Grey Highlands, ON

Memorial Relocation Task Force (MRTF)

Council

Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC)

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

Public Planning Hearing

Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

Inaugural Special Meeting of Council

Council

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

Heritage Grey Highlands Committee (HGHC)

Public Planning Hearing

Town Hall Forum

This meeting is a Town Hall Forum where Council listens to residents but cannot make decisions or debate. No formal votes or actions will be taken. The agenda is entirely procedural, providing an open floor for public comment.

Council

Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC)

The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) of Grey Highlands holds its final scheduled 2026 meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Municipal Office in Markdale. The agenda is largely procedural: approving the agenda, approving minutes from 2026-04-02, and receiving reports for information from local park, recreation, and improvement committees. No decisions on rezonings, contracts, or fee changes appear on this agenda; the committee's next meeting is listed as none scheduled for 2026.

• Receives Feversham Park Committee Report (Member Briggs)
• Receives Markdale Recreation Committee Report (Member Fraser)
• Receives Priceville Improvement Committee Report (Member Harrison)
• Receives Eugenia District Community Improvement Association Report (Member Wickens)
• Receives Flesherton Beautification and Improvement Committee Report (Member Alton), Maxwell Hall Board Report (Member Priddle), Osprey Recreation Committee Report (Member Priddle), and Friends of the Rocklyn Arena Report (Member Booker)

Special Meeting of Council

Grey Highlands Council is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM, called by Mayor McQueen, who gave notice to the Clerk on September 25, 2026 under Section 19.1 of Procedure By-law 2024-097. Council is set to move into closed session to discuss an OLT Appeal under the Municipal Act's litigation and solicitor-client privilege exemptions, with CAO Karen Govan, Clerk Amanda Fines-VanAlstine, Planner Ashley Bilodeau and Solicitor Ed Veldbloom remaining in attendance. In open session, the only listed business item is a report for Rocklyn Arena and Community Centre, which the agenda states will be attached once available. The agenda is largely procedural and does not include the report's contents or any dollar figures.

• Closed session on an OLT Appeal under 239(2)(e) litigation and 239(2)(f) solicitor-client privilege
• Report for Rocklyn Arena and Community Centre listed as the only open-session business item, to be attached once available
• Special meeting called by Mayor McQueen, notice given to the Clerk on September 25, 2026 under By-law 2024-097
• Closed session attendance limited to CAO Karen Govan, Clerk Amanda Fines-VanAlstine, Planner Ashley Bilodeau and Solicitor Ed Veldbloom
• Adjournment to the Call of the Chair

Public Planning Hearing

The Municipality of Grey Highlands holds a Public Planning Hearing on three zoning by-law amendment applications. Z33.2026 would rezone a proposed 0.8-hectare severed rural residential lot at 468031 12th Concession B and restrict the retained barn to storage; Z31.2026 concerns 113315 Grey Road 14 (Sher-Weld, Solomon Martin); and Z32.2026 concerns Beaverline MFG at 428285 8th Concession B. The agenda includes planning reports and a consent notice of decision for B20.2026, which granted provisional consent subject to fees and a zoning amendment.

• Z33.2026: rezone 0.8-hectare severed lot at 468031 12th Concession B from Rural (RU) to Rural Residential Exception (RUR-XX), reducing MDS from 239m to 235m
• Z33.2026: rezone retained 32.37-hectare parcel to restrict existing barn to storage only
• Z31.2026: zoning amendment at 113315 Grey Road 14 (Sher-Weld Inc., Solomon Martin), concurrent with severance B19.2026
• Z32.2026: zoning amendment for Beaverline MFG at 428285 8th Concession B, pre-consultation files P59.2025 and P18.2026
• Consent B20.2026 conditions include a $300.00 severance approval fee and a $2,000 parkland dedication fee

Tax Sale - Notice

The municipality has issued a notice for a Tax Sale meeting. The meeting is scheduled to be held in a hybrid format, both online and in the Council Chambers.

