Hand picked and summarized articles on and about Grey and Bruce counties from various sources including but not limited to local media. To learn why we post and publish content about Grey and Bruce Counties, read this please. - Chris Herbert, Mi6 Founder and Managing Partner.
Mar 5 Update
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EH!tel Acquires GBTel to Expand Rural Internet Services
EH!tel Networks has acquired GBTel, an Owen Sound-based telecommunications company, ensuring uninterrupted service for its 5,000+ rural customers across Grey-Bruce. The acquisition supports ongoing broadband expansion, with EH!tel committed to bridging the digital divide through infrastructure investments. GBTel’s leadership will remain in place to oversee service quality, and no job losses are expected.
Actionable Insight: The acquisition highlights how locally founded businesses with strong community ties can be attractive investment opportunities for larger firms looking to expand their market reach. | Read more.
Youth Climate Action Fund Opens Applications for Round 2
The Youth Climate Action Fund is now accepting applications for its second round of funding, supporting youth-led environmental initiatives in Ontario. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects that tackle climate change through community engagement and sustainability efforts. This initiative empowers young changemakers to drive local impact.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and community leaders should explore partnerships with youth-led environmental projects to enhance their sustainability initiatives and CSR efforts. | Read more.
Owen Sound’s Repair Café Hits 500 Fixes in First Year
Owen Sound’s Repair Café has successfully completed 500 repairs in its first year, helping residents fix household items instead of discarding them. The volunteer-run initiative promotes sustainability, waste reduction, and skill-sharing within the community. By extending product lifespans, the café reduces landfill waste while fostering a culture of reuse and repair.
Actionable Insight: Businesses can adopt repair-friendly policies or partner with local repair initiatives to enhance sustainability efforts and customer engagement. | Read more.
Owen Sound Aims to Continue Guelph Bus Service
Owen Sound is working to extend its bus service to Guelph, which has been a vital transportation link for residents. The city is exploring funding options to keep the route operational, as it connects rural communities to larger urban centers for work, education, and healthcare. Officials stress the importance of sustainable funding to maintain and expand regional transit.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and local leaders should advocate for reliable regional transit, which can boost workforce mobility and economic growth. | Read more.
Bruce County Launches Energy Transition Initiative for Businesses
Bruce County has introduced an Energy Transition Initiative to help local businesses reduce emissions by shifting to low-carbon and clean energy solutions. The program provides businesses with resources, funding connections, training, and regulatory guidance to support their transition. The initiative, partially funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, aims to foster innovation, partnerships, and sustainability in the region.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should leverage available funding and partnerships to implement clean energy strategies, enhancing sustainability and long-term cost savings. | Read more.
Fraud on the Rise in Grey Bruce: OPP Shares Prevention Tips
Grey Bruce OPP has responded to 72 fraud-related calls in the first 60 days of 2025, with many more cases likely going unreported. To mark Fraud Prevention Month, police are sharing key tips: avoid pressure tactics, never share personal information, don’t click unsolicited links, and be wary of urgent payment demands via gift cards or wire transfers.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should educate employees and customers on fraud tactics to reduce risks and enhance cybersecurity awareness. | Read more.
Grey County Plans New Paramedic Base in Feversham
Grey County is acquiring land in Feversham for a new paramedic base to improve emergency response times and meet rising service demands. The $1.6 million project, developed in partnership with Grey Highlands, will serve as a model for planned bases in Ayton (2026), Thornbury (2027), and Cobble Beach (2028). The site, located beside a municipal salt dome, is expected to be transferred at no cost.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and investors should monitor infrastructure expansions, as improved emergency services can enhance local development and property values. | Read more.
Ontario Farmers Push for Wildlife Crop Damage Compensation
Northern Ontario farmers are renewing calls for government-backed compensation programs to address increasing wildlife-related crop losses, particularly from Sandhill Cranes. With damages estimated in the hundreds of millions, affected farmers argue that current insurance policies fail to cover their losses. Despite eight agriculture ministers addressing the issue since 2010, no lasting solution has been implemented.
Actionable Insight: Agricultural businesses should advocate for improved insurance policies and explore advanced deterrent technologies to mitigate wildlife-related crop damage. | Read more.
Saugeen Shores Businesses Adapt to U.S. Tariffs with Local Sourcing
As U.S. tariffs loom, Saugeen Shores businesses are turning to local suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions, strengthening the regional economy. The Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce urges caution against boycotting U.S.-owned businesses in Canada, as many are locally operated. Despite economic uncertainty, the chamber sees resilience and growth, with businesses like Mill Street Chocolates and Three Sheets Brewery thriving through local production and sourcing.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should diversify supply chains and highlight "Made in Canada" products to appeal to consumers seeking local alternatives. | Read more.
Bruce County Seeks Business Feedback on U.S. Tariff Impacts
Bruce County and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus are surveying local businesses to assess the impact of U.S. trade tariffs. The survey explores supply chain disruptions, pricing adjustments, workforce reductions, and needed government support, such as financial relief or trade negotiations. Businesses are encouraged to share insights to shape future economic support strategies.
Actionable Insight: Business owners should participate in the survey to influence local economic policies and explore county resources for mitigating tariff-related challenges. | Read more.
Collingwood Mayor Takes Action Against U.S. Tariffs
Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin has reaffirmed the town’s commitment to supporting local and Canadian businesses in response to U.S. tariffs. The town has already amended its procurement rules to prioritize Canadian suppliers and is reviewing further restrictions on American-based companies. A business roundtable was convened to discuss economic impacts, with concerns raised about potential business relocations to the U.S.. Advocacy efforts with provincial and federal representatives are ongoing.
Actionable Insight: Local businesses should explore Canadian supply chain alternatives and engage with municipal advocacy efforts to mitigate tariff-related risks. | Read more.
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