Grey Highlands, ON

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

Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)

Committee of the Whole (COW)

Council

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

Joint Waste and Diversion Site Board

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

Council

Community Safety Committee (CSC)

Committee of the Whole (COW)

Public Planning Hearing

Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC)

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

Heritage Grey Highlands Committee (HGHC)

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

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

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)

Community Safety Committee (CSC)

The Community Safety Committee approved its agenda and minutes, received a municipal update and several informational items, and adopted recommendations for Council. It urged Council to advocate for a physical traffic‑calming pilot on Grey Road 13 in Kimberley and to request new speed data for the village. It also recommended that Council obtain accident statistics for the Isla Street‑Wellington Avenue North intersection and that the OPP facilitate the 2025 Officer of the Year award and purchase the award plaques.

• Recommendation to Council to advocate for physical traffic‑calming infrastructure on Grey Road 13 in Kimberley (pilot initiative)
• Recommendation to Council to request new speed data for Kimberley from the County of Grey
• Recommendation to Council to obtain accident statistics for the Isla Street and Wellington Avenue North intersection
• Recommendation that the OPP facilitate selection of the 2025 Officer of the Year award and that Council approve purchase of award plaques
• Municipal update including speed radar signage and public consultation on Canrobert and Inkerman reconstruction/traffic calming

Committee of the Whole (COW)

This meeting is a continuation of the previous session held on June 24, 2026. The committee is focused on updating the municipal zoning by-law.

• Zoning by-law update

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing several minor variance and consent applications for various properties. These include requests for lot severances, rezoning to residential categories, and required payments for parkland and severance fees.

• Minor Variance Application A06.2026 - 135308 9th Line
• Minor Variance Application A07.2026 - 309721 Centre Line B
• Minor Variance Application A08.2026 - 140 Peters Crescent
• Consent application B12.2026 - 468042 12th Concession B ($300 severance fee)
• Consent application B09.2026 - 172 Napoleon Street ($300 severance fee, $2,000 parkland fee)

Council

Council will vote on awarding a $5.8 million tender to Cox Construction for the Highway 10 Connecting Link in Markdale, with a 10% contingency. They will also decide on several zoning by-law amendments, a heritage property tax rebate agreement, and a process to sell a vacant municipal building in Rocklyn. Other agenda items include a water treatment plant optimization study follow-up, a fire station addition tender, fee schedule amendments, and three member motions on ecological connectivity, committee appointments, and parking restrictions.

• $5,838,698.18 tender award to Cox Construction for Highway 10 Connecting Link Markdale
• Zoning amendments at 194519 Grey Road 13, Fairmount Farms, and 308114 Centre Line A
• Heritage Property Tax Rebate agreement for 156386 Seventh Line (Rocklyn)
• Vacant municipal building at 726024 Sideroad 22b, Rocklyn to be put up for sale
• By-law 2026-070 to amend fees and charges (schedules A and F)

Lake Management Task Force (LMTF)

The Lake Management Task Force will receive and discuss the draft June 2026 Lake Management Task Force Report covering Lake Eugenia, Brewster's Lake, Irish Lake, and Wilcox Lake. The report includes context, objectives, best practices, and 12 action recommendations. The task force will also schedule an additional meeting in August.

• Review draft report with 12 action items on water quality, septic systems, invasive species, etc.
• Schedule additional August meeting
• Receive education plan and implementation strategies from sub-committees

Committee of the Whole (COW)

Council receives a report on the comprehensive Zoning By-law update, summarizing public feedback from an April 2026 statutory public meeting. The main decision is whether to remove proposed holding provisions (H2 for Natural Heritage System and H5 for Identified Karst) that would require environmental studies before building permits. Staff recommends removal, citing County support and that no other Grey County municipality applies such provisions. Council will direct staff to bring the final by-law for adoption at the next meeting.

