May 22, 2025 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met May 22, 2025, in the Grey County Council Chamber and virtually on Zoom. The meeting was immediately followed by a session of Committee of the Whole. A recording of the meeting can be found on the Grey County YouTube Channel.

County Council

• Council accepted the minutes of the May 8 Grey County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council   Committee
• CAO Randy Scherzer welcomed Deputy CAO Niall Lobley to his new role.
• CAO Scherzer highlighted national Public Works Week and recognized Grey County Transportation Services staff for the important role they play maintaining roadways and keeping them safe. CAO Scherzer also acknowledged Paramedic Services Week and thanked Grey County Paramedic Services for their commitment to community care.
• Council acknowledged Warden Andrea Matrosov’s appointment to the board of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives (GLSLCI). GLSLCI has 325 members in Canada, the United States, First Nations and Tribal Nations. Warden Matrosovs spoke to the recent annual general meeting she attended in Milwaukee. The initiative expressed opposition to the blanket tariffs enforced by the United States and reaffirmed support for water quality, water access and equity. This includes a commitment to upholding the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact and the banning of out of basin diversions.

Committee of the Whole

• Director Spicer provided a summary of the May 13 Budget and Finance Committee meeting. At the meeting the committee heard a summary of the Transportation Services department’s 10-year capital plan and details of how projects are considered. The committee also approved the audit service plan report.  Minutes
• Council approved an official plan amendment to redesignate lands for a development known as Thornbury Acres in the Town of The Blue Mountains. The lands will operate with a “Special Agricultural” designation to allow agricultural uses along with a residential farm co-operative.  Report
• Council appointed five members to the newly formed Joint Municipal Services Committee. This committee will explore which municipal services have the potential to be shared among two or more municipalities across Grey County.  Report
• Staff provided a summary of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, a newly proposed bill from the province which aims to protect Ontario’s critical minerals and energy sector. Staff highlighted areas of potential concern that may impact municipalities. The commenting window was short and has already closed.  Letter   Presentation
• Staff provided a summary of Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act. Staff shared concerns with some aspects of the Bill which will impact municipalities. The Bill is proposing changes that will affect several current acts, including The Development Charges Act, Building Code Act, Planning Act and more. Council discussed their concerns. Comments will be provided to the province by the June 11 deadline.  Letter   Presentation
• Grey County passed a motion to option back a portion of unused lands previously donated to Brightshores Health System (Markdale Hospital lands). Staff will negotiate an agreement with Grey Highlands to sell a portion of these lands to the municipality.
• Council discussed potential delegation requests for the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in August. Delegations are an opportunity for councils and staff to meet with ministers and their staff to discuss important issues. Grey County will request delegations for the following topics:
  • Requesting continued funding for small business enterprise centres beyond March 31, 2026.
  • Requesting sustainable funding and investment into rural colleges and universities.
  • Requesting continued and permanent funding for community paramedicine beyond March 31, 2026, and requesting to simplify duplicate funding reporting. In addition, the delegation will also request an increase to paramedic services funding in line with inflationary increases.
  • Requesting long-term care redevelopment projects already underway be eligible for the 2025 funding model. Also asking for clarity to be provided around the requirements for vulnerable sector checks.

The Clerk’s Department maintains the official record for Grey County. This publication is intended to provide meeting highlights only. For official records, please refer to the meeting minutes, or contact the Clerk’s Department at 1-800-567-4739.