January 10, 2024

Grey Highlands Mayor rises to the occasion of a new year

Photo: Municipality of Grey Highlands

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — Grey Highlands residents, Council and staff gathered at the Flesherton Public Library for the annual Mayor's New Year's Levee on Saturday, January 6. It was preceded by a free family skate at the arena.

Mayor Paul McQueen looked back on the many successes and achievements of the past year and noted that 2024 would mark the second full year of the current Council's four year term. His highlights included the opening of the new Markdale hospital, the start of construction on the new elementary school and the third annual RAM Rodeo and its growing contributions to the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation (CGHSF), which now amounts to over $120,000 donated in the last three years.

Remarking on the new hospital and school, McQueen lauded the perseverance of the people in Grey Highlands to accomplish these milestones. "They are so key to the growth and stability of our community," he added. Another measure of success was realized with the rollout of a new waste and recycling system in the municipality.

Other memorable moments of 2023 included the amalgamation of the Grey Highlands, Chatsworth, Southgate and West Grey business communities into one South Grey Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous grand openings, showing "the resilience of our business community and new growth."

Looking forward to 2024, the Mayor talked about the possible establishment of a waste management committee, ongoing parking issues and a desire to move ahead with the revitalization of downtown Markdale.

CGHSF chairperson Harvey Fraser was honoured for his profound impact on the community. McQueen congratulated him on his remarkable success with the foundation. "We owe him a debt of gratitude," he observed, hoping that he would remain an active and vital member of the foundation in years to come.

At the end of the ceremony, cake and refreshments were served.

 

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