4.a EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture Strategic Process Update - September 2026
Staff advanced the Team Grey Memorandum of Understanding to establish shared planning frameworks and a reframed 2027 workplan for economic development. Strategic marketing expanded destination visibility through mixed-media campaigns, producing 26 Gather videos and 87 social media posts to drive visitor engagement. The Community Impact Lab hosted the Youth Climate Change Action Group while the Grey Roots Museum celebrated its 175th anniversary with a new exhibit launching in February 2027. Museum programming welcomed over 1,200 students through agricultural partnerships and hosted the Wild Weather travelling exhibit to educate on climate resilience. Grey Roots hosted diverse summer programming including a firefighter history exhibition, an African-Canadian history journal launch, and immersive living history experiences at Moreston Heritage Village.
EDTC Strategic Progress Update September 2026 Agenda Item 4.a: EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 Economic Development
Staff advanced the Team Grey Memorandum of Understanding with municipal representatives to establish shared planning frameworks and a reframed 2027 workplan. The Warden's Economic Development Leadership Luncheon concluded the series with asset mapping and clean energy presentations, while advocacy efforts included meetings regarding regional transit studies and sustainable funding for Georgian College. Economic development initiatives focused on site selection for healthcare and manufacturing investments, supported business retention through grant reviews, and mapped rural employment ecosystems. Strategic marketing expanded destination visibility via mixed-media campaigns and produced content including 26 Gather videos and 87 social media posts to drive visitor engagement. The Community Impact Lab hosted the Youth Climate Change Action Group, while the Grey Roots Museum celebrated its 175th anniversary with a new exhibit launching in February 2027. Museum programming welcomed over 1,200 students through agricultural partnerships and hosted the Wild Weather travelling exhibit to educate on climate resilience.
Grey Roots Summer Events and Upcoming Projects
Grey Roots hosted diverse summer programming including a firefighter history exhibition, an African-Canadian history journal launch, and immersive living history experiences at Moreston Heritage Village. The museum also featured train demonstrations, automotive restoration displays, and themed children's camps focusing on nature, cooking, art, and problem-solving. Additionally, the organization accessioned ten pieces from the Old City Hall Clock and hosted an Emancipation Festival event with community speakers and a freedom walk. Upcoming initiatives include roof repairs at the main museum building, the Wood Symposium, fall lecture series, and the Moreston By Candlelight seasonal event.
Agenda item 4.a: EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture Strategic Process Update - September 2026
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Attachment: Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Strategic Progress Update - September 2026 - EDTC-PEDAC-10-26.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/339e4410f7097e5ea42c335afcf8156f5414f0c129eda5ec492c616c500f323d/4-a-1-economic-development-tourism-and-culture-strategic-progress-update-september-2026-edtc-ped.pdf
Committee Report
To: Chair Keaveney and Committee Members
Committee Date: September 8, 2026
Subject / Report No: EDTC-PEDAC-10-26
Title: Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Strategic
Progress Update – September 2026
Prepared by: Jill Paterson, Manager of Museum & Archives,
Courtney Miller, Business Development Manager,
Kaleena Sanford, Strategic Marketing Manager,
Linnea Catalan, Economic Development Manager,
Stephanie Stewart, Community Transportation Manager.
Reviewed by: Savanna Myers, Director EDTC
Lower Tier(s) Affected: All
Recommendation
1. That report EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 regarding the Economic Development, Tourism
and Culture Strategic Progress Update – September 2026 be received for
information.
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to share progress towards strategic priorities in year three of the
EDTC Master Plan. Staff remain committed to the 2026 theme market, which, builds on the
work of prior themes: foundation and study in years one and two. Under this theme, staff
continue to communicate and inform, drawing attention to the tools, templates, and
opportunities available to our region; while advancing a unified regional voice on priority issues.
The is the final Committee update for this term of Council. A complete year in review will be
shared through the 2026 Annual Report in early 2027.
Background and Discussion
Director
The EDTC team continues to practice and trial lean mindset, process and evaluation, which is a
theme that carries throughout the progress reports below.
