Grey Highlands Regular Council — Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Water Treatment Plant Council voted to direct Option 3 — full replacement of the Markdale water treatment plant with complete redundancy — to the 2027 budget at an estimated cost of $3 million. A Deputy Mayor-backed amendment to substitute the less expensive Option 1 (refurbish one filter run only, estimated $900,000–$1.6 million near-term) was defeated. Staff cited new MECP redundancy guidelines, fire-flow protection, and long-term cost efficiency. The plant currently operates at roughly 17–22% of its rated 1,185-cubic-metre daily capacity. Public delegate Kate Lezier argued the proposal is oversized and overpriced given current utilization.
Comprehensive Zoning By-law Council unanimously passed Bylaw 2026-088, the municipality’s first comprehensive zoning bylaw since 2004, alongside Official Plan Amendment No. 51 (Bylaw 2026-089). The new bylaw does not take effect until Grey County approves the OPA; staff expect approval by late November or year-end.
Mark Dill Arena Insurance broker Marsh JLT confirmed the arena — closed since an August 2025 fire, now approaching 14 months — remains on target for a December 1 reopening, described by the CAO as “basically non-negotiable.” Weekly progress meetings now include Marsh and Aviva lead claims advocates. Mayor McQueen noted the municipality’s insurance premiums rose $186,000 last year and called for regular public communications on the project.
Talisman Heritage Designation Council received competing delegations on whether the former Talisman Mountain Resort should receive heritage protection. Heritage consultant Joey Guillermo said the buildings satisfy five of nine designation criteria under Ontario Regulation 9/06 and requested interim protection while an evaluation proceeds. Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald formally opposed designation, noting the BTC has raised $6.5 million to rewild and demolish the property. Mayor McQueen gave notice of a formal evaluation motion for the next meeting.
Markdale Lagoon Bylaw 2026-102, establishing area-specific development charges for the Markdale Lagoon expansion area, passed unanimously and takes effect January 1, 2027.
Line Fences Act On a recorded 4–3 vote, council directed staff to prepare a bylaw fully exempting Grey Highlands from the Line Fences Act (except Section 20). Options to retain rural application or partially exempt only settlement areas were defeated.
OFDU Road Use Fee A motion to impose a $20,000 one-time plus $1,500 annual road-use fee on on-farm diversified uses was deferred 5–2 after legal counsel flagged the fee as impermissible double-dipping on existing development charges. Staff will return with a report on lawful alternatives.
Tribute Council acknowledged the passing of former Mayor Wayne Fitzgerald, who served 2010–2014, on September 9, 2026, at approximately age 87. Flags were lowered to half-mast in his honour.