July 25 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, July 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

• Council accepted the minutes of the July 11 County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council  Committee
• Council accepted the minutes of the July 9 Long Term Care Committee of Management meeting.  Minutes
• Council accepted the minutes of the June 28 Board of Health meeting and the July board report. Dr. Arra updated council about the board of health changes. There will be a consultation meeting in August.  Minutes  Report

Committee of the Whole

• Rebecca Webb and Susan Harris of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) spoke to council about the organization’s role and responsibilities. MPAC classifies properties (residential, commercial, agricultural etc.) and sets an assessed value. Assessments are updated every four years. These values are used by Grey County and local municipalities for tax purposes. The higher a property’s value the greater portion of the tax levy owners will pay. Property owners with concerns about their valuation can visit www.aboutmyproperty.ca to learn more.  Presentation
• Grey County pays MPAC for assessment services on behalf of both the County and local municipalities. The cost of the service in 2019 is $1.85 million. This cost is paid by ratepayers through the County’s general levy.  Report
• Grey County will receive funding from the Province to support affordable housing. Total funding is down from previous years but will be used to support local housing priorities. Most of the funding over the next three years will support some new affordable housing. Other programs like Ontario Renovates and the Homeownership Program will not continue because of the lower funding.  Report
• Grey County will participate in a public meeting on September 9 for an official plan amendment in the Municipality of Meaford. The amendment is for a private school and church. Another report will come back to Council following the public meeting.  Report  Presentation
• Council approved a new process for receiving non-profit funding requests. In 2018 about $1 million was provided to various non-profit organizations. The new process clearly sets out eligibility criteria and will allow non-profit organizations and groups to apply for funding through County departments. Report
• Grey County is creating an ad hoc Heath Care Funding Task Force. This group will develop a policy for health care spending requests. Councillors Hutchinson, Clumpus, McQueen, Milne and the Warden will sit on the committee. Report
• Councillors will now be eligible for compensation if they are travelling to another municipality on the Warden’s behalf.  Report

Good News and Celebrations

• Meaford has received certification as a “Better City for Pets” alongside 25 major North American cities such as Dallas and Miami.
• This weekend is the 15^th annual Sights and Sounds festival, beginning Thursday evening.
• On July 13, Meaford hosted the 23^rd annual Harbour Run. Over the years this event has raised more than $500,000 for the local hospital.
• A 200-home subdivision is moving forward in Durham with construction beginning this fall.
• The International Fruit Tree Association toured The Town of the Blue Mountains with a special event at TK Ferri Orchards.
• Markdale is hosting the annual Cruise Night Car Show on July 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
• A celebration of life will be held for Past Warden Frank Beirnes on Friday, July 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Garafraxa Funeral Home in Chatsworth. A funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Owen Sound on Saturday July 27 at 11 a.m.

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.