The Municipality of Grey Highlands, the gateway to the Beaver Valley, is the 882 square kilometre region in the south east corner of Grey County, with a population of 10,000.
With a commitment to build a vibrant economy and a sustainable future for the Municipality’s residents of today and tomorrow, Grey Highlands is taking a strategic and innovative approach to deliver on the promise of being Canada’s most inspired and well-managed rural community.
Strategically located less than two hours north of Toronto, Grey Highlands is close to large residential and business communities (including Owen Sound and Collingwood), resort areas, and Lake Huron’s majestic Georgian Bay. Intersected by Ontario’s Highway 10, it boasts over 9,300 travellers daily in peak season, that pass through the Municipality’s two largest settlement areas of Markdale and Flesherton.
Grey Highlands is committed to spearheading opportunities for development across the Municipality. Properties in downtown Markdale and the Beaver Valley (adjacent to the former Talisman Resort), are two Municipally owned properties that are primed for potential development and investment.
“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 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.
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 and the greater Grey Highlands region. 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.”
There is a palpable excitement for what the future holds. Over the coming months the Municipality will be planning community visioning sessions to solicit public input on the future opportunities presented by the Municipally owned properties in both downtown Markdale and in the Beaver Valley.
As the owner of significant tracts of land, the Municipality of Grey Highlands and its residents have the opportunity to help define their future by utilizing the lands in the Beaver Valley and downtown Markdale, and position the Municipality for a strong, vibrant and resilient future.
source: media release, Municipality of Grey Highlands
