Hanover and West Grey councils have established a working group to discuss bringing growth and investment to their area.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles said the two municipalities have a goal to attract essential development.
“There is no question that south Grey – in particular Hanover and West Grey – are prime locations for growth, development and commercial investment,” said Eccles. “Dating back to the Charter signed by West Grey and Hanover in 2015, the focus of ensuring mutual prosperity has not waivered. Restarting these discussions is the first step toward bringing proposals to the public and expanding the dialogue. At this point, everything is still on the table, and everyone is committed to focused exploration.”
Eccles said there are developers interested in the the South Grey region.
"What it would certainly result in is some commercial development that is being proposed or being looked at in that area, and how we can accommodate that." said Eccles. "There's a lot of pressure on our planning and on the community at large for some projects that would be interested in development in that area."
“A lot of work and studies have been completed to help shape the future needs for south Grey,” Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson said. “Building on this foundation, Hanover and West Grey are well-positioned to create an environment that welcomes growth and fosters partnerships. Based on our recent discussions, I am further encouraged by the open-minded collaboration to explore a variety of options.”
Eccles added talks will focus on how to balance development with the existing community.
"Funding the expansion of that infrastructure if it is required, but working through the provincial official plan of how that development could succeed in happening there," he explained. "It's still under discussion. There's been no decisions made as of yet, but it's been a very productive and amicable discussion so far. Everything is still on the table."
The working group includes Hanover’s Mayor Paterson, Councillor Dave Hocking, and CAO Sherri Walden, and West Grey’s Mayor Eccles, Councillor Doug Hutchinson, and CAO Laura Johnston. In addition, Grey County’s Deputy CAO Randy Scherzer and Director of Planning Scott Taylor have been facilitating the workshops.
"This type of development would come to expand our communities and continue them to be able to thrive and grow," concluded Eccles.
As discussions evolve, staff will bring forward reports to update their respective councils and to outline next steps of council input, and consultation with the public and the development community.
