Hook: Collective Bargaining Benefits Expanded
Grey County · Committee of the Whole · June 25, 2026
One-sentence summary: On June 25, 2026 at 10:15 AM, staff propose a joint recruitment with member municipalities to appoint an integrity commissioner after Principles Integrity terminates services by January 31, 2027; staff also recommend a by-law appointment of the Ontario Ombudsman as interim closed meeting investigator.
**6.e HRR-CW-06-26 Results of Collective Bargaining with County of Grey and OPSEU Local 266 Social Services**: The committee reviews a finalized tentative Memorandum of Settlement between Grey County and OPSEU Local 266 covering social services from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. This agreement secures annual wage increases of 3% for each year in the contract period, including retroactive adjustments for pay equity. The deal significantly expands benefits: mental health coverage reaches up to $5,000 annually with no per-visit cap; vision care is set at $500 every 24 months; dental major restorative coverage improves to 75%; and lifetime orthodontics support remains capped at $3,000. New provisions address pregnancy leave top-ups aligned with Employment Standards Act requirements, introduce paid bereavement supports for non-family funerals, enable remote work arrangements, and formally include Artificial Intelligence as a standing agenda item in Labour Relations processes. **6.f CCR-CW-10-26 Integrity Commissioner & Closed Meeting Investigator Services - Notice of Termination**: Grey County received notice that Principles Integrity will cease providing integrity commissioner and closed meeting investigator services effective January 31, 2027. In response to this termination notice will present at the June meeting, staff recommend a joint recruitment process with member municipalities
Collective Bargaining Finalized: Enhanced Benefits for Social Services Staff The committee reviewed the finalized tentative Memorandum of Settlement between Grey County and OPSEU Local 266, covering social services from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. This agreement secures annual wage increases of 3% for each year in the contract period, including retroactive adjustments for pay equity. The deal significantly expands benefits: mental health coverage now reaches up to $5,000 annually with no per-visit cap; vision care is set at $500 every 24 months; dental major restorative coverage improves to 75%; and lifetime orthodontics support remains capped at $3,000. New provisions address pregnancy leave top-ups aligned with Employment Standards Act requirements, introduce paid bereavement supports for non-family funerals, enable remote work arrangements, and formally include Artificial Intelligence as a standing agenda item in Labour Relations processes.
Oversight Service Transition: Integrity Commissioner & Closed Meeting Investigator Grey County received notice that Principles Integrity will cease providing integrity commissioner and closed meeting investigator services effective January 31, 2027. In response to this termination notice presented at the June meeting, staff recommend a joint recruitment process with member municipalities to appoint a successor who can maintain consistent codes of conduct across jurisdictions rather than relying on standard procurement scoring. To bridge the gap before a new local appointment is made, the report proposes appointing the Ontario Ombudsman as an interim closed meeting investigator via by-law approval.
Land Use Shift: Southgate Designation Expansion Proposal An information report for Official Plan Amendment 31 (OPA 31) was reviewed concerning property owner 772082 Highway 10 Inc. The proposal seeks to redesignate approximately 31.3 hectares of vacant lands in the vicinity of Melancthon and Southgate from 'Rural', 'Provincially Significant Wetlands', and 'Hazard Lands' classifications to a 'Primary Settlement Area'. This move aims to fill gaps created by recent Ministerial Zoning Orders, though adjacent northern parcels would remain outside the settlement boundary. Future development on these Highway 10-fronting lands would require connection to Township water and sewer services alongside further subdivision applications.
Regional Conservation Authority Transition Preparation Staff presented a June 2026 update detailing Grey County’s impending absorption of costs for two specific Regional Conservation Authorities (Lake Huron and Eastern Lake Erie) resulting from Bill 68 and Bill 97 transitions managed by the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. This shift is expected to occur overnight by February 2027 following an October election transition period for board appointments. Based on historical levies between $2.5M and $2.7M, staff recommend a placeholder of $2.8M in the draft 2028 budget while work continues through the agency's reorganization phase starting mid-October next year.
HelpOS discussion thread link pending.
This page is an accessibility-focused summary and extracted agenda text intended to promote civic accessibility.
It is an unofficial convenience copy and may contain extraction or summarization errors.
For the authoritative record, try to access the original source materials from Grey County using the original link below.
Attachment: Renewal of Property Lease - ROMP Medical Student Residence - CAOR-CW-20-26.pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10192 Committee Report To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council Committee Date: June 25, 2026 Subject / Report No: CAOR-CW-20-26 Title: Renewal of Property Lease – Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) Medical Student Residence Prepared by: Randy Scherzer, CAO Reviewed by: Lower Tier(s) Affected: Recommendation 1.
Staff will prepare an updated lease agreement extending the ROMP Medical Student Residence for two years, maintaining county tenancy while funding continues through Brightshores to house recruited learners. This renewal follows successful accommodation usage where over forty-nine doctors utilized the property in twenty-four months despite long-term physician training delays requiring immediate interim housing solutions.
External stakeholders including Brightshores and the City of Owen Sound will consult on lease costs where Grey County pays landlords while ROMP covers utilities as part of upcoming 2027 budget proposals.
Attachment: Renewal of Property Lease - ROMP Medical Student Residence - CAOR-CW-20-26.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10192
Committee Report
To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
Committee Date: June 25, 2026
Subject / Report No: CAOR-CW-20-26
Title: Renewal of Property Lease – Rural Ontario Medical Program
(ROMP) Medical Student Residence
Prepared by: Randy Scherzer, CAO
Reviewed by:
Lower Tier(s) Affected:
Recommendation
1. That report CAOR-CW-20-26 regarding the renewal of property lease for the ROMP
Medical Student Residence be received; and
2. That staff be directed to enter into an updated memorandum of agreement with
the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) and the City of Owen Sound, outlining
the responsibilities of each party for accommodation for medical residents at the
property in Owen Sound, subject to ROMP supporting the continued lease funding
and Owen Sound supporting the renewed lease; and
3. That staff be directed to prepare an updated lease agreement continuing to name
the County of Grey as the tenant for signature by the Warden and Clerk; and
4. That staff proceed prior to Council approval as per Section 26.6 (b) of Procedural
By-law 5134-22.
Executive Summary
In 2024, County Council supported entering into a memorandum of agreement with the Rural
Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) and the City Owen Sound to lease a property to provide
accommodation for medical students being recruited and providing medical services in the
Owen Sound area. ROMP provided flow through funding to cover the costs of the property
lease. The City provides internet access, garbage bag tags, winter maintenance and additional
parking if required, while the County supports lawn maintenance. The current lease agreement
is set to expire at the end of August 2026. 60 days notice (i.e. before June 30, 2026) is required
to either terminate the lease or agree to enter into a new lease before the expiration of the
current lease. According to Brightshores, the medical student residence has been actively used
for medical students that have been recruited to the area and therefore this partnership with
ROMP has been successful. Based on this success, ROMP has been asked if they would be
CAOR-CW-20-26 1 June 25, 2026
willing to continue to provide lease funding to support the costs of the lease for the property.
ROMP has verbally agreed to continue the lease funding, and the Landlord has verbally
confirmed that they are supportive of renewing the lease. It is recommended that the County
enter into an updated memorandum of agreement to extend the lease for another two years,
subject to ROMP agreeing to providing funding to support the lease and subject to the City and
the Landlord agreeing to support the renewed lease arrangements.
Background and Discussion
The province has established a commitment to connect all unattached residents to primary
health care no later than 2029 and, through the Primary Care Action Plan, have pledged $2.1
billion to achieve this. These funds are currently being distributed via OHTs through the IPCT
(Inter-Professional Care Team) funding proposals that seek to support new and expanded FHTs
to deliver care.
As of December 2025, data showed that across Grey, 11,895 residents were unattached to a
primary health care provider, representing approximately 11% of residents. Last month, the
Grey Bruce Ontario Health Team (GBOHT) announced that a major milestone had been
reached with almost 5,500 residents having been cleared from the Health Care Connect waitlist
as they have now been attached to a health care provider. This milestone was achieved based
on the collaboration and commitment from family physicians, nurse practitioners, primary care
teams, and other healthcare partners across Grey and Bruce who are working together to
improve access to care for local residents.
With the January 1, 2025 waitlist now cleared, efforts are now focused on residents who have
registered with Health Care Connect since that date. Capacity has been identified with providers
in communities across Grey and Bruce, creating new opportunities to connect residents to care
closer to home.
In April 2026, the Province of Ontario announced an additional investment of $4.2 million in
primary care organizations across Grey-Bruce as part of Ontario's Primary Care Action Plan.
This funding is expected to help connect approximately 9,000 additional residents to a family
doctor or nurse practitioner while strengthening access to team-based care throughout the
region.
The province is also investing in growing the numbers of physicians in family practice. However,
these are long term strategies that involve new medical schools, increased capacity within
existing schools and increasing enrollment. These investments, while critical for supporting
future community growth across Ontario are long term; family physicians take seven years to
train and so the benefits of these investments are seven or more years away. Meanwhile,
recruitment efforts for out-of-province and overseas doctors as well as existing training efforts
are fully utilized in maintaining recruitment through retirements and career changes.
Local data shows that medical residents who have an excellent experience during their training
at our local hospitals are more likely to choose their practice here when they graduate.
Previous data demonstrated that when learners who participate in rural family medicine
programs, and who build strong, positive relationships in the community, that over 70% will stay
in the local area to practice. ROMP has previously indicated that Owen Sound area placement
rates of learners staying to practice in the area are over 90%.
CAOR-CW-20-26 2 June 25, 2026
A lack of accommodation for medical students is a barrier to placing everyone who wishes to do
their medical training here. The ROMP lease arrangement has helped to remove this barrier
and has been actively used by medical students over the past couple of years. In fact, ROMP
has indicated that the leased residence has been very successful and has housed 49 different
doctors in the past 24 months and their stays ranged from 4 to 14 weeks. County staff have
also reached out to Brightshores to see if they have any additional data that can be shared
regarding the success of the medical student residence.
Given the success of the current lease arrangement, it is recommended that the County support
a renewal to the lease arrangement for an additional two year period subject to ROMP agreeing
to continue to support the costs of the lease through a stipend provided by the Province, and
subject to Owen Sound and the Landlord agreeing to renew the lease arrangement. ROMP has
verbally agreed to continue the lease funding, and the Landlord has verbally confirmed that they
are supportive of renewing the lease.
Financial and Resource Implications
The lease costs are covered by flow through funding from ROMP. Grey County pays the
landlord the lease cost of $3,200 per month and then Grey County invoices ROMP monthly for
the cost of the lease. The leasing costs covered by ROMP are inclusive of electricity, water,
and heating and cooling costs. The City looks after any costs associated with winter
maintenance, garbage bag tags, internet access and additional parking if required. The County
supports lawn maintenance. The lawn maintenance costs for the subject property total
approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per year, which is the County’s contribution towards this lease
arrangement. The County’s contribution would be included in the proposed 2027 budget and
the 2028 projected budget.
Relevant Consultation
☐ Internal: Legal, Finance and Clerks
☐ AODA Compliance (describe)
☐ Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)
☒ External: Brightshores, Grey Bruce OHT, Chief Eagleson, City of Owen Sound, and
ROMP
Appendices and Attachments
None.
CAOR-CW-20-26 3 June 25, 2026Attachment: Emergency Management Consulting Services - CCR-CW-09-26.pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10185 Committee Report To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council Committee Date: June 25, 2026 Subject / Report No: CCR-CW-09-26 Title: Emergency Management Consulting Services Prepared by: Tara Warder, Clerk Reviewed by: Randy Scherzer, CAO Lower Tier(s) Affected: Recommendation 1.
Committee recommends authorizing staff to issue an RFP now using one-time reserves, with remaining 2027 costs awaiting budget approval under Section 2.1 emergency mandates.
Grey County will retain a consultant authorized to serve as the primary CEMC delivering legislated requirements through late 2026 and throughout 2027 while long-term options are explored. The services include updating plans, training staff, testing annually, assessing risks, educating residents, and reporting compliance under Council-approved governance. Funding for these essential duties in 2026 comes from the One Time Funding Reserve balance of over $6 million.
Attachment: Emergency Management Consulting Services - CCR-CW-09-26.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10185
Committee Report
To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
Committee Date: June 25, 2026
Subject / Report No: CCR-CW-09-26
Title: Emergency Management Consulting Services
Prepared by: Tara Warder, Clerk
Reviewed by: Randy Scherzer, CAO
Lower Tier(s) Affected:
Recommendation
1. That Report CCR-CW-09-26 regarding Emergency Management Consulting
Services be received; and
2. That staff be authorized to release an RFP for emergency management consulting
services for 2027 and a portion of 2026, prior to 2027 budget approval and that the
service for 2026 be funded from the one-time funding reserve; and
3. That funds for emergency management consulting services for 2027 be included
in the 2027 budget for Council’s consideration.
