Heidi Lorenz for Mayor of Gravenhurst
A Trusted Voice
Experience matters
Since first elected as Ward 1 Councillor in 2010, Heidi has taken on several roles on Council. She has served on the BIA and the Library Board, and is the Chair of Engineering and Public Works at the District of Muskoka. Heidi also sits on the OPP Bracebridge Detachment Board, and has been a champion for fairness, accountability, and responsible decision-making.
Heidi takes pride in the relationships she has built with colleagues, staff, and community builders throughout Gravenhurst and beyond. She is honest, compassionate, and committed to serving her community.
Having lived full-time in Gravenhurst for twenty-nine years, Heidi is keenly aware of the challenges that come with a seasonal economy, underemployment, and long winters.
Once re-elected, Heidi is committed to continuing efforts to revitalize Downtown Gravenhurst, expand community safety programs, and maintain her record of sound fiscal responsibility.
Heidi is grateful for the life she and her husband, Kirk have built in beautiful Gravenhurst. She understands the delicate balance between supporting growth and preserving the things we all hold so dear.
Local Honest Hardworking
-
Accountability & Communication
-
Fiscal Responsibility
-
Environmental Stewardship
-
Community Safety
-
Economic Development
2022-2026 Accomplishments
Housing
-
Completed a housing needs study
-
322 single-family homes built
-
70 multi-residential units developed
-
Six attainable housing units and six transitional housing units added
Transportation
-
Implemented and expanded Direct Response Transit
-
Increased the number of taxi providers
-
Expanded rideshare options
-
Supported the return of the Northlander
Healthcare
-
Supported the development of the Gravenhurst Health Hub
-
Added hospice and transitional beds to local care options
-
Secured $1.6 million in primary care funding
-
Continued primary care recruitment efforts
Increased Council Accountabilty and Transparency
-
Introduced an attendance-reporting policy
-
Introduced a conference and event policy
-
Introduced a virtual meeting policy
-
Supported no increase to Council wages
-
Delegated Strong Mayor powers back to Council
-
Preserved Council meeting recordings
Business Support and Economic Growth
-
Provided more than $200,000 through Community Improvement Plan grants
-
Celebrated six new Downtown businesses this spring
-
Continued Downtown revitalization efforts
-
Supported the Wharf pop-up shops and Rainbow Bridge
Environment
-
Supported the Watershed Resilience Action Program, also known as WRAP
-
Expanded the curbside organics program
-
Reduced garbage collection by approximately 37%, keeping 2,690 tonnes of waste out of the Rosewarne Landfill
-
Increased green bin use by approximately 80%, diverting 1,285 tonnes of food waste from the landfill
-
Delegated to the Province regarding road salt use
Communications
-
Broadcast Council meetings
-
Provided monthly updates
-
Provided weekly updates
-
Shared Council highlights
-
Distributed quarterly mailouts
Before
After
Living two blocks from the core offers Heidi a unique perspective and motivation for a vibrant Downtown Gravenhurst.
Heidi knows first-hand the challenges that Downtown Gravenhurst property owners face. Having owned both 140 Muskoka Rd South and 170 Muskoka Rd North, she too has struggled securing residential and commercial tenants and maintaining reasonable rental rates. There is no magic bullet to success — however, a well-kept appearance is an asset, which is why the Community Improvement Plan is one key piece to assist both tenants and owners.
While many criticize from the sidelines, Heidi continues to celebrate and welcome new investors in our community. Success and expansion of the Business Improvement Area requires a cheerleader, not a cynic. The vacant land and building bylaw adopted in April sends a strong message, and has initiated some action on long-neglected spaces.
With significant turnover of landmark destination shops and a surge in successes, let's keep the momentum going.
Past, present, and looking to the future
DOWNTOWN GRAVENHURST
Stand with Heidi
• Volunteer
• Request a sign
• Host a Kitchen Table Talk
• Invite Heidi to a Meeting or Interview
• Spread the word
• Ask a question
"I love it so much,
I live here"
GRAVENHURST
In 1998, looking for a change of pace from city life Heidi and Kirk called Gravenhurst home. Drawn by their love for the outdoors, they never looked back.
The arrival of Jack in 1999 provided ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the Community. Working part-time and volunteering for children's soccer, baseball, curling, and in the classroom provided a Heidi a unique understanding of the challenges that come with fulltime life in Gravenhurst.
Childcare, low wages and the uncertainty of operating a small business are just a few hurdles that they faced along the way.
Their parents also retired to Gravenhurst giving them a first hand experience navigating healthcare and long term care challenges.
Since then, a lot has changed in Gravenhurst, there’s more people, more events and a heck of a lot more to do, but their commitment to the Town they love has never wavered.
Not a weekend goes by that you can’t find Heidi and Kirk out on the water or taking in one of Gravenhurst events.
After completing his schooling in Ottawa, their son Jack too has decided to continue his life story in the Town he grew up in, where he has met the girl of his dreams and fiancé Pippa.
