Grey County has released its 2025 annual update on Going Green in Grey, the municipality’s climate action plan, marking a significant year of accomplishments in sustainability, clean energy, and climate adaptation. Covering initiatives from July 2024 to June 2025, the report outlines key projects and partnerships driving forward the County’s environmental goals while delivering economic and social benefits.
"The County’s climate plan focuses on actions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on our community; however, implementing these actions offers extensive social and economic co-benefits," stated the report. "For example, increased affordability through investments in energy efficiency that reduce operating costs and utility bills for residents, businesses, and municipalities. These actions also help protect public health and safety, as well as stimulate the local green economy."
Key Achievements in the report showed there was $12.9 million secured in external funding, including $9.5 million to create a unified regional transit network and $2.5 million for public EV fast chargers.
Additionally, energy efficiency upgrades were implemented in County buildings and homes, along with the launch of a study to identify retrofit opportunities across Grey’s housing stock.
The county supported thirteen local farms through the Experimental Acres program, improving soil health and carbon sequestration across 379 acres over the past year.
Public education through the Resilient Grey climate adaptation planning process reached over 585 residents.
The county backed a Youth Climate Action Conference and 20 youth-led projects across the Town of The Blue Mountains.
In total, the project involved partnerships with 40 organizations, showcasing the effectiveness of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.
Municipalities across Grey County are also advancing local projects to support the broader climate action agenda. Owen Sound launched a city-wide Green Bin program and planted 150 new trees. The Town of Hanover unveiled a net-zero fire hall, while The Blue Mountains and Southgate are integrating net-zero design into all future builds.
Georgian Bluffs is installing three new EV fast chargers, including one with a solar canopy, and has co-developed a national planning tool for fleet electrification. Grey Highlands is ensuring all capital projects align with its new Sidewalk Connectivity Plan to boost active transportation.
The County continues to lead with coordination through its Communities of Practice, facilitating ongoing collaboration between municipalities and over 10 public sector organizations.
Next priorities include completing the County’s climate adaptation plan, finalizing the Future Ready Development Program, and continuing to pursue strategic partnerships and external funding. Staff will also track climate action results to guide investment decisions and help ensure long-term fiscal responsibility.