• Tax Sale

Committee of the Whole (COW)

Community Safety Committee (CSC)

The Grey Highlands Community Safety Committee is meeting to receive updates and correspondence, including a municipal update from Mayor McQueen and Councillor Loughead, correspondence regarding Lakeshore Boulevard, and an article on 30 km/h municipal speed limits. The agenda is largely procedural, with items for information only and no decisions on substantive actions.

• Municipal Update from Mayor McQueen & Councillor Joel Loughead
• Haack Correspondence regarding Lakeshore Boulevard
• CARSP Article on 30km/h Municipal Speed Limits

Council

Grey Highlands Council is meeting to consider several items, most notably passing a new comprehensive zoning by-law (2026-088) and a related Official Plan amendment (No. 51), which would replace the current zoning by-law from 2004. The council will also decide on budget timelines, a development charges by-law for the Markdale Lagoon Expansion Area, a funding agreement for Stothart Hall, and road-related items. Several delegations are scheduled, including updates on the Markdale Arena and light pollution abatement.

• Pass By-law 2026-088, the new Comprehensive Zoning By-law, repealing Zoning By-law 2004-50
• Adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 51 and forward to County of Grey for approval
• Approve By-law 2026-102 establishing Area-Specific Development Charges for Markdale Lagoon Expansion Area
• Approve By-law 2026-101, a funding agreement with West Grey for Stothart Hall
• Direct staff to install two stop signs at Fitzgerald St and Uplands Dr

Town Hall Forum

This is an informal Town Hall Forum designed for residents to share concerns and priorities with Council. No formal decisions will be made and no official minutes will be recorded during this session.

• Public input session at Maxwell Hall

Heritage Grey Highlands Committee (HGHC)

The Heritage Grey Highlands Committee is reviewing updates on listed properties and community outreach. The committee will also consider adopting new forms and procedures for inspections under the Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program.

• Adoption of procedures and related forms for Inspections Under Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program (Report CTE.26.08)
• Update on Designation of Listed Properties regarding the January 1, 2027 provincial deadline
• Review of Council Resolutions 2026-525, 2026-526, and 2026-527
• Discussion regarding Former Talisman Heritage
• Update on Heritage Community Outreach Considerations

Joint Waste and Diversion Site Board

The Joint Waste and Diversion Site Board will review reports on diversion programs and the 2027 draft operating budget. Members will also discuss the feasibility of using a mobile unit for household hazardous waste services at the Holland-Markdale site.

• Feasibility study for mobile Household Hazardous Waste unit at Holland-Markdale WDS
• 2027 Draft Operating Budget for Holland/Markdale Waste and Diversion Site
• Report on Diversion Programs (JWDSB.26.04)
• Correspondence regarding Estimated Holland-Markdale WDS Value

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

The Grey Highlands Committee of Adjustment will consider three consent (land severance) applications at 155074 7th Line, 113315 Grey Road 14, and 468031 12th Concession B, each with conditions including fees and zoning amendments. The committee will also receive a report and vote to cancel its November 10, 2026 meeting. The agenda includes routine items like approving previous minutes and adjournment.

• Consent application B18.2026 at 155074 7th Line: approval with $2,000 parkland dedication fee and $300 severance fee
• Consent application B19.2026 at 113315 Grey Road 14: approval with $2,000 parkland dedication fee and $300 severance fee
• Consent application B20.2026 at 468031 12th Concession B: approval with zoning by-law amendments for Rural Residential Exception and barn storage restriction
• Cancellation of November 10, 2026 Committee of Adjustment meeting
• Approval of August 11, 2026 minutes

Council

The Council will review several zoning amendments and a comprehensive zoning by-law update. Other items include a wastewater charge update for Markdale and a bridge contract award.