Executive Summary
This report seeks Council approval to release an RFP for Emergency Management Consulting
services prior to 2027 budget approval for services during a portion of 2026 and throughout
2027.
CCR-CW-09-26 1 June 25, 2026
Background and Discussion
Grey County, as required by Section 2.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil
Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, has an emergency management program, adopted
through By-law 4772-12 which has been amended from time to time.
The legislation specifies the requirements that must be met as part of the program,
including the municipality having an emergency plan, training programs and exercises
for employees of the municipality and for other persons with respect to the provision of
necessary services and the procedures to be followed in emergency response and
recovery, public education on risks to public safety, and on public preparedness.
Grey County must also have a Community Emergency Management Coordinator
(CEMC), appointed by by-law, who is responsible for maintenance, revision and
distribution of the plan and coordinating emergency exercises and meetings of the
emergency management program committee, liaising with the Province on Emergency
Management matters both during and outside of an emergency situation, and other
responsibilities of developing and maintaining the County’s Emergency Management
Program. Each member municipality also has a CEMC and Grey County has three
alternate CEMCs to act in the place of the CEMC during absences.
When an emergency occurs, or is suspected to occur, the initial responsibility for
initiating action rests with the affected local municipality/municipalities in most cases.
Grey County does not automatically activate its Emergency Management Plan unless
warranted by the circumstances. Grey County’s Plan does authorize its employees and
certain officials to take action to respond to an emergency without necessitating an
emergency declaration, and also sets out examples of when the County may find it
appropriate to declare an emergency. In rare circumstances the County may make a
declaration before or without the local municipalities first making a declaration. In such
cases, Grey County would notify its member municipalities for awareness and possible
assistance.
The Emergency Control Group may determine that it is appropriate to declare a County
emergency affecting all or part of the County. Factors that may be considered include the
availability of resources required by the affected local municipality or municipalities; whether the
incident impacts a significant portion of the population within one municipality or across multiple
municipalities; whether the County has been requested to provide or coordinate resources; and
whether the emergency is placing substantial demands on County resources and has the
potential to affect the continuity of County operations.
CCR-CW-09-26 2 June 25, 2026
In addition to meeting legislative requirements, by building, maintaining and dedicating
resources to its Plan, Grey County strengthens its ability to assist with emergencies if
and when they happen to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the residents of
Grey County. As in most emergencies, the public looks to its government to assist
residents during an emergency, as would member municipalities if they too needed
assistance.
As a result of a review of the Clerk’s Department’s structure, this report recommends using a
consultant authorized to serve as the primary Grey County CEMC and to deliver the legislated
requirements of Grey County’s Emergency Management Program for part of the last quarter of
2026 and throughout 2027. The consultant would serve as the County’s primary CEMC while
longer-term options are explored further and to bring recommendations back to Council.
In essence, the legislation requires municipalities to have a formal emergency management
program including but not limited to a plan, keep it current, train staff, test it annually, assess
local risks, educate the public, and report compliance each year, all under Council-approved
governance, i.e. the Emergency Management Program Committee, as authorized by by-law
4969-17. The consultant would be responsible for undertaking this role.
These items are required for compliance with the legislation and need to be completed each
year.
Recent legislative changes in Bill 25, the Emergency Management Modernization Act, 2025
suggest some changes are forthcoming, but the details and what the impacts will be to
municipalities are not yet clear. As more details become available, they will be considered
when reviewing long-term options.
Legislated Requirements
Grey County, as required by Section 2.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection
Act, R.S.O. 1990, is required to have an emergency management program, which has been
adopted by By-law and required to have a CEMC.
Financial and Resource Implications
It is anticipated that a consultant could be retained for approximately $35,000 for the services
that are required to meet compliance. Funding for any expenses in 2026 would come from the
One Time Funding Reserve and for 2027 is proposed to be a levy requirement which will be
brought forward in the 2027 draft budget.
The One Time Funding reserve is projected to have a balance of $6,006,878 at the end of 2026.
Relevant Consultation
☒ Internal Human Resources, CAO, Finance
☐ AODA Compliance (describe)
☐ Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)
CCR-CW-09-26 3 June 25, 2026
☐ External
Appendices and Attachments
None.
CCR-CW-09-26 4 June 25, 2026Information Report - PDR-CW-26-26.pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10181 Committee Report To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council Committee Date: June 25, 2026 Subject / Report No: PDR-CW-26-26 Title: Information Report for Grey County Official Plan Amendment 31, 772082 Highway 10 Inc.
On June 25, 2026, Grey County received an application to redesignate approximately 31.3 hectares of currently vacant and partially farmed land near Highway 10 from rural status to a primary settlement area while retaining wetlands hazard designations.
The proposed amendment partially fills a 'doughnut hole' in Dundalk by expanding boundaries while leaving northern parcels outside, requiring connections to full municipal services for efficient future development.
An upcoming amendment redesignates Rural lands as Primary Settlement Area for the Grey County Township of Southgate near Highway 10 while retaining wetland protections.
Attachment: 42-07-090-OPA-31 - 772082 Highway 10 Inc. Information Report - PDR-CW-26-26.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10181
Committee Report
To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
Committee Date: June 25, 2026
Subject / Report No: PDR-CW-26-26
Title: Information Report for Grey County Official Plan Amendment
31, 772082 Highway 10 Inc.
Prepared by: Scott Taylor, Director of Planning
Reviewed by: Randy Scherzer, CAO
Lower Tier(s) Affected: Township of Southgate
Recommendation
1. That report PDR-CW-26-26 regarding an overview of County official plan
amendment 31 on lands described as Concession 1 SWTSR, South Part Lot 236,
Part Lot 237, RP 17R1178 Part 2, geographic Township of Proton, now in the
Township of Southgate, municipally known as 772082 Highway 10, which would
have the effect of redesignating the subject lands from ‘Rural’, ‘Provincially
Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ to ‘Primary Settlement Area’,
‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ be received for
information.
Executive Summary
Grey County has received a County official plan amendment (OPA 31) application, from 772082
Highway 10 Inc. The proposed OPA would redesignate the subject lands from ‘Rural’,
‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ to ‘Primary Settlement Area’,
‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’. OPA 31 would have the effect of
expanding the settlement area of Dundalk. A similar OPA has been submitted to Southgate to
amend the Township’s official plan.
The subject lands are approximately 31.3 hectares in size, and are currently vacant. The lands
have frontage on Highway 10. Should the two OPAs be approved, future development on-site
would be serviced via Township water and sewer services. Additional plan of subdivision and
zoning by-law amendment applications would also be required, prior to development on the
subject lands.
This report recommends that Committee of the Whole receives the report for information. A
thorough planning analysis and report back will be undertaken following the agency and public
commenting process.
PDR-CW-26-26 1 June 25, 2026
Background and Discussion
Grey County has received a County official plan amendment (OPA 31) application to expand
Dundalk. County OPA 31 would re-designate the lands from the ‘Rural’, ‘Provincially Significant
Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ designations to the ‘Primary Settlement Area’, ‘Provincially
Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ designations. A draft of OPA 31 has been included in
the Appendices and Attachments section of this report.
The Township of Southgate is processing a concurrent OPA (OPA 1-26) application for a similar
purpose. This Township OPA would re-designate the same area from the ‘Special Policy Area’,
‘Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ designations to the ‘Arterial Commercial’, ‘Neighbourhood Area’,
‘Hazard Lands’, and ‘Wetlands’ designations.
The subject lands are legally described as Concession 1 SWTSR, South Part Lot 236, Part Lot
237, RP 17R1178 Part 2, geographic Township of Proton, now in the Township of Southgate,
municipally known as 772082 Highway 19. This property is approximately 31.3 hectares in size,
with frontage on Highway 10. The lands are currently vacant and partially farmed, with some
forested areas.
Land uses surrounding the subject property include:
vacant forested lands to the north,
a proposed plan of subdivision with employment lands and residential lands to the south,
farmland to the east in the Township of Melancthon, and
a mixture of natural lands and farmland to the west.
The County’s CP Rail Trail runs in close proximity to the rear of the property, but does not
directly border the subject lands. The proposed Eco Parkway extension would traverse the
proposed plan of subdivision to the south, and connect to Highway 10. These southern lands
were the subject of a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) which expanded Dundalk.
Should the Township and County OPAs be approved in the future, a draft plan of subdivision
and a zoning by-law amendment application would be required to develop the subject lands.
This proposed development would be serviced via Township water and sewer services.
Map 1 shows the subject lands highlighted in blue and the surrounding neighbourhood. Map 2
below shows Schedule A to proposed OPA 31.
Map 1: Location of Subject Lands
PDR-CW-26-26 2 June 25, 2026
Map 2: Proposed Official Plan Amendment 31 Schedule
Pre-submission consultation between the Township and the County identified the submission
requirements for the County OPA. Copies of all background reports and plans can be found on
the County of Grey Website.
PDR-CW-26-26 3 June 25, 2026
Analysis of Planning Issues
When rendering a land use planning decision, planning authorities must have regard to matters
of provincial interest under the Planning Act, be consistent with the Provincial Planning
Statement (PPS) and conform to any provincial plans or County/Municipal official plans that
govern the subject lands. In this case, the County of Grey and the Township of Southgate
official plans have jurisdiction over the subject property. There are no provincial plans in effect
for this area of the County.
At this time, a detailed planning analysis has not been undertaken. A joint public meeting has
been scheduled for the subject applications on July 22, 2026. Following the public and agency
review process, a thorough analysis and staff recommendation will be provided. Key provincial
and County policies have been flagged below for consideration.
Provincial Policy and Legislation
The Planning Act speaks to the need to have regard for the appropriate location of growth and
development; the adequate provision of a full range of housing options; protection of ecological
systems; and the orderly development of safe and healthy communities.
Chapter 2.3 of the PPS notes that settlement areas shall be the focus of growth and
development, and land use patterns shall efficiently make use of resources, infrastructure, and
public service facilities. The PPS no longer requires a comprehensive review when expanding a
settlement area boundary.
The subject lands currently represent a ‘doughnut hole’ in the Primary Settlement Area of
Dundalk. With the manner that Dundalk was expanded via the MZO to the south, the Primary
Settlement Area boundaries roughly border the subject lands and the immediate property to the
north on three sides. It is only the land on the east side of Highway 10 that remains outside of
the settlement area boundary of Dundalk. The proposed expansion would partially fill a
settlement area ‘gap’ created by approval of the MZO on lands to the south, but would still leave
the immediate parcel to the north outside the settlement area.
The PPS stipulates that full municipal services are the preferred form of servicing for any new
development. Any development on the subject lands will require connection to full municipal
services. In this case, the addition of the subject lands into the settlement area would generally
facilitate opportunities for efficient servicing, access, and connection to neighbouring lands. Staff
would be looking to ensure the development aligns with the proposed draft plan of subdivision
on the neighbouring lands to the south, and provides for a connection opportunity on the
neighbouring Rural lands to the north.
Chapters 4.1 and 5.2 of the PPS speak to the protection of natural heritage features and natural
hazard features respectively. Technical studies have been submitted with the applications which
consider both the natural heritage and hazard features.
Chapter 4.6 the PPS includes the protection of archaeological and heritage resources. A Stage
1 Archaeological Assessment has been undertaken at this stage, and further stages are needed
at the future draft plan of subdivision and zoning amendment stages.
PDR-CW-26-26 4 June 25, 2026
County of Grey Official Plan
The subject lands are designated ‘Rural’, ‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’
on Schedule A of the County official plan. Like the PPS, the County’s Official Plan directs the
majority of growth to fully serviced settlement areas. Further, the plan promotes the
development of Primary Settlement Areas to accommodate a full range of residential,
commercial, industrial, recreational, and institutional land uses. Although the County official plan
currently requires a comprehensive review prior to the expansion of a settlement area, these
policies have since been superseded by the 2024 PPS, which no longer requires such a study.
Development in the Hazard Lands is restricted. As part of the processing of this application
further engagement with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be required.
Appendix A to the plan indicates that the subject lands are partially located within a Wellhead
Protection Area D. Further comments will be required from the Risk Management Official.
Appendix A also shows the municipal wastewater treatment plant in close proximity to the
subject lands. A land use compatibility study has been submitted with respect to both the
wastewater treatment plant and the nearby industrial lands.
Appendix B to the plan indicates Significant Woodlands and watercourses on the subject lands.
Further comments will be received from County Planning Ecology staff as part of the review
stages of these OPAs.
