Georgian Bluffs Regular Council — Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Investment policy overhaul: Council directed staff to repeal and replace the township’s investment policy — unchanged since 2016, predating a 2018 amendment to the Municipal Act — and to engage CIBC Wood Gundy to manage an initial $5 million, roughly 25% of reserve balances. Councillor Winters flagged insufficient justification for sole-sourcing the contract; Councillor Coburn noted the purchasing policy does not exempt financial services from competitive consideration. An amendment by Councillor Day adding ESG criteria and green bond options carried; a CIBC representative confirmed municipalities are restricted to fixed-income instruments under Ontario law but may direct funds toward green bonds such as Ontario green bonds. The main motion carried unanimously.
Hybrid planning model declined: Council voted unanimously to retain in-house planning services, declining Grey County’s proposed hybrid model. The recent hire of a registered planner as Director of Infrastructure and Development was cited as the deciding factor. Staff confirmed the township may opt in at a future date. Bylaw 2026-048, a memorandum of understanding with the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority for planning review services, passed third reading.
Shoreline bylaw enforcement: Councillor Day’s motion directed staff to report back within 120 days on consistent enforcement of road allowance Bylaw 2024-034 along the township’s approximately 800 shoreline properties, and to explore ecological restoration partnerships including Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge program. Debate centred on whether to move beyond education-only enforcement; Mayor Carlton opposed door-to-door inspections citing staffing limits. The amended motion carried.
Mountain bike trails delegation: Denison Mountain Bike Club president Jason Angus (~200 members, insured through Oasis) requested use of a Georgian Bluffs-owned former dump site off Stone School Road to build trails connecting to the Grey-Saville Conservation Authority network. Council directed staff to assess operational conflicts, obtain written GRCA consent for the trail connection, and work toward a formal agreement.
Bruce Trail parking safety: Resident Ashley (via video) described trail users parking on blind crests of the 80 km/h section of Lindenwood Road near the Bruce Trail access, rather than using the nearby designated lot. Staff noted speed trailers are already deployed and no-parking signs are in development. Council directed staff to investigate and report back with recommendations.
Rail trail maintenance: Landowner Ron Hillston raised concerns about giant hogweed spreading from an adjacent property and brush overtaking the rail trail fence line. Council directed staff to complete fence-line brushing this fall. Staff estimated the work could cost several thousand dollars against an annual rail trail fence maintenance budget of $5,000; fence post installation on Hillston’s property is expected by end of October.