Committee of the Whole Agenda Preview — October 8, 2026

Summary

One-sentence summary: The October 8, 2026 meeting at 10:15 AM will consider energy poverty data from August 2026 highlighting rising household financial pressure and utility arrears across Ontario, Westario, and local communities; a Buy Ontario procurement letter urging municipalities to prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods under provincial directives with instructions to review supply chains; a proposal to make permanent the doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund allocation from $200 million to $400 million annually beyond its 2026 expiration date; e-scooter regulatory framework requests for a province-wide approach circulating to provincial officials and local MPPs; vacant commercial storefront tax feasibility inquiries in Prince Edward County seeking authority under a Municipal Act amendment; declaration of surplus land for the Westmount property at 1343 8th Avenue West to enable an open-market sale anticipated in winter 2026; appointment recommendations for Integrity Commissioner Lauren Chee-Hing beginning November 15, 2026, with early termination notice to Principles Integrity before approval; and preparation of new Terms of Reference for the Joint Municipal Services Committee following its scheduled dissolution on September 25, 2026.

The Committee of the Whole meets on October 8, 2026, at 10:15 AM to receive correspondence regarding energy poverty and procurement policies alongside requests for permanent funding increases, an inquiry into a vacant commercial storefront tax, and an appointment report for the Integrity Commissioner. Staff will propose declaring the Westmount property at 1343 8th Avenue West as surplus land to facilitate an open-market sale in winter 2026. The agenda includes the Energy Poverty Brief highlighting growing financial pressure on households across Ontario and local communities; a letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding Buy Ontario procurement policies; a proposal to permanently double the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund allocation; a resolution regarding e-scooter regulatory frameworks requested by Chatham-Kent; an inquiry into the feasibility of a vacant commercial storefront tax proposed by Prince Edward County; the appointment of Lauren Chee-Hing as Integrity Commissioner; and staff preparation of new Terms of Reference for the Joint Municipal Services Committee following its scheduled dissolution.

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Key Topics & Sections

Full Transcript

Agenda item 1: Call to Order

Agenda item 2: Declaration of Interest

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

2.

Declaration of Interest

Agenda item 3: Business Arising from Minutes

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

3.

Business Arising from Minutes

Agenda item 3.a: Notice of Motion provided by Councillor Pringle on September 24, 2026 - Joint Municipal Services Committee

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

3.a

Notice of Motion provided by Councillor Pringle on September 24, 2026 Joint Municipal Services Committee
Whereas the Joint Municipal Services Committee was established by this
term of Council to look at opportunities for shared services to be pursued
amongst two or more municipalities; and
Whereas the Terms of Reference had indicated that the Committee
would dissolve on September 25, 2026;
Now therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to bring forward new
Terms of Reference for the Joint Municipal Services Committee for
Council to consider re-establishing the Committee in the next term of
Council.

Agenda item 4: Delegations

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

4.

Delegations

Agenda item 5: Determination of Items Requiring Separate Discussion

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

5.

Determination of Items Requiring Separate Discussion

Agenda item 6: Consent Agenda

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

6.

Consent Agenda
That the following Consent Agenda items be received; and
That staff be authorized to take the actions necessary to give effect to the
recommendations in the staff reports; and
That the correspondence be supported or received for information as
recommended in the consent agenda.

Agenda item 6.a: United Way Bruce Way - Energy Poverty Brief

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Attachment: UWBG Energy_Poverty_Brief_Bruce_Grey_August_2026 (1).pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/641f19d9d31751287d1eee726902f21d37d4a729f2f535760e517fa524e37f75/6-a-1-uwbg-energy-poverty-brief-bruce-grey-august-2026-1-pdf.pdf

ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




ENERGY POVERTY IN BRUCE GREY


Income adequacy is central to household
energy insecurity
What provincial, distributor and community data tell us about affordability pressure


Why this brief, and why Westario
Purpose. United Way Bruce Grey works with households, municipalities, community agencies
and energy-sector partners to understand where financial pressure is showing up and how
existing supports are working. This brief brings together Ontario Energy Board open data, local
distributor data and United Way service data to create a shared picture of energy affordability.
The goal is not to assess or rank individual utilities. It is to use available data collaboratively to
better understand the pressures facing households and to support informed discussion about
affordability and income adequacy.
Why Westario. The provincial OEB data provide the high-level Ontario picture. To bring the
electricity data home to Bruce Grey, we highlight Westario Power because it is our
geographically specific local electricity distributor and a long-standing community partner.
Westario gives us a local electricity lens that can be placed beside the provincial trend and our
own household-level assistance data. Its inclusion is therefore about geography and partnership,
not about suggesting that Westario is uniquely responsible for, or uniquely affected by, energy
poverty.
How to read the brief. Ontario data show the broader system trend; Westario data show what
that trend looks like in one local electricity service area; and United Way Bruce Grey data show
the household incomes and cross-fuel needs behind the numbers. Read together, the datasets
help separate a utility-specific issue from a wider household affordability issue.

The central finding: energy poverty is not only an energy-bill problem. Across the
provincial OEB data, Westario’s local electricity data and United Way Bruce Grey’s
household service data, the evidence points to growing financial pressure and limited
household capacity to absorb essential energy costs.




      +119%                       +60%                     $28,368                         70%
   Increase in Ontario       Increase in Westario      Average annual income      Of local grant dollars
    residential arrears     residential accounts in      of local households       purchased wood,
   dollars, 2019–2023         arrears, 2019–2023          helped, 2025–26             propane & oil




                 United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




    Three datasets, one pattern
    Ontario. Residential customer accounts increased only 4.1% from 2019 to 2023, while accounts
    in arrears increased 29.1% and residential arrears dollars increased 118.7%. Residential write-
    offs increased 46.4% over the same period.


    Westario. Residential accounts increased 3.9% from 2019 to 2023, but accounts in arrears
    increased 60.2% and arrears dollars increased 73.7%. Reported eligible low-income arrears
    dollars rose from $7,866 to $41,470, an increase of 427%.


    Bruce Grey households. In 2025–26, United Way Bruce Grey supported 299 households
    representing at least 592 people and facilitated $172,116 in utility grants. Among 292
    households with recorded income, average annual household income was approximately
    $28,368. Wood, propane and oil accounted for $119,815, about 70% of all grant dollars
    facilitated.


      Interpretation
      The evidence does not prove that income alone causes energy poverty. Energy prices, housing
      condition, heating source, weather and household circumstances all matter. The convergence across
      three independent data sources supports a more careful conclusion: income adequacy is a central
      factor in whether households can absorb essential energy costs without arrears, disconnection risk or
      emergency assistance.




    1. Ontario: financial pressure is growing faster than the customer
    base
    Using 2019 as the pre-pandemic comparison point avoids treating the extraordinary 2020–21 disconnection period
    as a normal affordability baseline.
Indicator                                              2019                       2023                      Change

 Residential accounts                                4,750,619                  4,945,409                    +4.1%

 Accounts in arrears                                  275,910                   356,185                     +29.1%

 Residential arrears                                  $70.6M                    $154.4M                     +118.7%

 Residential write-offs                               $30.0M                     $44.0M                     +46.4%

 Disconnections for non-payment                       28,664                     29,789                      +3.9%




                          United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




Figure 1. Ontario residential accounts, arrears accounts and arrears dollars indexed to 2019 = 100. Source: OEB RRR 2.1.8, latest 2023 release.




Disconnections require context. Ontario reported 28,664 residential disconnections for non-
payment in 2019 and 29,789 in 2023. In March 2020, the OEB extended the disconnection ban
through July 31, 2020; the sharp 2020–21 decline therefore should not be read as a sudden
improvement in household affordability.




                       United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




LEAP participation increased, but 2024 changed the lens

Ontario electricity-distributor LEAP applications increased from 11,368 in 2019 to 18,806 in
2024. That is a 65.4% increase in reported applications, but it should not be read as a clean
65.4% increase in underlying energy poverty.


The OEB clarified that 2024 expanded income eligibility and changed the funding model so
distributors must provide sufficient LEAP funding to assist all eligible applicants. Earlier LEAP
participation and assistance levels could therefore be constrained by narrower eligibility and
available funding. Pandemic-era disruption further complicates direct year-to-year comparison.


Those changes do not make the 2024 increase meaningless. LEAP is emergency assistance for
electricity or natural gas arrears, not a general bill rebate. A household newly captured by the
higher income threshold must still be experiencing qualifying arrears.


