supporting them in many ways, such as covering planning fees, signage, and the like. Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, West Grey faces some restrictions on how it can support new businesses. However, its Community Improvement Plan gives it tools to use to attract new businesses and support business retention. As a result, West Grey’s growth strategy heavily embraces private-sector development, but that still leaves the challenges of helping these businesses navigate the regulatory “red tape” and providing the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. West Grey boasts ample land and the potential to provide necessary infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems. However, funding remains a hurdle. The municipality’s leadership has also been vocal about the importance of upgrading roads, bridges, and utilities to support both residents and businesses. The new Rockwood Terrace, a 128-bed long-term care facility, stands as a testament to this commitment, and showcases intergovernmental collaboration for community benefit Similarly, natural gas installation in Neustadt and fibre optic upgrades are expected to benefit the local community significantly. “Infrastructure upgrades are paramount,” the Mayor Eccles explains. “We need to ensure that people and products can move efficiently through West Grey. Whether it’s for agricultural goods or tourism, connectivity is key.” Beyond transportation, West Grey is also focused on facilitating industrial growth. A new 33,000-squarefoot industrial park is underway, and plans are in place for a potential Phase 3 expansion. A VISION FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE While local initiatives drive much of West Grey’s progress, provincial and federal policies will always play a critical role in shaping the municipality’s trajectory. Mayor Eccles has called for more streamlined processes to enable private enterprises to take the lead. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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