Grey County Council and Committee of the Whole Budget — Monday, September 22, 2026
Budget motion carried Council received the 2027–2028 preliminary budget update and directed that draft figures be incorporated into the December final budget document (moved Councillor Carlton, seconded Councillor Nielsen). All figures remain subject to change as provincial, MPAC, and partner funding information is confirmed.
Conservation authority upload dominates 2028 outlook The single largest new cost pressure flagged was the provincial uploading of conservation authority funding, estimated at $2.8 million for 2028. That figure accounts for most of the projected $3.9 million (4.26% levy) jump in Corporate Services that year; stripping it out, the underlying increase would be roughly $1.1 million or 1.2%. Final costs remain unresolved through ongoing transition board and provincial negotiations. The Deputy CAO warned that aging dam infrastructure managed by conservation authorities will add new asset management obligations to the county.
Corporate Services 2027 The 2027 Corporate Services levy is proposed at approximately $15 million, up $1 million or 1.19%. Drivers include cost-of-living adjustments, new staffing, court security, and a $50,000 placeholder for Grey County’s 175th anniversary celebrations. Key initiatives include replacing the aging Great Plains financial system, a corporate strategic plan refresh (upset limit: $75,000 from reserves), and an IT plan update ($70,000 from reserves).
Long-term care Total proposed 2027 long-term care spending comes in at just under $120 million, with the net county levy contribution rising from $11.4 million to $12.5 million. The province funds 64% of costs; wages account for 84% of the budget. The new Rockwood Terrace opening has shifted from spring to summer 2027; an options report on the existing building’s disposition is expected in early 2027.
Paramedic services The 2027 paramedic budget rises by $1.5 million (1.78% levy). An enhancement plan adds six FTE positions and expands the fleet from 19 to 22 vehicles, adding a new Thornbury base and a late Owen Sound shift. Paramedics handled just over 17,000 calls in 2025, with 2026 projected higher.
Housing and social services The housing levy rises $751,500 (0.89%) in 2027, driven by new staffing and increased support for non-profit housing providers; Grey County has received no increase in provincial homelessness funding since 2023. Social services increases $53,500 (0.06%), with a new Hanover EarlyON site on track for spring.
Councillor scrutiny Councillor Greg flagged several items for incoming council review: a $200,000 hospital grants line (questioning county jurisdiction), a $175,000 hospice funding line, growing AMO/ROMA conference attendance costs, and whether the Housing Affordability Reserve contribution should be recalibrated from its 2021 baseline. Councillor Eccles raised concern that a regional transit placeholder budget line appeared to prejudge a decision not yet made by council.
Asset management A 2.55% levy has been identified as necessary to address the county’s accumulated infrastructure deficit. An updated Asset Management Plan is due at the second October council meeting, with full detail carried into the December budget session.