Grey Highlands Special Council — Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Closed session: Council moved unanimously into closed session at 1:02 PM under the Municipal Act’s litigation privilege provisions (s.239(2)(e) and s.239(2)(a)) to receive legal advice on an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal. The session rose at 1:23 PM; council confirmed only the identified items were discussed and directed staff to proceed as instructed.
Rockland Arena environmental report received: An environmental assessment of the Rockland Arena and Community Centre — commissioned following the facility’s closure — was received by staff late Monday but was withheld from the public agenda pending permission from the private consultant due to proprietary information concerns. Director Krauss reported that air scrubbers and environmental controls have remained operational throughout the closure to manage airborne contaminants.
Contamination scope: Testing identified penicillium and other serious mold species throughout the building, with the majority concentrated in the hall rather than the arena. Additional concerns include inadequate ventilation, moisture deterioration, damaged insulation and fireproofing, and asbestos-containing materials requiring certified abatement. The environmental hygienist collected 17 additional samples post-contractor work. Preliminary remediation estimates: $200,000 for the arena and associated support spaces (dressing rooms, washrooms, zamboni room); $321,868 for the entire facility combined. Neither figure includes HVAC/mechanical upgrades, estimated separately at $50,000–$150,000. The arena-only timeline is 60–120 days; full facility remediation would take six months or more. Staff confirmed ice will not return this season, with a realistic best-case reopening around late February.
Lame-duck restrictions limit council’s hand: The clerk advised council that, under lame-duck rules, any expenditure over $50,000 — including the previously set-aside $90,000 — falls under the CAO’s delegated authority. Council cannot direct spending. The CAO recommended the full remediation decision be placed before the incoming council, whose first substantive meeting is December 2nd. The existing 10-year capital plan already allocates $1.5 million to Rockland Arena across years two through ten. Community fundraising has reached approximately $200,000, including $20,000 raised at the fall fair.
Resolution carried: Council unanimously passed a motion directing staff to continue investigating reopening options, consult stakeholders, obtain quotes and cost estimates, identify funding opportunities, and report findings to the newly elected council. An interim outdoor rink on the adjacent ball diamond was floated but no decision was made; residents were invited to raise it at the October 7th open forum.