Team Grey Memorandum of Understanding (1.4)
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 1 September 8, 2026
Staff are actively standing up the Team Grey MOU with municipal representatives appointed to
the County-Municipal Economic Development Working Group. This includes shared templates,
mutually agreed planning and reporting frameworks and a reframing of the 2027 workplan and
budget under Team Grey.
Economic Development Leadership Series (1.1)
The Warden’s Economic Development Leadership Luncheon was held May 29th, marking the
fourth event of the series and final event during this term of Council. The session was ranked
9/10 by delegates, and highlights included:
Asset mapping activity with all delegates,
Growth, Development & Strategic Alignment with Dan Mathieson,
Clean Energy Frontier: It Starts Here with Stellina Williams, Cait MacKinnon, Chad
Richards
Things that go Bump in the Night with Brock Dickinson
Pursuing Strategic Advocacy (1.2)
Staff have advanced three advocacy opportunities in the third quarter of 2026. This includes
multiple meetings with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the Bruce-Dufferin-Grey-
Wellington Regional Transit Study; a third opportunity to meet with the Ministry of Colleges,
Universities, Research Excellence and Security at AMO regarding sustainable funding for
Georgian College; and support of Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) advocacy for
AMO.
Economic Development
Investment Readiness (2.3-2.5)
In the last quarter, Economic Development staff have continued to advance initiatives that
support business growth, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional collaboration
across Grey County. Staff have spent significant time with site selection requests and business
investment opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing and tourism. Part of this process includes
the ongoing development of investment readiness materials, such as, Grey County Workforce at
a Glance, Amenities Map etc. These materials are being refined and will be available for use by
municipal and community partners.
Business Retention and Expansion (3.2-3.3)
Staff supported the BEC Starter Company Plus grant review process to ensure the program
continues to effectively meet the needs of emerging entrepreneurs. Staff have also attended a
variety of business and community events, including the Municipality of Meaford's Chamber
Networking Event, SEDC’s Community Synopsis Review, and the Hanover Youth Hub meeting
with Elephant Thoughts, while also participating in several partner committees to better
understand local challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends. In addition, staff continued
work on rural employment ecosystem mapping by meeting with partner representatives to
identify ways to strengthen collaboration, improve awareness of available services and
resources, and support more intentional problem-solving within our network and the broader
regional service ecosystem.
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 2 September 8, 2026
The Community Impact Lab (Georgian College/City of Owen Sound/Grey County) advanced its
soft launch over the summer and hosted the Youth Climate Change Action Group, with an
additional community group coming through the space in September.
Staff also collaborated internally to support the development of the Grey Roots Museum Made
Grey’t exhibit, helping to highlight local new and historical businesses and their contributions to
the County through new products, ideas, and experiences. This exhibit commemorates Grey
County’s 175th anniversary and will launch February 2027.
Regional training and innovation network (4.2)
Sydenham Campus events:
Volunteer Fair (May 20)- hosted by the Grey Bruce Makers (GBM) and OSAAVA, the
Spring volunteer fair brought the event outside, allowing volunteer organizations and the
public to connect.
Warden’s Economic Development Leadership Luncheon (May 29)
Daycare Graduation (June 25)
Grey Bruce Makers Festival & Craft Show (June 27)- the 1st GBM Festival, celebrating
GBM 2nd anniversary. Free and open to the public, this outdoor event included GBM
vendors, live entertainment, structured activities, and tours of the makerspace. 150
guests enjoyed the festivities and wares for sale.
Owen Sound Doors Open (July 18)- welcomed 25 guests into Sydenham Campus and
provided full tours to all. Visitors were very interested in the transition from the former
school to what the building is now sharing positive remarks.
Sydenham activation and enhancements:
Launched a detailed inquiry and booking tracking program. The strongest
demand continues to be for flexible training and meeting spaces serving groups
of approximately 10 to 40 participants. This information is being used to guide future
room configurations. Future developments: there is one short-term training room and
one long-term rental option coming online in the fall to accommodate future needs.