Expanded eligibility therefore makes visible financial hardship among a broader range of
household incomes, while the funding change allows eligible need to be met rather than capped
by a local allocation.


OESP and LEAP should also be read differently.


The OESP rebate provides an ongoing electricity-bill credit; expanded OESP eligibility
acknowledges incomes were not keeping pace with financial pressures.


LEAP responds to an arrears crisis. For LEAP, broader eligibility means more households
already in financial difficulty can qualify for emergency help.




                United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




2. Westario: a local electricity lens on the provincial pattern

Westario Power is highlighted here because its service territory provides the most geographically
specific electricity lens for our local community. The analysis is descriptive, not evaluative: it
uses Westario’s publicly reported data to place the Ontario-wide affordability indicators in a
Bruce Grey context and to complement the household-level experience reported by United Way
Bruce Grey.


Partnership lens: The intent is to learn from the data with Westario and other partners, not to
attribute household income pressures to the distributor.




  Figure 2. Westario residential accounts, arrears accounts and arrears dollars indexed to 2019 = 100. Source: OEB RRR 2.1.8, latest 2023
                                                                   release.


      1,151 → 1,844                                $250K → $434K                                           70 → 148
Westario residential accounts in arrears,        Westario residential arrears, 2019 to         Eligible low-income accounts in arrears,
             2019 to 2023                                       2023                                          2019 to 2023



The low-income indicator is especially important. Westario’s OEB-reported eligible low-
income customer accounts decreased from 1,332 in 2019 to 1,066 in 2023, while eligible low-
income accounts in arrears more than doubled from 70 to 148. Their reported arrears balance
increased from $7,865.88 to $41,469.59.




                     United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




LEAP use accelerated after 2023
Westario LEAP applications rose from 44 in 2023 to 134 in 2024.
The 2024 increase coincides with expanded income eligibility and the requirement that
distributors provide enough funding to assist all eligible LEAP applicants, so it should not be
interpreted as a 205% increase in underlying need.
It does show that substantially more households with actual electricity arrears met the broader
program criteria and reached the assistance process.
Westario’s supplemental reporting shows 124 funding recipients in 2025 and 93 recipients
already recorded by June 16, 2026; the 2026 figure is year-to-date and should not be compared
as a completed year.


3. Bruce Grey: what the pressure looks like at the household level
United Way Bruce Grey’s Utility Assistance Program adds something the regulatory datasets
cannot capture: the household income people are living on and the full mix of fuels they are
trying to afford.
Provincial assistance programs provide support for regulated electricity and natural gas costs,
while United Way Bruce Grey also fills a critical local gap for rural households relying on wood,
propane and furnace oil for heat.
This distinction matters in rural Bruce Grey. Energy poverty cannot be understood through
electricity data alone. For many households, keeping warm means purchasing delivered fuels
that fall outside LEAP.
In 2025–26, approximately 70% of United Way Bruce Grey’s utility grant dollars purchased
wood, propane and furnace oil.



                                                         $172,116                   $28,368
         299                      592+                                         Average annual income
                                                         In direct utility       of local households
 Households assisted         People assisted
                                                           grants paid            helped, 2025–26




                United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




    Of the $172,116 in direct utility grants facilitated in 2025–26, $119,815 went to wood, propane
    and oil. These delivered fuels accounted for about 70% of grant dollars. Electricity accounted for
    $44,308, natural gas for $6,294 and water/sewer for $1,700.


    This cross-fuel pattern matters: the affordability problem persists regardless of whether a
    household heats with electricity, natural gas, propane, oil or wood. The common denominator
    visible in the local service data is limited household income.


    Energy affordability cannot be considered separately from housing affordability. As Appendix A
    illustrates, current asking rents in Bruce Grey can consume most, or in some cases more than
    all, of the monthly income available to low-income households before utilities, food,
    transportation and other basic needs are considered.


    What the evidence supports — and what it does not

•   Supports: household financial pressure has intensified since 2019, both provincially and in
    Westario’s service area.

•   Supports: local households seeking energy assistance have very limited annual household
    income, and need spans multiple fuel types.


•   Supports: income adequacy is a central factor in energy insecurity and should be part of the
    policy lens.

•   Does not establish: that income is the only cause, or that any single energy policy, price change
    or household characteristic explains the observed trends.




                    United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




Implications for municipal and provincial leadership
The combined evidence suggests that energy affordability should be understood within the
broader household budget. Emergency energy assistance remains essential, but the data point
upstream to income adequacy and the ability to absorb unavoidable basic costs.


 1 Treat energy insecurity as an income-and-essentials issue
 Energy arrears and emergency grants are downstream indicators. Municipal poverty
 reduction, housing, social assistance and energy-affordability work are more useful when
 viewed together rather than as separate silos.


 2 Preserve flexible, cross-fuel assistance in rural communities
 Bruce Grey households rely heavily on delivered fuels. Programs limited to regulated
 electricity and natural gas cannot capture the full local energy-poverty picture.


 3 Pair regulatory data with community-level evidence
 OEB data show system pressure; distributor data show local intensity; community data show
 household income, heating source and lived budget constraints. Together they provide a
 stronger early-warning system.


 4 Evaluate the new LEAP rules with the next full data cycle
 The 2025 OEB data will provide the first full-year view after expanded income eligibility and
 the requirement that distributors fund all eligible LEAP applicants. LEAP participation should
 be read alongside arrears, disconnections and community-level data rather than used alone
 as a measure of total energy poverty.




               United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




  Data notes
  Eligible low-income accounts. This is an OEB-reported category and should not be interpreted
  as the total number of low-income households in a utility service area.
  LEAP applications measure households that reached and completed the application process, not
  all unmet need. In 2024, LEAP income eligibility expanded, and the OEB clarified that
  distributors must provide sufficient funding to assist all eligible applicants; earlier years may
  therefore reflect narrower eligibility and funding constraints.
  Because LEAP assists households with qualifying arrears, increased participation after the
  eligibility expansion remains a meaningful signal of financial distress, but it is not a like-for-like
  measure of growth in total energy poverty.
  Disconnections. 2020–21 figures are affected by pandemic-era disconnection restrictions.
  Westario 2026. The 93-recipient figure is year-to-date through June 16, 2026.



  Sources
  Ontario Energy Board, RRR 2.1.8 Residential and Low-Income Customer Billing and Payment / Disconnections, Arrears, Write-offs, Equal Billing, Security Deposits
    and Load Control Devices datasets (2015–2023). https://www.oeb.ca/documents/opendata/rrr/2023/2.1.8
  Ontario Energy Board, LEAP RRR open data (2015–2024). https://www.oeb.ca/open-data/electricity-reporting-record-keeping-requirements-rrr-section-2116-low-
    income-energy
  Ontario Energy Board, “OEB’s extended disconnection ban will end July 31, 2020.” https://www.oeb.ca/newsroom/2020/oebs-extended-disconnection-ban-will-end-
    july-31-2020
  United Way Bruce Grey, 2025–2026 Utility Assistance Impact Report, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
  Westario Power, LEAP Metrics supplemental report provided to United Way Bruce Grey; 2026 figure based on report to June 16, 2026.
Ontario Energy Board staff clarification to United Way Bruce Grey, 2026: 2024 changes expanded income eligibility and require sufficient
 LEAP funding to assist all eligible applicants. See also OESP & LEAP program materials and OEB open-data reporting.



  Use of Generative AI
  This report was developed with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis, synthesis, drafting and
  document design. Source data were provided by the Ontario Energy Board, utility partners and United Way Bruce Grey.
  Generative AI was used to assist with calculations and interpretation of these data. United Way Bruce Grey reviewed the final
  report for context, clarity and alignment with its experience and purpose. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited source
  datasets for the underlying regulatory and program data.




