Updated Nov 27
Protecting Ontario's Farmland: 2024 Milestones
Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) safeguarded 821 acres of farmland in 2024, including ecological preserves in Bruce, Grey, and Prince Edward counties. Key achievements include providing access for new farmers and protecting wildlife habitats. Facing record inquiries, OFT needs $50,000 to finalize current projects. Plans for 2025 include public education programs and expanding farmland preservation initiatives. Contributions ensure sustainable agriculture and biodiversity in Ontario. | Read more.
Habitat for Humanity Plans Eight-Unit Build in Owen Sound
Habitat for Humanity Grey-Bruce is launching a $1.5 million fundraising campaign to construct eight affordable townhomes in Owen Sound in 2025. This initiative aims to address the local housing shortage and provide stable housing for families in need. The organization is seeking community support through donations and volunteer efforts to realize this project. | Read more.
Georgian College Boosts Entrepreneurship in Grey Bruce
Georgian College’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) has expanded to Grey County’s Sydenham Campus, providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, funding, and workshops. This initiative builds on collaborations like Catapult Grey Bruce, fostering regional growth through resources for intellectual property, research, and social innovation. The expansion aims to enhance the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering tailored guidance to businesses. An Open House will be held on Nov. 23 to showcase the new facility. | Read more.
Living Wage in Grey Bruce Increases to $23.05/hour
The United Way of Bruce Grey reports a 1.3% increase in the living wage for 2024, now $23.05/hour (vs $26 in Toronto). Specific needs include $26.82 for single parents with two children and $23.93 for individuals. Rising costs in shelter, food, and transportation drive this change, with poor public transit amplifying challenges. Businesses paying living wages see reduced turnover and improved morale, highlighting its economic benefits. | Read more.
HIPP Pitch Competition Awards Over $11,000 to Entrepreneurs
Hanover’s HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition awarded prizes to winners including Irene Dixon ($8,700 for Kids Play Indoor Play Centre), John Schnurr ($2,300 for The Alley Family Entertainment Centre), and Maksim Karasev ($1,700 for Craft CNC). Participants benefited from training, mentorship, and funding. Held biennially, this initiative supports business development in Hanover, offering startup capital, coaching, and advertising. The program underscores Hanover's commitment to fostering innovation and small business growth. | Read more.
Brightshores Announces Temporary Cancer Program Changes
Brightshores Health System, facing oncologist shortages, will redirect some cancer patients to centers in Barrie, Kitchener, or London starting Nov. 25, 2024. Lung, colorectal, and breast cancer patients remain at Brightshores, while others are transferred based on location and need. Current patients remain unaffected. Efforts to recruit oncologists continue as Brightshores ensures timely care via regional partnerships. For concerns, contact Patient Relations at 519-372-3920 Ext. 2308. | Read more.
West Grey Awaits Judicial Review on Hospital Bed Closure
West Grey has contested South Bruce Grey Health Centre’s (SBGHC) decision to relocate 10 inpatient beds from Durham Hospital to Walkerton and Kincardine. Judges heard the case on Nov. 13 and are expected to deliver a verdict by year-end. SBGHC cites governance autonomy, while West Grey alleges inadequate consultation. This healthcare crisis has prompted emergency measures in West Grey, including community rallies and advocacy efforts. | Read more.
Brockton Faces Steep Policing Cost Increase
The Municipality of Brockton is grappling with a 30% surge in policing costs, projected to reach nearly $3.3 million in 2025. This sharp rise, primarily attributed to escalating court security and prisoner transportation expenses for the Bruce County Courthouse in Walkerton, has raised concerns about its impact on ratepayers. Mayor Chris Peabody warns of a potential 6.5% tax hike in 2025 if the situation remains unaddressed. He is advocating for the distribution of court security costs among Bruce County municipalities and seeking provincial assistance to mitigate the financial burden on Brockton residents. | Source: Read more.
Housing Crisis Grips the Town of the Blue Mountains
A stark contrast in housing affordability is evident within Grey Bruce. While specific data on the broader region is limited, the Town of the Blue Mountains is experiencing a full-blown housing crisis. Soaring rental and home prices, with two-bedroom units averaging $2,750 per month and single-family homes selling for $1.6 million in 2023, are forcing essential workers to seek housing in neighboring communities. This trend poses a significant threat to the local tourism industry, heavily reliant on service and hospitality workers who are increasingly priced out of the town. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of diverse housing options, with detached homes dominating the market and a scarcity of purpose-built rentals. The town's declaration of a housing crisis aims to accelerate development projects incorporating affordable units, but the path to a balanced and accessible housing market remains challenging. | Source: Read more.
Boost for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Fruit Producers
On a positive note, the agricultural sector in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound is receiving much-needed support. The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative, a collaborative effort by the federal and provincial governments, has committed $4.4 million to aid 128 local apple, tender fruit, and table grape producers. This investment aims to facilitate the cultivation of fruit varieties that are more appealing to consumers, resilient to pests and diseases, and better suited for the changing climate. This initiative signals a commitment to bolstering the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Ontario's fruit industry. | Source: Read more.
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