• Award of $189,141.50 contract to Alexman Contracting Inc for Bridge E12
• Area-Specific Charge for Markdale Wastewater report
• Adoption of Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2026-088
• Zoning amendments for 172 Napoleon Street, 468042 12th Concession B, Bushview Farms Inc., and Russell Cabinets
• GSCA 2027 Draft Budget presentation

Memorial Relocation Task Force (MRTF)

The Memorial Relocation Task Force is reviewing a report regarding specific elements to include in the future memorial design. The group is discussing the relocation of historical items, including tablets, a cenotaph stone, and a portico-style building.

• 3 tablets from the old Markdale Hospital Site
• Black and grey cenotaph stone from Royal Canadian Legion Branch #333
• Portico-style cenotaph building and flagpole from 206 Toronto Street S, Markdale
• Proposed inclusion of 2 Vimy Oak trees and 2 granite reflection benches
• Proposed repair of black cenotaph stone engraving and flagpole rope system

Lake Management Task Force (LMTF)

The Lake Management Task Force will receive the final draft of its report covering Lake Eugenia, Brewster’s Lake, Irish Lake, and Wilcox Lake. The meeting includes a discussion of a final draft communications plan. The report outlines proposed actions for water quality, stewardship, and infrastructure.

• Final draft Lake Management Task Force Report
• Final draft communications plan
• Review of water quality testing and septic re-inspection pilot programs
• Discussion of proposed fertilizer by-law and Tidy Yards By-Law

Committee of the Whole (COW)

The Committee of the Whole is receiving report ENV.26.14 on the Kimberley-Amik-Talisman Water Treatment Plant Optimization & Capacity Study for information and will provide direction. The study found the plant meets current demand but faces challenges from aging infrastructure and increased turbidity, with options for replacing treatment systems costing between $900,000 and $3,000,000.

• Receive report ENV.26.14 on KAT Water Treatment Plant Optimization & Capacity Study
• Immediate recommendation: $20,000 technician assessment of Filter #1
• Option 1: Replace Treatment System #1 (0-5 years, $900,000-$1,600,000)
• Option 2: Replace Treatment System #2 and dosing systems (5-10 years, $950,000-$1,650,000)
• Option 3: Replace both systems with fully redundant packages (5-10 years, $3,000,000)

Public Meeting Development Charge Update

Grey Highlands Council is holding a statutory public meeting to present the Development Charges Background Study and receive public input on a proposed amendment to the Development Charges By-law for the Markdale Lagoon Expansion area. The meeting is open to the public, and written comments can be submitted to the treasurer.

• Public meeting on proposed Development Charges By-law amendment
• Background Study: Markdale Lagoon Expansion Area-Specific Development Charges
• Draft Area-Specific Development Charges By-law presented
• Public input accepted in writing or orally at the meeting

Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)

The Economic Development Advisory Group is reviewing the status of the Memorandum of Understanding with the South Grey Chamber of Commerce, which expires on December 31, 2026. Staff are assessing the current partnership's outcomes, including tourism initiatives and business support, to inform future recommendations for Council. The group will provide feedback on the existing agreement and considerations for the Municipality's future relationship with the Chamber.

• Review of South Grey Chamber of Commerce MOU expiring December 31, 2026
• Discussion of Chamber initiatives including CRM system and 'envelope tours'
• Update on Shop Markdale & Connecting Link Construction Business Support
• Receipt of Council Resolution 2026-455 directing staff to draft new MOU
• Economic Development Staff Update on ongoing officer recruitment

Public Planning Hearing

The Grey Highlands Public Planning Hearing on August 24, 2026 will receive public input on four planning applications: a County and local Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for Wilton Sanitation to expand its on-farm diversified use (including a new septage holding tank), and three Zoning By-law Amendments for properties on Durham Road B, Euphrasia-Holland Townline, and 4th Concession B. The meeting is virtual and open to the public.

