023 season.

Muskoka bay park truck spot

Parks & Playgrounds - Town of Gravenhurst

Yes, all refreshment vehicles operating in one of our special events must apply for an annual licence and pay the applicable fees.

Your licence is valid for the calendar year, and our public park space is available to be booked for a period of two weeks. To book your space, please call the Legislative Services Department at 705-687-3412, extension 8.

Here is a place you can find lots of interesting and important FAQs for the Town of Gravenhurst. 

The purpose of this Q&A is to educate the public on the town’s updated Refreshment Vehicle Bylaw.

What is the town’s Refreshment Business Licence Bylaw? 

The Town of Gravenhurst has a Refreshment Business Licence Bylaw that regulates the operation of refreshment vehicles in the municipality. 

The purpose is to ensure that operators are insured, operating safely, and observing public health regulations. 

The bylaw applies to anyone who is operating a mobile refreshment vehicle or mobile refreshment stand.

Where can I review the bylaw? 

The bylaw is available for review on our website. 

Additionally, we have a refreshment vehicle information page on our website that contains a variety of related material.

How do I apply for a licence? 

You can apply on our website using our online fillable form. 

You can also visit our website and print the form, fill it out, and submit a completed application in-person at the municipal office, 3-5 Pineridge Gate, or you can e-mail your completed application to us at info@gravenhurst.ca. Note our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours drop box is available (do not leave cash). 

Another option is to visit our website, print the form, fill it out, and mail your completed application to us at: Town of Gravenhurst, 3-5 Pineridge Gate, P1P 1Z3. 

If you have an accessibility issue regarding the application process, please contact the Legislative Services Department at 705-687-3412, ext. 8

When do I need to apply for a licence? 

If you are operating anywhere in Gravenhurst, you must apply for a licence.

We ask that operators submit their applications five business days before they intend to open.

If you are looking to operate in a municipal park, please fill out an expression of interest form PRIOR to applying for a licence and wait for our economic development staff to contact you. Do not proceed with your application until you hear from our staff.

What documentation do I need to provide when applying?

Please see our checklist.

How long is my licence valid?

Your licence is valid from the date of issue until the end of the calendar year.

You must apply for a new licence each year.

What is the cost of the licence?

The fee is $204, which includes the cost of your fire department inspection.

How can I pay for my licence?

You can pay for your licence during the online application process, or you can pay in-person at the municipal office within 72 hours of submitting your application.

You can pay online using MasterCard or Visa.

You can pay in-person using cash, debit, MasterCard, or Visa.

What should I know about the insurance process?

You will need a minimum of $5 million in general liability insurance.

You will also need to list the Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst as an additional insured.

Do I need to display my licence?

Yes. Your licence must be displayed with your vehicle or cart.

What role does the Gravenhurst Fire Department play in the application process?

The Gravenhurst Fire Department will conduct a fire inspection of your vehicle, stand, or cart to ensure it meets the Ontario Fire Code and specific fire and electrical elements of the bylaw.

To book your inspection, see our website.

Inspections can be booked Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., subject to staff availability.

To see an example of the emergency plan you will be required to have, see our website. (See the second page of the document.)

What if I have other questions?

Contact the Legislative Services Department at 705-687-3412, ext. 8.

For fire inspection related questions, contact the Gravenhurst Fire Department’s fire prevention officer Kevin McKelvey at 705-687-3414, ext. 2523. 

How do I know if I need a short-term rental licence?

A short-term rental licence (a business licence issued by the town) is required if you plan to rent your home or cottage for 28 days or less – a licence is required before you can advertise your rental.

How do I apply for a licence?

You can visit our website at Gravenhurst.ca.

What is required when applying for a licence?

A complete application.

This includes:

  • a site plan
  • a responsible person form
  • a renter’s code of conduct form
  • photo ID
  • proof of ownership
  • authorization to act as agent form (if applicable)
  • licence fee

What might prohibit me from obtaining my licence? 

  • Incomplete application
  • tax arrears
  • outstanding fees or fines
  • municipal orders or notices
  • incomplete site plan
  • improper zoning
  • buildings or other structures constructed without permit
  • septic capacity
  • outstanding Municipal Accommodation Tax account balance

What is an acceptable site plan?

Site Plan means a scaled and detailed plan depicting the full extent of the premises.

This includes the following:

  • the location and dimensions of all buildings and structures on the property
  • the location of any septic systems, including the tank and distribution pipes
  • the location of any wells 
  • the location of the required and permitted parking spaces

See an example of a site plan. 

How long does the application process take?

Given that there can be an influx of applications, we are unable to give an exact timeline for review.

The town will be working diligently to circulate applications to all relevant departments and review applications as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What type of structures am I allowed to rent?

You can rent your house or cottage (dwelling unit).

What type of structures are prohibited?

  • Sleeping cabins (bunkies)
  • Trailers/tents
  • Barns
  • Garages/sheds

If you have questions about what you are allowed to rent, please contact us before submitting your application.

How do I know that my licence application has been approved and how long is it valid?

Licensing officers from the town’s Legislative Services Department will advise of approval by e-mail.

Each licence is valid for the calendar year in which it was applied.

