Before we get into the notes I just wanted to make a point of clarification as I would like to avoid miscommunication and information being taken out of context.
The notes are what I perceive as highlights from the council meeting and are my interpretation of what I hear at the meetings and they include matters which I think the public will want to be aware of.
These notes are not fully inclusive of all items on the agenda and are not verbatim notes. If you have questions or want clarification about anything I have noted I would definitely recommend reading the official agenda first (link provided below) as well as reading the official meeting minutes when they are available. You can also watch the video recording of the council meeting to get the full context.
My intent for these posts is to keep the community informed regarding what is happening in town as I know it can be difficult to attend meetings/watch the recrodings and read through all of the agenda’s and minutes.
Sept 22nd , 2026
Click here for agenda
Click here for video recording of meeting.
Amy’s Highlights of the Town Council Meeting
Deputations/Presentations/ Announcement
Presentation – Employee Service Recognitions-James Allen, Recreation Facilities Manager – 5 years, Dylan Davison, Roads Maintainer – 5 years, Gordon Driscoll, Roads Maintainer – 5 years
Recognition of Retiring Members of Council-Councillor Lorne Dart,Councillor James Jonke
Staff Reports
CAO/Clerk
-Policy – Advertising and Sponsorships on Municipal Property-Page 33 on Agenda-Staff presented a policy on the use of Town assets for advertising and sponsorship opportunities as a revenue source for the Town. This came about through the Grand Valley Small Business group putting forward a proposal to the EDC to re-install benches that were previously installed and maintained by a private resident (3 in total) to advertise their real estate business. These benches were located on municipal property and were not under a formal agreement with the town. The owner of the benches removed all but one of the benches in 2025 and on the remaining bench replaced the real estate advertisement with a town logo. The Grand Valley Small Business Group found a company that services other municipalities (Orangeville, Guelph etc..) with bench advertising, the company supplies and maintains the benches and pays the town for the rental thus creating an additional source of revenue while also providing a space for local businesses to advertise. Town staff advised the EDC that an Advertising & Sponsorship Policy would need to be created for this new proposal to be approved. The EDC then sent a request to council to create a policy which then resulted in staff being directed to create one. A draft policy was reviewed with the EDC and the revised policy was presented to council at this meeting. Council reviewed and made some amendments (including some locations would be prohibited and criteria to follow the Canadian code of advertising standards). Policy was approved with amendments.
-Agreement – Thomasfield Employment Lands connection to Southeast Sewage Pumping Station- Thomasfield has already provided funds for this. Page 57 on Agenda-Key Findings-Due to the depth, location and proximity of those works to the SESPS, it is practical and efficient for the Town to construct those works as part of the Project. In the plans for the Southeast Sewage Pumping Station (SESPS), 18m of sewer and a manhole were included that normally would be built by the developer as part of their servicing plans.The Developer has agreed to cover the costs associated with this additional work.Part of the manhole costs would also be covered by another developer, who has not yet agreed to cover the costs. If costs are not agreed to be covered, the Town could be required to pay those costs from user fees or property taxes in order to get the project moving forward. Council approved the agreement.
-Use of Proceeds from Sale of Town-owned Gravel Pit Property-Page 69 on Agenda, Options town staff provided-1) Creation of an Endowment Fund, potentially managed by the Dufferin Community Foundation 2) Investing in the ONE Investment Program 3) Paying back the Town’s miscellaneous reserves and the Town operating account. For #3-Staff are presenting a recommendation to use the proceeds from the gravel pit sale to pay off borrowing from the Town’s reserves that has occurred because of cash flow shortfalls resulting from: Constructing ball diamonds at Concession 2-3 Park, Funding levees with Town reserves to compensate for property tax arrears, Property purchases made in anticipation of funds from this gravel pit sale or other potential funding sources. These are the amounts the town has borrowed from reserves-$500,000.00 loan from OCT 2022 for cash flow, $234,000 2024 Budget, cover expenses Concession 2-3 Park, Repayment of $1M loan from JUL 2024 for cash flow,$500,000 TX from Planning Deposits to cover shortfall in the operating account, Purchase of 15 Amaranth Street East, paid from Operating account. Staff recommend using the $775,000 to repay debts to the Operating Account for the purchase of 15 Amaranth Street, and to the Miscellaneous Deposits reserve to help put the Town’s reserves back to their proper status so that the projects for which the reserves were created will be properly funded, and so that the Town’s operating account reflects the cash available to the Town. Council Discussed and council provided directions- pays back $234,000 for the con 2-3 Ballpark expenses and $228,000 further that the balance be put into the one investment program. Deputy Mayor Renstch opposed but the motion carried
-2026 Municipal Filming Revenue-Page 74 on Agenda-The two productions – Barton Vet and Rogue – have both used various locations around the downtown village area, requiring access to public lands and facilities, and requiring film and
road occupancy permits. Donations have also been made to various Town entities in recognition of their support of the filming projects. Revenues received by Town entities for 2026 total $18,320 (this is for Barton Vet & Rogue aka”Reacher”). Breakdown as follows: Filming Permits – $2000, Road Occupancy Permits – $400, Facility Rentals – $4,940. Donations to Town entities – $10,980-Donations received for the BIA, Library, Town for use of Boswell baseball diamond, Community Centre for extra parking space. Categories batch together all revenues so that confidentiality agreements are not breached.
-Level of service downgrade of two sections of rural road-Page 116 on Agenda-Concession 12/13 from Sideroad 24/25 to Sideroad 27/28 & East/West Luther Townline from 100 meters south of Highway 89 to Concession 12/13 (with the agreement of Wellington North Council and/or Staff). Council approved no winter maintenance for these sections of roads.
End of my notes
Disclaimer- These are my personal notes from the meeting. The purpose of these notes is to give an update on what is happening around the Town of Grand Valley.
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