• Wilton Sanitation (405549 Grey Road 4): propose to expand on-farm diversified use to 8,630 m², add a 1,932,150-litre holding tank, and rezone to Rural Commercial (C4-XX)
• Brodhagen (325651 Durham Road B): Zoning By-law Amendment Z26.2026
• Pallister Farms (635317 Euphrasia-Holland Townline): Zoning By-law Amendment Z27.2026
• Bauman (349564 4th Concession B): Zoning By-law Amendment Z29.2026

Special Meeting of Council

At this special meeting, Council will consider a staff report on relocating the Council Chambers. They may direct staff to negotiate a lease with Grey County for the former Kids N Us facility, and authorize procurement for design and renovation. The agenda includes only this item, with no other business listed.

• Receive Staff Report CAO-26-09 on Proposed Council Chambers Relocation
• Direct staff to negotiate lease with Grey County for former Kids N Us facility
• Authorize procurement processes for design, construction, and renovation
• Authorize collaboration with Grey County as landlord on construction and renovation

Museum Advisory Board (MAB)

The Museum Advisory Board will meet in person on August 12, 2026, to approve the agenda and minutes from May 13, 2026, and to receive the Museum Curator's Report for August 2026 for information. The attached report highlights a 20.5% increase in attendance over the past three months compared to 2025, store and donation sales of $5,103.37 to date in 2026, and notes on vandalism and community events. No further meetings are scheduled after this one.

• Receive Museum Curator's Report for August 2026
• Attendance up 20.5% vs 2025 (759 vs 630 visitors, May–July 2026)
• Store and donation sales $5,103.37 to date in 2026
• Vandalism tagging reported on north side overlooking river
• No further meetings scheduled

Memorial Relocation Task Force (MRTF)

The Memorial Relocation Task Force is meeting to organize its work on relocating the Markdale War Memorial and Cenotaph. They will elect a chair, review the terms of reference and staff reports, and decide on sub-committees for memorial elements, property selection, and design. The task force will also discuss public engagement and set future meeting dates.

• Staff recommend 106 Eliza Street as the new memorial location (report CAO.26.02)
• Task force to establish sub-committees for memorial elements, property selection, and design
• Project framework and milestones proposal (CTE.26.07) to be adopted
• Potential grant from Veterans Affairs up to $25,000
• Meeting dates scheduled through October 2026

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

The Grey Highlands Committee of Adjustment will consider four applications: two minor variances (Artemesia Street and Grey Road 124) and two consent/severance applications (Euphrasia-Holland Townline and 8th Concession B). Each application includes conditions such as fees, easements, and zoning amendments. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting.

• Minor Variance A09.2026 at Artemesia Street
• Minor Variance A10.2026 at 793510 Grey Road 124
• Consent B16.2026 at 635317 Euphrasia-Holland Townline with $300 severance fee, $2,000 parkland dedication, and zoning amendment
• Consent B17.2026 at 429027 8th Concession B with $300 severance fee and $2,000 parkland dedication

Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC)

The Seniors Advisory Committee will receive several updates for information, including a report on Age-Friendly Flag and Logo Advocacy, a summary of the June 2026 Age-Friendly Seniors Health Fair, and information on the Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors and Disabled Persons Program. The meeting is in-person only and includes standard procedural items like approval of minutes and agenda.

• Update on Age-Friendly Flag and Logo Advocacy (report CTE.26.06)
• Age-Friendly Seniors Health Fair Sub-Committee update with 2026 Fair Summary Report
• Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors and Disabled Persons Program information
• South East Grey Community Health Centre update
• Action Plan Sub-Committee update

Council

Grey Highlands Council will receive updates on Eugenia road improvements, a pumped storage project, and municipal finances. Delegations include Eugenia District Community Improvement Association’s survey results and Trans Canada Energy’s Ontario Pumped Storage Project update. Council will also vote on contracts for sidewalk repairs and winter sand/salt services.

