Knows Gravenhurst. Knows the Issues. Knows the Job.

I am committed to Gravenhurst

My wife and I are year-round residents of Gravenhurst who are actively engaged in our community.

My dedication to our community includes the following activities:

Volunteer water quality sampler for the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) for more than 2-decades. I put my scientific background to use in service of the environment. I currently sample deep water and near shore sites in Gravenhurst.
President of the Lakeshore Drive Community Association (2013 - present). The LDCA is a not-for-profit organization created to oppose excessive development in our community. We are now focused on a range of issues across Muskoka.
Former member of the Board of Directors of the Muskoka Lakes Association (2016-2022) — an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Muskoka by advocating for responsible land use.
Community member of the Gravenhurst Committee of Adjustment (2022 - present). I am committed to ensuring that the voice of the public is heard and reflected in planning decisions.

About Stephen Sims

My grandparents purchased property in Gravenhurst in 1932. I am now a full-time resident of ward 2.
Five Generations of Sims family in Muskoka.

PhD in neuroscience (McMaster University)
Professor of Medicine & Dentistry (Western University), teaching the next generation of doctors and dentists (29 years)
Biomedical scientist who managed a successful research program studying bone and muscle

Proven Leadership Skills:

Interim Chair of Department of Physiology, University of Western Ontario
Associate Vice-Provost in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Two terms on Western’s Board of Governors

The values that will drive me as councillor are:

Listening, Teamwork, Collaboration and Accountability

Campaign Goals

Respect for Growth and the Environment

Bring new businesses to Gravenhurst and support development that will grow our community. Waterfront development needs to respect and protect the environment and the watershed.

Fiscal Restraint

Many in our community are facing financial hardship - with income that doesn’t match the rate of the Town’s budget increases. Council must direct staff to “sharpen their pencils” during preparation of the draft budget.

Short Term Rentals

Greater oversight and tighter regulations needed to minimize the disruption caused by ‘absentee owners’ who fail to take responsibility for their guests.

Speaking out against Provincially imposed MZOs

Fight to ensure the preservation of the features that make Muskoka special. Excessive and inappropriate proposals such as Cliff Bay should not be imposed on our town.

Preserving the Health of our Lakes

For over 2 decades I have volunteered with the Water Quality Initiative, led by the MLA. Deborah Martin-Downs, a former president of the MLA, joined me to carry out water testing in Gravenhurst.

The areas I test in Gravenhurst include deep water and near shore sites, close to public beaches, golf courses, marinas, and town roads.

Photos reproduced with the permission of the MLA

My goal is to see Gravenhurst prosper, but to do so with responsible development that ensures we don’t destroy the lakes that feed us or ruin the natural environment that makes Muskoka special.

Neighborhood Cleanup on Earth Day

Our Community Association responded to an invitation by the District of Muskoka to carry out spring cleaning on Earth Day.

This truck load and more was collected from roads in our neighborhood.

Many other community activities supported. Gravenhurst Health Hub initiative. Coldest Night of the Year fundraising and walking. Donating blood at the Legion for Canadian Blood Services. Volunteer duties for the Elderberries Choir….

Perserverance

I enjoy participating in sporting events, including marathons, half-marathons and triathlons.

These races demand perseverance and focus.

Gravenhurst triathlon features our glorious wharf setting, Wenonah II, and ‘rolling’ bike and run routes.

Jump—swim—bike—run

We Enjoy Muskoka Year Round

My wife and I live in Muskoka full-time
The joys are balanced by seasonal challenges
Winter storms
Spring flooding
We are blessed to live in a community that steps up and supports one another during times of need