West Grey Council — Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Hanover boundary payments directed to reserve: Council’s most significant financial item centred on the May ministerial order that transferred more than 1,600 acres from West Grey to the Town of Hanover. Under the 20-year agreement, Hanover will pay West Grey $500,000 annually — roughly $10 million in total. Council voted to place the first payment, already received, into a dedicated reserve and to hold all subsequent payments there until the incoming council develops a strategic investment plan. Staff noted net new annual revenue is approximately $380,000 after accounting for assessment previously budgeted on the transferred lands. Councillor Shea raised the possibility of leveraging the revenue stream to borrow up to $20 million for economic development.

Watson Drive industrial zoning approved (ZBA 28/2026): Council passed an updated zoning by-law for 255 Watson Drive, Mount Forest, rescinding a January 2026 by-law that never took legal effect. A holding provision freezes development on a portion of the property where a May 2026 reassessment identified three First Nations archaeological find spots, pending Ministry of Culture acceptance. The balance of the site proceeds with M1569 industrial zoning; a concurrent severance will divide the property into three parcels. Planning agent Trevor Hawkins and proponent Harry Bylow appeared in support; Bylow noted the approval process has taken approximately two years.

Circular Materials depot contract: Council authorized a new six-year recycling depot agreement (2027–2032) with Circular Materials at $19,031/year, CPI-adjusted. A new termination clause allows Circular Materials to exit on three months’ notice if provincial producer-responsibility legislation changes.

Bentech landfill ECA amendment: Staff were authorized to seek an Environmental Compliance Approval amendment to permit mulch and wood chips — already accepted from residents — as cover materials at the Bentech landfill, expected to reduce costs.

Durham Thundercats dressing room: Council approved moving forward with a dressing room addition at the Durham Community Centre through an MOU with the Thundercats at no direct municipal cost; revised drawings are needed to preserve future expansion capacity.

Durham splash pad shortfall: Council approved drawing a $50,000 shortfall from the General Capital Reserve to complete the Durham 150 splash pad project, including donor recognition signage.

Correspondence: Council supported four resolutions from other municipalities: opposing conservation authority amalgamation, calling for a provincial e-scooter regulatory framework, urging improved Lyme disease care access, and seeking increased provincial library funding. On libraries, staff noted the province contributes roughly $20,000 toward West Grey libraries versus more than $600,000 from the municipality.

By-laws and conflict: Six by-laws (17.1–17.6) passed under a single motion, at least two addressing on-farm diversification and light industrial uses. Councillor Joyce Noon declared a pecuniary interest and recused herself from items related to the 8th Normie Homecoming Committee.

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