                            United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief



ENERGY POVERTY BRIEF | August 2026




United Way Bruce Grey • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com • Energy Poverty Brief

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Attachment: Letter_to_Grey_County_Energy_Poverty_September_2026 (1).pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/8db1a902c59a92684d9757e7d6de64a5e119bb9d26d7db1354160a0c851d1b2e/6-a-2-letter-to-grey-county-energy-poverty-september-2026-1-pdf.pdf

September 14, 2026
Andrea Matrosovs, Warden
Tara Warder, Clerk
Corporation of the County of Grey
595 9th Avenue East
Owen Sound, ON N4K 3E3

Dear Warden Matrosovs and Ms. Warder,
I am sending you United Way Bruce Grey's new Energy Poverty Brief, which brings together Ontario Energy
Board data, Westario Power data and our own Utility Assistance Program data to look at what energy
affordability means for households in Bruce Grey.
The provincial numbers show growing pressure. Between 2019 and 2023, Ontario residential electricity accounts
increased by only 4.1%, while residential arrears dollars increased by 118.7%. Westario provides the local
electricity lens, and our own program data show the household behind the account.
In 2025-26, United Way Bruce Grey supported 299 households representing at least 592 people and facilitated
$172,116 in direct utility grants. Among households with recorded income, average annual household income
was approximately $28,368. About 70% of our local utility grant dollars purchased wood, propane and furnace
oil.
For Grey County, this matters beyond the energy file. Through our ongoing work with County Social Services
and Housing, we see how utility arrears, housing costs, income security and homelessness prevention overlap in
the same household budget. Energy poverty is rarely a problem that sits neatly in one program or one system.
The report does not suggest that income is the only cause of energy poverty. Energy prices, housing condition,
heating source, weather and household circumstances all matter. But when the provincial, local utility and
household data are read together, income adequacy emerges as a central part of the picture.
I am sharing the brief with both Grey and Bruce Counties, as well as our provincial and federal representatives. I
would appreciate it if the report could be circulated to members of County Council and relevant staff. We would
also welcome an opportunity to continue the conversation about what these findings mean for rural households
and how they can support County planning, advocacy and coordinated community responses.
Thank you for Grey County's continued partnership with United Way Bruce Grey and for the many ways County
staff work with us when households are navigating housing, income and utility pressures at the same time.
Sincerely,
Francesca Dobbyn

Executive Director | United Way Bruce Grey
Enclosure: Energy Poverty Brief, August 2026




                          380 9th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1P1 • unitedwayofbrucegrey.com

Agenda item 6.b: Letter from the Honourable Robert J. Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Buy Ontario Procurement Policies

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Attachment: 234-2026-3477 HOC Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Policies SIGNED.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/d4d45684eb37ac4192d9a671ead732b6500fbc7a9068da8efb124fb832be04c4/6-b-1-234-2026-3477-hoc-municipal-buy-ontario-procurement-policies-signed-pdf.pdf

Ministry of                   Ministère des
 Municipal Affairs             Affaires municipales
 and Housing                   et du Logement

 Office of the Minister        Bureau du ministre

 777 Bay Street, 17th Floor    777, rue Bay, 17e étage
 Toronto ON M7A 2J3            Toronto ON M7A 2J3
 Tel. 416 585-7000             Tél. 416 585-7000



                                                                           234-2026-3477




September 15, 2026

Dear Head of Council,

As we continue working together to protect Ontario workers and communities from
President Trump’s tariffs, I am writing to make clear our government’s expectation that
municipalities fully comply with Ontario’s Buy Ontario policies and maximize the use of
Ontario and Canadian goods and services in municipal procurement. In addition, we will
be seeking to extend the Building Ontario Business Initiative (BOBI) to municipalities for
good and services procurement.

American tariffs and anti-trade actions against Canadian imports are causing uncertainty
for thousands of Ontario businesses and millions of Ontario workers. In response,
Ontario has implemented strong procurement requirements that prioritize Ontario and
Canadian goods and services in provincial and municipal procurement. These
requirements ensure that every possible dollar of Ontario’s more than $30 billion in
annual procurement, as well as our $236 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan, supports
Ontario and Canadian workers.

Ontario taxpayers expect municipalities to do the same. Ontario municipalities spend
more than $22 billion each year procuring goods and services. The Municipal Buy
Ontario Procurement Directive requires municipalities, local boards and municipal
services corporations to prioritize Ontario and Canadian products. In light of this latest
round of tariffs and anti-trade actions against Canada, adherence to these requirements
is not optional. It is an absolute must. Municipalities must use every available opportunity
to prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services.

I appreciate that many municipalities are already taking steps to maximize their use of
Ontario and Canadian content. Today, I am making clear your obligation, and that of
your municipal leadership team, to closely review your supply chains, procurement
practices and upcoming purchases to identify every opportunity to increase domestic
procurement. This should include determining whether goods and services currently
sourced from outside Canada can be replaced with Ontario or Canadian alternatives,
including through the expanded application of BOBI.




                                                                                           …/2



-2-

Failure to comply with Buy Ontario requirements will force us to reconsider provincial
funding made available to municipalities, in addition to other consequences under the
Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025.

In the face of these unprecedented economic attacks against our province and country,
we all have a responsibility to do everything within our control to protect our workers and
communities. Following Buy Ontario procurement policies can make the difference for
an Ontario company that might otherwise be forced to close its doors or lay off workers
because of U.S. tariffs.

I welcome your continued partnership as we work together as a united Team Canada to
stand up for our province and country and protect Ontario workers and families.

Your Chief Administrative Officer will also receive correspondence outlining our
government’s expectations that municipal administrations identify further opportunities to
increase domestic procurement.

Sincerely,




Hon. Robert J. Flack
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

c:    The Hon. Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and
      Procurement

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Attachment: 242-2026-2_DM Greenberg to CAOs_Buy Ontario ENG SIGNED.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/fec31a231cd8e9ac4349e31ed60c5f1df34ce17c12299a055f0f52fe8179a511/6-b-2-242-2026-2-dm-greenberg-to-caos-buy-ontario-eng-signed-pdf.pdf

Ministry of Municipal           Ministère des Affaires
Affairs and Housing             Municipales et du Logement

Office of the Deputy Minister   Bureau du sous-ministre

777 Bay Street, 17th Floor      777, rue Bay, 17e étage
Toronto ON M7A 2J3              Toronto (Ontario) M7A 2J3
Tel.: 416 585-7100              Tél. : 416 585-7100




                                                                                242-2026-2




September 17, 2026

SUBJECT: Supporting Ontario and Canadian Suppliers Through Municipal
Procurement

Dear Chief Administrative Officer,

I am writing to share information on Ontario’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic
supply chains and to ensure our expectations are aligned regarding municipal public
sector procurement.

Ontario has introduced several procurement measures, including the Buy Ontario Act
(Public Sector Procurement), 2025, and the Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement
Directive, to increase participation by Ontario and Canadian suppliers in public sector
purchasing. Looking ahead, the government is also considering additional actions that
would strengthen these policies to expand domestic procurement, protect jobs, and
maximize the economic benefits of public sector spending, such as extending the
Building Ontario Business Initiative (BOBI) to municipalities for the procurement of
goods and services.

Municipal Heads of Council have also received letters outlining these measures and the
government’s expectations regarding compliance with Buy Ontario procurement
policies.

Municipalities play an important role in supporting Ontario’s economy, strengthening
supply chain resilience and ensuring that public spending delivers maximum economic
benefit for Ontario businesses and workers. While municipal procurement decisions are
made independently and within local governance frameworks, municipalities are
expected to ensure that applicable Ontario legislation, directives and policies are
understood and appropriately reflected in procurement practices.

Given the current economic environment and ongoing trade uncertainties, municipalities
should review upcoming procurement activities, sourcing practices and supply chains to
identify every opportunity to increase consideration of Ontario and Canadian goods,
services and suppliers.

                                                                                     …/2



-2-

To align with the Directive, please remind all those involved at the municipal level
about their responsibilities and obligations under Ontario’s domestic procurement
framework and ensure that these requirements are incorporated into procurement
planning and decision-making

Thank you for your continued collaboration and leadership. By ensuring that
procurement obligations are understood and consistently applied, municipalities and
the province can work together to support Ontario businesses and build a more
resilient and competitive Ontario economy.

Sincerely,




Martha Greenberg
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

c: Samantha Poisson, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Public and Business Service
   Delivery and Procurement

Agenda item 6.c: Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding Levels

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Attachment: MFOA Letter to MOI permanent doubling of OCIF - FI.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/ae33e8ec3f9a7a4adacd7cb2bff4b3654ce39c9fb6152b51379ca770ae2e0955/6-c-1-mfoa-letter-to-moi-permanent-doubling-of-ocif-fi-pdf.pdf

Hon. Todd McCarthy
Acting Minister of Infrastructure
5th Floor
777 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
                                                                                  June 25, 2026
Dear Minister McCarthy,

RE:    Making permanent the doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund
       (OCIF) that is scheduled to end after the 2026 allocation

I am writing on behalf of the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario, and the
municipalities it serves, to request that the Government of Ontario make permanent the five-
year doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) from $200 million/year
to $400 million/year in advance of the 2027 OCIF allocation calculations.

The Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA) is the professional
association of municipal finance officers with more than 2,300 individual members. We
represent individuals who are responsible for handling the financial affairs of municipalities
and who are key advisors to councils. MFOA is a strong advocate for best practices that
encourage long-term fiscal sustainability, including long-term financial planning and asset
management planning.

In recent years, governments at all levels have reoriented their priorities to address the
ongoing housing crisis, with heightened attention on growth-related infrastructure and
increasing housing production. Application-based or incentive-based funding programs for
municipalities have placed greater emphasis on growth-related or housing-enabling capital
projects (e.g., Development Charge Reduction Program, Building Communities Strong Fund
– Community Stream, Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, Building Faster Fund).
OCIF remains one of the few federal or provincial funding programs where the focus
remains primarily on the preservation and renewal of existing infrastructure to maintain or
improve municipal service levels.

With support from the Government of Ontario and MFOA, municipalities have made
significant improvements to their municipal asset management plans and programs. The
Government of Ontario introduced O. Reg 588/17 (Asset Management Planning for
Municipal Infrastructure) in late 2017, which provided a standard framework for
infrastructure planning. To support the transition to O. Reg. 588/17, MFOA has partnered
with the Government of Ontario on many asset management initiatives, including guides,
workshops, direct consulting support and other resources. As a result of these and
significant municipal efforts, most municipalities in Ontario have an asset management
inventory that identifies their infrastructure assets, including conditions, replacement costs
and renewal schedules of those assets.



   2169 Queen Street East, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4L 1J1 T: 416-362-9001 F: 416-362-9226
                            www.mfoa.on.ca www.oneinvestment.ca



By leveraging municipal asset management plans in 2020, the Financial Accountability
Office of Ontario estimated the state-of-good-repair backlog to be $52.1 billion for core
municipal infrastructure. That is an estimated cost of restoring such infrastructure to a ‘good’
condition. The report notably focused primarily on core assets and thus likely understated
the full extent of the backlog. Addressing this should not be a priority that falls by the
wayside due to an increased focus on growth-related capital projects by other funding
programs. OCIF’s flexible design provides municipalities with the opportunity to fund asset
management staff, which can improve data and analysis quality, and it provides a critical
means by which municipalities address the infrastructure funding challenges identified in
their asset management plans.

In 2021, the Government of Ontario doubled OCIF for a five-year period. Minister Surma, in
announcing that initiative, commented that the Government of Ontario was “providing
stability and predictability to small, rural and northern communities as they repair, upgrade
and modernize their critical infrastructure so that they are safer, healthier and more reliable
for all.” And Minister Bethlenfalvy said that “by nearly doubling our investment in the Ontario
Community Infrastructure Fund, our government is supporting public safety, job creation
and economic growth.” In the current climate of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs and the
resulting economic shocks and instability, the need to provide municipalities predictability
and to preserve and enhance the economic activity and benefits provided by well-supported
and well-maintained municipal infrastructure is as imperative as it was in 2021.

We have also heard from our members on this matter. Municipalities outside of high-growth
regions have expressed concern about the diminishing level of grant funding opportunities
for municipalities trying to preserve the economic value of their existing infrastructure.
Additionally, while growing municipalities have made significant efforts to emplace new,
housing-enabling infrastructure, which has been rewarded through the Building Faster
Fund, many of their state-of-good-repair capital plans remain underfunded. To maximize the
economic potential of federal and provincial investment in infrastructure, all orders of
government must work together to preserve service levels and the public value of existing
infrastructure, and permanently doubling OCIF to $400 million/year will especially help small
and rural municipalities preserve that economic foundation throughout Ontario.

By adopting a Team Ontario approach during recent and ongoing economic challenges, we
have seen how significant progress can be made when municipalities and the provincial
government work together to achieve a common goal. Should you wish to follow up on this
letter, please contact MFOA Executive Director, Donna Herridge (donna@mfoa.on.ca).

Sincerely,




Dr. Adam Found, Ph.D., PLE
President and Chair

cc.      Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
cc.      Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance

      2169 Queen Street East, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4L 1J1 T: 416-362-9001 F: 416-362-9226
                               www.mfoa.on.ca www.oneinvestment.ca

---

Attachment: Council Resolution MFOA MOI Letter (2026.06.23) FINAL.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/fc0e218b449b68278a683d2cb0e6a88d93a62f4854fe823ee6175d875437cc57/6-c-2-council-resolution-mfoa-moi-letter-2026-06-23-final-pdf.pdf

MFOA Request for the Permanent Doubling of the Ontario Community
                      Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) Beyond 2026

WHEREAS recent municipal infrastructure funding programs by the Government of Canada
and Province of Ontario have tended to prioritize growth-related or housing-enabling
infrastructure projects over infrastructure renewal needs;
AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has regulated municipal infrastructure asset
management through O. Reg 588/17 (Asset Management Planning for Municipal Infrastructure)
under the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2015;
AND WHEREAS municipal asset management plans and the Financial Accountability Office of
Ontario have identified that municipalities have significant state-of-good-repair backlogs and
renewal needs for infrastructure;
AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario doubled the Ontario Community
Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) from $200M/year to $400M/year for 2021-2026 but has not
publicly committed to maintaining this level of funding beyond 2026;
AND WHEREAS the OCIF has become a vital and indispensable resource for municipalities,
assisting them with improving their asset management programs and meeting community-
preserving infrastructure renewal needs;
AND WHEREAS increased geopolitical uncertainty is threatening the economic prosperity of
Canada, Ontario, and every municipality;
AND WHEREAS municipal infrastructure is a key enabler and preserver of economic
prosperity;

AND WHEREAS the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA) has heard
from its members and their municipalities concerns regarding the potential erosion of existing
municipal infrastructure and thus service levels in light of the ongoing focus on housing-
enabling infrastructure by grant funding programs;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that THE MUNICIPALITY OF ____________________
supports MFOA’s letter to the Ministry of Infrastructure requesting that the doubling of the
Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund be made permanent in advance of the allocations for
the 2027 calendar year, helping municipalities to continue building housing-enabling
infrastructure while preserving the economic value provided by existing infrastructure.

Agenda item 6.d: Municipality of Chatham-Kent - Resolution Regarding Regulatory Framework for e-Scooters

---

Attachment: Regulatory Framework for e-Scooters.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/c683eb31ea262a70c1127b94ccffb8cb8064c76670363b46d3a81e4b910925d4/6-d-1-regulatory-framework-for-e-scooters-pdf.pdf

Municipality of Chatham-Kent
                                                                                Municipal Governance
                                                                    315 King Street West, P.O. Box 640
                                                                                Chatham ON N7M 5KB




September 15, 2026


The Honourable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Via Email: premier@ontario.ca

The Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria,
Minister of Transportation
minister.mto@ontario.ca

Re: Establish Regulatory Framework for e-Scooters

Please be advised the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, at its regular
meeting held on September 14, 2026 supported the following resolution from the Town
of Parry Sound regarding the above noted matter;

WHEREAS electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) have become an increasingly
popular and affordable form of transportation in Chatham-Kent and across Ontario; and
WHEREAS e-scooters can provide an accessible, low-emission transportation option
and help address transportation needs in communities such as Chatham-Kent that do
not have conventional public transit; and
WHEREAS Ontario's current e-scooter pilot program places responsibility on individual
municipalities to determine how e-scooters may operate locally, creating administrative
and enforcement challenges, particularly for smaller municipalities with limited
resources; and
WHEREAS the continued use of a pilot framework has resulted in uncertainty and
inconsistent approaches to e-scooter regulation across the Province.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
requests that the Province of Ontario establish a province-wide regulatory framework for
e-scooters that recognizes their unique operating characteristics, maintains appropriate
safety standards, and provides municipalities with authority to address local needs; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of Chatham-Kent requests the
support of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Rural Ontario
Municipal Association (ROMA) in advocating for a framework that reduces unnecessary
administrative and enforcement burdens on local municipalities; and



