September 27 Meeting Highlights

Grey County Council met on Thursday, September 27 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 passed the minutes of the September 13 off-site Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.  Council  Committee
• Council passed the minutes of the September 11 Long-Term Care Committee of Management meeting. Minutes
• Council passed the minutes of the CAO Evaluation Committee meeting.  Minutes

Committee of the Whole

• Council appointed Michael Letourneau the Director of Legal Services for the County. The new position will oversee the County’s legal matters and risk management program.
• Council heard a presentation from the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. Construction of a new hospital is being planned to serve the South Georgian Bay region, which will include eastern Grey County communities. Approximately $75 million needs to be raised locally for the project. Grey County was asked to consider a $10 million pledge to be paid over 10 years.  Presentation
• Safe ’n’ Sound gave Council an update about how they put County funding to use to support vulnerable people in the community. Grey County is the biggest funder of Safe ‘N’ Sound. Programming and services include clean needle exchange, transitional housing support, after- hours shelters, day-to-day living support, employment support services, harm reduction programing, resettlement services, homelessness supports, meal services, and much more. Grey County is the biggest funder of Safe ‘N’ Sound.  Presentation
• Council heard a deputation from the South Georgian Bay Labour Supply Task Force. The organization commissioned a study on attainable housing in the region and shared the results and recommendations with County Council.  Presentation  South Georgian Bay Tourism Industry Housing Study
• Council passed the minutes of the September 6 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting.  Minutes
• Staff outlined a proposed Community Improvement Plan Program with incentives to be considered in the 2019 budget. Council approved the report and directed staff to work with the local municipalities to further develop the program.   Report Presentation
• Council supported the final draft of Recolour Grey, the County’s new Official Plan. The plan still needs to be approved by Council at the October 11 meeting before being sent to the Province for final approval.  Report  Presentation  Recolour Grey
• Council approved a change to a draft approved plan of subdivision called Centre Point South in Grey Highlands.  Report  Presentation
• The County will apply for grant funding to cover costs for detailed inspections of storm water sewers. Report
• The renewed a winter maintenance agreement with the Town of The Blue Mountains.   Report

Good News and Celebrations

• Gateway Casinos in Hanover is investing $18 million in the facility in Hanover.
• September 28^th weekend is the Scarecrow Invasion stating with the Family Festival Parade on Friday evening and craft show on Saturday and Sunday. Scarecrows have been up for a few weeks.
• The Concours d’Elegance was a great success. The weather was great and more than 10,000 people attended.
• The September 29^th  weekend is the Salmon Run in Owen Sound. The run starts at the bay and follows the river up to the Mill Dam. There will be fish tasting and activities for kids.
• This is one of the best apple crops our region has seen in the past 35 years. Councillor Ardiel encouraged everyone to support all producers of local food.
• The leaves are starting to change and it will soon be time to get out and see the fall colours.
• The Southgate Senior’s Advisory Committee is doing a great job getting out into the community, having discussions, collaborating with other groups and they held a health fair last week.

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.