Dufferin County Council met on April 24, 2025, for a Council meeting. For the full Council meeting agenda and minutes, please see the County’s Meeting Agendas and Minutes page.

Here are the highlights of the April 24 meeting:

Warden Horner proclaimed May 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month in Dufferin County. MS Awareness Month is observed in March. The goal of this awareness month is to raise awareness about the condition, which is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.

Warden Horner proclaimed May 2025 as Community Living Month in Dufferin County. Community Living Month, celebrated every May, is an important time to recognize and honour the achievements of people with intellectual disabilities, as well as the ongoing efforts to build more inclusive communities. It is a chance to shine a light on the barriers that still exist and to reaffirm a collective commitment to creating a society where everyone belongs, is valued, and can thrive.

Warden Horner proclaimed May 1, 2025 as First Responders Day in Dufferin County. First Responders Day is annually observed on May 1. This day acknowledges the dedication and invaluable service of individuals like police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel who protect life, property, evidence, and the environment during emergencies.

Warden Horner proclaimed May 4 to 10 as Emergency Preparedness Week. Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is a national awareness initiative that provides an opportunity to take action to ensure members of Dufferin County are prepared to protect themselves, their family and our community during an emergency.

Dufferin County is hosting a Planning and Economic Development Summit on June 12, 2025. Before the summit, County staff will review and analyze information gathered from meetings with local planners, economic development staff, local Chief Administrative Officers and County. The goals of this exercise are to enhance planning and economic development, demonstrate the benefits of collaborative two-tier planning and economic development and clearly define the roles of upper and local planning and economic development to benefit all of Dufferin County.

Dufferin County conducted the 2024 Resident and Family Satisfaction Survey to evaluate the experiences of Dufferin Oaks residents and their families regarding the care and services provided. This annual survey plays a key role in gathering valuable feedback, identifying trends and ensuring continued excellence in resident-centered care. The 2024 Resident and Family Satisfaction Survey was distributed in December 2024 and it received 62 responses. Survey results demonstrate high overall satisfaction, with 96 per cent of respondents agreeing that they receive quality care in a professional, kind and attentive environment. Notably, 100 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the professionalism and compassion of staff, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to fostering a safe, welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Gary Staples, Chief of Dufferin County Paramedic Service, presented the Dufferin County Paramedic Service 2024 Annual Report to Dufferin County Council. As noted by Chief Staples, Dufferin County Paramedic Service continued to routinely go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that its patients received the best care possible. Call volume continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with a 35 per cent increase compared to five years prior. The service continues to maintain excellent response times, averaging 8 minutes and 23 seconds, and exceeded all Council approved Response Time Targets for 2024. The Community Paramedicine Program remains a vital pillar of the service, offering high-quality, evidence-based care to the region’s most vulnerable and complex patients. In 2024, the program supported over 4,700 clients, enabling many to safely remain in their homes.

Jennifer Payne, Executive Director Headwaters Communities In Action, presented the organization’s 2025 Community Grant allocation recommendation to County Council. Dufferin County offers the Community Grant Program to support its strategic goals in the following streams:

• Climate and Environment
• Community
  • Cultural Enhancement
  • Access to Food
  • Youth and Seniors Services
• Economic Development
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

The entire list of grant recipients can be found here.

Dufferin County’s Director of Public Works provided an update on the County’s Road Network Rationalization Plan implementation. Council directed staff to collaborate with local municipal staff where necessary to develop any required temporary agreements related to the maintenance of roads being transferred to/from the County. Staff were also directed to work with Town of Orangeville staff to develop any necessary long-term agreements related to the transfer of Riddell Road to the County to define ongoing responsibilities related to County Road operations and capital versus local municipal responsibilities, like trails, ground keeping, sewers and sidewalks.

About Dufferin County Council

Dufferin County Council consists of 15 members representing each of the eight municipalities in Dufferin. Council meeting processes are set out in the County’s Procedural By-Law.

Dufferin County Council and Committee meetings can be watched live on the County’s website.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca