Town of Gravenhurst council committee has approved a three per cent increase to user fees and service charges.
The increase follows a report presented to committee by Wayne Campbell, director of financial services, on Sept. 15, who said the adjustments reflect the projected inflation rate for 2027.
According to Campbell, user fees are one of the few tools available to municipalities to help balance their budget and reduce the reliance on tax collection.
He said building permit fees will be the only user fee or service charge to increase by more than three per cent, rising 17 per cent due to their significant impact on the budget.
The report states that building permit fees accounted for $554,395, or 26 per cent of total fees collected in 2025.
In addition to building permit fees, the report states the top revenue sources in 2025 were ice rental charges at the Centennial Centre, boat slip rentals at Muskoka Wharf, planning and planning-related fees, and legislative services licensing.
Campbell said those user fees and service charges accounted for 70 per cent of all fees collected in 2025.
The report states this year, the Town budgeted to collect $2.4 million in fees, charges, and fines, or approximately seven per cent of Town revenues.
Campbell said the changes are expected to generate approximately $80,000 in additional net operating revenue for 2027.
The proposed increases still require final approval from council.
