May 9 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, May 9 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 April 25 County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council  Committee
• Council accepted the minutes of the March 22 Board of Health meeting. Councilor Paterson verbally updated council about new information that has come out from the Province. Many details remain unknown. Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• Council welcomed Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes and Board of Governors Vice Chair Brian Davenport. Council heard an update about the college’s programing, enrollment and future plans. Council noted the important role of Georgian in our community and its importance to our local workforce and our economy.  Presentation
• Representatives from Grey Sauble Conservation Authority spoke about the impact of Provincial changes to conservation authorities and legislation. Funding cuts will reduce some of the services the Authority can provide, including watershed management and education for children.  Presentation
• The County is concerned about cuts to Conservation Authority provincial funding. Comments will be sent to both the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.  Council heard that funding cuts will have a negative impact on the health of our watersheds and ecosystems. Council will support local conservation authorities by requesting to have their full funding reinstated.  Report
• Upgrades are planned to Sideroad 26/27 in Clearview Township in preparation for the closure of Simcoe Road 91. Work requires an amendment to the Niagara Escarpment Plan and County staff are reviewing the details. Grey County has a signed agreement in place from 2010 supporting the proposed changes but there are concerns about the surface of Sideroad 26/27, the environment and impact on traffic. Public meetings will be held in Grey Highlands and Clearview in the coming days. Council deferred approval of the staff report to the next meeting so public comments can be included.  Deferred Report
• Grey County will provide comments to the 10-year review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Comments focus on proposed changes to classification, habitat protection, policies, regulations, enforcement and more.  Report
• Council approved a plan of subdivision in Hanover known as Saugeen Cedar Heights East. The draft plan includes 49 detached dwelling lots, 18 semi-detached lots, 12 lots for townhouses and an additional block for 20 more townhouses in the future.  Report  Presentation
• The Warden will represent Grey County Council on the Alternate Land Use Services (ALUS)-Grey Bruce Chapter Board Partner Advisory Committee.  Report
• Council awarded a tender for a construction project on Grey Road 9 (Main Street) in Dundalk. This project will be completed in partnership with the Township of Southgate. The county’s portion of the tender is Moorefield Excavation for $3.5 million.  Report
• Council awarded a tender for new traffic lights in Hanover near the new high school. The lights will be installed at Grey Road 4 (10^th Street) and 10^th Avenue by the start of the 2019-2020 school year.  Report

Good News and Celebrations

• The Town of the Blue Mountains has the best tasting water in Ontario. The town won a blind taste testing competition judged by 950 delegates at a conference in Ottawa.
• The Colleges and Institutes serving Rural, Remote and Northern Communities held a pre-conference at Georgian College in Owen Sound last week. Councillor Boddy welcomed delegates from around the globe on behalf of the City of Owen Sound and Grey County.
• The South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre has been awarded a grant to implement the digital main street pilot program.
• The Hike for Hospice raised nearly $200,000 across multiple events in Grey and Bruce counties.
• In recognition of National Clerks Week, council thanked Clerk Heather Morrison and Deputy Clerk Jacquelyn Morrison.
• Council recognized Kim Wingrove for 10 years of municipal service as a Chief Administrative officer. Warden Hicks presented Ms. Wingrove with her 10-year pin from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.
• Tourism Manager Bryan Plumstead shared local tourism statistics and plans to celebrate and recognize Tourism Week 2019 from May 26 to June 2.  Presentation

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.