Grey Highlands Regular Council — Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Markdale wastewater charges approved; phase-in fails 6–1 — Council directed staff to prepare an implementing bylaw for new area-specific development charges tied to Markdale’s $15-million wastewater lagoon expansion, after rejecting a mayoral proposal to phase in residential rates at 65/75/85/100% over four years. That amendment lost 6–1. The DC background study projects 1,531 units and pegs the lagoon charge at roughly $8,200–$8,300 per residential unit; combined county and municipal DCs on a new Markdale home now total approximately $22,000. A $5.4-million federal grant has been pending more than 18 months; a provincial grant was confirmed and expected to be announced shortly. Staff noted rates can be retroactively discounted if grants land. Under a recent provincial change, residential DCs are now due at occupancy by default.
Conservation authority budget and amalgamation — Grey Sauble Conservation Authority CEO Tim Lanthier presented the authority’s $4.85-million 2027 draft budget — a 3.36% levy increase across eight member municipalities, adding roughly $9,000 to Grey Highlands’ share. GSCA secured nearly $400,000 in grants and distributed over 50,000 trees in 2026. Walker Industries donated 50 acres of a retired quarry, expanding The Glen property in Georgian Bluffs to approximately 750 acres. Lanthier also briefed council on the February 1, 2027 amalgamation of six conservation authorities into the new Lake Huron Region Conservation Authority, ending Grey Highlands’ direct board appointment; Grey County will hold two of the new body’s seats. A provincial ERO comment period runs to September 12.
Zoning bylaw update deferred — Council deferred Bylaws 2026-088 and 2026-089 (a three-year comprehensive zoning bylaw overhaul) to the September 16 meeting after staff and legal counsel flagged the need to add grandfathering language protecting draft-approved subdivisions — including Devonleigh, Loon Call, and Stonebrook — from a new 50%-front-yard driveway-coverage rule.
Bridge E12 contract awarded — Council unanimously awarded RFQ F18-2026-07 for Bridge E12 remediation to Alex Mann Contracting Inc. at $109,141.50 excluding HST, well below competing bids that came in at nearly double.
Town Hall accessibility lift — Council approved replacing a previously approved enclosed ramp with a commercial accessibility lift at Town Hall, estimated at approximately $155,000, funded through reserves, approved financing, and fundraising. Staff are directed to tender and report back before any construction contract is awarded.
County hybrid planning model — Council voted unanimously to signal intent to opt in to Grey County’s proposed hybrid planning services model, under which junior-to-senior planners would move to county payroll while Grey Highlands retains its planning coordinator and full local approval authority. The motion is conditional on a formal MOU; the incoming council will make the final commitment.
Town Hall cancelled; public concerns raised — Council cancelled the September 15 Town Hall, citing proximity to the October 26 municipal election and fairness concerns for non-incumbent candidates. During open forum, a resident identified as “Surskies” asked staff to reconcile a discrepancy between the 1,075-unit projection in the original subdivision environmental assessment and the 1,531-unit figure now used in the DC study, and asked for clarity on arena fire-proofing costs before approximately $250,000 in reserves is committed toward reopening.