Staff have also refreshed an under-utilized office suite and added it to the short-term
rental inventory. The space is already being regularly used for client meetings and
consultations and as a temporary office for groups using other facilities such as the
Auditorium, though it could also be leased for longer-term business incubation.
Several improvements have been made across campus including west wing (Grey Bruce
Makers) washroom improvements, additional wayfinding and office signage and touch
screen wayfinding utilizing an inherited SMART TV (repaired
by GBM for $12!). Two wall-mounted water bottle filling stations have also been installed
which will reduce the reliance on third party water coolers and are expected to pay for
themselves in less than two years.
Strategic Marketing
Strategic Marketing supports EDTC, including Grey County Tourism through destination
marketing, industry engagement, visitor experience development, content creation,
partnerships, and data-informed decision-making. Together, these efforts contribute to the
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 3 September 8, 2026
department's four core KPI areas: Website Engagement, Brand Awareness, Visitor & Business
Support, and Storytelling Impact.
Activities & Accomplishments
Destination Marketing & Brand Awareness (5.3): Expanded destination visibility
through earned media, partnerships, and mixed-media marketing initiatives, including
CTV Morning, Escarpment Magazine, Mountain Life, Mosaic, Global Heroes, RRAMPT,
regional tourism publications, and social media storytelling.
Content Development & Storytelling (5.4): Filmed 26 of 27 Gather 'Round That
videos, completed 41 tourism business visits, published 87 social media posts, and
developed 10 new blog articles, including seven authored by summer students.
Business Engagement & Industry Support (3.2): Completed 24 of 50 planned tourism
BR&E visits for 2026, co-hosted the Grey-Bruce Brochure Swap and hosted a Regional
Partner Exchange, welcoming approximately 50 tourism operators, municipalities, and
tourism-supporting organizations to strengthen industry relationships and regional
collaboration.
Visitor Experience & Community Activation: Delivered Imagination Station children's
programming at Grey Roots, supported the Grey County Archival Merchandise
Collection, the Gather Activation Wall, and the Chef Zach Keeshig Sweetgrass Ice
Cream Pop-Up, which attracted nearly 200 visitors.
Data & Decision Support: Continued Data-to-Action initiatives, dashboard
development, KPI reporting, and analytical support for EDTC, County departments and
member municipalities to advance performance measurement and evidence-based
planning.
Year-to-Date KPI Reporting Overview (5.3)
The activities above contribute to measurable outcomes across Grey County Tourism's four
core performance areas:
1. Website Engagement: VisitGrey.ca: 58,400 visits, 76,800 pageviews, 1.32 pages per
visit, 1:00 average visit duration, and a 76% bounce rate.
2. Brand Awareness: All Digital Platforms: 233,378 combined impressions across paid,
earned, and owned channels.
3. Visitor & Business Support: 3,479 trip idea views, 2,566 event page views, 1,500 story
clicks, and 136 active event listings, demonstrating continued interest in local
experiences, attractions, and operators.
4. Storytelling Impact: 8,378 YouTube impressions, 1,891 video views, a 62% completion
rate, 1-minute average itinerary engagement, and 10,224 social interactions, including
likes, comments, follows, shares, saves, and link clicks.
Grey Roots Museum & Archives
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 4 September 8, 2026
Between May and July, Grey Roots Museum & Archives offered a broad range of programming
and visitor experiences, including school programs, new exhibitions, historical demonstrations,
as well as community-led presentations and art projects. Summer 2026 combined the return of
many well-established favourites with the introduction of new initiatives designed to engage a
wide range of audiences.
Following a particularly strong 2025 season, visitation in 2026 remains ahead of 2024 levels and
on par with 2023. Revenue-generating activities show a similar pattern. While revenues are
currently tracking below the exceptional results achieved in 2025, they remain ahead of 2024
and 2023 levels, reflecting ongoing strength in visitor engagement and earned revenue
opportunities.
Education Programs, In May and June, Grey Roots welcomed more than 1,200
students through its doors. To enhance curriculum-based programming, staff partnered
with the Bluewater District School Board’s SHSM Agriculture Program to offer
opportunities for students to observe real agricultural learning activities. These
enhancements complemented popular programs such as Doing the Chores, Time
Travellers’ Trek, and Wild Weather Wranglers, providing students with hands-on,
experiential learning.