2




Fl NALLY BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be circulated to the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal Association
(ROMA), the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet
Singh Sarkaria, Local MPPs, and all municipalities across Ontario.
Sincerely,
                Digitally signed by Judy

Judy Shantz     Shantz
                Date: 2026.09.16
                10:46:38 -04'00'
Judy Shantz, CMO
Director Municipal Governance/Clerk


C
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
Local MPPs
Ontario Municipalities

---

Attachment: SG Resolution. No. 2026-346 - Town of Parry Sound - Request Province Establish Regulatory Framework for E-scooters (3).pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/6a4864b7ffcf99190c8d3a1cbfdc52ec9177247759856c5898a5df463e0add2a/6-d-2-sg-resolution-no-2026-346-town-of-parry-sound-request-province-establish-regulatory-framew.pdf

Township of Southgate                                         Phone: 519-923-2110
Administration Office                                    Toll Free: 1-888-560-6607
185667 Grey County Road 9, RR 1                                 Fax: 519-923-9262
Dundalk, ON N0C 1B0                                        Web: www.southgate.ca

                                                                  September 17, 2026

Re: Support - Town of Parry Sound – Request for Province to Establish
Regulatory Framework for E-Scooters

Please be advised that at its regular meeting held on September 16, 2026, Council of
the Corporation of the Township of Southgate approved the following:
No. 2026-346
Moved By Deputy Mayor Dobreen
Seconded By Councillor Shipston
Be it resolved that Southgate Council receive for information the correspondence
from the Town of Parry Sound regarding the establishment of a regularly framework
to govern e-scooters; and
That a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), the Premier of
Ontario, Doug Ford, the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Bruce-
Grey Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers, and Ontario municipalities.
                                                                             Carried
If you have any questions, please contact our office at (519) 923-2110, ext 233.


Sincerely,



Holly Malynyk, Deputy Clerk
Township of Southgate

Encl: Town of Parry Sound – Request Province Establish Regulatory Framework for E-
scooters

CC:
AMO
ROMA
Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
Hon. Steven MacKinnon, The Minister of Transportation
Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, MPP, Parry Sound-Muskoka
Paul Vickers, MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
All 444 Municipalities in Ontario




                                                                           1 | Page



THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PARRY SOUND
                           RESOLUTION IN COUNCIL

                                         NO. 2026 —

DIVISION LIST                      YES    NO            DATE: September 1, 2026

Councillor G.ASHFORD
Councillor J. BELESKEY
Councillor P. BORNEMAN
Councillor B. KEITH
Councillor D. McCANN                                    SECONDED BY:
Councillor C. MCDONALD
Mayor      J. McGA VEY
                                                        7
CARRIED:                DEFEATED:                Postponed to:


WHEREAS electric kick—style scooters (e-scooters) have become an increasingly popular
and affordable form oftransportation in Parry Sound and across Ontario; and
WHEREAS e—scooters can provide an accessible, low-emission transportation option
and help address transportation needs in communities such as Parry Sound that do not
have conventional public transit; and
WHEREAS Ontario’s current e—scooter pilot program places responsibility on individual
municipalities to determine how e-scooters may operate locally, creating administrative
and enforcement challenges, particularly for smaller municipalities with limited resources;
and
WHEREAS the continued use of a pilot framework has resulted in uncertainty and
inconsistent approaches to e—scooter regulation across the Province.
THEREFORE BE lT RESOLVED that the Council ofthe Town of Parry Sound requests
that the Province of Ontario establish a province-wide regulatory framework for e—
scooters that recognizes their unique operating characteristics, maintains appropriate
safety standards, and provides municipalities with authority to address local needs; and
FURTHER BE lT RESOLVED that the Town of Parry Sound requests the support of the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Rural Ontario Municipal
Association (ROMA) in advocating for a framework that reduces unnecessary
administrative and enforcement burdens on local municipalities; and
FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), the
Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria,
Parry Sound—Muskoka MPP, Graydon Smith, and all           i cipalitie across Ontario.

Agenda item 6.e: Prince Edward County - Resolution regarding the Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax

---

Attachment: 20260922 - Town of Aylmer Resolution - Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax_.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/942f5c5b67854c71339ff5d14e74919287352ca06d35481448042410bd0c5f10/6-e-1-20260922-town-of-aylmer-resolution-vacant-commercial-storefront-tax-pdf.pdf

The Corporation of the Town of Aylmer
                                               46 Talbot Street West, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 1J7
                                                    Office: 519-773-3164 Fax: 519-765-1446
                                                                               www.aylmer.ca


September 22, 2026

Honourable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario

Delivered via email: premier@ontario.ca

Re: Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax

Dear Premier Ford,

Please be advised that at their Regular Meeting on September 16, 2026, Council of the Town
of Aylmer adopted the following resolution:

Resolution No. 200-26

Moved by Councillor Desrosiers and seconded by Councillor Rauhe:

That the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Aylmer receive the correspondence
from the Town of Ingersoll, Town of Plympton-Wyoming, and Prince Edward County
regarding Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax; and,

That Council support the resolution regarding Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax; and,

That the resolution be forwarded to other municipalities in Ontario, Elgin-Middlesex-
London MPP and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Hon. Rob Flack, all
relevant ministries and the provincial government.

CARRIED

Regards,

Owen Jaggard
Director of Legislative Services/Clerk

Cc:   Hon. Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
      Andrew Lawton, Member of Parliament for Elgin-St. Thomas-London South
      Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
      All municipalities in Ontario



From the Office of the Clerk
                                                 The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
                                                       T: 613.476.2148 x 1021 | F: 613.476.5727
                                                    clerks@pecounty.on.ca | www.thecounty.ca




May 18, 2026

Please be advised that during the regular Council meeting of May 12, 2026 the following
resolution regarding exploring the feasibility of a Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax was
carried.

RESOLUTION NO.        2026-207

DATE:                 May 12, 2026

MOVED BY:             Councillor Braney

SECONDED BY:          Councillor Engelsdorfer

WHEREAS the vitality of Prince Edward County's main streets is essential to the economic,
social, and cultural health of our community;

WHEREAS there are numerous long-term vacant commercial storefronts, which detracts
from the character of the community, reduces pedestrian traffic, discourages business
investment, and negatively impacts the viability of surrounding small businesses;

WHEREAS the current Municipal Act, 2001 does not provide municipalities with the explicit
legal authority to implement a "Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax," although other
jurisdictions are actively advocating for such tools to address similar challenges;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Council of the Corporation of the County
of Prince Edward:

1.      THAT staff be directed to report back to Council on the feasibility of implementing a
        Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax, including an analysis of the necessary provincial
        legislative changes required, recommendations for stakeholder consultation, and to
        concurrently explore potential enforceable mechanisms available under current
        legislation;

2.      THAT the Council of the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward hereby
        requests that the Government of Ontario amend the Municipal Act, 2001 to grant
        Ontario municipalities the permissive authority to implement a "Vacant Commercial
        Storefront Tax" or similar levy to encourage the productive use of long-term vacant
        retail properties;

3.      THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
        the Premier of Ontario, and the Member of Provincial Parliament representing the
        Corporation of the County of Prince Edward for their immediate consideration; and



From the Office of the Clerk
                                                The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
                                                      T: 613.476.2148 x 1021 | F: 613.476.5727
                                                   clerks@pecounty.on.ca | www.thecounty.ca


4.     THAT this resolution be forwarded to all 444 Municipalities in Ontario, the Federation
       of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
       (AMO) for their endorsement and advocacy.

