Grey Highlands wants to develop municipally-owned properties in downtown Markdale and the Beaver Valley near the former Talisman Resort.
The municipality is currently working collaboratively with the owners of the former Talisman Resort to explore opportunities to maximize the development potential of both that property, as well as the surrounding municipally-owned lands. Over the coming months, the municipality will be planning community visioning sessions to solicit public input on future opportunities.
In a news release, the municipality reported that land it owns in Markdale and the Beaver Valley near the former Talisman Resort is primed for potential development and investment. Grey Highlands is working on becoming the country's most inspired and well-managed rural community. Development of these public and private sector properties will serve as an anchor for the revitalization of the Beaver Valley and by extension downtown Markdale.
“The future development of the Beaver Valley area and downtown Markdale has been the impetus for forging a culture of partnership with the private sector that is essential to achieving sustainable economic growth, investment and jobs. We look forward to engaging our community as we build out the future vision for Grey Highlands,” stated Grey Highlands Mayor and Grey County Warden Paul McQueen.
The Municipality of Grey Highlands said it recognizes the importance of the Beaver Valley as one of Ontario’s iconic natural splendours, cut into the Niagara Escarpment. A productive agriculture area, transected by the Bruce Trail, the Beaver Valley features several natural landmarks including Old Baldy, Hoggs Falls, the Duncan Crevice Caves and Eugenia Falls, and is known for a myriad of outdoor pursuits including skiing, snowboarding, hiking and cycling.
The municipality is currently working collaboratively with the owners of the former Talisman Resort to explore opportunities to maximize the development potential of both that property, as well as the surrounding Municipally owned lands. The strategic development opportunities associated with the project are being supported by Grey County’s economic development team, and their investment attraction consultants, thinkCOMPASS.
“Grey Highlands and the surrounding region are the envy of many Ontario communities and that presents enormous opportunities. We are committed to establishing a strong and productive working relationship with Council and the community to advance our mutual interests in the future vision and development of the former Talisman Resort and the Beaver Valley region,” said Brian Ellis, co-owner of Talisman Resort.
According to Grey Highlands’ CAO, Karen Govan, “We are in an enviable position of owning key tracts of land that will allow the Municipality to strategically target growth and development, in partnership with the private sector; our approach is innovative and expedient, and we’re well-positioned to move this undertaking forward to capitalize on the market opportunities that are available.”