West Grey Council — Tuesday, November 3, 2026
2025 Audited Financials Approved Council unanimously approved the municipality’s 2025 draft audited financial statements, presented by Kevin Trimble of MNP LLP. The audit carried a qualified opinion — West Grey has not yet implemented the asset retirement obligations accounting standard (in effect since January 1, 2023) and is still assessing its financial impact. The municipality recorded roughly $14 million in capital investment in 2025, described by the auditor as one of the largest single-year totals since MNP began auditing West Grey. Major projects included a police station ($5.6M invested to date), Newstead Water Tower ($2.2M), South Street extension ($1.8M), Durham Road West reconstruction ($1.3M), and a new pumper truck ($650,000). Total revenues reached $28.6M, expenses $23.7M, and the annual surplus came in just under $5M. Tangible capital assets grew from roughly $87M to $98M. No fraud issues or internal-control deficiencies were identified. Motion carried unanimously; Councillor Noon Joyce declared a conflict of interest on a separate correspondence item (Friends of Alton/Reece Centennial Hall Renovation Project) and recused herself. Council directed staff to bring forward a report on incorporating a 2027 funding commitment for that project into the budget process.
New Integrity Commissioner Named Council directed staff to bring forward a by-law appointing Lauren Chi-Hing of Girden Advocates as West Grey’s integrity commissioner, effective November 16, 2026 — the first day of the incoming council term. Chi-Hing was selected through a joint Grey County recruitment process following notice from the current provider, Principles Integrity, that it will exit the market in January 2027. The appointment by-law comes to the December 1 meeting but takes retroactive effect November 16. West Grey spent $1,361.04 on integrity commissioner services in 2026.
Zoning Amendment Directed for 751 Durham Road East Council unanimously directed staff to draft a zoning by-law amendment for a narrow residential strip at 751 Durham Road East, Durham (file 825/2026), restricting the parcel to accessory uses only and prohibiting construction of a dwelling unit. No public objections were received; Grey County and the Conservation Authority raised no concerns. Applicant Arthur Anderson appeared virtually.
Speed Limit Policy Adopted Council approved a new Speed Limit Evaluation Policy establishing a data-driven framework — including 85th-percentile speed, collision history, and sight distance — for reviewing public requests to change posted speed limits on West Grey roads.
Minor Variance Fee Refunded Council authorized a refund of a second minor variance application fee to the owner of 156 Glenfiddish Road after staff acknowledged the applicant had been directed through a costlier zoning amendment process ($4,000) before a height discrepancy in finalized drawings triggered an additional variance ($2,000).
Election Report / Final Meeting Clerk Jamie presented the 2026 election accessibility report, noting overall voter turnout of 29.8%, down 4.7 points from 2022; an acclaimed mayoral race was cited as a likely factor. Council also marked its final meeting of the current term, with Councillor Hutchison (12 years) and Councillor Noon Joyce (4 years) retiring. The inaugural meeting of the new council is scheduled for November 17. By-laws 2026-076 and 2026-077 were approved without discussion.
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