Grey County is moving ahead with a major road transfer plan involving local municipalities.
County council approved the proposal at its June 25, 2026 meeting. It would transfer all county-owned roads in urban areas to local municipalities, while also exchanging responsibility for some rural road sections to better match current traffic patterns.
The changes are expected to take effect June 1, 2027, pending approval of a by-law this summer.
Affected urban roads include sections in Thornbury, Markdale, Flesherton, Hanover, Meaford, Owen Sound, Dundalk, Durham, Neustadt, Ayton and Chatsworth.
Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs says the plan is the result of years of discussion with local municipal staff. She says "transferring roads will have several benefits" and will give municipalities more control over roads in their urban areas.
The plan also includes about 42.8 million dollars in supporting funding over 10 years for local municipalities. That money is meant to help cover transition costs, development charge transfers, road maintenance, traffic signals and other related expenses.
County staff say the road changes will be included in 2027 budget talks, and staff will begin working with municipalities on road condition information, capital planning and related records.
Grey County CAO Randy Scherzer says "the results will have a long-term positive impact for the region."
The county says residents and businesses most affected by the road transfers will be engaged as the project moves forward.
More information, including an interactive map, is available through Grey County’s road transfer page.
