Council Meeting Highlights - September 29, 2026

A public meeting was held to discuss Zoning Amendment No. ZA28.2026 (255 Watson Drive, Mount Forest), which sought to expand the Industrial Business Park Settlement Area located north of Mount Forest. Council approved the zoning amendment and enacted the amending bylaw later in the meeting.

Council directed staff to send letters in support of resolutions received from various municipalities respecting requests to:

• reconsider mandated Conservation Authority amalgamation
• establish a regulatory framework for e-scooters
• continue research, clinical guidance, and access to care for individuals experiencing persistent Lyme-related illness
• substantially increase and provide sustainable, predictable operating funding for Ontario’s public libraries

Council received a report outlining a new Circular Materials depot agreement contract, and authorized staff to enter into the new agreement.

Council received a report regarding an amendment to the Bentinck Environmental Compliance Approval. The Bentinck Landfill is currently approved to use various soils for cover on the waste mound; an amendment is being sought to allow for the use of alternative cover materials, such as mulch and wood chippings.

Council approved a request from the Ayton-Normanby Homecoming Committee to install four murals on the Ayton Centennial Hall Building.

Council received a report regarding a request from the Durham Thundercats to construct a new dressing room at the Durham Community Centre. Council directed staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Durham Thundercats for the project, subject to final design approval and other considerations.

Council received a report regarding the West Grey Durham Lions Splash Pad. The final cost of the project has exceeded the original project estimate and the funds raised through the project. Council authorized staff to fund the remaining project costs from the General Capital Reserve to a maximum of $50,000.

Council received a report regarding strategic investment opportunities related to the recent boundary adjustment with the Town of Hanover. Under the terms of the agreement, the Town of Hanover will pay the Municipality of West Grey $500,000 annually (beginning in 2026), for a period of 20 years. Council directed staff to place the $500,000 received in 2026 into a reserve fund, and to bring forward options for strategic investment to the next term of Council.

Council shared information about upcoming community events, including:

• Recreation Master Plan Preliminary Public Engagement Findings on October 6, 2026
• West Grey Fire Services Awards Presentation on October 8, 2026
• Durham Hospital Foundation steak dinner fundraiser on October 17, 2026
• West Grey Municipal Election Voting Period from October 16 – October 26, 2026
• West Grey Public Library’s 25th Anniversary events at the Ayton Branch (October 20, 2026), Durham Branch (October 21, 2026), and Neustadt Branch (October 22, 2026)
• Neustadt Craft Show on November 7, 2026
• Normanby Optimist Murder Mystery Dinner on November 7, 2026
• Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni vs. Montreal Canadians Alumni Game on December 5, 2026

The next regular Council meeting will be held on November 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
For full Council meeting details, please visit westgrey.com/meetings