• H2 holding provision for Natural Heritage System (woodlands, wildlife habitat) and H5 for Identified Karst triggered most public concern
• Public meeting had ~150 participants; dominant theme was opposition to holding provisions
• County staff supports removing provisions; environmental review continues at Planning Act application stage
• Comparator scan shows no other Grey County municipality uses holding provisions for these features
• Options include retaining, modifying, or removing H2 and H5; staff recommends removal

Public Planning Hearing

Grey Highlands Council will review four zoning and land use applications at a public planning hearing. The proposals include rezoning rural parcels for residential shoreline access, commercial operations, and farm development. Staff will assess each application against provincial policies and municipal plans before council deliberates.

• Z14.2026: Rezoning 194519 Grey Road 13 from Rural Residential to Residential Shoreline
• Z15.2026: Planning application for Fairmount Farms at 806097 Sideroad 25
• OP01.2026 & Z16.2026: Land use review for Old Durham Road Enterprise Inc. at 113451 Grey Road 14
• Z17.2026: Application for Conservation Side Mfg. at 308114 Centre Line A

Council

Council will consider approving several zoning by-law amendments for development projects, including a speed limit by-law for 3rd Line A, and a lease agreement for Southwest Crematoriums Ltd.

• Approve zoning by-law amendments for 734626 West Back Line, Canyon Hill Developments, Grey Road 40, and 193 Blue Mountain Maples Road
• Approve By-law 2026-058 to authorize a lease agreement with Southwest Crematoriums Ltd.
• Approve By-law 2026-054 to regulate speed on 3rd Line A
• Receive report on Development Charges Reduction Program
• Receive report on Bill 97 changes to MFIPPA

Town Hall Forum

This agenda covers a routine Town Hall Forum and contains only procedural boilerplate for a public feedback session. Grey Highlands Council will listen to resident concerns without debating or voting on any matters. The meeting serves as an informal open house to gather community input on local priorities. The next forum is scheduled for September 15, 2026.

• Next Town Hall Forum scheduled for September 15, 2026 at Maxwell Hall

Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)

The Economic Development Advisory Group will discuss the potential renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Grey Chamber of Commerce, which provides $10,000 annual funding and is set to expire December 31, 2026. Members will provide feedback on desired service levels, reporting requirements, and alternative partnership models. The group will also receive updates on the Old Markdale Hospital and Talisman properties.

• South Grey Chamber of Commerce MOU renewal: $10,000/year funding expires Dec 31, 2026
• Feedback on future service levels, reporting, and alternative partnership models for Chamber
• Economic Development staff update, including recruitment for Economic Development Officer
• Old Markdale Hospital update
• Talisman property update

Committee of Adjustment (COA)

The Committee of Adjustment will vote on consent application B08.2026 for Fairmount Farms, which would sever a parcel and require rezoning from Agricultural to Rural Residential Exception. Conditions include a $2,000 parkland dedication fee, an access easement, and payment of outstanding taxes and a $300 severance fee. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Consent application B08.2026 (Fairmount Farms) with rezoning conditions
• $300 severance approval fee
• $2,000 parkland dedication fee
• Access easement over existing driveway
• Rezoning of severed portion to Rural Residential Exception (RUR-xx)

Public Information Session - Inkerman/Canrobert Reconstruction

Grey Highlands is holding a public information session on June 9, 2026, to gather feedback on design options for reconstructing Canrobert Street and Inkerman Street in Eugenia. The session is in-person at Flesherton Kinplex from 5-7 PM. No formal decisions will be made at this session.

• Canrobert Street reconstruction design
• Inkerman Street reconstruction design
• Public feedback period open at session
• Location: Flesherton Kinplex
• Date: June 9, 2026, 5-7 PM

Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC)

The Seniors Advisory Committee will receive updates from the municipality, Council on Aging, and the South East Grey Community Health Centre. Discussions include planning for the June 10 Age-Friendly Seniors Health Fair, which has secured $1500 from Ice River Sustainable Solutions and $500 from Fawcett Funeral Homes, plus a donated lunch from Foodland. The committee also discusses Seniors Month and sub-committee action plans.

