Grey Highlands public meetings in 2023
44 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council - 10 am
Council is reviewing several zoning by-law amendments and a pedestrian safety study. The session also includes decisions on various community grant applications for local organizations and the appointment of an Acting Municipal Clerk.
- Approval of zoning by-law amendments Z44.2023, Z45.2023, Z46.2023, Z47.2023, Z48.2023, and OP04.2023
- Award of $40,400 contract to Hemson Consulting Ltd. for a Water and Wastewater Rate Study
- Approval of $1,800 annual expenditure for Badjeros Community Centre lawn mowing
- Approval of $1,500 grant to Flesherton and District Farmers' Market for pavilion banners
- Appointment of Amanda VanAlstine as Acting Municipal Clerk effective January 1, 2024
Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)
The Economic Development Advisory Group is considering two options for the 2024 regular meeting schedule. The group will also receive a staff update from Director Harris and follow up on Council resolution 2023-923.
- 2024 Regular Meeting Schedule options (bi-monthly at 1:00pm)
- Economic Development Staff Update - Director Harris
- Council Resolution 2023-923 follow-up
Public Planning Hearing - 5 pm
The Council is reviewing a planning report for a zoning amendment to allow a new 250 square metre metalworking shop on a 34-hectare agricultural property. The proposal includes a 340-square-metre outdoor storage area and requires rezoning portions of the land to Rural Commercial.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z49.2023 for 413437 Road 41A
- Establishment of a 250 square metre metalworking shop as an On-Farm Diversified Use
- Proposed 340-square-metre outdoor storage area
- Rezoning from Restricted Agriculture (A2) to Rural Commercial (C4-436)
- Rezoning of existing Rural Commercial (C4-149) to Rural Commercial (C4-436)
Committee of the Whole (COW) - 13 Dec 2023 - Budget Continuation from December 5, 2023
This meeting is a continuation of the budget sessions that began on December 5, 2023. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to continue reviewing municipal budget items.
Committee of the Whole (COW) - 12 Dec 2023 Budget Continuation from December 5, 2023
This meeting is a continuation of the budget session that began on December 5, 2023. The committee is focused on ongoing budget discussions.
Committee of Adjustment (COA) - 5 pm
The Committee of Adjustment reviewed applications for lot consolidations, property severances, and residential reconstructions. The meeting also included the adoption of the 2024 regular meeting schedule.
- Approval of WBL MFG Inc. consent application subject to $300 approval fee and $500 parkland dedication fee
- Approval of minor variance for 139 Beaver Trail to permit reconstruction of a dwelling
- Approval of lot severance for 103 Bowles Bluff Road subject to zoning by-law amendment Z45.2023
- Issuance of cancellation certificates for Greenview Lot Consolidation in Markdale
- Adoption of the 2024 meeting schedule for the second Tuesday of every month
Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) - 1:30 pm
The Seniors Advisory Committee will review municipal, health centre, and sub-committee updates. The committee also intends to establish its regular monthly meeting schedule for 2024.
- Establishment of 2024 monthly meeting schedule
- Seniors Health Fair Sub-Committee discussion
- South East Grey Community Health Centre update
- Action Plan Sub-Committee update
- Municipal update from Councillor Paul Allen
Council - 10 am
Council will review the draft 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Grey Highlands Public Library. The agenda also includes a proposal to reduce speed limits in Eugenia to 40km/h.
- Approval of Draft Strategic Plan 2024-2007
- By-law 2023-144 to reduce Eugenia speed limit to 40km/h
- Appointment of Burnside and Associates Ltd. as Engineer for East Mountain drainage works
- Authorization of Fairway 1 Winter Maintenance Agreement
- Approval of By-law 2023-142 to appoint Karen Holt as Acting Chief Building Official
Financial Assistance Program Committee (FAP)
The Financial Assistance Program Committee is reviewing Round 1 requests for cash grants and venue rental fee waivers. The committee is also considering several Significant Community Undertaking updates for the 2024 season.
- Badjeros Community Centre: $1,800 request for lawn mowing and $1,600 for folding chairs
- Flesherton Beautification and Improvement Committee: $4,000 for banner installation
- Feversham Kinsmen: Venue rental fee waivers valued at approximately $3,152
- Kimberley Community Association: $1,200 for community garden expansion
- Priceville Improvement Committee: $1,250 annual cost for cenotaph hedge trimming
Natural Gas Expansion Task Force (NGETF)
The Natural Gas Expansion Task Force is reviewing an update from Enbridge regarding expansion projects in Markdale and Flesherton. The group is also receiving a letter from Enbridge concerning provincial consultations on heating affordability and regulatory changes.