Artwork in Grey County Gallery, Following an evaluation process that included
members of the Grey Roots Indigenous Advisory Circle and support from staff at the
Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Saugeen First Nation artist, Jeannette Ladd was selected to
create What We Carry, What We Grow. The proposed artwork consists of three
interconnected 4' x 6' panels. Grounded in Anishinaabe teachings, the work’s visual
narrative moves from past to present to future, emphasizing continuity, stewardship, and
the importance of carrying knowledge forward to support future growth.
Grey County Archives, As of August 12, 2026, Archives staff responded to 360
research inquiries from individuals, organizations, and government partners. Archival
reference and information services were provided to the Township of Chatsworth, Town
of The Blue Mountains, Township of Georgian Bluffs, Municipality of Meaford, City of
Owen Sound, and Municipality of West Grey. Staff also supported Grey County
departments, including Planning, Clerk’s Services, and the CAO’s Office, by providing
access to archival records, historical information, and research assistance.
Grey Roots hosted Wild Weather, a hands-on travelling exhibit developed by Science
North with the Ontario Science Centre, in summer 2026. Local Stories: Changing
Weather was a complementary exhibit developed in collaboration with the Georgian
Bluffs Climate Action Team. The exhibit connected extreme weather and climate change
to Grey County experiences, including agricultural impacts, adaptation strategies, and
community resilience. The exhibit supported public education, preparedness, and
dialogue on local climate action.
Spring into Moreston/Voices for Climate Action Concert, This enhanced our annual
event welcoming more than 450 attendees for a day of music, community engagement,
and family activities. A highlight of the event was the Voices for Climate Action Concert,
featuring performances by Luke Wallace and David Sereda and supported by the
Community Foundation Grey Bruce. The event also marked the launch of Local Stories:
Changing Weather by the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team and featured community
partner exhibits, heritage demonstrations, and volunteer-led activities throughout the
historical village.
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 5 September 8, 2026
Facing the Flames: A Firefighter’s Story was featured at Moreston Heritage Village
throughout summer 2026. This condensed version of Grey Roots’ 2019 Ontario Museum
Association Award winning exhibition explored Grey County’s firefighting history through
artefacts, equipment, archival photographs, and interpretive displays highlighting the
evolution of local fire services.
Northern Terminus: The African-Canadian History Journal, Volume 21, This year’s
issue developed by Grey County Archives and the Northern Terminus Editorial
Committee was launched at Grey Roots on June 12. The packed theatre was treated to
a program that featured a presentation by Naomi Norquay on Priceville’s early Black
residents, updates from community organizations promoting local Black history,
refreshments and fellowship.
Moreston Heritage Village, During July and August, Moreston Heritage Village offered
visitors an immersive living history experience across its 10-acre site, featuring more
than a dozen historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and artefacts from the Grey Roots
collection. Daily programming included guided and self-guided tours, access to key
heritage structures, audio tours, and hands-on historic demonstrations such as tin
smithing, archaeology, and natural dyeing.
Train Days and Wheels Wednesdays, Train Days offered visitors opportunities to ride
the Bob McDowall Memorial Railway, enjoy G-scale train demonstrations, and connect
with members of the Bluewater Railroaders. Throughout the summer, Grey Roots’
vehicle restoration volunteers showcased antique cars, trucks, and tractors, bringing
automotive history to life through engaging displays and demonstrations.
KidsCamp, Grey Roots’ well attended summer camp offered a range of themed
programming that encouraged creativity, skill development, and community connection.
Neighbours & Nature explored belonging and shared responsibility. Cooking Quest III
developed practical kitchen skills. Gizmos & Graphics combined art and S.T.E.A.M.
through hands-on projects, while Dice & Dragons fostered teamwork, storytelling,
imagination, and problem-solving through roleplay and adventure.
