Grey County Council and Committee of the Whole — Thursday, October 22, 2026
Asset management plan endorsed Grey County’s 2025 Asset Management Plan, covering a portfolio valued at approximately $2.6 billion across 11,452 assets, was received and endorsed. Staff recommended continuing a 2.55% annual capital tax levy increase for the next 12 years to maintain assets at “good” condition (average score ≥ 60) — Scenario 3 of four modelled options, requiring $57.3 million annually against the current $28.6 million capital budget. Scenario 1, holding investment flat, would cause average asset condition to fall to poor/very poor within 20 years. The plan noted 89% of county assets are currently rated fair or better. Motion carried.
Speed bylaw amended, Feversham limit cut Council passed amended traffic bylaw 4788-13 (Report TRCW 30-26), covering speed zones and parking updates at multiple locations. A Councillor McQueen amendment — carried 10–0 — reduces the posted limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on Grey Road 2 through the Feversham village core (John Street, Wellington Street, and River Road intersections), citing the bridge’s lack of usable pedestrian clearance in winter, truck traffic from Ice River Springs, and the adjacent 100 Acre School. New community safety zones were also established on Grey Road 2 near the school and parking updates made in Owen Sound. A separate proposed community safety zone on Grey Road 12 west of Meaford (near Georgian Heights Church/school) was deferred pending a forthcoming traffic-calming report.
Projected year-end deficit of $1.27M The August 31 corporate financial update (FRCW-21-26) projects a $1,269,800 deficit against the $83.9 million operating budget. Staff noted $943,000 of that total reflects approved 2025 capital projects not re-budgeted for 2026, leaving a true operational shortfall of just over $300,000. Key pressures: winter maintenance costs, WSIB claims, court security, and EMS medical supply costs. Report received for information.
Integrity Commissioner appointed By-law 5309-26 appointed Lauren Chi-hing as Integrity Commissioner for Grey County. Carried.
Delegation — entrance permits disputed Mr. Barkley appeared virtually, requesting resolution of entrance permit applications outstanding for approximately four years on three Grey Road 1 properties. He alleged permits have been refused without site-specific written reasons and that neighbouring properties received approvals under identical conditions. Committee received the delegation without decision, per procedure.
Honours and launches Chief Kevin McNabb (Paramedic Services) received the Richard J. Armstrong Leadership Award from the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs. Warden Matrisos, Councillor Boddy, and Economic Development Director Savannah Myers each received awards at the Clean Energy Frontier Conference. Grey County’s tri-county Green Development Standard (Grey, Wellington, Dufferin) formally launched in Meaford. The county’s new public engagement platform, ConnectGrey.ca, went live; a “Name the Plow” contest drew 595 submissions. The Feversham ambulance base opens November 1, with a public open house October 23.