October 26 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m. in the 1920s School House at Grey Roots Museum and Archives. Each year, at least one offsite meeting is held in the Warden’s home municipality. The council meeting was immediately followed by a session of committee of the whole.

County Council

• Council adopted the minutes of the October 12 county council and committee of the whole meetings.  Council   Committee
• Council adopted the minutes of the October 10 long-term care committee of management meeting.  Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• The 15-month pilot allowing ATVs on many Grey County Roads was successful and will continue permanently. The by-law will be adjusted to allow ATVs on designated roads 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, April 15 to November 17. An interactive map showing permitted roads is available on maps.grey.ca.  Report
• Council received an update about economic development in the county. Some highlights include:
  
  • a new initiative for attracting and retaining newcomers in our community
  • local food assets and the upcoming Ag 4.0.1 Summit on Nov. 24
  • plans for a new website
  • business attraction and retention
  • a project to develop a community improvement plan

Presentation

• Council received an update on the Recolour Grey workshops that were held across the county in August and September. More than 200 people participated and their comments are being considered as staff begin drafting the new official plan.  Report
• Grey County will continue meeting as committee of the whole. Council discussed moving back to the standing committee structure but the majority of councillors felt changes can be made to committee of the whole to enhance governance. Recommendations will be provided in the future.  Report
• The warden will not be directly elected during the 2018 municipal election. Grey County asked all nine local municipalities if they supported this decision. At this time, only one municipality voted in favour of the change. Council may choose to revisit this decision during the next term of council when there is more time for public engagement and to make changes.  Report
• Grey County will apply for a grant from the Greenhouse Gas Challenge Fund to offset costs of the Administration Building renovation project. Grey could be eligible for up to $335k.  Report
• Grey County may partner with the Town of the Blue Mountains and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority to study watersheds around Georgian Bay. The group will apply for Disaster Mitigation funding and Grey County will contribute $50,000. This study will help show areas at risk of flooding.  Report

Following the meeting, Museum Manager Petal Furness encouraged councillors to explore Moreston Heritage Village. Each year, volunteers donate more than 2,100 hours to the museum. Moreston is open to the public each summer. Visit www.greyroots.com to learn more.

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.