Dufferin County Council met on February 26, 2026 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 February 26 meeting:

• Dufferin County proclaims March Amyloidosis Awareness Month in Dufferin
• Dave Pearson, Executive Director, Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team, delegated regarding Care Days
• County Council to submit comments regarding Bill 72: Buy Ontario Act, 2025
• County Council approves the Town of Grand Valley Official Plan Amendment No. 8 subject to the implementation of 32 modifications
• County Council approves Anti-Discrimination Policy
• County Council approve continuing the Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program and to advocate for ongoing funding to support the program
• County Council receives update on Municipal Service Review

Dufferin County proclaims March Amyloidosis Awareness Month in Dufferin

Dufferin County Council proclaimed March Amyloidosis Awareness Month in Dufferin County. Keith Dares, Director, Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network, accepted the proclamation.

Amyloidosis Awareness Month is recognized in March to raise awareness, fund research, and support those living with amyloidosis.

Dave Pearson, Executive Director, Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team, delegated regarding Care Days

Dave Pearson delegated to Dufferin County Council on Care Days. HOHC OHT aims to deliver an integrated approach to supporting vulnerable populations in Dufferin/Caledon by increasing access to health and social care in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. Care Days are an opportunity for everyone in the Dufferin/Caledon community who may not have access to care providers to connect with a variety of health and social care organizations in one place.

The delegation highlighted upcoming Care Days and information on what’s next for Care Days.

County Council to submit comments regarding Bill 72: Buy Ontario Act, 2025

Dufferin County expressed support for the Province’s objective of strengthening Ontario’s economy, supporting local businesses and enhancing supply chain resilience through public-sector procurement with Bill 72: Buy Ontario Act, 2025. The County indicated that it shares these goals and recognizes the important role that public purchasing can play in supporting Ontario-based suppliers and workers; however, as an upper-tier municipality responsible for a broad range of services and infrastructure delivery, the County also wishes to highlight several considerations to support effective, practical, and proportionate implementation of the Act at the municipal level.

Dufferin County indicated that it looks forward to continued collaboration with the Province as the Buy Ontario framework is implemented and would welcome the opportunity to provide further input as procurement directives are developed.

County Council approves the Town of Grand Valley Official Plan Amendment No. 8 subject to the implementation of 32 modifications

The Town of Grand Valley recently finalized the updating of their Official Plan, which was undertaken to ensure conformity with the County of Dufferin Official Plan.

County planning staff identified 32 modifications that are to be implemented upon the County’s approval of the Town’s Official Plan.

The Town of Grand Valley has indicated a desire to be provided exemption from County of Dufferin approval for all applications under section 17 of the Planning Act. County staff outlined steps that must be proceeded with prior to a request being circulated to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

County Council approves Anti-Discrimination Policy

County Council approved an Anti-Discrimination Policy that strengthens the County’s commitment to fostering a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment for employees and the public. The Policy provides a clear organizational framework to prevent, address, and monitor discrimination, aligning with the County’s strategic priorities and human-rights-centered values

County Council approve continuing the Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program and to advocate for ongoing funding to support the program

The Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program is an innovative approach to the delivery of health care services by paramedics that allows them to use their training and expertise in community-based, non-emergency care roles. It was created in the Fall of 2014 and is a non-emergency, community-based service with a focus on health promotion and injury prevention.

County Council approved that the status quo be maintained for the program delivery, that any Provincial funding shortfall be offset from the Paramedic Services Reserve and that the County advocate for ongoing funding support to support the Community Paramedic Program.

County Council receives update on Municipal Service Review

Dufferin County is currently conducting a Municipal Service Review to examine opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and identify cost savings. The County’s CAO provided the first update on the Review to County Council.

Approximately 50 specific programs and processes have been identified as part of the initial three-month review period, and other programs have been identified as requiring a longer-term review.

Staff will provide further updates to Council throughout the review process with a final report expected in spring 2026.

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