                                                                                   CARRIED

Yours truly,




Catalina Blumenberg, CLERK
cc: Mayor Steve Ferguson, Councillor Braney, Councillor Engelsdorfer

Agenda item 6.f: CSR-CW-08-26 Declaration of Surplus Lands and Establishment of Easements

---

Attachment: Declaration of Surplus Lands and Establishment of Easements - CW-08-26.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/94c994775d91a45ba6960e0c158903d0be10b7836c4342e020b428517db918c5/6-f-1-declaration-of-surplus-lands-and-establishment-of-easements-cw-08-26-pdf.pdf

Committee Report
 To:                             Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
 Committee Date:                 October 8, 2026
 Subject / Report No:            CSR-CW-08-26
 Title:                          Declaration of Surplus Lands and Establishment of Easements
 Prepared by:                    Sharon Irwin, Manager of Community Housing
 Reviewed by:                    Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Housing
 Lower Tier(s) Affected:         Owen Sound


Recommendation
   1. That report CSR-CW-08-26 regarding the declaration of surplus lands be received;
      and
   2. That staff be directed to enter into an agreement, for nominal consideration, with
      the owner of Lot 27 Plan 444 (the “Easement Agreement”) to grant and obtain the
      necessary easements required to establish the shared driveway between Lot 26
      Plan 444 and Lot 27 Plan 444, identified as Parts 1 and 2 on the attached draft
      reference plan (the “Shared Driveway Easement”); and
   3. That once the Easement Agreement has been finalized, staff be directed to
      prepare an approval by-law for Council’s consideration; and
   4. That Grey County Council declares Westmount property 1343 8th Avenue West,
      Owen Sound legally described as Lot 26 Plan 444, Owen Sound (the “Property”);
      subject to a shared driveway easement over Part 2 on the attached draft reference
      plan benefitting Lot 27 Plan 444; City of Owen Sound, County of Grey, and subject
      to a driveway encroachment easement over Part 3 on the attached draft reference
      plan benefitting Lot 25 Plan 444, City of Owen Sound, County of Grey (the
      “Driveway Encroachment Easement”) as surplus to the needs of the municipality;
      and
   5. That Lot 26 Plan 444 be valued based on a price achieved by listing the property
      for sale on the open market through the services of a realtor; and
   6. That the Clerk be directed to provide notice of Council’s intent to sell the property
      in accordance with the Land Acquisition and Disposition Policy 4-52.


Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to:
    1. declare the property municipally known as 1348 8th Avenue West, Owen Sound as
       surplus;



CSR-CW-08-26                                     1                            October 8, 2026



2. negotiate the acquisition of an easement from the owner of Lot 27 Plan 444 for the
       purpose of establishing a Shared Driveway Easement between Lot’s 26 and 27 Plan
       444, Owen Sound; and
    3. establish a Driveway Encroachment Easement, in favour of Lot 25 Plan 444, Owen
       Sound, prior to the sale of Lot 26 Plan 444; Owen Sound.
Report HDR-CW-09-21 approved proceeding with the divestment of certain properties with the
proceeds of the property sales to be directed to the Affordable Housing Fund for the
development of various types of housing. Before proceeding with selling the property, the land
needs to be declared surplus in accordance with the Land Acquisition and Disposition Policy 4-
52.


Background and Discussion
Council approved Resolution HDR-CW-09-21 in May of 2021 to move forward with the
divestment of identified Grey County Westmount properties with the proceeds being
directed toward the Affordable Housing Fund for development of affordable housing.

According to the process outlined in report HDR-CW-09-21, all tenants in Grey County
Housing were made aware of the intent to move forward with the sale of Westmount
properties upon vacancy. Tenants were asked to submit their interest in purchasing a
property upon qualifying for a mortgage. Tenants are required to purchase the property
through the Grey County Homeownership Program. This program provides a 5%
forgivable down payment loan contingent upon the tenant qualifying for a mortgage,
meeting eligibility requirements for the program and entering into a 20-year forgivable
loan with the County that is registered on title.

A property municipally known as 1343 8th Avenue West, Owen Sound, legally
described as Lot 26 Plan 444, Owen Sound; County of Grey has been identified for sale
in the upcoming months.

This property will be sold on the open market.
The property shares a driveway with a neighbouring privately owned property, being Lot 27 Plan
444. Easements on these lots will be established to formalize the shared use of the driveway for
both the owner of Lot 27 Plan 444 and the future owner of Lot 26 Plan 444.
The driveway for the neighbouring County owned property, being Lot 25 Plan 444, was also
found to be encroaching onto Lot 26 Plan 444. An Easement will be established prior to closing
the sale of Lot 26 Plan 444 to reflect this encroachment.
The land and easements need to be declared surplus before the property can be sold. This
report is administrative in nature in order to declare the land surplus as per the County’s Land
Acquisition and Disposition Policy 4-52.
Notice of the proposed Sale of Land will be provided in accordance with the County’s Land
Acquisition and Disposition Policy 4-52. It is anticipated that this notice will happen in the Winter
of 2026.


CSR-CW-08-26                                      2                                 October 8, 2026



To allow the land surveyor to finalize the survey prior to winter, it is anticipated that an approval
By-law for the Easement Agreement will be brought back for Council Consideration in late
October or early November.
An approval by-law for sale of Lot 26 will be brought back for Council’s consideration in early
2027.

Financial and Resource Implications
Realtor & legal costs will come out of the sale price.


Relevant Consultation
☒      Internal (list)

       ☒       Legal Services

       ☐       Clerks

☒      External (list)


Appendices and Attachments
HDR-CW-09-21 Sale of Grey County Housing Scattered Units
Draft Reference Plan Lot’s 25-27 Plan 444




CSR-CW-08-26                                      3                                  October 8, 2026

---

Attachment: Draft Reference Plan LTS 25-27 Plan 444.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/f781d0d7dc78a76ca3dbdb635edf0febf2f43b306c11ab0989594f33240f2841/6-f-2-draft-reference-plan-lts-25-27-plan-444-pdf.pdf

PLAN 16R-
RECEIVED AND DEPOSITED
DATE.......................
NEIL C. MILNE, O.L.S.
REPRESENTATIVE FOR LAND REGISTRAR
FOR THE LAND TITLES DIVISION
OF GREY (No. 16)
SCHEDULE
PART LOT PLAN PIN
1 27 REGISTERED PLAN 444 PART OF 37049-0048(LT)
2 26 PART OF 37049-0047(LT)
3
PART 1 - PART OF PIN 37049-0048(LT)
PARTS 2 AND 3 - PART OF PIN 37049-0047(LT)
PLAN OF SURVEY
OF PART OF
LOTS 26 and 27
REGISTERED PLAN 444
CITY OF OWEN SOUND
COUNTY OF GREY
HEWETT & MILNE LIMITED
SCALE - 1 : 250
0 2.50 12.50 25.0 METRES
2026
LEGEND
■ DENOTES SURVEY MONUMENT FOUND
□ DENOTES SURVEY MONUMENT SET
SB DENOTES STANDARD IRON BAR
SSIB DENOTES SHORT STANDARD IRON BAR
IB DENOTES IRON BAR
CP DENOTES CONCRETE PIN
H&M DENOTES HEWETT AND MILNE LTD., O.L.S.
P1 DENOTES REGISTERED PLAN 444
AN DENOTES ANCHOR
MEAS DENOTES MEASURE
UP DENOTES UTILITY POLE
WIT DENOTES WITNESS
METRIC NOTE
DISTANCES AND COORDINATES SHOWN ON THIS PLAN ARE
IN METRES AND CAN BE CONVERTED TO FEET BY
DIVIDING BY 0.3048.
SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATE
I CERTIFY THAT:
1. THIS SURVEY AND PLAN ARE CORRECT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE SURVEYS ACT, THE SURVEYORS ACT AND THE LAND TITLES ACT
AND THE REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THEM.
2. THE SURVEY WAS COMPLETED ON THE 9th DAY OF JULY 2026.
JULY 11th 2026 NEIL C. MILNE,
ONTARIO LAND SURVEYOR
THIS PLAN OF SURVEY RELATES TO AOLS PLAN
SUBMISSION FORM NUMBER
HEWETT AND MILNE LIMITED
ONTARIO LAND SURVEYORS
105 SHANE ST., UNIT 3
OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO
N4K 5N7
TEL. 519-376-5528
EMAIL : info@hewettmilne.ca
DRAWN BY FILE # FILE LOCATION
TB 26-01 171-2
INTEGRATION DATA
ALL COORDINATES ARE IN METRES, ARE DERIVED FROM GPS
RTK OBSERVATIONS USING THE CAN-NET NETWORK
AND ARE REFERRED TO UTM ZONE 17 (81° WEST LONGITUDE)
NAD83(CSRS)(2010.0)
COORDINATE VALUES ARE TO A RURAL ACCURACY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 14(2) OF O.REG. 216/10.
POINT ID NORTHING EASTING
A 4933843.67 501923.16
B 4933896.35 502018.05
CAUTION: COORDINATES CANNOT, IN THEMSELVES BE USED TO
RE-ESTABLISH CORNERS OR BOUNDARIES SHOWN ON THIS PLAN
INTEGRATION NOTES
BEARINGS ARE UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE MERCATOR (UTM)
GRID, DERIVED FROM NETWORK GPS OBSERVATIONS
TRANSFERRED TO MONUMENTS 'A' AND 'B' SHOWN HEREON.
THE UTM GRID BEARING BETWEEN POINTS 'A' AND 'B' IS
N37°17'25"E, NAD83(CSRS)(2010.0), AND IS REFERRED TO THE
CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF UTM ZONE 17 (81° WEST LONGITUDE)
DISTANCES SHOWN ON THIS PLAN ARE GROUND AND
CAN BE CONVERTED TO GRID BY MULTIPLYING BY THE
COMBINED SCALE FACTOR OF 0.99956
FOR BEARING COMPARISONS, THE FOLLOWING ROTATIONS
HAVE BEEN APPLIED
PLAN ROTATION DIRECTION
P1 0°01'25" COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
LOT 28
LOT 43
LOT 42
LOT 41
LOT 40
LOT 39
LOT 38
LOT 37
LOT 36
LOT 35
LOT 34
LOT 33
LOT 32
LOT 31
LOT 30
LOT 29
LOT 28
LOT 27
PIN 37049-0048 (LT)
1 1/2 STOREY
BRICK DWELLING
# 1349
PART 1
ASPHALT DRIVE
18.407
N52°31'35"E
LOT CORNER
CP
2.80

