Grey County Council and Committee of the Whole — Thursday, September 24, 2026
Regional transit study dominates session: Council received for information a Phase 1 study recommending a unified four-county transit network across Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, and Wellington — described as the largest study of its kind in Ontario, covering 12,640 km². The plan proposes three base intercommunity fixed routes plus on-demand connectors, underpinned by $9.5 million in approved provincial Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) money. A delegation from Dylan Consulting (Dennis Carr in person, Anne Lindsey online) presented findings. A motion by Councillor Greg to postpone the report to the October 8 committee meeting failed with 8 votes in favour (majority not achieved); the main motion to receive for information carried 12–0. No decisions are required from the current council term; Grey County is the first of four partner counties to formally review the study.
New Rockwood Terrace delay: The new Grey County long-term care home will open in summer 2027 rather than the previously targeted April 2027, after a string of construction setbacks including a prolonged 2025–26 winter, roof and window delays, a manufacturing-plant shutdown affecting wall paneling supply, and flooring adhesive issues. The capital budget is unaffected; the 2027 operating budget will require adjustment to reflect the later opening.
By-laws passed: Council passed three by-laws on first, second, and third reading: By-law 530526, adopting Official Plan Amendment No. 28 for lands in the former Township of Normanby (now Municipality of West Grey); By-law 530626, a new Councillor Conference and Seminar Policy; and By-law 530726, a confirmatory by-law.
Owen Sound Official Plan approved: Committee of the Whole approved the City of Owen Sound’s Official Plan 2026 (By-law 2026-029) with minor modifications per Appendix 1 of report PDRCW 4326, exercising Grey County’s role as approval authority under the Planning Act.
Business succession services expanding: The province rebranded Business Enterprise Centres as Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) under a new Transfer Payment Agreement, effective the day of the meeting. Manager Courtney Miller outlined a $2-million provincial investment in succession planning tools, including the Succession Ontario platform, staff training through Queen’s University, and a four-part fall seminar series. Deputy Warden raised concerns about agricultural intergenerational farm transfers; staff confirmed one-on-one coaching funds are available and a referral partnership with Grey Ag Services is being developed.
Waste management review update: Council received a progress report on Dillon Consulting’s ongoing waste management services review, now roughly halfway through. A Phase 2 report with three 20-year cost scenarios — status quo, full county assumption, and shared-service options — is expected for the incoming council in early 2027.
Tributes: Grey County flags were lowered to half-mast for past Warden Laurie Wepler, who served in 1992 representing Normanby Township. Councillor McQueen noted the recent passing of former Grey Highlands mayor Wayne Fitzgerald (2010–2014). Councillor McKay was the sole member absent.