Appendix D to the plan indicates the conceptual location of a future potential arterial road
traversing the subject lands. This arterial road location has since been shifted to the south as
part of the neighbouring proposed plan of subdivision.
Following the public and agency processes, a more thorough analysis of the Planning Act, PPS,
County and Southgate official plans will be undertaken with a staff recommendation.
Legislated Requirements
These applications will be processed in accordance with the Planning Act.
Financial and Resource Implications
There are no anticipated financial, staffing, or other resource considerations associated with the
proposed County official plan amendment, beyond those normally encountered in processing
such applications. The County has collected the requisite application fee and peer review
deposit for this application.
Relevant Consultation
☒ Internal: Planning, Planning Ecology, Forestry and Trails
☒ AODA Compliance: To be assessed in the final staff report following the
public/agency review process.
☒ Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets: To be assessed in the final
staff report following the public/agency review process.
PDR-CW-26-26 5 June 25, 2026
☒ External: The Public, Township of Southgate, First Nations and Metis communities,
Grand River Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation, Township of
Melancthon, Dufferin County, and the required agencies and bodies under the Planning
Act
Appendices and Attachments
Draft By-law - Proposed Official Plan Amendment 31
PDR-CW-26-26 6 June 25, 2026
Corporation of the County of Grey
By-Law __-26
A By-Law to Adopt Amendment No. 31 to the County of Grey Official Plan affecting
lands described as Concession 1 SWTSR, South Part Lot 236, Part Lot 237, RP
17R1178 Part 2, geographic Township of Proton, now in the Township of Southgate.
The Council of the County of Grey, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 17 and 21 of
the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, hereby enacts as follows:
1. Amendment No. 31 to the County of Grey Official Plan is hereby adopted.
2. This By-law shall come into force and take effect on the day of the final passing thereof,
subject to the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
ENACTED AND PASSED this ___ day of_________, 2026.
___________________________ ______________________________
WARDEN: Andrea Matrosovs CLERK: Tara Warder
Certified that the above is a true copy of By-Law __-26 as enacted and passed by the Council of
the County of Grey on the ___ day of _________, 2026.
______________________________
CLERK: Tara Warder
PDR-CW-26-26 7 June 25, 2026
Amendment No. 31 to the County of Grey Official
Plan
Index Page
The Constitutional Statement 3
Part A – The Preamble
Purpose 4
Location 4
Basis 4
Part B – The Amendment
Introductory Statement 6
Details of the Amendment 6
Part C – The Appendices
Appendix A Background Reports and Technical Studies
Appendix B Initial Information Report PDR-CW-26-26
Appendix C Public Meeting Minutes
Appendix D Planning Report ______ and Committee of the Whole Resolution
PDR-CW-26-26 8 June 25, 2026
Amendment No. 31 to the County of Grey Official
Plan
The Constitutional Statement
Part A – The Preamble does not constitute a part of the Amendment.
Part B – The Amendment consisting of the following text and Schedule, constitutes
Amendment No. 31 to the County of Grey Official Plan
Part C- The Appendices attached hereto do not constitute part of this Amendment.
These Appendices contain background data, planning considerations and public involvement
associated with this Amendment.
PDR-CW-26-26 9 June 25, 2026
Part A – The Preamble
Purpose
The purpose of the County official plan amendment 31 (File # 42-07-090-OPA-31) is to
redesignate the subject lands from ‘Rural’, ‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and
‘Hazard Lands’ to ‘Primary Settlement Area’, ‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and
‘Hazard Lands’.
Location
The lands affected by the proposed official plan amendment are described as
Concession 1 SWTSR, South Part Lot 236, Part Lot 237, RP 17R1178 Part 2,
geographic Township of Proton, now in the Township of Southgate (772082 Highway
10).
Basis
The proponent, in support of the application, provided a Planning Justification Report
and various technical studies to address the requirements of the Planning Act, Provincial
Planning Statement, the County official plan, and Township official plan. These
background studies and technical reports are attached as Appendix A.
The County and the Municipality held a joint public meeting on July 22, 2026.
The minutes from the public meeting are attached as Appendix C.
Based on the supporting material, the official plan amendment was recommended for
approval/refusal to the Grey County Committee of the Whole. The reports of the
Planning Department PDR-CW-26-26 and _____ are included in Appendices B and D.
PDR-CW-26-26 10 June 25, 2026
Part B – The Amendment
All this part of the document entitled “Part B – The Amendment” consisting of the following text
and Schedules constitutes Amendment No. 31 to the County of Grey Official Plan.
Details of the Amendment
The Official Plan of the County of Grey Planning Area is amended as follows:
1. Schedule A – Land Use Types – Map 2 is hereby amended by redesignating the portion
of lands shown on Schedule ‘A’ affixed hereto from redesignate the subject lands from
‘Rural’, ‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’ to ‘Primary Settlement
Area’, ‘Provincially Significant Wetlands’, and ‘Hazard Lands’.
PDR-CW-26-26 11 June 25, 2026
Implementation and Interpretation
The changes to the Official Plan described in this Amendment shall be implemented in
accordance with the implementation policy of the Official Plan of the County of Grey as
contained in Section 9.3 thereof.
Part C – The Appendices
The following Appendices do not constitute part of Amendment No. 31 but are included as
information supporting the Amendment.
Appendix A Background Reports and Technical Studies
Appendix B Initial Information Report PDR-CW-26-26
Appendix C Public Meeting Minutes
Appendix D Planning Report ______ and Committee of the Whole Resolution
PDR-CW-26-26 12 June 25, 2026The County of Grey and OPSEU Local 266 Social Services finalized a tentative Memorandum of Settlement covering the period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. The agreement includes annual wage increases of 3% for each year (2025–2027), retroactive adjustments inclusive of pay equity, and enhanced benefits such as increased mental health coverage up to $5,000 annually with no cap per visit, expanded vision care at $500 every 24 months, improved dental major restorative coverage to 75%, and lifetime orthodontics support capped at $3,000. New provisions also address pregnancy leave top-ups aligned with Employment Standards Act requirements, paid bereavement supports for non-family funerals, remote work arrangements, and the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence as a standing agenda item in Labour Relations processes.
Council seeks ratification of a tentative settlement granting annual pay increases, expanded benefits like mental health care, enhanced leave provisions, updated flexible work arrangements, and improved labour relations processes effective from January one through December thirty-one two thousand twenty-seven.
Parties ratify a collective agreement covering wages effective January 1, 2025, mental health benefits reaching $5,000 annually, and pregnancy leave up to seventeen weeks.
The agreement provides supplemental weekly payments equivalent to seventy-five percent of regular earnings minus existing benefits, lasting up to twelve weeks while employees receive Employment Insurance parental leave.
Parties agree that all temporary vacancies exceeding six weeks allowing advanced planning will be posted for qualified bargaining unit members expressing interest before seniority awarding.
Employees working full operations may use fewer vacation days for specific holidays, while executors gain an additional bereavement day within twelve months.
Attachment: Results of Collective Bargaining with County of Grey and OPSEU Local 266 Social Services HRR -CW-06-26.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10183
Committee Report
To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
Committee Date: June 25, 2026
Subject / Report No: HRR-CW-06-26
Title: Results of Collective Bargaining with County of Grey and
OPSEU Local 266 Social Services
Prepared by: Jennifer Moreau, Director Human Resources
Reviewed by: Randy Scherzer, Chief Administrative Officer
Lower Tier(s) Affected:
Recommendation
1. That Report HRR-CW-06-26 regarding the results of Collective Bargaining between
County of Grey and OPSEU Local 266 Social Services be received; and
2. That County Council ratify and approve the recommendations of the bargaining
team between County of Grey and OPSEU Local 266 to bind the new Collective
Agreements; and
3. That the Warden and Clerk be authorized to sign and bind the new Collective
Agreements as ratified; and
4. That County Council authorizes staff to make the necessary amendments to rates
of pay, benefits and other issues identified as agreed changes.
Executive Summary
The Corporation of the County of Grey has reached a tentative Memorandum of Settlement
(MOS) with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 266, representing
Social Services employees. This memorandum reflects a full and final settlement of all
outstanding bargaining matters between the parties.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval of the Memorandum of Settlement. The
financial and non-monetary terms of the agreement are within the approved bargaining mandate
and upset limit previously authorized by Council.
Upon approval by Council and successful ratification by both parties, the MOS will form the
basis of the renewed collective agreement for the 2025–2027 term.
Background and Discussion
HRR-CW-06-26 1 June 25, 2026
The collective agreement between the Corporation of the County of Grey and the Ontario Public
Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 266, representing Social Services employees,
expired on December 31, 2024.
On October 9, 2025, Council approved an upset limit and bargaining mandate authorizing staff
to negotiate a successor agreement within defined financial parameters. The upset limit
established a total funding envelope for a three-year term, inclusive of wage increases and
targeted benefit enhancements, while maintaining alignment with market comparators and pay
equity considerations.
The Social Services bargaining unit consists of 34 unionized employees delivering Ontario
Works and Early Learning and Childcare programs, which provide critical financial, social, and
community supports to residents across Grey County.
Collective bargaining with OPSEU Local 266 took place over six bargaining dates, including
meetings in October and November 2025 and subsequent sessions in 2026. These negotiations
were conducted in accordance with the approved mandate, with a continued focus on achieving
a fair and sustainable agreement that supports service delivery, workforce stability, and fiscal
responsibility.
Through the bargaining process, the parties reached a tentative Memorandum of Settlement
(MOS), which represents a full and final resolution of all outstanding collective bargaining
matters. The settlement establishes a three-year agreement term from January 1, 2025 to
December 31, 2027 and incorporates both previously agreed-upon items and newly negotiated
amendments.
Key elements of the negotiated settlement include:
Wage Adjustments: Across-the-board increases of 3% in each year (2025, 2026, and
2027), consistent with maintaining competitive positioning within the labour market and
aligning with the overall compensation strategy. Retroactive pay adjustments will be
inclusive of pay equity adjustments previously allocated.
Benefits Enhancements: Improvements to employee benefits, including increased
coverage for mental health services, vision care, dental, and orthodontics, supporting
employee wellbeing and reflecting evolving workplace expectations.
HRR-CW-06-26 2 June 25, 2026
Leaves and Work-Life Supports: Introduction and enhancement of leave
provisions, including pregnancy and parental leave top-up provisions aligned with
Employment Standards Act requirements, and expanded bereavement-related
supports.
Workplace Flexibility and Operational Updates: Updates to provisions related
to hours of work, overtime, remote work arrangements, scheduling, and
workplace practices to better support service delivery and operational efficiency.
Job Evaluation and Labour Relations Processes: Enhancements to
processes supporting job evaluation maintenance, workload discussions, and
labour-management collaboration, including continued use of Joint Committees
and LERC processes.
The negotiated outcome reflects the parameters established in the Council-approved
upset limit, including the approach to wage increases and benefit investments.
Overall, the Memorandum of Settlement achieves a balanced agreement that supports
employees through competitive compensation and enhanced benefits, while maintaining
the County’s fiscal responsibility and service delivery objectives.
Legislated Requirements
Labour Relations Act, 1995
Financial and Resource Implications
Staff have already received and been paid increases of 2.5% for 2025 and 2.87% for 2026
based on the cost-of-living wages increases provided to their non-union pay equity comparators
in those years. Therefore, the costs of this award represent a 0.5% increase in 2025, 0.648% in
2026 and 3.891% in 2027 when compounding is considered. The 2025 costs were anticipated
and accrued to our 2025 financial year and therefore do not create a deficit. The 2026 costs will
be funded through available grants and salary savings due to temporary staffing vacancies in
the department and will not generate a deficit. The 2027 cost will be included in the 2027 budget
and will be funded through a combination of provincial grants and levy.
Year One costs, 2025: $15,700
Year Two costs, 2026: $22,300
Year Three costs, 2027: $134,300
Relevant Consultation
☒ Internal (list)
Anne Marie Shaw, Director Community Services
HRR-CW-06-26 3 June 25, 2026
Geraldine Cole, Labour Relations Manager
Garrett Reed, Manager of Accounting
Niall Lobley, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
☐ External (list)
Appendices and Attachments
Memorandum of Settlement between Grey County and OPSEU Local 266 Social
Services Dated June 8, 2026
HRR-CW-06-26 4 June 25, 2026
---
Attachment: MOS - Social Services (Signed June 8, 2026).pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10184
Memorand um of Settlement
Between Corporation of the Gounty of Grey
and
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
on behalf of its Local 266
1. The parties hereto agree to the terms of this memorandum as constituting full
settlement of all matters in dispute.
2. The undersigned representatives of the parties agree to recommend complete
acceptance of alt the terms of this memorandum to their respective principals.
