Upcoming meeting preview for Committee of the Whole on April 23, 2026 10:15 AM.

This preview is based on the published agenda package and supporting reports.

One-Sentence Summary

The April 23, 2026, meeting at 10:15 AM considers the purchase of three new ambulances to replace aging fleet vehicles and addresses a request from the Association of Ontario Roads Supervisors (AORS) for provincial legislation amendments to protect road workers against unsafe working conditions in Oro-Medonte and East Zorra Tavistock.

Whole Agenda Summary

On April 23, 2026, the Committee of the Whole for Grey County convened to consider infrastructure repairs, fleet modernization, and labor safety requests. The meeting opened with a priority update from Kate Burns Gallagher of the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus, highlighting representation across 15 municipalities. The committee reviewed the consent agenda, which included the award of a tender for the reconstruction of Structure 900-363 and the procurement of a new motor grader. Financial adjustments to the motor grader procurement account for delays in receiving previous equipment. Operational reporting continued with a review of the first-quarter purchasing report for 2026. A significant portion of the discussion focused on public safety, specifically a staff recommendation to purchase three new ambulances. Additionally, the committee considered a formal request from AORS seeking provincial legislation amendments to address unsafe working conditions affecting road workers in Oro-Medonte and East Zorra Tavistock. The session also featured an update on digital engagement platforms intended to enhance inter-municipal communication and a consideration of a minor exemption for invasive species removal at Marlane Farms. Minutes from a joint meeting with other municipalities, held on April 16, 2026, were reviewed.

Most Newsworthy Agenda Items

  • 4.a Kate Burns Gallagher - Western Ontario Wardens Caucus (WOWC) Update - Priorities and Achievements Determination of Items Requiring Separate Discussion Consent Agenda The Western Ontario Wardens Caucus update highlights representation across 15 municipalities serving 1.6 million residents and 250,000 businesses, with 90% of the area being rural.
  • 6.a TR-CW-19-26 Award of Tender RFT-TS-13-26 for the Reconstruction of Structure 900-363 The agenda addresses the award of a tender for reconstructing Structure 900-363, a bridge replacement project scheduled between July and October 2026. The work involves replacing the existing structure with a single-span steel pipe culvert on a new alignment while maintaining the old structure to ensure continued access for two property owners living on the west side. The project utilizes a specific budget from the Transportation Services Major Capital Reserve, resulting in a projected surplus available for future eligible projects. Additionally, the agenda includes the award of a contract to Toromont Cat for a new motor grader, a like-for-like replacement procured through a public sector buying group.
  • 6.b TR-CW-21-26 Award of Motor Grader The agenda item addresses the award of a 224 hp motor grader from Toromont Cat for $643,700, excluding HST, with a trade-in value of $104,000 for the used 2008 CAT 160M. Member municipalities will have the opportunity to purchase the replaced equipment once received, estimated for September 2026, following a reserve bid process or public auction if no bids are met. Financial implications show the project is under budget by $7,970.88, resulting in less withdrawal from the Transportation Services Equipment Replacement Reserve than projected, with a higher transfer amount due to delays in receiving replacement tandems in 2024 and 2025. The reserve balance is projected to decrease significantly by December 31, 2026, reflecting these adjustments.
  • 6.c PDR-CW-15-26 Marlane Farms Minor Exemption The agenda item addresses a minor exemption application for tree clearing at Marlane Farms, designated as ‘Rural’ and ‘Hazard Lands’ in the County official plan. Staff recommend approval based on the removal of non-significant woodlands and invasive Scots Pine, noting minimal ecological impact despite adjacent significant habitats. The application is currently tested against the existing Forest Management By-law while the County reviews its relationship with the ‘Going Green in Grey’ climate action plan. No public comments were received, and agency stakeholders including the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and Township of Chatsworth expressed no concerns.
  • 6.d FR-CW-09-26 Quarterly Purchasing Report Quarter 1 2026 The agenda item covers the award of three ambulances to TriStar Ambulances for $743,148.00 plus HST, addressing delivery delays that previously increased fleet maintenance costs. The report also details various other contract awards including roof replacements and consulting services across different departments.
  • 6.e PSR-CW-03-26 Purchase of Three New Ambulances for 2026 The agenda item addresses the replacement of three ambulances in the 2026 capital budget, awarded to TriStar Ambulances of Nova Scotia at a price under budget after HST adjustments. The project utilizes the Paramedic Services Equipment Reserve and offsets costs with the sale of used vehicles. Concurrently, the document details a broader provincial initiative led by the Association of Ontario Roads Supervisors to amend legislation, granting municipal winter maintenance workers enhanced legal protections against public interference comparable to first responders.
  • 6.f AORS Request for Provincial Legislation Amendments Unsafe Working Conditions, Oro-Medonte and East Zorra Tavistock The agenda item addresses a request for provincial legislation amendments concerning unsafe working conditions in Oro-Medonte and East Zorra Tavistock. The section outlines the organization’s strategic priorities, including infrastructure development, housing affordability, workforce preservation, and mental health support. It emphasizes the need for unified advocacy and evidence-based solutions to strengthen local government capacity and advance regional economies.
  • 7.a Joint Municipal Services minutes dated April 16, 2026 The Committee evaluated a Social Point digital engagement platform to centralize communication between the County and member municipalities, utilizing tracking tools for demographic analysis and accessibility features.

The committee is actively evaluating two distinct proposals regarding worker safety and public health response. First, the assembly is discussing the purchase of three new ambulances to augment the county’s emergency response fleet, replacing vehicles that are nearing the end of their service life. Second, a regional legislative request from AORS has been brought forward; this proposal seeks amendments to provincial legislation to better protect road workers who currently face unsafe working conditions in the specific jurisdictions of Oro-Medonte and East Zorra Tavistock. The committee noted that a decision regarding the provincial legislation amendment remains under evaluation.

In terms of infrastructure and procurement, the committee reviewed the award of a tender for the reconstruction of Structure 900-363. Concurrently, the procurement of a motor grader was discussed, with staff indicating that financial adjustments will be applied to offset costs resulting from delays with past equipment. The committee also addressed the Marlane Farms Minor Exemption, which pertains to the management of invasive species. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposal to implement a digital engagement platform designed to improve communication between municipalities.

What To Watch

  • Which agenda items move forward to formal recommendations.

  • Whether staff proposals trigger additional public consultation or revisions.

  • Follow-up actions, timelines, and any deferred items.

Read full agenda archive page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/grey-county/committee-of-the-whole/2026-04-23

Transcript will be published here: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/grey-county/committee-of-the-whole/2026-04-23

Share accessibility feedback with Grey County: https://www.grey.ca/government/accessibility

Original Agenda Package Links

Official meeting page: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=94c9b4e2-4d24-4756-9479-920f39d9c0cd