July 23 Council Highlights

Grey County Council met virtually on Thursday, June 23 at 9:30 a.m. for the regular session of council. The meeting was immediately followed by a session of committee of the whole. A recording of the meetings can be found on Grey County’s YouTube Channel.

County Council

• Council accepted the minutes of the July 6 County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council   Committee
• Council accepted the minutes of the July 6 Long-Term Care Committee of Management Meeting.   Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• Council heard a delegation from Kim Earls about the Southwest Community Transit project. This project is advocating for a more seamless community transit network across the southwest region by leveraging expertise and resources from municipalities. Grey County has been participating in the project planning since May and will formally join the group. Presentation
• Grey County heard a presentation from Tim Allen of the Dufferin Grey ATV Club asking for Grey County to allow the use of side by side ATVs on the CP Rail Trail. Council asked staff to bring a report on the proposed change to a future meeting.   Presentation
• The launch of Grey County’s community transportation pilot, Grey Transit Route (GTR), was delayed due to COVID-19. Council directed staff to enter into an agreement with Driverset Inc. to provide the service which will include routes between Owen Sound and Shelburne, Owen Sound and Town of The Blue Mountains, and Owen Sound and Wiarton. Routes will be launched in a phased approach beginning in September and are funded through the Province of Ontario’s Community Transportation Program. Council recognizes the importance of the Grey Road 4 corridor. An additional route between Flesherton, Durham, Hanover and Walkerton will be added in Phase 4 of the project later this fall.  Report
• Council chose members to sit on the newly formed Hanover Owen Sound Task Force. This task force will analyze the social and economic conditions of the two urban centres and their impact on Grey County as a whole.   Report
• Council approved updates to the County’s Fees and Services By-Law. Some of the updates impact room rentals, new space available at the Sydenham Campus, the ability to waive certain fees through municipal Community Improvement Plans and more.  Report
• Council received a plan of subdivision for 28 new single-detached residential lots in a subdivision in East Linton in Georgian Bluffs.  Report
• On January 1, 2020, the Province introduced changes to the Development Charges Act that requires municipalities to offer 5-year deferral payment plans for development charges associated with rental housing and institutional developments, and 20-year payment plans for non-profit housing development. Council approved updates to the Development Charges Interest Policy that reflects these changes.  Report
• In the future it may be necessary for Grey County to enact a mandatory masking by-law to support direction from the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health. Council directed staff to begin drafting the by-law so it will be available if needed. Staff will consult with Public Health, Bruce County and local municipalities.  Report