3. The parties agree that the term of the collective agreement shall be from
Januarv 1 2025 to December 31 2027
4 The parties further agree that the collective agreement shall incorporate all the
termsofthepreviouscollectiveagreementwhichexpiredon@,
together with the following amendments:
(a) All matters settled and agreed to by the parties prior to the date of this
memorandum of settlement and attached hereto as Appendix A.
(b) All matters settled and agreed to by the parties today, including
Appendix B gr, {b
?^J-{vl
5. The parties further agree that the amendments to the co llective agreement shall
be effective on the date of ratificatio n bv the.tJ*ie+ except as provided otherwise 4,M/1'v..,-
in these terms of settlement. Wage increasd5tfi*df be retroactive to January 1
2025. Unless othenrvise agreed to in this Memorandum, allwage rates shall be
rounded to two decimals.
O. Retroactive pay adjustments shall be paid no later than 90 days from the date of
ratification by the date both parties ratify. Benefit and vacation adjustments
shall be applied on the date both parties ratify.
T. The parties agree to review electronically the draft revised collective agreement
by August 1st2026 for the purpose of proofreading the terms of this
Memolandum. The Union will produce the initial draft. The parties will circulate
electronically for signature of all parties on August 31th 2026 to sign the final
agreement.
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 1
Vd,t
2
Signed at Owen Sound this 9th day of June, 2026.
For e Union For the Emp r
L
rn ls Anne Shaw
John Gils J enn ifer Moreau
E
Katie Starzecki Mglissa-lflcCulloch
Kristine Sn Tara Cockerill
B,nA*t,Uo'a*,-
Bradi Watson Geraldine Cole
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 2&/
3
Appendix B- Grey county and oPSEU 266 -Agreed to June 9,2026
Article 11 - Hours of Work and Overtime
Article 14 - Leaves of Absence
14.01- when an employee is required to act as a pall bearer in a funeral outside
of the family relations listed in 14.10, the employee will be given one (1) day of
paid leave without loss of service.
TERM
January 1,2025 to December 31 ,2027
WAGES
January 1,2025 3o/o
January 1,2026 3o/o
January 1t 2027 3o/o
The parties agree that any retroactive wage adjustments shall be inclusive
of, and reduced by, any wage increases previously implemented.
Mental Health Benefits
. All Registered mental health practitioners and increase to $5,000 per
year with no cap per visit.
Vision
. tncrease to $500.00 every 24 months and exam as separate, normal
and customary.
Dental lncrease - Major Restorative
. lncrease lo 75% coverage
Orthodontics
. $3,000 per lifetime with a 50o/o co-paid
Artificial lntel ligence (Al)
The parties agree that Al will be a standing agenda item at all LERC meetings
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 3
w
4
New Article 18 - Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-up
18.01 Pregnancv and Parental Leave
a) Pregnancy and parental leaves will be granted in accordance with the Employment
Standards Act of Ontario.
b) Pregnancy leave shall be granted for up to seventeen (17)weeks in duration and may
begin no earlier than seventeen (17) weeks before the expected birth date.
c) Parental leave shall be granted for up to sixty-three (63) weeks in duration and shall
in all cases be completed within seventy-eight (78) weeks of the date the child is born
or comes into the custody, care and control of a parent for the first time,
d) Pregnancy and parental leave will apply to both full and part-time employees.
18.02 Presna Leave
a) An employee who is pregnant shall be entitled, upon application, to pregnancy leave
and parental leave immediately thereafter. The employee shall give the Employer
two (2) weeks' notice in writing of the day upon which they intend to commence
their leave of absence, unless impossible, and furnish the Employer with a certificate
of a legally qualified medical practitioner stating that they are pregnant and giving
the estimated day upon which delivery will occur.
b) The employee must have started employment with their Employer at least thirteen
(13) weeks prior to the expected date of birth.
c) The employee shallgive at least two (2)weeks'notice of their intention to return to
work' The employee may, with the consent of the Employe4 shorten the duration of
the leave of absence requested under this Article upon giving the Employer one (L)
weeks' notice of their intention to do so and furnishing the Employer with a
certificate of a legally qualified medical practitioner stating that they are able to
resume their work. Additional leave of absence may be taken under Article 19.09
Parental Leave.
d) An employee on pregnancy leave who is in receipt of Employment lnsurance
pregnancy leave benefits shall be paid a supplemental Employment lnsurance
benefit. That benefit will be the equivalent to the difference between seventy-five
(75o/o) of their regular weekly earnings and the sum of their weekly Employment
lnsurance benefits and any other earnings. Such payment shall commence with the
start of the two (2) week Employment lnsurance waiting period and shall continue
while the employee is in receipt of such benefits for a maximum period of seventeen
(17) weeks. The employee's regular weekly earnings shall be determined by
multiplying their regular hourly rate on their last day worked prior to the
commencement of the leave times their normal weekly hours.
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 4
gP
5
e) An employee who does not apply for leave of absence under Article 19.08 and who
is otherwise entitled to pregnancy leave there under, shall be entitled to and shall
be granted leave of absence in accordance with Article 19.08 upon providing the
Employer, before the expiry of two (2) weeks after they ceased to work, with a
certificate of a legally qualified medical practitioner stating that they were not able
to perform the duties of their employment because of a medical condition arising
from their pregnancy and giving the estimated day upon which, in his opinion,
delivery will occur or the actual date of their delivery.
f) During the period of leave the Employer shall continue to pay the Employer's portion
of hospital, medical, dental, weekly indemnity, group life, pension and other benefits
of this agreement.
g) An employee who intends to resume their employment on the expiration of the leave
of absence shall so advise the Employer when they request the leave of absence.
Upon their return to work following such leave an employee will be reinstated in their
former job former shift in designated classification and at the rate of pay the employee
would be earning if they had worked through the leave. All employees who fill
vacancies as a result of the above absences shall likewise be returned to their former
permanent positions.
h) When the Employer has suspended or discontinued operations during the leave of
absence and has not resumed operations upon the expiry thereof, the Employer shall,
upon resumption of operations, reinstate the employee to their employment or to
alternate work in accordance with the established seniority system or practice of the
Employer in existence at the time the leave of absence began, with no loss of seniority
or benefits accrued and shall reinstate the employee in accordance with the
provisions of Article 19.08 (e).
i) Credits for service for the purpose of salary increments, vacations or any other benefit
under the collective agreement shall continue and seniority shall accumulate during
the leave.
j) The leave of absence provided for under this Article shall be extended, upon
application in writing at least two (2) weeks prior to the expiry of the leave, for a
period up to seventy-eight (78) weeks following the date the leave commenced'
k) Method of Financine
The plan will be financed by the Employer, and a separate accounting record of
benefits paid from the plan will be kept by the Employer.
l) Method of Verification
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 5
'6rJ
6
The employee will verify that they are in receipt of Employment lnsurance pregnancy
or parental benefits by submitting their Employment lnsurance cheque stub as proof.
m) Modifications
The Employer will inform, in writing, the Canada Employment and tmmigration
Commission of any changes to the plan within thirty (30) days after the effective date
of change.
n) Vested Interest
The employee does not have any vested right except to receive payments for the
covered unemployment period.
o) Other Income
The plan provides that payments in respect of guaranteed annual remuneration or
in respect of deferred remuneration or severance pay benefits are not reduced or
increased by payments received under this plan.
18.03 Parental Leave
a) An employee who becomes a parent, and who has been employed for at least
thirteen (13) weeks immediately preceding the date of the birth of a child or the
date the child first came into the care or custody of the employee, shall be
entitled to parental leave.
b) A "parent" includes: the natural mother or father of the child; a person with
whom a child is placed for adoption; and a person who is in a relationship with
the parent of the child and who intends to treat the child as their own.
c) Parental leave must begin within thirty-five (35) weeks of the birth of the child
or within thirty-five (35) weeks of the day the child first came into the custody,
care and control of the parent. For employees on pregnancy leave, parental
leave will begin immediately after pregnancy leave expires.
d) For the purposes of parental leave under Article 19.09 Parental Leave, the
provisions under Article 19.08 (e), (f), (e), (h), (i) and (j) shall also apply.
e) An employee on Parental Leave who is in receipt of E.l. Parental Leave benefits
shall be paid a supplemental Employment lnsurance benefit. That benefit will
be equivalent to the difference between seventy-five (75%) of regular weekly
earnings and the sum of their weekly Employment lnsurance benefits and any
other earnings. Such payment shall commence with the start of the two (2)
week Employment lnsurance waiting period and shall continue while the
employee is in receipt of such benefits for a maximum period of twelve (12)
weeks. The employee's regular weekly earnings shall be determined by
multiplying their regular hourly rate on their last day worked prior to the
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS o
g.
7
commencement of the leave times their normal weekly hours
f) Method of Financins
The plan will be financed by the Employer, and a separate accounting record of
benefits paid from the plan will be kept by the Employer.
s) Method of Verification
The employee will verify that they are in receipt of Employment lnsurance
pregnancy or parental benefits by submitting their Employment lnsurance
cheque stub as proof.
h) Modifications
The Employer will inform in writing the Canada Employment and lmmigration
Commission of any changes to the plan within thirty (30) days after the effective
date of change.
i) Vested lnterest
The employee does not have any vested right except to receive payments for
the covered unemPloYment Period.
j) Other lncome
The plan provides that payments in respect of guaranteed annual remuneration
or in respect of deferred remuneration or severance pay benefits are not
reduced or increased by payments received under this plan.
k) ParentalSub-Top Up
Where an employee elects to receive Parental Leave benefits pursuant to
Section 12(3xb[ii) of the Employment lnsurance Act, the amount of any
Supplemental Unemployment Benefit payable by the Employer will be equalto
what would have been payable had the employee elected to receive Parental
Leave benefits pursuant to Section 12(3XbXi) of the Employment lnsuronce Act.
18.04 Requests for extension of the leave in 19.09 shall be made four (4)weeks in advance,
except in the case of an emergency.
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 7
qP
8
d.-W /al;ffFs
Agreed to ltems
The County of Grey (Social Services) and OPSEU Local 266
(ftom Day 'l Negotiations - October 24,2025,
Article 1 1 Hours of Work and Overtime
11.01(a) Egg!y1Q!: Seven (7) hours per day: 8:30 am. lo 4:30 p.m. plue Saturdays 8:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as required antfone+€ddayeveni@
per-meat*
Rosource Hub Educator Seven (7) hours per day, Monday & Fdday 8:30-4:30,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:00-7:00.
1 1.03 Accumulatsd lieu time that ls not taken as lieu time by the end of the year in
which it is earned, can be rolled over to be ueed in the first six (6) months of
the following year, wilh Managemenl approval.
Article 12 Paid Holidays
12.01 The days lisled below and any other day(s) proclaimed by the Federal or Provincial
Govemment or the County of Grey as a public holiday shall be paid holidays for
employees at their regular rate of pay. Such pay is contingent on the employee
having worked their scheduled day before and afler the holiday in question or having
been absent on approved leave of lees than one (1) week.
The employer may require verificalion of absence due to illness or injury taken the
regular working day prior to or following lhe holiday.
New Yea/s Day Labour Day
Family Day September 30s - Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Good Friday Thanksgiving Day
Easter Monday Remembrance Day
Mctoria Day Christmas Day
Canada Day Boxing Day
Civic Holiday
Article 14 Leaves of Absence
14.10 Bereavomenl Leave
ln the event of the death of a spouse (including common-law), child, child in law,
parent or parent'in-law, grandchild, grandchild in law, eibllng, five (5) working days
leave of absence with pay shall be granted.
Agreod to ltems - OPSEU Socisl Servioes
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 8
g*
9
Article 15 Compensation
15.06 Pay Equity
illleetings for JCn{ Job Evaluation Maintenance Committee {JEMC} will be
schsduled minlmum every 6 monthe with the abllity to gchedule more
meetings if lho neod arlses. ilaeting dates wlll be schedulod in January of
each year and not reschBduled without agreement of the ontire commlttee.
Any echedullng provisiong ln tre Terms of Reference wlll be the datermining
factor,
Letters of Understanding
r Flex Time - DELETE
r Caseworker Trainee - ADD LOU to Agreement - Note that CW Trainee is
removed from Schedule A salary schedulo.
r Grid Placement - RENEW wilh revision to E as below.
E. For roclaeslflcation of lobs due to iob evaluation, the followlng items wlll
become the new procedure effective June 19, 2014:
2. \A/hen a position in Grade 1 or 2 is reclassified to Grade 3 or 4, the employee will
be placed on lhe grid in accordance with item D.2, ol this letter of understanding ,
plus recognition for lime worked already performing the new dulies that resulted in
lhe higher classification. For example, if an employee in Grade 2 is reclassified to
Grade 3, they would normally be placed at JR-3. lf it has been found that they
have been responsible for and performing all of the new duties for 44menths l2
months lhey would be placed at JR-2.
