January 24 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, January 24 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 this meeting can be found on the County’s YouTube Channel.

County Council

• Council accepted the minutes of the January 10 Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.
• Council held a long-term care education session on Tuesday, January 22 which provided a chronological recap of the long-term care redevelopment discussions of the past few years. Following this session, council approved a report summarizing the information discussed at the session.

Committee of the Whole

• In a recorded vote, council rescinded the previous council’s decision to build a 166-bed long-term care home in Durham and amalgamate the beds from Rockwood Terrace and Grey Gables (51-39). Grey Gables will continue to operate as it is.
• In a second motion, Council directed staff to apply to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term care for a minimum of 90 additional long-term care bed licenses. If approved the Long-Term Care Committee of Management will determine the optimal efficiency for the placement of these beds.
• Council heard an update from the Grey County Economic Development department. The annual Regional Job Fair is coming up at the Bayshore on 

February 21 from 2PM-7PM. Grey County will also host a bus tour from the GTA to show people the opportunities available here in Grey County. Grey County is also hosting a Rural Matchmaking event to connect land owners with individuals looking for farm land. Presentation

• Staff provided council with an overview of the Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario provincial consultation document. The document highlights housing supply struggles across Ontario. Staff will share their recommendations for increasing affordable housing with the Province. Report
• Council approved a draft plan of subdivision for 54 townhouse units in Markdale.  Report
• Council appointed public members to the Economic Development and Planning Advisory Committee.  Report
• Grey County is updating the Forest Management Plan and will re-establish an Advisory Committee to guide the update. Members will include the Warden, two members of council, and representatives from various forestry groups and businesses. Public consultation will also be held later this year. Report
• Grey County will submit comments to the province on the Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. This is the Province’s plan for addressing climate change. It is focused on investing in new technologies that will reduce GHG emissions and developing and updating plans and policies related to climate change at a local level.  Report
• Council received an update on WSIB Insurance Coverage Renewals. Report
• Grey County will renew its insurance polices with AIG Insurance and Sun Life Financial. Report
• Council directed staff to include funding in the 2019 budget for improvements to the Council Chamber sound system and for improvements to video recordings.  Report

Good News and Celebrations

• This weekend the World Cup Ski Cross is being hosted in the Town of the Blue Mountains.
• Councillor Burley shared a story of an Air Nunavut jet landing at the Wiarton Keppel International Airport for a crucial MedEvac mission. Airport staff worked to quickly clear and maintain the runway of snow so the Jet could depart safely.
• Grey Bruce 211 turned 10 years old on January 24! 211 supports hundreds of agencies across the County to connect people with the services they need.
• Rocklyn won $50,000 in a contest hosted by Pioneer Seeds. The funds will support a kitchen makeover at the community centre.
• The CT Scanner at the Hanover and District Hospital is now open

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.