Gravenhurst, Ontario
Erin Gauthier
Candidate for Ward 1 Councillor
Pushing Ward 1 with care, compassion, and accountability.
Voice Your Concern
Profile
Erin Gauthier
My name is Erin Gauthier, and I am running for Councillor of Ward 1. I believe in Gravenhurst and in its potential to become an even stronger, more vibrant community.
I have called Gravenhurst home for over 10 years. My husband’s family has deep roots here, including helping build a local subdivision.
I am a mother of three wonderful children. I bring 19 years of experience as a Contracts Administrator and nearly 5 years working as a Front-line Crisis Counsellor at a shelter supporting women and families affected by domestic violence. My work has taught me to listen without judgment, lead with compassion and focus on solutions.
As the youngest of 13 children, I learned early the importance of family, generosity, humour and looking out for one another. Losing my mother to cancer reinforced for me how precious life and people are.
I want to create more affordable housing for full-time residents, support local businesses, revitalize our downtown, help improve our roads and infrastructure, and create more opportunities for connection and recreation.
I don’t want to simply talk about what needs to change. I want to show up, listen, work hard and walk the walk.
Your support, conversation and ideas are welcomed and encouraged.
The Issues
Platform
Gravenhurst is growing fast, and Ward 1 has taken on more new residents than almost any other ward in town. That growth is putting pressure on the same handful of issues, again and again. Here’s what Erin hears about most, and the solutions she’ll bring to each one.
Housing
Attainable housing, not just more of it
Muskoka’s growth and cottage country land values, have pushed home ownership and long term rentals out of reach for many local families and workers. Erin will push for housing that local residents, not just seasonal buyers, can actually afford. Faster, clearer approvals so good projects aren’t stuck in bureaucratic standstill.
Downtown
A downtown that works for the people who live here
Gravenhurst’s downtown and waterfront carry the town’s identity and a huge share of its tourism economy, but they need to work for local residents too. That means clean and sober streets, storefronts that stay filled, and public space that feels cared for in January as much as July.
Budget
A budget that’s audited line by line, not skimmed
Years of reconciling books to the dollar taught Erin that oversight isn’t optional. She’ll bring that same scrutiny to municipal spending and tax increases, asking where every dollar goes before she signs off.
Growth
Infrastructure that keeps pace
Roads, water and sewer capacity, and traffic through the urban centre all need to grow in step with new development, not years behind it. Erin will push for infrastructure planning that’s tied directly to now and the future, not playing catch-up.
Support
Real support for people who are struggling
Working at the women’s shelter has shown Erin exactly how thin the local safety net can be. She’s there for people facing homelessness, family violence, or a housing or income crisis. She’s a strong advocate for the mental health, addiction, and social service supports Muskoka residents need.
Voice
A councillor who actually picks up the phone
Erin’s promise is simple: if it matters to Ward 1, it matters to her. She’ll hold regular office hours, show up at community meetings, and vouch for local concerns at the council table.
Open Line
Voice Your Concern
Got something on your mind? Erin personally reads every submission and follows up on what she can. Share your name if you’d like a reply, or leave the fields blank and stay anonymous.