• Age-Friendly Seniors Health Fair on June 10, 2026 at Osprey Community Centre with 40+ vendors
• Sponsors: Ice River Sustainable Solutions ($1500), Fawcett Funeral Homes ($500), Foodland (lunch)
• Seniors Month Discussion (Council resolution 2023-390 proclaiming June as Seniors Month)
• Action Plan Sub-Committee update
• Municipal update including resolution 2026-309 to include seniors events on website

Council

Council will discuss and potentially authorize a lease agreement with Southwest Crematoriums Ltd. They will also consider approving a $50,000 ventilation upgrade at Rocklyn Arena to meet public health requirements, launching a seasonal PicklePass membership program for pickleball courts, and implementing an enhanced water quality monitoring program for Lake Eugenia.

• Draft lease agreement with Southwest Crematoriums Ltd.
• RFP for food booth operations at Centre Grey Recreation Complex
• Rocklyn Arena ventilation upgrade, up to $50,000 from reserves
• PicklePass seasonal membership fees: $45 adult, $15 youth, $100 family
• Enhanced Lake Eugenia water quality monitoring with weekly microcystin testing

Joint Waste and Diversion Site Board

The Joint Waste and Diversion Site Board receives the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for the Holland-Markdale landfill, which estimates remaining site life between 19 and 41 years depending on the calculation method. The report tracks each municipality's share of capacity: Grey Highlands has used 14.3% of its 50% allocation, leaving 35.7%; Chatsworth has used 2.9%, leaving 47.1%. The board also receives verbal updates from both municipalities.

• Receive 2025 Annual Monitoring Report with landfill capacity allocation: Grey Highlands 35.7% remaining, Chatsworth 47.1% remaining
• Grey Highlands verbal update: waste shredder training ongoing, tarp system operational, 2026 budget approved
• Chatsworth verbal update (no details provided)
• Approval of previous minutes (March 2, 2026) and agenda

Lake Management Task Force (LMTF)

The Lake Management Task Force will discuss and receive for information several recent council resolutions, including a new by-law banning fertilizer application within 100 metres of the water's edge at four inland lakes (Lake Eugenia, Wilcox, Irish, and Brewster). The task force will also review lake survey results, funding opportunities, and sub-committee updates.

• Council Resolution 2026-229: Inland Lakes Water Quality By-law 2026-023 prohibits fertilizer within 100m of shore; fines up to $500,000 for corporations
• Council Resolution 2026-214: Directs promotion of Lake Community Survey results to the public
• Council Resolution 2026-306: Lake Eugenia water testing results received for information
• Funding Opportunities report (CTE.26.03) presented for information
• Sub-committee updates: Task Force Report, Education/Outreach, Research/Monitoring, Planning/Infrastructure

Public Planning Hearing

Council holds a public hearing on two zoning by-law amendments and related consent applications. The main proposal would rezone a parcel at 825391 Grey Road 40 to Institutional to allow a meeting house and cemetery for the horse-and-buggy community, and rezone another parcel to Rural to consolidate lots. A second application for 193 Blue Mountain Maples Road is also on the agenda but details are not provided in the text.

• Rezoning Z12.2026: 825391 Grey Road 40 and 076815 11th Line – rezone to Institutional for meeting house and cemetery
• Rezoning Z12.2026: rezone separate parcel from Rural Residential/No Development to Rural for lot consolidation
• Consent applications B05.2026 and B06.2026 for lot creation and cemetery/meeting house use
• Rezoning Z13.2026: 193 Blue Mountain Maples Road – details not provided

Council

The council received a report on the Bridge BC10 project and approved awarding the contract to Nuroad Construction Limited for $48,190 plus HST, along with a $19,127 variance from the Asset Management Reserve Fund. It also approved several by‑law amendments, including a fees and charges amendment and multiple zoning by‑law changes for specific properties. The council adopted updates to the Tangible Capital Asset Policy and directed staff to prepare a by‑law to adopt it formally.

• Award Bridge BC10 contract to Nuroad Construction Limited for $48,190 + HST; approve $19,127 variance from Asset Management Reserve Fund
• Approve By‑law 2026-049 to amend municipal Fees and Charges by‑law
• Approve By‑law 2026-046 (Z05.2026) zoning amendment for 465215 12th Concession A
• Approve By‑law 2026-047 (Z06.2026) zoning amendment for Campbell
• Approve By‑law 2026-048 (Z09.2026) zoning amendment for Down Home Farm Shop