April 25 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber. The council meeting was immediately followed by a session of committee of the whole. A recording of these meetings can be found on the County’s YouTube Channel.

County Council

• Barbara Dobreen was sworn in as the alternate member of Council for Southgate.
• Council accepted the minutes of the April 11 County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council  Committee
• Council accepted the minutes of the April 4 Warden’s Forum.  Minutes
• Council accepted the minutes of the April 9 Long-Term Care Committee of Management meeting.  Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• Council asked staff to prepare a report on healthcare spending. The report will look at how much has been spent by the County over the past ten years and what neighbouring counties are spending. Council also asked staff to bring back a report regarding recruitment and retention of primary care physicians.
• Stuart Reid from Community Foundation Grey Bruce shared highlights from the youth-focused Vital Signs report. This document highlights the health and wellbeing of youth in the area and the challenges they face. The data was collected over the past two years.   Presentation Vital Signs Report
• Tanya Shute of the South East Grey Community Health Centre updated council about the Community Wellbeing Survey that was issued last spring. Findings of the survey will be available soon. Presentation
• The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) supports small businesses and entrepreneurship across the County. BEC Staff shared details about programs and services offered through the centre. Summer Company helps students start summer business. Starter Company Plus provides training and mentorship to small businesses that are starting up or expanding.
• Council heard a summary of findings from the 2018 Agri-Food Business Retention and Expansion study. Hundreds of interviews were completed in Grey, Bruce and Simcoe last year collecting more than 85,000 pieces of information. The study highlights challenges farmers and agri-food businesses are facing and outlines an action plan to support the industry. Report  Presentation
• Grey County is applying for funding to build a roundabout at the intersection of Grey Road 3 and Grey Road 4 east of Hanover. This busy intersection has the most accidents of any other County road. If approved the project may be completed in 2022.  Report
• At the last Committee of the Whole meeting, students from the University of Guelph shared recommendations for a Grey County climate change action plan. Staff presented the findings of this detailed report and proposed next steps for developing a climate change action plan.  Report
• Council approved updates to the County’s Emergency Management Plan and selected alternates to serve as the head of Council in the Warden’s absence during an emergency. The Emergency Management Plan outlines what actions the County will take if there is a large emergency or disaster.  Report  Report 2
• Council ratified a collective agreement with Grey Gables staff represented by OPSEU.  Report
• Councillors Mackey, McQueen, Desai and Clumpus will apply for a position on the Niagara Escarpment Commission. Positions are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will be announced later in the year.  Report
• May 9 from 6-8pm there will be a public meeting in the Osprey Community Centre regarding proposed upgrades to Sideroad 26 and 27 in Clearview Township which is associated with the closing of Simcoe County Road 91. Both roads connect with Grey Road 31.

Good News and Celebrations

• The 31 Canadian Brigade will be in Hanover this weekend for a mock disaster training exercise.
• The annual Chatsworth Yard Sale is taking place at the Desboro arena on Saturday, April 27. Proceeds support the fire department.
• This Saturday is family fishing at the Flesherton Pond.
• The Goldenaires Choir in Meaford is celebrating 50 years on May the 5^th at Meaford Hall.
• May 4 is the second annual Home and Cottage Show in Flesherton at the Kinplex.

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.