Agreed and Dated in Owen Sound this 24th day of October, 2025.
For the Union For lhe Employer
i(eril iltelJ.r
KerriWells Anne Marie Shaw
W
John Gils
JanAfuY-trte&sU
Jennifer Moreau
.4ia< Sa1tuf- 1rh4.* iral',$tct.
Katie Starzecki Melissa McCulloch
Krisf ino Sniclar G.
Kristine Snider Tara Cockerill
LI't{b^
!.6#*. {t(.
BradiWatson Geraldine Cole
Agreed to ltems - OPSEU Social Services 2 2019-2020 Negotalions
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS I (ri
l0
d.Snr, ,/e,g;Fu
Agreed to ltems
The County of Grey (Social Services) and OPSEU Local 266
(from Day 2 Negotiations - october 28, 2025)
Article 10 Job Competitions
10.01 PROPOSED Amendmont
(a) Postinq of PermanentVacanclee and Temporarv Vacancleg: Vacancies for any and
all permanent and temporary bargaining unit positions lhat have nol been lilled intemally
shall be posted e*t&$a!€rAr.ea electronically for a period of not less than five (5)
working days, and communicated by email.
(b) Temoorarv Vacancleg are defined as new posilions with a definite term of eighteen ( 8) 1
months or less or permanent positions temporarily vacated by an incumbent for a period
of eighteen (18) months or less, These eighteen (18) month periods can be extended
by mutual agreement of lhe Parties, such mutual agreement will not be unreasonably
withheld by either Party.
(c) Poctino of Temnorarv Vacancies: The parties parties are agreed that all temporary
vacancies in excegg of six (6) weeks, for which advanced planning can take place, will
be posted for an expression of intEresl and awarded by seniority ftom qualilied
bargaining unit members who have expressed an interesl.
(d) Trial Perlod: Wrthin 30 days of starling a new position within the Corporalion of the
County of Grey, an employee can voluntarily return to the position formerly occupied,
without loss of seniority.
\Mthin 30 days of starting in a new position within the Corporation of the County of Grey,
if in the employer's opinion, the employee is unable to perform the core duties of the
position, the employee shall be retumed to the posilion formerly occupied, without loss
of seniorily. The vacancy resulting from the posting may be filled on a temporary basis
until lhis thirty (30) day trial period is completed.
Article 1 1 Hours of Work and Overtime
1f .06 (gf Accumulating Flex Tlme
Staff can earn half (1/2) hour a day up to fourteen (14) hours a month to oblain seven
(7) hours flex time per month. C\AM/ cannol be earned in increments in less than thirly
(30) minutes. Seven (7) hours can be banked and lhe CVWV day can be booked no
more than one (1) month in advance. Once day is booked in the eleclronic scheduling
system, time can be accumulaled for lhe current or following month (e.9. ln April you
can book a day in April or May, not June).
Only CI/UW days earned for October, November and Decsmbor can be used to
cover time-ofr durlng the Holiday Gloguro period.
Agreed to lterns - OPSEU Social S€rvbes
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 10
gl
lt
Article 12 Paid Holidays
12.08 Amendment
Employees who request a vacation day for ihe half day off on Christmas Eve and/or New
Year's Eve will only have to use tA day vacation allotment. Thb clause lc appllcable only
when the departnenta aro fully operational, as pursuant to Arlicle '13.04.
Article 14 Leaves of Absence
14.10 Bercavement Leave
ADD:
Employees who ars Executors to an Estate, will be glven up to en addltional (1) day
ofr to complete tfielr dutler ag an Executor, upon proof of executorshlp atatur for
thia day. Thls day will be used wlth ln iwelve (121monthe of the deeth.
An employee shrll be permitted to utllize up to thrce (3) days of tfte prcscrlbed
enttloment above wlthln eir (6) montlrs following the bereavement for the purposee
of attendlng a celebratlon of llfe or memorlal servlce at a later date.
ln excepdonal circumtanceg and in conrultallon wlth their manager, omployeea can
hold one {1) of these 3 days fior ths purpm€s of attending a celabradon of llfe or
momorlal sorvlce for up b 12 monthg.
Workload Complaint Form
Through Labour Employer Relatlonr Committoo (LERC), develop a procost to
analyse the Workload Complalnt form and potentlal roeolulionr for lgcues.
Agreed and Dated in Owen Sound this 28b day of October, 2025.
For the Unlon For the Enployer
,W:tfi.w4!'l ,.
KerriWells Anne Marie Shaw
tohna{I* lennifer lvlormtt
fiT::-!f-;i:- ;r',,!,,.'.!",1
John Glls Jennifer Moreau
,<.b. fuAE'6 ?rtls.)rh&/e.l
Katie Slarzecki Melissa McCulloch
AaaA;u"-S*;/za, lil.r{.:(*'
6 J ltil/ 1..!.'l lt tl-tlail r
KriEtine Snider Tara Cockerill
rr:uL f...r&.eA
BradiWatson Geraldine Oole
Agteed to llems - OPSEU S0ci6l Servicae 2 2019-2020 Negotalions
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 11
0p
12
d"9"xu, fu:$,rs
Agreed to ltems
The County of Grey (Social Services) and OPSEU Local 266
Articre 11
(b)
t#::ffi;ffi#-et24'2025'
f 1.01 Remote llllork PROPOSED Amendment
Remote work refers to an alternatlve work anangemenl under which Social Services
employees may choose to perform their duties and responsibllities from a remob location
by electronic or olher means, rather tfian the corporation's offices for up to two (2) days per
week, Three days in office must be maintained. The parties recognize telecommuting as a
viable work option $at permits an employee to perform all or a significant portion of their job
responslbilities al a locauon otherthan the tradilionaloffices of the Employer. Consideration
to increase days working at home for specific reasons will be conskJered on a case by case
basis taking into account the ability to provide proper customer service to our client group.
Approval of remote work arrangements musl be contingent upon ensuring effective delivery
of services.
Employees must perform remote work from a prlvate, secure, and professlonal
environmsnt, ideally a dedlcated home office or workspace.
a) Employees who work remotely musl still work the same total number of work hours
required by their position within core buslnees hourSthe hours that meet the needs of
their clients or customers.
i) Approved accommodations may allow for some fiexibility in hours.
Oue to service delivery needs and the nature of work, working remotely cannot be
implemented for all positions. Some areas will have greater flexibllity lo facilitate
working remotely and as such, there will be variation across the Social Services
deparfnent.
Employee participation in lhe Remote Work program shall be strictly volunlary and
mutually agreed upon with their direct supervisor.
It is agreed that no change may be made to lhe job titles of employees because of
their participation in lhe Remote Work program. Participation in the Remote tl/ork
program does not equate to a change in the duties or requiremenls of the
classifications.
Formal agreemenls willdetail the work from home parameters (ie. Consistent days
in ofiice and home).
Agreed to ltem6 - OFSEU Social Services
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 12
w
13
lf Employer cannot meet minimum staffing levels, the ernployea may be required to
change from remole to inoffice.
During the employees'participation in the Remote Work program, all provisions of the
Collective Agreement shall continue to apply.
11.03 Overtlm* Subject to the provisions of the Emolovment Standards Act work in
excess of lhe daily and weekly hours sel out in clause 11.01 above shall be
compensated as follows:
1) accumulated as compensation leave in lieu of overtime up to a cap of e(;hly{80)
fifty-alx {56} hours at any one time.
2) at the discrelion of the employee hours worked beyond the cap of €ighty{8e} fffty-
slx (58) hours shall be either paid at straight-time rates or taken as compensaling
leave in lieu of money on an hour-for-hour basis.
3) Atlendance al training functions outside normal working hours at the request of the
employee are not compensable for overtime purposes unless the employee is
directed by the employer to attend.
Overlime must be pre-approved by the manager and not at the sole discretion of the
employee, and will nol be unreasonably denied.
Accumulaled lieu time that is not taken as lieu time by the end of lhe year ln which it
is earned, can be rolled over to be used ln the first six (6) months of the following
year, with Management approval.
Article 13 Vacations
13.01 Allemployees shall be enlillad to vacation lsave in accordance with the following
schedule:
a) F$te{3}+teol€€dva€cod-at-dale"ofsiret
b
i
S eeven (7) wgskaa$er llvenU lir6{!5}rear€"
::-{gfeetiv+*n*i rereary€ate-2mgf
*He,qpplie€-lesmB
agreeo io itemi - opsruSoEat ServiceJ
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 13
w
14
Continuous Service Annual Accrual Rate
On date of hlre Advance of Year I
5(
2 vears comDloted 3 ws€ks'vacatlon + 2 davs (17 dave)
vears mmobled iweeks'vacatlon + 3 r evs 1t i davs)
4 yeare compleled 3 w€eks'vaca0on + 4 days (19 days)
After 5 yeare of servlce 4 weeks' vacafion (20 daye)
comoleted
iveetg mmoleled + tv davsl
+
veans comoleted , weekd vscaton + 3 d 23 dave)
9 vears comDleted 4 waeks' vacation + 4 devs davs)
After 10 years of servlce 5 weeks'vacation (25 days)
comoleted
veats comDleted iweeks'vacation + I c I davsl
5 wesks'vacallon + 2 davg {l
5weeks vecatlon +3davs (28davs)
, vears comDleted + 29 davs)
After 15 yeans of aerulce 6 weeks'vacatlon (30 days)
completed
17 vaars mmoleted 6weeke'vacallon+1r av
19 vearc comoleted 6weeks'vacetion+2t avs { I davs)
+ 3 davs)
'ears mmoleted 6 weeks' vacatlon + 4 dav6
years
7 weske'vacaUon (35 days)
lf an employee resigns, retires, or othenrrrise ceases employment, the Employer is entitled
to reimbursement ol vacation pay paid to the employee, bul not earned by the employee, to
lhe date of cessation of employment.
13.04 (c)
Time off at Christmas/New Years and March Break is limited, bassd on operational
demand, so that employees shall not take pre-approved lime off in conseculive years
unless others in the work unit do not request that time,
Article 14 Leaves of Absence
14.10 Bereavement Leave
ln the event of death of a brslher;-eieier, grandparent, grandparent-in-law (€tteeLF-€b.-1q
AgAg), brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunts or uncles, aunt-inlaw or uncle-in-law, niece or
nephew, 3 working days leave of absence with full pay shall be granted.
Agreed lo ltems - OPSEU Social Servlcos e
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 14
grt
a l5
Agrced and Debd ln Owen Sound thls 24th day of Novembsr, 202t.
Fortlre Unlon For $c Employer
HaniWell^t
fdd Fl!, (luv r+- ilb t0 tl & f slt
a-r-L
Affi u*P Sll}i tIw )t ldrl I I 7' .l tsn
Kenlttrlellg Anne Mads Shaw
to$n ai[* .t-lll-
lniG& llb&-tlf,t0!tl(lll ii{rf,t niu t}*r a. 2{)t rfot trt3u-
John Gllg JennlhrMoreau
t@h7u,6 Trhtt *?th&l
Katie $tarecki Mellsss M€ulloclr
lStfrc
Sr' /
Kr: +"AfrE' r.q.f 6
iecr.hflie{w $, n:4 tl.:! r(t5n
-
Krbfne
a.rad ffhr
Snlclg
I l.dtl
Tana Cod<edll
Drtirrt' f...A/rr.e
&.d, Y,alem 0toe 23,2Of3 lD SlOt a,Sl)
BnadlttJabon Goraldine Cole
Aertdblbru-OFszuSodd8.rYft.o 4
Memorandum of Settlement OPSEU-SS 15 qNThe Municipality of Grey Highlands requests an extension to the January 1, 2027 deadline for issuing Notices of Intention to Designate heritage properties. Council argues that lacking dedicated staff and facing municipal election workloads risks placing cultural resources at risk before proper evaluation can occur.