Old City Hall Clock, Grey Roots has accessioned the City of Owen Sound’s Old City
Hall Clock which includes 10 pieces. The items will be moved to Grey Roots in October.
Space is already being made to store and display these impressive artefacts.
The Emancipation Festival, in partnership with Grey Roots Museum & Archives,
hosted Speaker’s Corner event in the Thomas Wheildon Theatre, bringing together
educators, historians, descendants of freedom seekers, and community members for an
evening of learning and reflection. The event featured live music by Bobby Dean
Blackburn, presentations by Dorothy Abbott, Lesa Walker, and Carolyn and Sylvia
Wilson of the Sheffield Park Black History Museum, as well as a performance by the
Mellish Dancers. The following morning, participants joined the Freedom Walk from
Grey Roots Museum & Archives to Harrison Park, promoting awareness of local Black
history and the legacy of freedom seekers.
Antique and Classic Car Show, Despite being postponed by one day due to inclement
weather, the annual Car Show attracted approximately 650 attendees. Beautifully
restored vehicles from the Grey Roots collection were displayed alongside entries from
the Bluewater Region Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada. Visitors also enjoyed
train rides, food vendors, Wild Weather exhibits, and Moreston Heritage Village.
Community Canvas: A Roger Mooking Experience, This large-scale collaborative art
initiative engaged residents and visitors in creating a shared visual story of Grey County.
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 6 September 8, 2026
The project was conceptualized and led by Grey County Creative Director Roger
Mooking, with contributions from artists Lonny Doherty and Sarah Rose Irwin. The
project invited public participation from July 18 to August 16, 2026. The completed
artwork was unveiled at a public reveal event on August 26.
Upcoming highlights:
Flat Root Replacement, Guided by the Building Condition Assessment (BCA) and
approved 2026 capital projects, roof work will begin this September on the final
remaining section of the flat roof at Grey Roots’ main museum building. The museum will
be closed to the public while work takes place above the main gallery spaces, with
reopening anticipated in early October.
The Wood Symposium 2026, The symposium will be hosted at Grey Roots from
October 16 to 18, 2026 by Intersections Wood Collaborative. The event will bring
together beginner and experienced woodworkers and woodturners to explore traditional
techniques and contemporary innovations through presentations, exhibitions,
demonstrations, international speakers, vendor displays, and hands-on workshops.
Fall Lectures, The Fall 2026 Lecture Series will feature four Tuesday afternoon
presentations exploring winter birding, climate communication in museums,
remembrance, and Canadian military history. Speakers include David T. Chapman, Dr.
Soren Brothers, Bonita deMatteis-Johnston, and Dave Alexander.
Moreston By Candlelight, The signature seasonal event is taking place slightly earlier
in the holiday season on November 28 and December 5. As always, visitors will enjoy
horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, heritage building tours, seasonal refreshments,
and family-friendly activities in the historic village.
Business Development
Business Enterprise Centre as leader in entrepreneurship support (4.1).
From May to July 2026, the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC):
Responded to 88 inquiries;
Completed 42 consultations (29 new and 13 existing businesses); which,
Supported the launch of 19 new businesses;
Helped sustain 7 businesses; and
Contributed to 5 business expansions and 1 business purchase.