- Project update for natural gas expansion in Markdale and Flesherton
- Enbridge letter regarding consultation on home heating affordability
- Markdale installation project requiring $3,560,934 contribution (CIAC)
- Flesherton reinforcement project requiring $4,703,784 contribution (CIAC)
- Review of Council Resolution 2023-239 regarding Enbridge correspondence
Police Services Board (PSB) - 1 pm
The Police Services Board will review the 2024 budget and consider a new bi-monthly virtual meeting schedule for 2024. The board will also receive the Q3 2023 Detachment Commander's Report and updates from Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce.
- Discussion of the 2024 Police Services Board Budget
- Proposal of a 2024 regular meeting schedule in a virtual format
- Receipt of the Q3 2023 Detachment Commander's Report
- Review of Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce July to September 2023 Coordinator's Program Report
- Review of Fall 2023 TIPSTER Magazine
Public Planning Hearing - 5 pm
The Public Planning Hearing includes multiple applications for zoning by-law amendments and property severances. One primary proposal involves rezoning 103 Bowles Bluff Road from Development to Residential to allow for a new lot creation.
- Z45.2023: Rezoning 103 Bowles Bluff Road from Development (D) and Hazard (H) to Residential (R) and Hazard (H)
- Severance of a 4,210 square metre parcel from 103 Bowles Bluff Road
- Z46.2023: Zoning amendment application for 467340 12th Concession B
- Z47.2023: Zoning amendment application for 155140 7th Line
- Z44.2023: Zoning by-law amendment for 316673 3rd Line D
Committee of the Whole (COW)
The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation by Mary Ferguson regarding social enterprise education and training. The workshop covers definitions, business models, and potential opportunities for Grey Highlands.
- Social enterprise education and training workshop by Mary Ferguson
Town Hall Forum
This meeting is a forum for residents to share views and opinions with Council. No decisions or debates will occur during this session.
- Public input session regarding community needs and priorities
Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) - 1:30 pm
The Seniors Advisory Committee will receive updates from the South East Grey Community Health Centre and Council on Aging, as well as a municipal update.
- South East Grey Community Health Centre status update for information
Council - 10 am
Council will review a by-law to authorize borrowing $3,186,015.00 for road infrastructure and fleet costs. The meeting also includes discussions on speed reductions in Eugenia, zoning amendments, and community improvement grants.
- Authorize $3,186,015.00 borrowing for storage dome, light fleet, heavy fleet, and road infrastructure
- Approval of CIP application for The June Motel (235474 Grey Road 13) up to $10,000
- Approval of CIP application for 14 Toronto Road, Flesherton up to $7,500
- Direct staff to bring draft by-law to reduce speeds on local roads in Eugenia
- Five-year contract renewal with Principles Integrity for Integrity Commissioner Services
Committee of Adjustment (COA) - 5 pm
The Committee is reviewing multiple applications for lot creations, rezoning, and minor variances. The agenda includes decisions on moving utility lines and requirements for various property owners to pay municipal fees and parkland dedication fees.
- Minor variance A18.2023 (Alex Csogor) regarding the relocation of hydro poles and electrical transmission lines
- Consent application B15.2023 (Ian and Allison Cooper) requiring a $300.00 approval fee and $500.00 parkland dedication fee
- Consent application B16.2023 (Tom Edwards) requiring a $300.00 approval fee and $500.00 parkland dedication fee
- Multiple consent applications (B17.2023 through B20.2023) for Nancy Petch involving rezoning from Rural to Rural Residential
- Zoning by-law amendment Z45.2023 to rezone property from Development to Residential
Museum Advisory Board (MAB)
The Museum Advisory Board is reviewing a progress report on the Museum Strategic Plan and receiving updates from the Curator. The board is also establishing its regular meeting schedule for 2024.
- Progress report on the Museum Strategic Plan presented by Chair Boer
- Establishment of 2024 quarterly meeting dates starting February 14, 2024
- Receipt of Council resolutions 2023-705, 2023-706, and 2023-707 regarding 2024 budget considerations
- Curator's report including October attendance of 231 guests and $525.00 in donations
Road Safety Community Partnership Committee (RSCPC)
The Road Safety Community Partnership Committee is reviewing several road safety items including a municipal update and the Feversham Community Safety Zone Review. Members are also considering a recommendation for 2024 road safety improvement budget items and discussing signage and speed enforcement data.