Page 6 of 83 May 20, 2026 Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism 56 Wellesley St. W 14th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2E7 Sent via email: graham.mcgregor@ontario.ca Dear: Hon. Graham McGregor Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands. That Council receive the Heritage Grey Highlands Committee receive requesting the Province of Ontario to extend the deadline for Notices of Intention to Designate Listed Heritage Properties; and Whereas amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act under the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 introduced timelines requiring municipalities to issue Notices of Intention to Designate for properties listed on municipal heritage registers as of December 31, 2022, originally requiring action by January 1, 2025; and Whereas the Province subsequently amended the legislation through the Homeowner Protection Act, 2024 to extend the deadline to January 1, 2027 in response to concerns raised by municipalities and heritage stakeholders; and Whereas municipalities require sufficient time and resources to undertake research, documentation, consultation, and evaluation to determine whether listed properties warrant designation under the Ontario Heritage Act; and Whereas the removal of listed properties from municipal heritage registers if the prescribed timelines are not met may place cultural heritage resources at increased risk of demolition or irreversible alteration before municipalities have the opportunity to properly evaluate their cultural heritage value or interest; and Whereas many municipalities, including the Municipality of Grey Highlands, do not have dedicated heritage planning staff and must rely on volunteer Heritage Advisory Committee members or external heritage consultants to undertake The Municipality of Grey Highlands 206 Toronto Street South, Unit One - P.O. Box 409 Markdale, Ontario N0C 1H0 519-986-2811 Toll-Free 1-888-342-4059 Fax 519-986-3643 www.greyhighlands.ca info@greyhighlands.ca Page 6 of 83 Page 7 of 83 property evaluations, which can result in additional financial and administrative pressures; and Whereas municipalities across Ontario are facing significant workloads associated with evaluating listed properties; and Whereas Ontario municipalities are now in a municipal election year which may further impact progress related to reviewing and processing property designations; now Therefore be it resolved that: That Council respectfully request that the Province of Ontario further amend the Ontario Heritage Act to extend the January 1, 2027 deadline for issuing Notices of Intention to Designate for properties listed on municipal heritage registers as of December 31, 2022; and The Province consider extending the deadline to January 1, 2030, or another reasonable timeframe that would provide municipalities with adequate time to complete heritage evaluations and make informed designation decisions; and Graham McGregor, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, BruceGrey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Heritage Committee Association, and all Ontario municipalities for their information and consideration. If you require anything further, please contact this office. Sincerely, Amanda Fines-VanAlstine Manager of Corporate Services/Municipal Clerk Municipality of Grey Highlands cc. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers, The Association of Municipalities of Ontario, The Ontario Municipal Heritage Committee Association, and All Ontario municipalities The Municipality of Grey Highlands 206 Toronto Street South, Unit One - P.O. Box 409 Markdale, Ontario N0C 1H0 519-986-2811 Toll-Free 1-888-342-4059 Fax 519-986-3643 www.greyhighlands.ca info@greyhighlands.ca Page 7 of 83
Attachment: Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator Services - Notice of Termination .pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10186 Committee Report To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council Committee Date: June 25, 2026 Subject / Report No: CCR-CW-10-26 Title: Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator Services – Notice of Termination Prepared by: Tara Warder, Clerk Reviewed by: Randy Scherzer, CAO Lower Tier(s) Affected: Recommendation 1.
Staff from member municipalities across Grey County will jointly recruit a new Integrity Commissioner after Principles Integrity ceases local services by January 2027 to maintain consistent codes of conduct.
Staff recommend bringing forward a by-law to actively appoint the Ombudsman as interim closed meeting investigator following the end of the current contract, noting no direct financial costs for this service while new commissioner arrangements develop.
Attachment: Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator Services - Notice of Termination .pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10186
Committee Report
To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
Committee Date: June 25, 2026
Subject / Report No: CCR-CW-10-26
Title: Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator
Services – Notice of Termination
Prepared by: Tara Warder, Clerk
Reviewed by: Randy Scherzer, CAO
Lower Tier(s) Affected:
Recommendation
1. That Report CCR-CW-10-26 regarding Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting
Investigator Services be received; and
2. That staff proceed with the recruitment of an Integrity Commissioner for Grey
County and bring forward an appointment by-law for Council’s consideration; and
3. That a by-law also be brought forward to consider appointing the Ontario
Ombudsman as Grey County’s closed meeting investigator.
Executive Summary
This report is intended to inform Council of an upcoming change to Grey County’s integrity
commissioner. Grey County has received notice that Principles Integrity will cease providing
integrity commissioner and closed meeting investigator services as of end of January 2027.
Background and Discussion
In April 2026, Grey County received notice from Principles Integrity, the County’s Integrity
Commissioner (IC) and more recently, closed meeting investigator, that the firm is going to
cease providing services as of January 31, 2027.
Principles Integrity was originally retained in 2017/2018 through a recruitment process as a
result of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2017. This Act required
municipalities to have an integrity commissioner in place by March 1, 2019. Most member
municipalities also appointed the firm to act as their IC. Principles Integrity was appointed for a
five term and then subsequently re-appointed in 2023.
CCR-CW-10-26 1 June 25, 2026
With the announcement of the end of the LAS Closed meeting investigator program at the end
of 2026, Grey County appointed Principles Integrity earlier this year as its closed meeting
investigator as well.
After notice of termination was received, Clerk’s and CAO staff of the member municipalities
across Grey met and have expressed a wish to continue with the practice of having most or all
of the municipalities across Grey County having the same IC. There has been benefit realized
over the past terms having generally consistent codes of conduct between municipalities and a
firm that handles complaints and training in a consistent manner.
Grey County will undertake the process of bringing a new integrity commissioner onboard for
Grey County through a joint process with the member municipalities who would like to
participate. Similar to what was done in 2017, it is proposed that this process be treated as a
recruitment rather than a procurement in order to recognize the importance of retaining an IC
who will be the right fit for the municipality, rather than a result of scoring through a procurement
process.
One staff member from each participating municipality will be an active participant in the
recruitment and recommendation of the next IC. The timing of a newly appointed IC is unknown
currently and is likely to vary depending upon each municipality’s operational needs and current
agreement terms.
For Grey County, it is anticipated that a by-law will come forward in 2026 to appoint an IC to
take effect in and around the transition period with the new term of Council.
With the end of the contract with Principles Integrity, the firm will no longer be Grey County’s
closed meeting investigator either. The Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes municipalities to appoint
an investigator to review complaints on closed meetings. Where municipalities have not
appointed an investigator, the Ombudsman is appointed under the Ombudsman Act as the
default investigator.
There is benefit for a municipality to have the flexibility to appoint a person or firm that has direct
and practical experience in the municipal field for handling closed meeting complaints and this
has been the approach for Grey County for a number of years. Having said that, costs for these
investigations can run high depending on the nature and complexity of the investigation. Grey
County places high importance on acting in a transparent and accountable manner with how it
conducts its meetings, specifically closed meetings, in order to give the public the information it
is entitled to. The hope is that this in itself can prevent excessive and costly closed meeting
complaints. Despite the efforts, complaints can happen at any time and are difficult to predict so
there are budget implications when they do occur when an external firm or person is retained.
Though the Ombudsman would be the default investigator absent any other appointment by
County Council, staff are recommending a by-law be brought forward to actively appoint the
Ombudsman as the County’s closed meeting investigator for the time being. Once the County’s
new Integrity Commissioner is in place, Council could revisit this to consider potentially
appointing the IC as their closed meeting investigator. Staff rely on governance advice from the
IC, including advice on handling closed meeting matters at times, so there is benefit realized in
having the IC act as both. There are no direct financial costs associated with the Ombudsman’s
services as closed meeting investigator.
CCR-CW-10-26 2 June 25, 2026
Legislated Requirements
Per the Municipal Act, 2001:
- Municipalities must either appoint an integrity commissioner or make arrangements for
another municipality’s commissioner to provide this service.
- Municipalities may appoint an investigator who has the function to investigate a
complaint made by any person whether the municipality has complied with the closed
meeting provisions of the Act or the procedural by-law. Where an appointment hasn’t
been made, the Ombudsman is the default investigator.
Legal Considerations
None.
Financial and Resource Implications
It is unknown at this time what the budgetary impacts will be for 2027 when Grey County
switches to another IC. It is possible that the retainer fees and hourly rate fees will increase,
decrease or stay the same or that the fee structure model will change. Grey County budgets
each year for this service, including allocating funds for councillors to seek advice from the
integrity commissioner on Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, 1990 (MCIA) and Code of Conduct
matters when needed. Costs for integrity commissioner services have been reasonable and
stable in the past. Seeking advice early and proactively is encouraged and is a contributing
factor for controlling investigation and complaint costs.
Relevant Consultation
☐ Internal
☐ AODA Compliance (describe)
☐ Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)
☐ External (list)
Appendices and Attachments
None.
CCR-CW-10-26 3 June 25, 2026Attachment: Regional Conservation Authorities - June 2026 Update - CAOR-CW-19-26.pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10187 Committee Report To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council Committee Date: June 25, 2026 Subject / Report No: CAOR-CW-19-26 Title: Regional Conservation Authorities – June 2026 Update Prepared by: Niall Lobley, DCAO Reviewed by: Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, Randy Scherzer, CAO Lower Tier(s) Affected: All Recommendation 1.
Staff direct inclusion of $2.8M in the draft 2028 budget to cover levies for two new RCAs while lower-tier municipalities cease bearing associated costs.
A proposed overnight transition to new Regional Conservation Authorities in February 2027 anticipates budget requests up to $2.8M and introduces unconfirmed Watershed Councils addressing concerns about local governance after October municipal elections.
Attachment: Regional Conservation Authorities - June 2026 Update - CAOR-CW-19-26.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10187
Committee Report
To: Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
Committee Date: June 25, 2026
Subject / Report No: CAOR-CW-19-26
Title: Regional Conservation Authorities – June 2026 Update
Prepared by: Niall Lobley, DCAO
Reviewed by: Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, Randy Scherzer, CAO
Lower Tier(s) Affected: All
Recommendation
1. That report CAOR-CW-19-26 regarding regional conservation authority updates be
received; and
2. That staff be directed to include $2.8M in the draft 2028 budget as an allowance for
Regional Conservation Authority levies.
Executive Summary
Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario, was introduced in October 2025 as an omnibus bill proposing
sweeping changes to several pieces of legislation. Included within the provision of Bill 68 were
proposals to merge Ontario’s existing 36 Conservation Authorities into several larger, Regional
Conservation Authorities. The Province indicated that the change was to continue to maintain
the function of Conservation Authorities and exploit efficiencies of scale to reduce development
delays.
Bill 68 passed in late 2025 and was implemented in April 2026 via Bill 97. The Act introduced
and formed the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) to oversee conservation
authorities and guide both the merger and the new Regional Conservation Authorities (RCAs).
Background and Discussion
Staff report PDR-CW-70-25, Proposed Changes to Conservation Authorities in Ontario, was
shared in December 2025 and outlined a response from County Council on proposed changes.
Staff submitted responses based on this report, and the Province received over 14,000
responses to its ERO posting on the proposed amalgamation of Conservation Authorities.
As a result of this feedback, some changes were made to proposals, notably:
The proposed merger of 36 to 7 Regional Conservation Authorities (RCAs) was changed
to 9 RCAs – including changes to the Lake Huron RCA of which Grey is part
CAOR-CW-19-26 1 June 25, 2026
The Province added a requirement that each RCA must, alongside its Board, appoint at
least one “Watershed Council”
In Grey County, there are four existing Conservation Authorities. These are formed at the
request of member municipalities who are represented on the Conservation Authorities Boards
and who pay for the delivery of Conservation Authority services under the Conservation
Authorities Act. The four existing Conservation Authorities levy member municipalities for these
services based on a weighted assessment model, and Board representation is determined
based on population served, with each participating municipality having at least one seat on a
board.
Under the new RCA model, budget and Boards will be made up of representation from upper
tier and single tier municipalities; lower tier municipalities will no longer bear budget costs
associated with RCAs nor appoint members to Boards. In Grey County, there are two RCAs, the
Lake Huron RCA is the larger by area in Grey and the Eastern Lake Erie RCA is the smaller.
Grey County will be levied for the budgets for these two RCAs in future and will be asked to
appoint Board members to them.
While Board membership is not yet clear, it is understood that Boards will be limited to 15-20
members and will see the existing provision of at least one seat per participating municipality. It
is therefore likely that Grey County will be asked to appoint a member to each Board. Despite
the geographical differences in coverage within Grey County of the two RCAs operating in the
County, staff believe it is likely County Council will only be asked to appoint a single member to
each Board. The current allocation of Board members is based on participating municipal
populations and if there is scope for more than a single appointee to the Boards, it is likely that
additional Board allocations will be in more populous areas of the RCA regions.
There are no changes to the Conservation Authorities Act at this time and so Grey County can
expect a similarly weighted levy model to apportion costs of the new RCAs to their member
municipalities (i.e., the upper and single tier municipalities as noted above).
Recent updates from the Province and OPCA have provided some clarity:
OPCA has been formed and several Provincial appointments have been made to the
OPCA initial Board. Clarity over representation on the OPCA Board beyond transition in
early 2027 is not yet understood.
