Gravenhurst rolling out new public communications initiatives for 2025
The Town of Gravenhurst announced it will be rolling out new public communications initiatives for 2025, in the January 21, 2025, Council meeting.
According to the staff report, since 2022 the Town determined a need for a more updated communications plan to keep residents and visitors informed about its initiatives.
It adds, “The goal was to have a professional document to move the Town forward with a progressive, proactive, and appropriate communications program.”
In 2023, the Town hired a consultant to establish a plan of action, especially considering the closure of the Gravenhurst Banner, which prompted their Stay in Touch campaign to keep people informed about local matters through venues like their website, social media, local radio stations, and a monthly e-newsletter.
The Town will continue its existing communication efforts in addition to moving ahead with new initiatives.
The Town’s Communications Specialist, Mike Gennings, advised that due to public requests for paper the Town will be launching a quarterly print newsletter that will be mailed to local residents that have signed up for it.
He added that a PDF will also be made available on the Town website and social media pages for non-seasonal residents.
He said they will also be launching a service delivery video to keep residents informed about what’s being done in the Town, “so there’s an understanding about the work we do.”
His report indicates that other initiatives will include researching text/app options, building FAQs, video messaging, and Coffee with Council networking sessions, which are periodic informal gathering sessions “for the public to interact with elected representatives.”
Councillor, Sandy Cairns, said she’s been in the Town for a long time and appreciates the communication efforts, which “has seriously improved the life of Councillors, I’m sure.”
She added, “It does make life easier. It certainly gets the information out there. We have a little bit more to do but I think we’re hitting most of the people.”
She also expressed that her 93-year-old mother accesses Facebook to get information. So, “people are reading it,” she said.
Councillor, Christina Hunter, expressed that the initiatives proved helpful during the recent weather emergency and shows “people were hungry for knowledge.” She added that the Town’s Facebook page was “up 552%.”
Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, agreed with Cairns. She said, “The communications are as good as it’s been, and it sounds like these are some things that are going to elevate us even further.”