- Feversham Community Safety Zone Review
- Markdale Traffic Impact Study Summary
- 2024 Municipal Budget Item Recommendation - Road Safety Improvements
- Walk on Left Facing Traffic signage discussion
- Speed Enforcement Evaluator Data for Inkerman Street, Eugenia
Council - 10 am
The Grey Highlands Council is reviewing the Beaver Valley Sustainable Tourism Strategy for adoption and a memorandum of understanding with regional partners. The meeting also includes decisions on hiring seasonal staff for arena operations and approving an agricultural land lease.
- Adoption of the Beaver Valley Sustainable Tourism Strategy
- Approval to hire four part-time seasonal staff for arena operations (up to 32 hours/week)
- Authorization of a land lease agreement with Highland Custom Farming Inc. for 190 Lagoon Road
- Approval of By-law 2023-134 regarding the Markdale Jubilee Task Force Terms of Reference
- Approval of By-law 2023-135 to lift a hold on planning application Z40.2023
Committee of the Whole (COW) - Vision Zero
The Committee of the Whole received two informational presentations regarding road safety. The first covered Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) services provided by LAS, and the second discussed Canada's Road Safety Strategy and Vision Zero.
- Presentation on LAS Automated Speed Enforcement Service by Jeff Barten
- Presentation on Canada’s Road Safety Strategy and Vision Zero by Dr. Martha Rogers and Peter French
Heritage Grey Highlands Committee (HGHC)
The Heritage Grey Highlands Committee is reviewing a recommendation to designate the Ladybank Schoolhouse property as a Heritage Property. The meeting also includes discussions regarding cemetery designations and a report on cost recovery for heritage designations.
- Recommendation to designate Ladybank Schoolhouse at 468083 12th Concession B
- Discussion on the Heritage Designation of Cemeteries
- Report on Cost Recovery for Heritage Property Designations
- Update on Charles Fawcett Farm heritage designation
- Review of 2024 regular meeting schedule
Public Planning Hearing - 5 pm
The meeting will discuss a zoning amendment request by Marjay Farms Inc. to rezone part of their land from Agriculture (A1) to Rural Commercial (C4-436) for an on-farm diversified metalworking shop.
- Zoning By-law Amendment File: Z42.2023, rezoning LT 28 CON 4 OSPREY in Grey Highlands
- Proposed On-Farm Diversified Use (OFDU) of a 250 square metre metalworking shop and outdoor storage area
Council - 10 am
Council is reviewing several zoning by-law amendments for Portlaw Farms Inc., Butternut Court, and Heather Reid LOH. The meeting also includes discussions on infrastructure upgrades for the Holland-Markdale Waste Disposal and Diversion Site.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z38.2023 for Portlaw Farms Inc.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z39.2023 for Butternut Court
- $25,000 for new exit roadway at Holland-Markdale WDS
- $20,000 for security fencing at Holland-Markdale WDS
- $10,000 for traffic barrier arm at Holland-Markdale WDS
Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)
The Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) will receive an update on affordable housing plans for the decommissioned Markdale Hospital property. The group will also review recent Council resolutions regarding the Economic Development Action Plan and the replacement of Markdale centennial gates.
- Discussion of affordable housing at the former Markdale Hospital site
- Review of Council Resolution 2023-709 regarding the Economic Development Action Plan
- Review of Council Resolution 2023-710 regarding Markdale Centennial Gates
- Economic Development Staff Update from Director Harris
Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) - 1:30 pm
The committee is reviewing several information items including the Grey County Age-Friendly Strategy update and municipal reports. Discussions include local transportation options, the GrandPals Program, and a request for a 'Seniors By The Bay' event.
- Grey County Age-Friendly Strategy Update from Stephanie Lacey-Avon
- Review of Council Resolution 2023-808 regarding Seniors By The Bay event request
- Discussion on Local Transportation Options including Home & Community Support Services rates
- Update on the GrandPals Program
- Information session on South East Grey Community Health Centre programs
Committee of Adjustment (COA) - 5 pm
The Committee of Adjustment reviewed several applications regarding property boundary changes and building setbacks. Decisions included approving a consent application for Mike Croft Contracting and minor variances for Evan Russell and Sandi Hanley.