A Transitional Committee formed of an existing Board member and a senior staff
member of all existing Conservation Authorities has been formed, to guide the new
RCAs. A Project Executive (who will be the future RCA CAO) reporting to OPCA is being
appointed to each new RCA to work with OPCA and the Transitional Committee to
support transition.
Transition is expected to occur over coming months with the new RCAs being formed in
February 2027. At this time, new Boards will be formed, the Project Executive will
become the new CAO of the RCAs and will cease reporting to OPCA and will report, as
per past practice, to their newly formed Boards.
OPCA and the Province have confirmed the existing Conservation Authorities will form
their 2027 budgets over summer, with approval in late summer or early fall. These will be
levied, as they have in the past, to participating municipalities. In Grey County, this is the
nine member municipalities. These municipalities will be responsible for meeting the
CAOR-CW-19-26 2 June 25, 2026
2027 costs for the Conservation Authorities. These budgets are currently scheduled to
be approved before the October municipal elections.
It has further been clarified that existing Conservation Authorities and their Boards will
continue to operate until the new RCAs are operational – their will be a transition from
existing Conservation Authority to new RCAs ‘overnight’. This means existing Board
members will see through their terms, and some Grey County member municipalities will
be asked to appoint new members to existing Conservation Authority Boards for a short
period post the October elections (up to the new RCAs being formed, (expected
February 2027).
Once the new RCAs are formed in early 2027, their budgets in 2027 will be based on an
amalgamation of the residual budgets (12 months less that spent from January 1 to the
date of transition) of the Conservation Authorities being merged. The newly formed
RCAs are expected to develop a budget to be levied to meet the 2028 costs and this will
be presented to the participating municipalities in 2027. This means Grey County will
receive budget requests from two of the new RCAs in 2027 for the 2028 financial year.
It is anticipated that the budgets of the new RCAs will not be largely dissimilar to the sum
of the past Conservation Authorities. Grey County has not previously met these budget
needs as these have sat with member municipalities. In 2026, based on a review of
member municipal budgets, the aggregate cost appears to have been between $2.5M
and $2.7M across the nine-member municipal budgets.
It is understood that all existing agreements will transfer from the existing Conservation
Authorities to the new RCAs. As such Grey will continue to budget for services such as
Forest Bylaw and Trail management to continue with the new Lake Huron RCA in both
2027 and into 2028.
Staff note that the Province has indicated $3M in additional transitional costs has been
provided to support OPCA and RCAs in implementing the transition. OPCA funding will
move to an apportionment model to be collected from new RCAs in future, and this is not
currently a cost borne by member municipalities.
The Province has indicated no job losses associated with the transition, except for CAO
positions within the existing 36 authorities which the Province has previously noted could
be redeployed to front-line roles, and so operating costs are expected to continue at a
similar level, at least initially. Over time, as RCAs form, it is likely that job roles will move
through attrition as regionalized efficiencies are realized; future cost savings (if any)
associated to this are unclear.
The Conservation Authorities Act and Source Water Protection Act remain unchanged
and so it is anticipated that in both 2027 and 2028 services to be provided by the
Conservation Authorities and then RCAs will remain unaffected by the transition.
Staff note the addition of Watershed Councils followed the public consultation on the
amalgamation of Conservation Authorities in response to broad concerns around a loss of local
governance and influence. Details on Watershed Council composition, role and function are not
yet clear, but these initially appear to enable greater local representation within the RCA areas.
Each RCA must form at least one Council, and it is possible within each RCA there could be
multiple Councils. These Councils could allow for a greater range of voices to be heard and
could represent smaller areas, such as watersheds, within each RCA. The Council could
advocate prioritization of resources within RCAs, seek support for specific projects and help
CAOR-CW-19-26 3 June 25, 2026
provide support and information to the RCA Board and Administration. Details on the nature of
Watershed Councils will likely not happen until after mergers have been completed in 2027.
Financial and Resource Implications
Staff are recommending that the draft 2028 budget includes $2.8M of budget associated with
absorbing the costs for the RCA appointment (approximate 2026 budget costs plus 5%). Once
existing Conservation Authority budgets for 2027 have been established, staff will update this
number in the 2028 budget prior to County Councils final approval of the 2027 budget and draft
2028 budget.
It is noted that the inclusion of $2.8M in the 2028 budget should be considered an indicative
placeholder rather than reflective of the actual budget pressure. This is based on the best
available information at this time and assumes that broadly similar costs will flow to Grey County
from the new RCAs as have flowed from Conservation Authorities to Grey County member
municipalities historically.
Staff have no insight into the budgetary needs of the new RCA once formed, nor how the
assessment-based weighting of budget allocation to the new participating municipalities within
the RCAs will distribute the new budget and so staff have little clarity as to the reality of the RCA
budget impact to Grey County in 2028. However, given that this is likely to be significant future
budget pressure, staff believe it is prudent to include a number within the draft 2028 budget.
Relevant Consultation
☐ Internal (list)
☐ AODA Compliance (describe)
☐ Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)
☐ External (list)
Appendices and Attachments
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Presentation – June 2026
CAOR-CW-19-26 4 June 25, 2026Attachment: Post-Meeting Minutes - GCJAAC_Jun18_2026 - English.pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10190 Minutes Grey County Joint Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee June 18, 2026 Present: Catherine Sholtz, Brooke Sillaby, Claudia Strelocke, Pamela Matheson, Councillor Greig, Ray Whitfield Regrets: Andrew Edgcumbe, Christina Schnell Staff Present: Tara Warder, Clerk, Kathie Nunno, Accessibility and Contract Specialist, Rayburn Murray, Deputy Clerk _____________________________________________________________________ Call to Order The Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee met electronically on the above date.
The agenda includes a staff report regarding the City of Owen Sounds splash pad upgrade at Nawash Park which also details playground replacement.
Accessibility specialist Kathie Nunno highlighted a Whitby café model offering youth employment programs for adults with disabilities during an upcoming Ministry forum update.
Attachment: Post-Meeting Minutes - GCJAAC_Jun18_2026 - English.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10190
Minutes
Grey County Joint Municipal Accessibility
Advisory Committee
June 18, 2026
Present: Catherine Sholtz, Brooke Sillaby, Claudia Strelocke, Pamela
Matheson, Councillor Greig, Ray Whitfield
Regrets: Andrew Edgcumbe, Christina Schnell
Staff Present: Tara Warder, Clerk, Kathie Nunno, Accessibility and Contract
Specialist, Rayburn Murray, Deputy Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
Call to Order
The Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee met electronically on the above
date. The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:09 p.m. with all members present
except for Member Andrew Edgcumbe and Member Christina Schnell.
Others Present: Vicki McDonald, Melissa Hilgendorff, Town of Hanover; Pam Coulter,
Christina McLean, Eckhard Pastrik, City of Owen Sound; Alysha Milliner and Ashleigh
Shearstone, Jackie Groves, Municipality of Grey Highlands; Holly Malynyk; Township of
Southgate; Krista Langdon, Municipality of West Grey; Jodi Ward, Township of Georgian
Bluffs; Jennifer Patton, Town of Blue Mountains.
Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
Member Claudia Strelocke joined the meeting at 2:14 p.m.
Delegations
Canadian National Institute for the Blind - June Awareness Month
(Kate Riccomini)
Kate Ricconimi provided an overview of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
She summarized the non-profit organization that delivers innovative programs and
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advocacy to individuals impacted by blindness. Kate Ricconimi referred to the
importance of understanding sight loss which includes variety of different experiences.
She further provided important tips to build and support environments that are barrier
free including the use of braille, clear print guidelines, and the use of guide dogs.
Members of the Committee provided questions and comments. Discussion surrounded
the importance of supporting individuals in various ways and the extensive training
involved for dog guides.
Items For Direction or Discussion
Town of Hanover - Accessibility Plan 2026 Election (Vicki
McDonald)
Vicki McDonald, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk for the Town of Hanover,
referred to the Town of Hanover's Accessibility Plan for the 2026 Municipal and School
Board Election.
JAAC12-26
Moved by: Member Matheson
Seconded by: Councillor Greig
That the Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee receive
the Town of Hanover's Accessibility Plan for the 2026 Municipal and
School Board Election for information purposes.
Carried
Township of Southgate - 2026 Election Accessibility Plan (Holly
Malynyk)
Holly Malynyk, Deputy Clerk for the Township of Southgate, referred to the Township of
Southgate's Accessibility Plan for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
JAAC13-26
Moved by: Member Strelocke
Seconded by: Member Ray Whitfield
That the Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee receive
the Township of Southgate's Accessibility Plan for the 2026
Municipal and School Board Election for information purposes.
Municipality of Grey Highlands - Election Accessibility Report
(Amanda Fines-VanAlstine)
Jackie Groves, Human Resource Manager for the Municipality of Grey Highlands,
referred to the Municipality of Grey Highlands' Accessibility Plan for the 2026 Municipal
and School Board Election. In response to questions from the Committee, Vicki
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McDonald noted the RFP process encompasses the requirements surrounding data
collection and accessibility compliance.
JAAC14-26
Moved by: Member Sillaby
Seconded by: Member Strelocke
That the Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee receive
the Municipality of Grey Highland's Accessibility Plan for the 2026
Municipal and School Board Election for information purposes.
Carried
City of Owen Sound - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Update
(Pamela Coulter)
Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services for the City of Owen Sound, referred to
the 2025 Annual Accessibility Status Report.
JAAC15-26
Moved by: Member Matheson
Seconded by: Member Strelocke
That the Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee receive
the City of Owen Sound Annual Accessibility Status Report (2025) for
information purposes.
Carried
Municipality of Grey Highlands - Connecting Links - Markdale
Reconstruction (Alysha Milliner)
Jackie Groves, Human Resources Manager for the Municipality of Grey Highlands,
reviewed the plans for the reconstruction of Toronto Street North and South (Highway
10) in Markdale.
JAAC16-26
Moved by: Member Sillaby
Seconded by: Member Strelocke
That the report from the Municipality of Grey Highlands regarding the
Markdale Connecting Link be received for information.
Carried
City of Owen Sound - Weaver’s Creek Boardwalk Rehabilitation
(Pamela Coulter)
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Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services, summarized the rehabilitation of
Weavers Creek Boardwalk located in Harrison Park. She reviewed the
recommendations in the Harrison Park Master Plan that led to the rehabilitation and
referred to the changes that would include removal and updates.
JAAC17-26
Moved by: Member Strelocke
Seconded by: Councillor Greig
That in consideration of Staff Report CS-26-053 respecting Weaver’s
Creek Boardwalk Replacement, the Grey County Joint Accessibility
Advisory Committee receives the report for information purposes.
Carried
City of Owen Sound - Kelso Beach at Nawash Park – Splash
Pad Upgrade and Playground Replacement (Pamela Coulter)
Eckhard Pastrik, Manager of Parks, summarized the replacement of the 25 year old
playground and revitalization of the 2011 splash pad. The Committee referred to the
importance of funding support and that washroom entrances have enough space to
permit accessible movement. Pam Coulter clarified the funding breakdown for the
project between the City of Owen Sound and the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer
(SSOGC).
JAAC18-26
Moved by: Member Sillaby
Seconded by: Member Strelocke
That in consideration of Staff Report CS-26-052 respecting Kelso
Beach at Nawash Park Splash Pad Upgrade and Playground
Replacement, the Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory
Committee receives the report for information purposes.
Carried
Correspondence
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) -
Accessible Canada Fund – National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)
The materials were provided to the Committee for information.
City of Owen Sound - Site Plan Approvals
JAAC19-26
Moved by: Member Strelocke
Seconded by: Councillor Greig
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That the following site plan approval's from the City of Owen Sound
be received for information:
1. ST2026-001 Site Plan Approval at 2795 East Bayshore Road
(Troy Life & Fire Safety)
2. ST2026-018 Site Plan Approval at 2753 15th Street East (Bruce
Grey Catholic District School Board)
3. ST2026-014 Site Plan Approval at 1170 1st Avenue East (Rexel
Westburne)
Carried
Other Business
Accessibility Advisory Committee Forum Update
Kathie Nunno, Accessibility & Contract Specialist, indicated that the Ministry for Seniors
and Accessibility hosted a virtual learning event on June 11th. The purpose was to
collaborate with other municipal representatives, learn about accessible best practices,
and share insights. Kathie Nunno referred to Melly's, a workplace café and marketplace
in Whitby that provides a hands-on learning and employment development program for
youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. More information can
be found at: www.mellysworkplace.ca. Kathie Nunno further commented on the Site
Plan Application Review process in Ottawa, which would be included on an early 2027
agenda for the consideration of the Committee. Finally, the importance of membership
recruitment through advertisements, connecting with the public and associations, and
open houses to learn and promote the role of Committee members were all included at
the virtual learning event.