• Authorization to tender Flesherton Arena universal accessible washroom project
• Award sidewalk improvements contract to D Rock Paving for $103,322.50 (excluding HST)
• Approve winter sand and salt contracts: Walkers Aggregates ($60,154), Robinson Haulage ($90,625), Seeley & Arnill Construction ($82,519)
• Lift hold on 117 MacDonalds Road zoning by-law
• Consider $20,000 one-time and $1,500 annual road impact contributions for On-Farm Diversified Use shops up to 400 sq m

Lake Management Task Force (LMTF)

The Lake Management Task Force is reviewing draft sections of its report, including the introduction, communication and education, and actions and recommendations. The body is gathering feedback to incorporate into a final draft report for the next meeting.

• Review of draft Actions and Recommendations covering water quality, stewardship, and infrastructure
• Proposed addition of four water test sites on Lake Eugenia
• Proposed addition of one water test site on Irish Lake
• Proposal for a comprehensive lake characterization study of Lake Eugenia
• Scheduling of a virtual meeting for August 27, 2026

Special Meeting of Council

Grey Highlands Council called an emergency special meeting to adopt minutes from the July 29 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. The meeting was held under emergency provisions to address urgent health or safety issues without prior written notice.

Committee of the Whole (COW)

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing multiple reports regarding the Rocklyn Arena, including public health compliance, fire code updates, and a temporary facility closure due to occupational health and safety findings. The group 'Friends of the Rocklyn Arena' is presenting a proposal for green infrastructure modernization and a community pledge of over $200,000.

• Report CSD.26.20 regarding occupational health and safety findings and temporary facility closure
• Proposal from Friends of the Rocklyn Arena including a community pledge exceeding $200,000
• Request for $50,000 from reserves for safety spending to open the building for winter
• Report CSD.26.13 on public health compliance and ventilation deficiencies
• Report CSD.26.17 on refrigeration plant condition and financial considerations

Heritage Grey Highlands Committee (HGHC)

The Heritage Grey Highlands Committee is meeting to discuss the January 1, 2027 deadline for issuing Notices of Intention to Designate listed properties. The body will consider recommending that staff contact property owners to seek designation permission or transfer properties to the Inventory of Heritage Properties.

• Recommendation for staff to contact owners of listed heritage properties before January 1, 2027
• Proposal to add 'Heritage Insurance: Myths vs Realities' slide deck to the municipal website
• Review of Former Euphrasia Town Hall Heritage Conservation and Maintenance Agreement
• Review of Architectural Conservancy Ontario (ACO) Heritage Helping Housing Grant Proposal
• Scheduling of an additional meeting for September 9, 2026

Public Planning Hearing

The council will review five zoning and consent applications. One specific proposal for 172 Napoleon Street seeks to rezone land to allow a smaller lot area and require a tertiary septic system.

• Z19.2026: Zoning amendment for 172 Napoleon Street to recognize a 2,671 square metre lot area
• Z20.2026: Application for 226 Napoleon Street
• Z21.2026: Application for 468042 12th Concession B
• Z22.2026: Application for 169 Kincardine Street
• Z23.2026: Zoning amendment for Bushview Farms Inc.

Council

Council will consider and vote on several by‑law amendments, noise‑by‑law exemption requests, and contract awards. The council will approve a $202,057 engineering contract for the King Edward Park Development and a $489,610 drainage improvement contract for Flesherton Rear Lane, funded from the Asset Management Reserve. Additional items include an amendment to the Delegation of Authority by‑law and an extension of the Loon Call Draft Plan of Subdivision approval.

• By‑law 2026-075 to remove a member from the Community Safety Committee
• Noise By‑law exemption request for Markdale Agricultural Society at 75 Walker Street (Aug 29‑30, 2026)
• By‑law 2026-076 amendment to the Delegation of Authority By‑law 2019‑056
• Award of $202,057 contract to S. Burnett & Associates Limited for King Edward Park Development engineering
• Award of $489,610 contract to SMRS for Flesherton Rear Lane drainage improvements (plus $74,325 for contract administration)