What is an ICBL?
An Interim Control By-Law (ICBL) is a tool available to Ontario municipalities as part of the Planning Act. An ICBL places a temporary “freeze” on the development of certain lands while a municipality is studying or reviewing its land use policies. The restrictions can only be imposed for one year, with a maximum extension of a second year. Once an ICLB is no longer in effect, a subsequent ICBL may not be imposed on those same lands for three years. (from Town of Caledon website)
Next Steps: Bringing the Conversation to Grey County
West Grey Council may have voted against adopting an Interim Control By-law (ICBL), but our work is far from over.
This is the moment to take our message to Grey County Council — where the aggregate policies that shape every local municipality are created and maintained.
Why County Matters
Grey County’s Official Plan determines how aggregate extraction is managed across all nine municipalities. The County’s policies haven’t kept pace with the realities of modern extraction — from deeper pits and cumulative impacts to climate and groundwater protection.
We need Grey County to lead a comprehensive review of these policies to ensure they reflect:
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Current science and hydrogeology
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Cumulative and cross-boundary impacts
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Climate resilience and water protection
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Transparent public consultation
Our Message to County Council
Grey County must pause and re-evaluate aggregate policies before more large-scale pits are approved under outdated rules.
Residents across the County — not just in West Grey — are calling for responsible, sustainable planning that protects the Saugeen River watershed, our drinking water, and the health of rural communities.
Take Action: Contact Your County Councillors
Your voice matters. Every email and phone call helps build momentum for County-wide change.
Below is a list of Grey County Council members — made up of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor from each municipality.
You can write to one or all. A respectful, short message sharing why you care about water, farmland, and responsible planning makes a real difference.
Grey County Council Contact List
|
Municipality |
Role |
Name |
|
|
The Blue Mountains |
Mayor |
Andrea Matrosovs |
|
|
The Blue Mountains |
Deputy Mayor |
Peter Bordignon |
|
|
City of Owen Sound |
Mayor |
Ian Boddy |
|
|
City of Owen Sound |
Deputy Mayor |
Scott Greig |
|
|
Township of Georgian Bluffs |
Mayor |
Sue Carleton |
|
|
Township of Georgian Bluffs |
Deputy Mayor |
Grant Pringle |
|
|
Municipality of Meaford |
Mayor |
Ross Kentner |
|
|
Municipality of Meaford |
Deputy Mayor |
Shirley Keaveney |
|
|
Township of Chatsworth |
Mayor |
Scott Mackey |
|
|
Township of Chatsworth |
Deputy Mayor |
Terry McKay |
|
|
Municipality of Grey Highlands |
Mayor |
Paul McQueen |
|
|
Municipality of Grey Highlands |
Deputy Mayor |
Dane Nielsen |
|
|
Town of Hanover |
Mayor |
Sue Paterson |
|
|
Town of Hanover |
Deputy Mayor |
Warren Dickert |
|
|
Municipality of West Grey |
Mayor |
Kevin Eccles |
|
|
Municipality of West Grey |
Deputy Mayor |
Tom Hutchinson |
|
|
Township of Southgate |
Mayor |
Brian Milne |
|
|
Township of Southgate |
Deputy Mayor |
Barbara Dobreen |
How to Help Right Now
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Email your County representatives — share your concerns about aggregate expansion and urge a review of the County’s aggregate policies.
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Spread the word — encourage neighbours, farmers, and businesses across Grey County to do the same.
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Stay connected — follow updates from the Saugeen Preservation Society as we move this discussion to County Council.
Together, we can make Grey County a leader in responsible land-use planning and water protection — for everyone who calls this region home.
If you have questions please contact us at:
[email protected]
Thank you for speaking up for what needs to be done to protect West Grey's environment, infrastructure and residents!
~Saugeen Preservation Society Team
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