February 13 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met February 13, 2025, 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 January 23 County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council   Committee

Committee of the Whole

• Councillor McQueen brought forward a motion requesting staff prepare a report on options for snow removal at the Grey County owned parking lot in Markdale beside the CP Rail Trail. This location is popular staging area for snowmobilers looking to access the trail. Grey County discontinued snow removal in the parking lot in 2024 as a cost saving measure.
• Council received a closed meeting investigation report regarding a joint meeting of all local municipal councils held in August. The investigation was completed externally by Aird and Berlis LLP.  The investigation concluded the meeting did not contravene the Municipal Act and was a proper meeting.  Report
• Grey County will be updating the Forest Management By-Law to address legislative and policy changes over the past twenty years.  Public and municipal consultation opportunities will be organized and a future draft by-law will be presented to Grey County Council later in the year.  Report
• Council supported four crossings for the Grey County Rail Trail and the transfer of easements to the Township of Southgate.  Report
• Council received an information report on the committee of the whole structure. The report outlined the benefits and challenges of the current structure compared to a standing committee structure. Moving forward, Grey County will continue with the committee of the whole structure and will put more emphasis into sharing subcommittee details during meetings of committee of the whole to ensure councillors are well informed.  Report

• County staff provided information to Council regarding the current status of Canada USA relations and tariffs. The update spoke to what impacts can be expected in our area, what organizations like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario are doing. Grey County will be adjusting purchasing practices to support more Canadian and local procurement. Staff also highlighted local economic development efforts including a relaunch of the Made in Grey brand which will be expanded beyond agri-food products to help residents identify local products.  Webpage  Presentation    
• Councillor Boddy gave notice he will be bringing forward a motion to establish a joint municipal services ad hoc committee to look at shared approaches to address challenges and opportunities municipalities face. 

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.