- Approval of consent application B14.2023 (Mike Croft Contracting) subject to $300.00 fee and tax payment
- Approval of minor variance A17.2023 for Evan Russell
- Approval of minor variance A16.2023 for Sandi Hanley at 16 Peter Street
- Review of severance application B13.2023 for Bruce Trail Conservancy involving 5.09 hectares
Council - 10 am
Grey Highlands Council is reviewing a $657,513.00 contract for engineering services at Brackenbury Ave and Lawler Dr. The meeting also includes discussions on automated speed enforcement, water system rate studies, and community improvement grants.
- Engineering services contract for Brackenbury Ave and Lawler Dr estimated at $657,513.00
- Purchase of Curbside Alternative Bags in the amount of $17,594.83
- Community Improvement Plan grant of up to $10,000 for Munshaw Hotel facade and signage
- Implementation of Automated Speed Enforcement in the municipality
- Issuance of RFP for Water and Wastewater Financial Plan and Rate Study
Joint Waste and Diversion Site Committee - 9 am
The Joint Waste and Diversion Site Committee is reviewing several 2024 budget requests for the Holland-Markdale WDS. These include proposals for a new exit road, security fencing, and a traffic barrier arm. The committee will also receive updates regarding site operations and council resolutions.
- $25,000 budget request for a new exit road at Holland-Markdale WDS
- $20,000 budget request for security fencing installation at Holland-Markdale WDS
- $10,000 budget request for a traffic barrier arm at Holland-Markdale WDS
- Review of council resolutions regarding reduction of service days at the site
Notice - Public Information Session - Markdale Lagoon Capacity Class Environmental Assessment
The Municipality of Grey Highlands is holding a public open house regarding the Markdale Lagoon Capacity Class Environmental Assessment. The meeting is an in-person information session to discuss the project.
- Public Information Session - Markdale Lagoon Capacity Class Environmental Assessment
Committee of the Whole (COW) - Strategic Plan
The Committee of the Whole reviewed survey results from 195 community members regarding municipal priorities. The Committee is considering a recommendation for staff to bring back a draft Strategic Plan for 2023–2027 using proposed pillars.
- Proposed Strategic Plan pillars: Connected Communities, Healthy Lifestyle, Respected Environment, Strong Governance, and Vibrant Economy
- Survey results showing 62% of respondents believe existing plan pillars remain relevant
- Identification of municipal priorities including planning for growth, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship
- Recommendation for staff to develop a draft plan using proposed pillars and Council input
Notice - Public Open House for Draft New Zoning By-law
The municipality is hosting a virtual public open house to present the first draft of the New Grey Highlands Zoning By-law. Residents can register to attend or watch the session live online.
- Public Open House: First Draft of New Grey Highlands Zoning By-law
Public Planning Hearing - 5 pm
The Municipality is seeking to amend the zoning by-law for 119 Butternut Court to correct a mapping error that led to building permits being issued in a 'No Development' zone. The proposal seeks to rezone the property from Residential and No Development to Residential with a holding symbol on undeveloped portions of the lot.
- Zoning Amendment Z39.2023: Rezoning 119 Butternut Court to legalize an existing structure
- Zoning Amendment Z38.2023: Application for 813566 East Back Line
- Proposed change of zone from No Development (ND-128) to Residential with a hold (R-127-h)
Council -10 am
Council will consider a by-law to prohibit heavy trucks within the municipality and review engineering contracts for Brackenbury Ave and Lawler Dr. The agenda also includes motions regarding arena volunteer staffing and potential regulations for horse manure bags on public highways.
- Award of RFP-F18-2023-02 to B.M. Ross and Associates Limited for $657,513.00 (excluding HST)
- Award of RFT-F18-2023-14 for sidewalk replacements to Chad Hartman Construction Inc. for $72,450 (excluding HST)
- By-law 2023-125 to amend the Heavy Trucks By-law to prohibit heavy trucks within Grey Highlands
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z35.2023 for David Bauman at West Back Line
- Motion to investigate using volunteers to open all four arena facilities seven days a week
Special Police Services Board (PSB)
The Special Police Services Board will discuss several items regarding proposed regulations under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019. These discussions involve providing comments to the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards.
