Grey County has enshrined improving access to housing as a key priority in its new strategic plan.
At its meeting on March 28, county council voted to adopt the new strategic plan for 2024 - 2027. CAO Kim Wingrove gave an overview of the new plan at the meeting and outlined the various key pillars that will form the county’s priorities over the next several years. The plan has been titled: Working Together for Success.
“This plan is built on the belief that success requires both collaboration and cooperation,” said Wingrove. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement.”
The county’s four key priorities in the plan are:
- Internal operations and service delivery. The priority being: continuous improvement in operational efficiency and service delivery, with the goals of containing costs and improving service access and quality through innovation.
- Building communities for the future. The priority being: Grey County infrastructure, programs and services are future ready and sustainable, with the goal of collaborating to create and implement plans, programs and infrastructure investments to support residents' quality of life and business success.
- Workforce development. The priority being: municipal workforce attraction, retention and skills development with the goal of developing skills and experience to meet current and future requirements.
- Giving everyone a place to call home. The priority being: improving access to housing for all residents with the goal of increasing the availability of housing options across the housing continuum to meet current and future needs.
Wingrove told council the strategic plan is a living document and that staff will return with an annual report each fall outlining achievements, progress and challenges.
“There is a lot of important work we can do here,” said Wingrove.
Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen praised the plan for making improved access to housing for all residents a key pillar and priority.
“We need to keep pushing on that housing part,” said McQueen. “Until there is more supply, it’s not going to change. There is a lot we can build on.”
Warden Brian Milne said the plan is the key guiding document for the county.
“The strategic plan is a tool Grey County Council and the senior management team will use to stay focused on the things that matter most to our residents: effective management, stewardship of public assets, building for the future and addressing the housing crisis,” said Milne. “By focusing on these priorities, we can make the greatest impact in our communities.”
Grey County delivers programs and services to more than 100,000 full-time residents, 12,000 businesses and three million annual visitors. County services include social housing, childcare, Ontario Works benefit administration, paramedic services, three long-term care homes, maintaining the county road network, land use planning, and administration of Provincial Offences court. Grey County also supports regional economic development and tourism and helps preserve local history through Grey Roots Museum and Archives.