---

Attachment: HDR-CW-09-21 Sale of Grey County Housing Scattered Units.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/d260c6812cceb5e171c3a3e8b0b835f9f1e069e837d30398f502541369d55bfb/6-f-3-hdr-cw-09-21-sale-of-grey-county-housing-scattered-units-pdf.pdf

Committee Report
 To:                         Warden Hicks and Members of Grey County Council
 Committee Date:             May 27, 2021
 Subject / Report No:        HDR-CW-09-21
 Title:                      Sale of Grey County Housing Scattered Units
 Prepared by:                Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Housing
 Reviewed by:                Kim Wingrove, CAO
 Lower Tier(s) Affected: All
 Status:                     Adopted as presented by Committee of the Whole through
                             Resolution CW90-21; Endorsed by County Council CC49-
                             21

Recommendation
That Report HDR-CW-09-21 regarding the divestment of identified Grey County
Westmount housing properties be received; and

That staff be authorized to proceed with issuing a tender for real estate services
and bring back a recommendation for Council approval; and

That staff be authorized to negotiate the sale of the identified, surplus properties
in accordance with a standard real estate agreement, in consultation with the
Director of Legal Services and subject to meeting all other requirements as
outlined in the Sale of Land Procedure; and

That a by-law be brought back for Council’s consideration in accordance with the
Sale of Land Procedure to finalize each sale; and

That proceeds for the sale of property be directed to the Affordable Housing Fund
for the development of affordable housing.

Executive Summary
In 2017, Council approved the sale of family units at Westmount as they became vacant
with the funds being used to create more affordable and energy efficient housing. There
are currently two units available to be sold. This report outlines the priority for sales of



HDR-CW-09-21                                 1                             Date: May 27, 2021



the scattered units and the process to be used in the sale of these and subsequent
units.

Background
In December 2017, Council received report HDR-CW-12-17 approving the sale of family
units at Westmount (40 detached homes known as Westmount units on 7th and 8th
Avenue in Owen Sound)as they became vacant with the funds being used to create
more affordable and energy efficient housing. The sale of the scattered units was to be
done gradually during the natural turnover of the units.

With a low vacancy rate in Grey County and increasing private rents, the units have
been slow to turn over. Currently there is one vacant unit available to sell. Also, a family
is interested in purchasing the house they currently live in. This scenario was not part of
the report brought in December of 2017.

Sale of Unit to a Current Tenant
Staff are proposing the following process to guide the sale of a housing unit to a tenant
for council approval:

      Existing tenants will have the opportunity to purchase a family unit property at fair
       market price as determined by an evaluation from a real estate service provider.
      With Council’s approval of the recommendations in this report, Grey County
       Housing will communicate with all current tenants about the County’s intent to
       sell the Westmount properties, what they would need to do qualify for a
       purchase, and how to communicate their interest in purchasing a property when
       one becomes available in the future. Going forward, this information would be
       provided to incoming tenants when they are housed.
      Once the two available properties have been sold, notification of any future
       opportunities to purchase would be sent out to the list of interested tenants (if
       any).
      The Grey County Housing tenant interested in purchasing the available unit must
       apply and be eligible for the Grey County Homeownership Program.
            o The program provides a 5% forgivable down payment loan, contingent
               upon the tenant qualifying for a mortgage, meeting eligibility requirements
               for the program and entering into a 20-year forgivable loan with the
               County that is registered on title.
      If the tenant sells the house within the 20 years, the loan is paid back along with
       5% of capital gains as per the Homeownership Program guidelines.
      If a unit is sold to an existing Grey County tenant, the unit will be sold as is.


HDR-CW-09-21                                 2                             Date: May 27, 2021



Sale of Unit on the Open Market
      If no tenant wishes to purchase the housing unit, the unit will be put on the open
       market for sale at market price using the County’s real estate service provider.
       Staff has prepared a tender to solicit real estate services to process the sale of
       these and upcoming houses.
      Staff is proposing when a unit becomes vacant the normal turn over process of
       cleaning, painting and repairs occurs to ready the unit for sale.

Process
Proposed process for executing a council approved sale of property is:

      Once a property is identified for sale there will be a brief report to Committee of
       the Whole identifying the lands and requesting that the lands be declared
       surplus.
      If there is an existing, qualified tenant for the property that will be noted in the
       report.
      Following declaration of surplus lands, a notice will be placed on the County
       website and newspaper to notify the public of the County’s intention to sell the
       lands.
      Staff are authorized to negotiate the sale of identified property(ies), subject to
       final approval by County Council, in accordance with standard real estate
       agreements as approved by the Director of Housing, in consultation with the
       Director of Legal Services without the need for a report to be brough back for
       each approved sale;
      Minor revisions to the standard agreements would be permitted provided they
       maintain the intent of the proposed process and are satisfactory to both the
       Director of Housing and the Director of Legal Services
      A by law will go directly to Council to approve the sale unless staff determine
       there are substantive changes from the approved template agreement. In that
       case a report will be brought forward to Committee of the Whole.

The County is the sole shareholder of the Grey County and Owen Sound Housing
Corporation, which was established in 2000 as a corporate mechanism to transfer
ownership of social housing assets from the Province to the County. Those housing
assets were effectively absorbed into the County’s housing program at that time but
remain owned by the Corporation.



HDR-CW-09-21                                  3                            Date: May 27, 2021



Legal and Legislated Requirements
The Westmount properties are owned by the Grey County and Owen Sound Housing
Corporation. Compliance with its corporate formalities will be necessary. As in report
HDR-CW-12-17 only 20 properties will be sold at this point.

List of Westmount Properties

 Parcel    Property Location     PIN                  Legal Description
 #

 1         1330 7th Avenue       37049-0081 (LT)      LT 60 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 2         1336 7th Avenue       37049-0080 (LT)      LT 59 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 3         1342 7th Avenue       37049-0079 (LT)      LT 58 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 4         1348 7th Avenue       37049-0078 (LT)      LT 57 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 5         1359 7th Avenue A     37049-0077 (LT)      LT 56 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 6         1327 7th Avenue A     37049-0076 (LT)      LT 55 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 7         1333 7th Avenue A     37049-0075 (LT)      LT 54 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 8         1339 7th Avenue A     37049-0074 (LT)      LT 53 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 9         1351 7th Avenue A     37049-0073 (LT)      LT 52A PL 444; OWEN
           West, Owen Sound                           SOUND

 10        1345 7th Avenue A     37049-0072 (LT)      LT 52 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 11        1308 7th Avenue A     37049-0071 (LT)      LT 50 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound



HDR-CW-09-21                                4                           Date: May 27, 2021



Parcel   Property Location   PIN               Legal Description
#

12       1314 7th Avenue A   37049-0070 (LT)   LT 49 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

13       1320 7th Avenue A   37049-0069 (LT)   LT 48 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

14       1326 7th Avenue A   37049-0068 (LT)   LT 47 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

15       1332 7th Avenue A   37049-0067 (LT)   LT 46 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

16       1338 7th Avenue A   37049-0066 (LT)   LT 45 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

17       1344 7th Avenue A   37049-0065 (LT)   LT 44 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