Summer Company Program. For 2026 program delivery, the BEC received $24,000 in grant
funding, which was distributed among eight program participants. Staff began promoting the
program in early 2026 through high school visits, job fairs, and digital, print, and radio
advertising. The program received 43 initial applications and 26 completed business plan
submissions, almost double the amount received in 2025. Due to the high number of
applications and the overall quality of the submissions, a new evaluation matrix was developed
to support a fair and comprehensive review process. Applicants were assessed based on the
feasibility and level of detail in their business plans, as well as their overall engagement with the
program. The following businesses were selected:
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 7 September 8, 2026
Sound Pressure Washing - Pressure washing business in Owen Sound
Dock2Deck Delivery - Boat delivery service in Georgian Bluffs
Dylan's Lawn Care & Services - Lawn care business in West Grey
Pretty & Polished Nail Boutique - Nail salon in Grey Highlands
Luxury by Mya - Nail artist in Hanover
GabeBenderFilms - Sports videography and photographer in West Grey
YourTune - Piano tuner offering in person and online training in West Grey
Mexican Corn - Mexican corn stand in Owen Sound
Starter Company Plus Program. For the 2026 program year, the BEC received $60,000 in
grant funding to support Starter Company Plus participants. A total of 45 businesses applied to
participate in the training component of the program. Upon completion of the training, 28
business plans were submitted for review by the grant review committee. Following the
committee's evaluation, 16 businesses were awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to assist with
start-up and expansion costs. The following businesses were selected:
Ash Audio – Voice acting, Georgian Bluffs
Bafana Bafana Foods – South African inspired catering, Owen Sound
First Health Counselling – Counselling services, Owen Sound
Katie Crosby Graham – Health coaching and pilates, Hanover
Northern Strike Fishing Co. – Fishing tackle, Georgian Bluffs
On Solid Ground Footcare & Orthotics – Chiropody clinic, Hanover
Pink Rooster Refreshments – Smoothie shop, The Town of the Blue Mountains
Radiance Design Studio & Events – Event design and décor rental, Georgian Bluffs
Rusty Rosco Maple Syrup – Maple syrup producer and on-farm store, West Grey
SonoScholar – AI learning and research platform, The Town of the Blue Mountains
Sutton Laser Cleaning – Mobile surface restoration, Georgian Bluffs
TeeterDesigns – Architectural designs, Grey Highlands
The Bark and Barrel – Pet supply, Owen Sound
The Corner Kitchen – Café, West Grey
THE CORNER Studio Café – Coffee shop, West Grey
Fall Training Schedule. The BEC has three workshop series planned for the fall. The first is a
four-part succession planning series. This series is being offered in support of the broader
Succession Ontario initiative, which promotes succession planning resources for micro and
small businesses across the province. This series will discuss the steps involved in succession
planning, how to estimate the value of a business, exit options, and how to prepare a business
for sale. To strengthen their capacity to support local businesses preparing for succession, BEC
staff have been participating in Queen's University's Succession Planning Micro-Credential
program. The other two workshop series planned for the fall will have a financial focus. The first
will cover tax preparation for small businesses, while the second will focus on financial
forecasting and cash flow management for service and product-based businesses.
EDTC Facilities: Sydenham Campus and Grey Roots
The Facilities team continued to advance remaining 2026 capital projects at both Sydenham
Campus and Grey Roots. At Sydenham Campus, the boiler replacement project has been
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 8 September 8, 2026
completed, the HVAC project has been awarded and is scheduled for completion in late fall, and
a new digital work order system has been implemented. At Grey Roots, the schoolhouse roof,
museum building flat roof, and pressure tank replacement projects are all underway and remain
on track for completion by the end of fall 2026.
Community Transit
The Bruce–Dufferin–Grey–Wellington (BDGW) Regional Transit Study is nearing the end of its
phase one study, to design and assess the feasibility of a unified regional transit network. The
proposed network is intended to provide a seamless passenger experience, identify efficiencies
through inter-county collaboration, and improve service in areas with limited transportation
options. The project team continues to work with Dillon Consulting to finalize the plan, which is
planned to come forward for information this fall.
Following report EDTC-CW-09-26, Council endorsed the pre-approval phase which enabled the
extension of GTR Route 2 and GOST contracts, as well as the reintroduction of GTR Route 5
between Owen Sound and Wiarton until a decision is made on the unified network. These
services are accommodated within the approved 2026 County budget and supported by the
Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF). In addition, staff released a request for information
(RFI) to assess technology solutions and operator interest, and are beginning to explore the
requirements and potential of a unified rideshare bylaw.
Financial and Resource Implications
All items are included in the approved 2026 budget, with staff resources assigned through
departmental workplans.
Relevant Consultation
☒ Internal: EDTC Team
☐ AODA Compliance
☐ Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets
☐ External
Appendices and Attachments
Economic Development, Tourism & Culture Master Plan
EDTC-PEDAC-10-26 9 September 8, 2026