Pat Hoy, Director of Transportation, provided an overview of updates that have occurred since the last meeting in March of 2025. Looking ahead, the department is in the midst of finalizing the nine transfer agreements with each municipality. He noted that the road assumption by-law will be brought forward to Council on May 14, 2026 if Council supports this recommendation, with the anticipation of the road transfers occurring on July 6, 2026 with the exception of roads in the Municipality of Grey Highlands and the Township of Southgate transferring on October 29, 2026 following planned Grey County construction projects.
With the future changes, Director Hoy noted a hotline number that residents will be able to call in order to ask questions and receive help on changes to their address for driver's licenses, bills and other paperwork.
The Committee sought clarification on when residents would be notified about these changes across the municipalities. Sharon Melville, Business Integration Manager, noted that residents would be notified prior to the end of March. She noted that Grey County staff will be meeting with Clerks from each municipality at the end of February for election purposes.
Randy Scherzer, CAO, reiterated the commitment from the County to each municipality on making sure the transition is as smooth as possible. He further noted that the concierge service will be put in place to help residents through the transition and will be set up well ahead of the road transfers to give optimal time for residents to make the required changes to their civic address. CAO Scherzer noted that urban roads primarily won't be impacted by the road exchange, and that it is mostly rural roads that are will be impacted.
The Committee discussed the Hanover boundary adjustment with West Grey and concerns over residents changing their addresses twice. CAO Scherzer noted that staff will work with both Hanover and West Grey on this once the Minister has signed off on the restructuring.
The Committee sought clarification on the updated financials on the transition funding. Staff confirmed the updates include pro-rating to the official 2026 download dates that were not captured in the previous chart provided to the Committee.
Staff noted that if needed, they will work one-on-one with residents to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible. CAO Scherzer noted that staff have met with the County CAO group providing updates about the road transfer and timelines of the project, but they are also happy to provide an overview to each Council within the municipality with further information and to answer any questions staff may have.
Staff further noted that they will share by-laws and procedures with the lower-tier municipalities to help with the required procedural updates needed within each municipality ahead of the transfer date and provide support for after the exchange has come into effect.
Councillor McQueen left the meeting at 10:20 a.m. and returned at 10:23 a.m.
Staff noted the hope that the adopt-a-road program can continue after the download is complete and that staff hope to work with each municipality to ensure this can be captured with the transition.
Staff and the Committee noted the challenges ahead but are committed to work through these changes to ensure a seamless transition. The Committee noted the importance of moving forward to not delay the process any further.