18       1350 7th Avenue A   37049-0064 (LT)   LT 43 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

19       1356 7th Avenue A   37049-0063 (LT)   LT 42 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

20       1368 7th Avenue A   37049-0061 (LT)   LT 40 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

21       1374 7th Avenue A   37049-0060 (LT)   LT 39 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

22       1370 7th Avenue     37049-0059 (LT)   LT 38 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

23       1378 7th Avenue     37049-0058 (LT)   LT 37 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

24       1386 7th Avenue     37049-0057 (LT)   LT 36 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound




HDR-CW-09-21                         5                         Date: May 27, 2021



Parcel   Property Location   PIN               Legal Description
#

25       1397 8th Avenue     37049-0056 (LT)   LT 35 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

26       1391 8th Avenue     37049-0055 (LT)   LT 34 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

27       1385 8th Avenue     37049-0054 (LT)   LT 33 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

28       1379 8th Avenue     37049-0053 (LT)   LT 32 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

29       1373 8th Avenue     37049-0052 (LT)   LT 31 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

30       1367 8th Avenue     37049-0051 (LT)   LT 30 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

31       1361 8th Avenue     37049-0050 (LT)   LT 29 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

32       1355 8th Avenue     37049-0049 (LT)   LT 28 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

33       1349 8th Avenue     37049-0048 (LT)   LT 27 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

34       1343 8th Avenue     37049-0047 (LT)   LT 26 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

35       1337 8th Avenue     37049-0046 (LT)   LT 25 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

36       1331 8th Avenue     37049-0045 (LT)   LT 24 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound

37       1325 8th Avenue     37049-0044 (LT)   LT 23 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
         West, Owen Sound




HDR-CW-09-21                         6                         Date: May 27, 2021



Parcel    Property Location    PIN                  Legal Description
 #

 38        1319 8th Avenue      37049-0043 (LT)      LT 22 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 39        1313 8th Avenue      37049-0042 (LT)      LT 21 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound

 40        1307 8th Avenue      37049-0041 (LT)      LT 20 PL 444; OWEN SOUND
           West, Owen Sound



Financial and Resource Implications
The proceeds from the sale will be put in the Affordable Housing Fund and used to fund
new affordable and energy efficient affordable housing units.

Relevant Consultation
☒ Internal: Legal Department, Clerks Department
☐ External:

Appendices and Attachments
HDR-CW-12-17

Process for Sale of Grey County Housing Units




HDR-CW-09-21                              7                           Date: May 27, 2021

Agenda item 7: Items For Direction and Discussion

Agenda item 7.a: CCR-CW-16-26 Integrity Commissioner

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Attachment: Integrity Commissioner Appointment - CCR-CW-16-26.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/7cc184bf1936a16bf012d81b51dffdeb4366f0d62804bdc60c6bbfdeee903813/7-a-1-integrity-commissioner-appointment-ccr-cw-16-26-pdf.pdf

Committee Report
 To:                            Warden Matrosovs and Members of Grey County Council
 Committee Date:                October 8, 2026
 Subject / Report No:           CCR-CW-16-26
 Title:                         Integrity Commissioner Appointment
 Prepared by:                   Tara Warder, Clerk and Rayburn Murray, Deputy Clerk
 Reviewed by:                   Randy Scherzer, CAO
 Lower Tier(s) Affected:


Recommendation
   1. That Report CCR-CW-16-26 regarding an Integrity Commissioner appointment for
      Grey County, be received; and
   2. That a by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration, appointing Lauren
      Chee-Hing as the County of Grey’s Integrity Commissioner for a three-year term
      beginning November 15, 2026; and
   3. That staff provide a notice of early termination to Principles Integrity for existing
      integrity commissioner and closed meeting investigator services prior to Council
      approval as per Section 26.6 (b) of the Procedural By-law.


Executive Summary
This report recommends the appointment of Lauren Chee-Hing as Grey County’s Integrity
Commissioner for a three-year term following the successful coordinated recruitment process.


Background and Discussion
This report serves as a follow-up to report CCR-CW-10-26, considered by Committee of the
Whole on June 25, 2026 which informed Grey County Council/Committee of the Whole of an
upcoming change to its Integrity Commissioner (IC).
Principles Integrity, Grey County’s current Integrity Commissioner, plans to cease operations as
IC in January of 2027. After receiving notice from the firm in April of 2026, Grey County and
member municipal staff met to discuss merits of continuing with the same Integrity
Commissioner as one another in order to standardize codes of conduct across the various
organizations and having the same IC who handles complaints and training in a consistent
manner.




CCR-CW-16-26                                   1                                October 8, 2026



The Clerks across Grey County agreed to pursue a coordinated recruitment effort rather than
the more standard RFP approach to help secure an IC who would be the right fit for all
municipalities and to recruit as soon as practical. This is the same approach that was
undertaken in 2017 following the passing of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation
Act, 2017 which required municipalities to have an integrity commissioner in place by March 1,
2019.
Select firms were invited to submit an expression of interest to serve as an IC for all Grey
County municipalities for a three-year term. Four expressions were received by the deadline,
and each municipality was asked to rank the firms in order of preference to determine the top
two firms to be interviewed by a panel in August. There was a representative from each
municipality on the interview panel, including the Deputy Clerk from Grey County. The
recommendation from the interview panel was that Lauren Chee-Hing be appointed as IC.
Lauren is experienced in municipal law, serving as a lawyer in her current position with Gridin
Advocates, her past experience includes acting in the capacity of legal counsel with the Ontario
Ombudsman. Lauren’s extensive municipal experience in the areas of accountability,
governance, administrative law and procedural fairness will be a valuable resource for Grey
County and its member municipalities.
Staff’s recommendation is to proceed with the appointment ahead of the new Council term to
have an IC in place for upcoming joint orientation with member municipalities and for the
incoming Council, so a resource is available immediately if needed, rather than transitioning and
changing IC’s early in the term.
Each member municipality is also anticipated to bring forward reports and / or by-laws with the
same recommendation on their own timelines and in accordance with internal practices and
structure.
It is worth noting that the process has been a collaborative and beneficial effort across all ten
municipalities.
The new IC will be tasked with training on the code of conduct, providing advice to members on
the code of conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, 1990 and other governance
matters. County staff will also work closely with the IC to implement the new standardized code
of conduct from the Province when it is brought into effect.



Legislated Requirements
The duties of the Integrity Commissioner are provided for in the Municipal Act, 2001 in Part V.1.
Municipalities must either appoint an IC, or make arrangements for all the responsibilities set
out in the Act to be provided by a Commissioner of another municipality.
Changes are afoot with additional legislation passed by the Province surrounding standardized
codes of conduct and involvement of a provincial IC. Specifically, Section 223.2 of the Act,
outlining that a municipality shall establish codes of conduct for members of the council, will be
repealed and replaced with verbiage that the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make
regulations prescribing a code of conduct, requiring a Commissioner to provide education or



CCR-CW-16-26                                     2                                 October 8, 2026



training on the code, among other items. It will also note that a code of conduct established by a
municipality will be of no force and effect once the new section (and standardized code) is
brought into effect by the Province.

Legal Considerations
There are none in this report.

Financial and Resource Implications
At the time of the prior report in June 2026, the budgetary impacts of switching to a new IC were
unknown for 2027. Having since received details from the proposed IC on future fee structures,
staff are anticipating Integrity Commissioner costs to be within budget in 2027 and similar to
actual costs in prior years. Costs for Integrity Commissioner services have been reasonable and
stable in the past and staff anticipate this to continue, barring any large inquiry or investigation
that may arise.
Grey County budgets funds each year to allocate towards advice on Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, 1990 and Code of Conduct matters.
Seeking advice early and proactively is encouraged and is a contributing factor in lower
complaint and investigation costs.


Relevant Consultation
☐       Internal

        ☐      AODA Compliance (describe)

        ☐      Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)

☐       External


Appendices and Attachments
None.




CCR-CW-16-26                                     3                                 October 8, 2026

Agenda item 8: Closed Meeting Matters

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

8.

Closed Meeting Matters

Agenda item 9: Other Business

---

Combined agenda package (secondary source)

9.

Other Business

Agenda item 10: Notice of Motion

---

Combined agenda package (secondary source)

10.

Notice of Motion

Agenda item 11: Adjournment

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

11.

Adjournment