For example, if you applied in 2025 your licence is valid until the end of the year.

When can I apply for my licence?

You can apply within the calendar year, prior to advertising/and or renting your short-term rental accommodation.

Am I required to pay the Municipal Accommodation Tax if I am renting out my property?

Yes. As per the town’s Municipal Accommodation Tax bylaw you are required to submit your tax payment.

For details, see our website. 

What can happen if I don’t apply for a licence?

The town may pursue legal action, including issues, orders notices, or fines.

What is a Council approved policy or by-law? 

Policy of Council is “whatever government choose to do or not do”. It is an approved process as a means of tackling issues of concern. At the municipal level, polices adopted by Council may include formal by-laws as well as individual policies to meet the needs and community of the Town.  

Municipal Councils make policies through adoption of a formal policy, adoption of a motion or approval of by-laws at the Council table. Staff take the direction of these policies and use them to enforce the standards of behaviour for the community.  

Ultimately, Council directs policy and staff enforce that policy. Staff are unable to amended or use discretion unless permitted to do so through policy. 

What is the impact of legislation on policy? 

While Council may approve policies within their jurisdiction, some framework for compliance is a result of direct provincial or federal legislation. These laws direct certain standards and procedures for enforcement. Examples include provisions of the Planning Act, the Building Code, the Municipal Act, and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Actions from staff based on these pieces of legislation are not appealable to the local Council.  

If a member of the public wished to appeal policy stemmed from legislation, private litigation with the Courts would be required.  

 I don’t agree with Staff’s decision, how can I appeal to Council? 

As identified above, Staff enforce the policies of Council and do not have the ability to arbitrarily amend a policy or provide alternatives. If you are unsatisfied with the result of the policy, you have options to appeal to Council.  

Councillors individually are unable to authorize a policy waiver or amendment. The decision to do so is required through an authorizing resolution at the Council table with a quorum of members of Council in support.  

Before reaching out to Council, you are encouraged to contact all applicable members of staff including the Manager and Director of the matter. If you are still unsatisfied with the result, contacting Council is an option.  

Here are some methods if you wish to request Council consider your appeal. 

a. Write Council a Letter 

Anyone is able to write a letter to Council directly. Emails also work. Here is the address: 

Attn: Mayor Lorenz and Council  

3-5 Pineridge Gate 

Gravenhurst ON P1P 1Z3 

There is a drop box at the front of Town Hall available 24/7.  

b. Contact Councillors Directly asking them to bring forward your matter.  

Contact information, including names, emails and telephone numbers for all members of Council is available on the Town’s website: https://www.gravenhurst.ca/town-hall-council/mayor-and-council/contact-council/  

For ease, the email format for Council is: firstname.lastname@gravenhurstcouncil.ca  

c. Make a Deputation to All of Council 

Deputations are a formal face-to-face presentation to Council during a formal Council meeting. Council meetings are established every year in accordance with the Procedural By-law. The schedule of Council meetings is posted on the Town’s website: https://events.gravenhurst.ca/meetings/  

Deputation requests are due to the Clerk by noon on the Friday prior to a Council meeting. The online form can be filled out at anytime and will be provided directly to the Clerk: https://webforms.gravenhurst.ca/Legislative/Request-for-Deputation  

d. File a Complaint with the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office  

The Ontario Ombudsman is an independent, non-partisan Officer of the Ontario Legislature. Their role is to ensure the public sector serves people in a way that is fair, accountable, transparent and respectful of their rights. This Office may intervene to resolve or investigate issues involving the public sector administration and make evidence-based recommendations for corrective action, if necessary.  

Visit the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office for more information or to file an official complaint: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/home  

If an individual member of Council or Council as a whole wish to consider my appeal, what happens next? 

Council have a variety of mechanisms to bring a matter forward to all of Council for consideration. Individual Councillors do not have the authority to direct or take action on behalf of the Town independently. However, it is the role of Council to listen to the concerns of its constituents and consider what is best for the whole of the municipality. 

A motion, moved and seconded by two members of Council, would be tabled and voted on. If approved, Council may have directed Staff to review and report back or provided an alternate direction for your request.  

Council are not required to consider or table a motion to a member of the public’s request. This action would be at the discretion of an individual member of Council.   

How do I file a complaint about staff? 

If you wish to make a formal complaint about a staff member, you can contact the applicable Manager of Director to review the situation. The staff contacts are on the website: https://www.gravenhurst.ca/contacts-directory/ 

The Town also has a formal Customer Service and Complaint Resolution Policy: https://gravenhurst.civicweb.net/document/52762/  

How do I file a complaint about Council?  

Council are bound by the provisions of the Municipal Act and the Council Code of Conduct. Complaints regarding a Councillor may be filed with the Integrity Commissioner.   

More information and contacts for the Integrity Commissioner can be found on the Town’s website: https://www.gravenhurst.ca/town-hall-council/mayor-and-council/  

Contact Us

Town of Gravenhurst
3-5 Pineridge Gate
Gravenhurst ON P1P1Z3
T: 705-687-3412
TF: 1-855-687-3412
info@gravenhurst.ca

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