Terms of Reference
Staff indicated that applications would open following the new term of Council and that
the Terms of Reference are to be reviewed and updated.
Next Meeting Date
Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion of Member Brooke Sillaby and Member Claudia Strelocke, the Grey County
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee adjourned at 3:43 p.m. to the call of the Chair.
5The Urban Road and Road Exchange Task Force reviewed Version B, proposing a fixed transition funding model for ten years totaling $33,671,286 alongside specific allocations for traffic signals and development charges.
The task force reviewed specific financial proposals including a 10-year transition model while discussing high costs associated with upgrading roads that may need future updates.
Deputy CAO will present Urban Roads and Road Exchange Task Force meeting minutes plus corresponding report to County Council during June consideration.
Attachment: Post-Meeting Minutes - URRETF_May26_2026 - English.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10180
Minutes
Urban Road and Road Exchange Task Force
May 26, 2026
Present: Councillor Scott Greig, Councillor Kevin Eccles, Councillor Sue
Carleton, Warden Andrea Matrosovs, Councillor Shirley
Keaveney, Councillor Sue Paterson, Councillor Paul McQueen,
Councillor Brian Milne
Regrets: Councillor Scott Mackey
Staff Present: Randy Scherzer, CAO, Niall Lobley, Deputy CAO, Pat Hoy,
Director of Transportation Services, Sharon Melville,
Administration Manager, Trevor Ireton, Engineering Manager,
Mandy Ferguson, Administrative Coordinator, Robert Hatten,
Manager of Communications, Katherine Dabrowa, Financial
Analyst, Shaun Anthony, Operations Manager, Rayburn Murray,
Deputy Clerk, Garrett Reed, Manager of Accounting, Tara
Warder, Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Urban Road and Road Exchange Task Force met at Sydenham Campus on
the above date. The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. with all
members present except for Councillor Scott Mackey.
The following staff members were in attendance from local municipalities:
Township of Southgate - Jim Ellis and John Watson; Municipality of Meaford -
Tori Perejmybida and Jenna Davison; Township of Chatsworth - Rachel Anstett
and Herb Lemon; City of Owen Sound - Lara Widdifield and Mason Bellamy;
Municipality of Grey Highlands - Chris Cornfield and Alysha Milliner; Town of
Hanover - Andrew Wilken and Jelena Savic; Town of The Blue Mountains -
Monica Quinlan and Alan Pacheco; Municipality of West Grey - Jeff Fries.
2. Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
3. Welcome and Introductions
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Chair Scott Greig invited all individuals in attendance to provide an introduction.
4. Meeting Purpose and Background
Deputy CAO, Niall Lobley, summarized the Urban Road and Road Exchange
process to date. He referred to the previous conversations amongst County
Council and the Task Force and thanked staff and municipal representatives for
their attendance and expertise. At this time, only recommendations have been
presented and no decisions have been made. He referred to Grey County's
Transportation Master Plan which identified improvements that can be made. In
sum, the intention is to reduce the duplication of services and determine
efficiencies through the upload and download of roads throughout the County of
Grey.
He summarized the three options that staff have prepared for consideration as
included within Item 11 of the agenda.
5. Discussion Session 1 (Task Force members)
Discussion Session 1 allowed members of the Task Force to provide questions
or comment. Councillor Sue Paterson requested clarification on the timing of the
by-law and the corresponding agreements between the County and
municipalities. The Deputy CAO indicated that the by-law would provide direction
for County staff to proceed, and the agreements are a secondary process and
would include funding and additional information.
Councillor Paul McQueen joined the meeting at 10:33 a.m.
6. Discussion Session 2 - Open Questions
Discussion Session 2 allowed members of the Task Force and staff to provide
questions or comment.
Staff and Task Force members referred to the initial conversations that involved
reviewing which roads would move forward through the conversations. The
importance of supporting residents and visitors beyond the boundaries was
highlighted.
Concerns from municipal staff were made regarding the funding surrounding
Development Charges and overall concerns with budgets at the municipal level
were noted. Further comments regarding population and tax bases, and the
different impacts on urban and rural communities were made. County staff noted
that the intention of the Funding Transition Model over a 10 year span is to
mitigate costs as much as possible.
In response to questions, County staff clarified that they used overall cost
averages and included inflation. They clarified that retaining walls appear to be
outliers and are managed on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, staff confirmed
that the agreements would be different for each municipality and that there would
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be the opportunity for review periods, specifically following the 10 year budgeting
span.
7. Discussion Session 3 - Break Out Session
Discussion 3 allowed attendees to discuss each topic as included in the Pre
Work Package within the agenda package. Those in attendance broke in to 7
different groups at 11:32 a.m. with the following discussion topics: Funding
Reliability, Development Charges, Operating Costs, Rural Road Transfers, Short
Term Asset Needs, Traffic Signal Costs and Full Surface Replacement.
8. Summary and Feedback
County staff reviewed the 7 discussion topics to determine which version best
encompassed the conversation.
9. Voting on Preferred Option
The Task Force members participated in informal voting on the preferred
scenarios for each of the 7 discussion topics.
10. Lunch
The Task Force took a break for lunch at 12:42 p.m. and returned at 1:22 p.m.
11. Reports
11.a TR-UR-23-26 Urban Road and Road Exchange Task
Force Report
The Deputy CAO summarized Version B as highlighted in the
recommendation. Conversations included the Funding Reliability, DC’s,
Operating Costs, Rural Road Transfers, Short Term Asset Needs, Traffic
Signal Costs and Full Surface Replacement. Supporting comments were
made surrounding DC's, Short Term Asset Needs, and Full Surface
Replacement.
The Deputy CAO referred to the concerns regarding the agreements,
specifically noting the importance of proper language for clarity. Overall
discussion and feedback received, from the discussion session, was in
support for Version C. However, members of the Task Force and staff
provided comments surrounding the high costs of Version C, specifically
the impacts of improving roads that may require additional updates in the
near future.
UR02-26
Moved by: Councillor Eccles
Seconded by: Councillor Keaveney
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That report TR-UR-23-26 be received; and
That the County of Grey support the following as it pertains to the
road transfers (considered Version B):
o An updated, full lane replacement, fixed transition funding
model for 10 years of $33,671,286
o Traffic Signal Operational funding Transitional over year 1
through 5 of $484,961;
o Development Charges one-time payment: $5,514,527
o Future project transfers/costs: $2,420,229
That a by-law to assume and remove roads from the Grey County
road system be brought forward for Council’s consideration,
reflecting a legal transfer date of June 1, 2027 and that the Warden
and Clerk be authorized to execute the road transfer agreements with
member municipalities.
Carried
12. Next Steps
The Deputy CAO indicated that the meeting minutes and corresponding report
will be presented to County Council for consideration in June. The CAO noted
that next steps will continue to involve the member municipalities.
13. Other Business
There was no other business.
14. Adjournment
The Urban Road and Road Exchange Task Force adjourned at 2:01 p.m. to the
call of the Chair.
4Attachment: Post-Meeting Minutes - AAC_Jun18_2026 - English.pdf Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10191 Minutes Agricultural Advisory Committee June 18, 2026 Present: Councillor Milne, Councillor Keaveney, Councillor McQueen, Warden Matrosovs, Councillor Mackey, Member Keith Reid, Member Rob Lipsett, Member Dianne Booker, Member Carrie Davenport, Member Simon DeBoer, Member Blair Freeman, Member Brenda Hsueh, Member Chris Strutt, Member Gail Ardiel, Member Emily McKague Regrets: Councillor Hutchinson Staff Present: Tara Warder, Clerk, Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture, Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, Niall Lobley, Deputy CAO, Jill Paterson, Manager of Museum and Archives, Kaleena Sanford, Strategic Marketing Manager, Linda Swanston, Climate Change Initiatives Manager, Rayburn Murray, Deputy Clerk _____________________________________________________________________ 1.
Staff will update forms and processes while increasing compensation to match Bruce County rates, with changes intended to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Jill Paterson indicated that a Wild Weather Climate Action exhibit currently at Grey Roots will be on display at the International Plowing Match in September, covering practical topics for farming.
Attachment: Post-Meeting Minutes - AAC_Jun18_2026 - English.pdf
Source: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10191
Minutes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
June 18, 2026
Present: Councillor Milne, Councillor Keaveney, Councillor McQueen,
Warden Matrosovs, Councillor Mackey, Member Keith Reid,
Member Rob Lipsett, Member Dianne Booker, Member Carrie
Davenport, Member Simon DeBoer, Member Blair Freeman,
Member Brenda Hsueh, Member Chris Strutt, Member Gail
Ardiel, Member Emily McKague
Regrets: Councillor Hutchinson
Staff Present: Tara Warder, Clerk, Savanna Myers, Director of Economic
Development, Tourism and Culture, Scott Taylor, Director of
Planning, Niall Lobley, Deputy CAO, Jill Paterson, Manager of
Museum and Archives, Kaleena Sanford, Strategic Marketing
Manager, Linda Swanston, Climate Change Initiatives Manager,
Rayburn Murray, Deputy Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Agricultural Advisory Committee met electronically on the above date. The
Chair called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. with all members present.
2. Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
3. Delegations
There were no delegations.
4. Items For Direction or Discussion
4.a Experimental Acres Program Update
Linda Swanson, Climate Change Initiatives Manager, introduced Emily
McKague from Grey Agricultural Services. An update was provided on the
2026 Grey Experimental Acres program. Emily McKague noted that 7
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projects have been approved for the 2026 program including the use of
brassica based crop as a tool for re-seeding, fall cover crop mixes,
methods of Jerusalem Artichoke on an organic farm, intensive grazing
with the use of virtual fencing, the planting of varied combinations of cool
and warm season annual mixes, underseeding wheat with a cover crop
mix to graze in late fall, and the establishment of perennial shrubs and
flowers farm.
The Committee thanked Emily McKague for her presentation. In response
to questions, she noted that local fair boards could reach out for materials
to be made available.
4.b Beaver and Coyote By-law
Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, provided an update on the status of
Grey County's Beaver, Coyote and Wolf By-laws. He indicated that
Council has directed staff to proceed with updates to the By-laws.
Additional updates to the program would include updated forms,
processes, and an increase in the compensation paid (to be in line with
Bruce County). It is the intention that the changes be effective January 1,
2027. Overall, the need for further education for the program was noted as
important.
4.c RALDS Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendment
Scott Taylor, Director of Planning, provided a verbal update on the
Regional Agricultural Learning and Demonstration Site (RALDS) Niagara
Escarpment Pan Amendment. He indicated that the area is located
directly to the west of Grey Roots and is intended to be a site for future
educational programs and fair locations. At this time, the amendment
application is underway and the intention is that a final recommendation
will be before the Commission in August 2026 (dates subject to change).
4.d International Plowing Match Planning
Kaleena Stanford, Strategic Marketing Manager, indicated that County of
Grey staff are working with Grey Agricultural Services to coordinate a joint
booth at the International Plowing Match in September. She welcomed
individuals to attend, indicating that some tickets will be available for
members. Member Paul McQueen noted that members of the Grey
County Federation of Agriculture are also coordinating volunteer positions
for the event.
4.e Wild Weather and Climate Action - Exhibit at Grey
Roots
Jill Paterson, Manager of Museum and Archives summarized the Wild
Weather Climate Action Exhibit that is currently on display at Grey Roots.
She highlighted the strong focus on the reality of weather and climate on
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the farming community. She indicated that it will be on display at the
International Plowing Match. In response to questions and comments, she
indicated the exhibit has a wide range of practical topics.
5. Round Table Discussion
5.a Sector Trends and Challenges
Councillor McQueen referred to the concerns for the beef industry as
cases of screwworm have been located in Texas calf communities.
Comments were made regarding the concerns for imported goods. There
was further discussion regarding fire safety in the agricultural community.
Staff indicated that they would coordinate a future discussion involving fire
safety and will remind member municipalities of the importance of the
relationship between the agricultural community and fire services.
6. Correspondence
There was no correspondence.
7. Other Business
Councillor McQueen indicated that Grey Highlands Secondary School has bring
your tractor to school day today.
Member Gail Ardiel referred to the 60th Anniversary of the Jamaican Liaison
Services in Ontario and the events that are scheduled throughout the Province.
8. Next Meeting Date
The Deputy Clerk indicated that this was the last meeting of the term and that
applications for the Committee would open following the new term of Council.
The next meeting date is to be determined. She thanked Committee members for
their input, feedback, and discussion. Warden Matrosovs further thanked the
members for their active participation and contributions.
9. Adjournment
On motion of Warden Matrosovs and Councillor Milne, the Agricultural Advisory
Committee adjourned at 10:04 p.m. to the call of the Chair.
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