Upcoming meeting preview for Committee of the Whole on October 8, 2026 10:15 AM.

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

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.

Whole Agenda Summary

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.

Most Newsworthy Agenda Items

  • 6.a United Way Bruce Grey - Energy Poverty Brief: Data from August 2026 highlights rising household financial pressure and utility arrears across Ontario, Westario, and local communities. * 6.b Letter from the Honourable Robert J. Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Buy Ontario Procurement Policies: Correspondence urges municipalities to prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods under provincial directives with instructions to review supply chains. * 6.c Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding Levels: A proposal will make permanent the doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund allocation from $200 million to $400 million annually beyond its 2026 expiration date. * 6.d Municipality of Chatham-Kent - Resolution Regarding Regulatory Framework for e-Scooters: A request scheduled for circulation will be forwarded to provincial officials and local MPPs to support a province-wide regulatory framework. * 6.e Prince Edward County - Resolution regarding the Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax: An inquiry into whether such a tax is feasible and an amendment to the Municipal Act granting authority to municipalities will be considered. * 6.f CSR-CW-08-26 Declaration of Surplus Lands and Establishment of Easements: Staff will propose declaring the Westmount property at 1343 8th Avenue West as surplus land to enable an open-market sale in winter 2026. * 7

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/2026-10-08

Transcript will be published here: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/grey-county/committee-of-the-whole/2026-10-08

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=8636764a-d14b-442b-a9c7-4eee35e221c5