Council Meeting Highlights - July 8, 2025

Council received correspondence from the West Grey Public Library Board requesting an evaluation of the
Neustadt branch building to identify potential issues and recommend any necessary maintenance, repairs, or replacements. In response, Council has directed staff to prepare a report outlining the current usage of the Neustadt branch as well as the results of a building condition assessment.

Council approved the 2025 budget for the Durham Business Improvement Area (BIA). The 2025 BIA levy is $12,600.

Council received a request from residents to lower the speed limit on Hutton Hill Road from 80 km/h to 50 km/h. Staff have been directed to prepare a report on the proposed speed reduction for Council’s consideration.

Council directed staff to send letters of support respecting:

• The support of advocacy to the Federal Government for 'disability without poverty' to the Prime Minister of Canada, the federal Minister of Finance, the federal Minister of Health, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA).
• Advocacy for Increased Income Support Thresholds for Canadian Veterans for the Prime Minister of Canada, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the interim leader of the Official Opposition, the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
• A Request for Exemption to Proposed Mandatory Firefighter Certification Requirements (O. Reg. 343/22) to the Fire Marshal of Ontario, the Premier of Ontario, the Solicitor General, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

Council directed staff to develop a policy for the use of municipal spaces by community groups for public displays. This policy will include application criteria, insurance requirements, display duration, content approval, and oversight responsibilities. Council has authorized the West Grey Durham Lions Club and its community partners to proceed with a temporary heritage display at the Durham Arena, pending staff approval of all display content and confirmation of appropriate liability insurance.

Council reviewed a report on 2025 Fees and Charges and directed staff to bring forward a revised bylaw based on Council direction. The new fees are set to take effect on September 1, 2025. 

Council shared information about upcoming community events, including:

• Annual Family Baseball Tournament on July 25-27, 2025, in Ayton
• Saugeen Sunfest on August 16, 2025, at Riverside Park in Durham
• Durham Firefighters 24th Annual Golf Tournament on July 26, 2025
• Barn2Beaches Music Tour 2025 at the Saugeen Municipal Airport on July 26, 2025 
• Canadian Plowing Championships on August 25-29, 2025, in Ayton 
  
  

The next regular Council meeting is August 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. 
For full council meeting details please visit:
https://www.westgrey.com/council-calendar