- Proposed training regulations under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019
- Proposed Major Case Management regulations
- Proposed Use of Force Regulation
- Proposed cost recovery of hearing costs for OPAAC
- Proposed regulations regarding the Ontario Police Arbitration Adjudication Commission (OPAAC)
Committee of Adjustment (COA) - 5 pm
The Committee of Adjustment met to review applications for property consents and minor variances. Decisions included approving a consent for the Bruce Trail Conservancy and various minor variance applications for residents.
- Approval of B13.2023 Bruce Trail Conservancy consent subject to $300.00 fee and tax payments
- Approval of A15.2023 minor variance application for Jon Meyer
- Approval of A16.2023 minor variance application for Sandi Hanley
- Approval of B12.2023 and A14.2023 Gertner consent and minor variance applications
- Approval of B10.2023 Grey Road 30 severance subject to $300.00 fee and $500.00 parkland fee
Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) - 1:30 pm
The committee will receive updates regarding retirement/55+ active living housing and Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit. Members will also hear a presentation on Seniors for Social Action Ontario.
- Retirement/55+ Active Living Housing Discussion
- Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit August Update
- Presentation on Seniors for Social Action Ontario
- Council Resolution 2023-723 regarding Accessible Parking
Committee of the Whole (COW)
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a presentation from ML Consulting regarding a comprehensive compensation review. The committee will consider recommending that Council direct staff to include the impacts of a proposed wage grid in the 2024 operating budget.
- Presentation of the 2023 Compensation Review by ML Consulting
- Proposal to include proposed wage grid impacts in the 2024 operating budget
- Review of a revised salary grid framework consisting of 15 pay bands
- Recommendation for a 2.5% economic adjustment to the 2023 grid for 2024 implementation
Council -10 am
Council will review several planning applications including Fairmount Farms and Trailside Products Inc. The meeting also includes discussions on a community-led splash pad project in King Edward Park and various municipal by-law updates.
- Zoning By-law Amendment for Fairmount Farms (Z22.2023)
- Approval of community-led splash pad project in King Edward Park
- $2,500 sponsorship request for The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay
- Installation of hitching rails at 20 Toronto Street North in Markdale
- By-law 2023-122 to reduce speed on the East Back Line
Road Safety Community Partnership Committee (RSCPC)
The Road Safety Community Partnership Committee is reviewing presentations on local accident data from the OPP and automated speed enforcement services. The committee is also receiving information regarding community safety zones, traffic flow in Markdale, and a potential 50km/h zone extension on Grey Road 2.
- Presentation of Grey Highlands accident data by the OPP
- Presentation on LAS Automated Speed Enforcement Service
- Review of Feversham Community Safety Zone
- Correspondence regarding 50km/h zone extension on Grey Road 2 south of Maxwell
- Information regarding Community Safety Zone staff report CTE.23.05
Public Planning Hearing - 5 pm
Council will receive a planning report regarding a zoning by-law amendment for an on-farm diversified use. The proposal seeks to allow a 250-square-metre woodworking shop and a 342-square-metre outdoor storage area on agricultural land.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z35.2023 for 734875 West Back Line
- Proposed 250-square-metre woodworking shop and 342-square-metre outdoor storage area
- Reclassification of land from Agriculture (A1) to Rural Commercial with exception (C4-436)
Council -10 am
The council will discuss and vote on several rezoning applications and approve related by-laws. Additionally, they will review minutes from previous meetings and consider financial assistance requests.
- Approval of Official Plan Amendment OP03.2023 and Zoning By-law Amendment Z32.2023 for a Farmer's Market
- Approval of Official Plan Amendment OP02.2023 and Zoning By-law Amendment Z33.2023 for Trailside Products Inc.
- Approval of Lift of Hold application Z37.2023 for Bauman Metals Inc.
- $1,000 financial assistance to The Hanley Institute for sound and special effects
- Amendment to the Terms of Reference for the Road Safety Community Partnership Committee (RSCPC)
Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)
The Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) will receive information regarding the Grey County Investment Attraction Strategy. The committee will also receive updates on actionable economic development ideas and a discussion on affordable housing.
- Grey County Investment Attraction Strategy report for information
- Economic Development Actionable & Attainable Ideas for information
- Affordable Housing discussion for information
- Council Resolution 2023-626 regarding committee meeting format
Town Hall Forum
This meeting is an informal public open house for residents to speak to Council on various topics. Council cannot make decisions or debate during this forum, as the objective is to listen to community needs and priorities.
- Public input session with Council members