Budget Background

Section 290(1) of the Municipal Act, requires that a municipality shall prepare and adopt a budget including the estimates of all sums required during the year for the purposes of the municipality, including amounts sufficient to pay all debts of the municipality falling due within the year.

In 2025 The Municipality of Grey Highlands through O.Reg 530/22 was added to the list of Municipalities which now operate under the Strong Mayor Legislation. This new legislation has a direct effect on the municipal budget process.

The following staff direction has been received by Mayor McQueen to date regarding the 2027 Budget:

Mayor Directive No. 2026-002 & 2026-003


July 15, 2026

I, Paul McQueen, Mayor of the Municipality of Grey Highlands, hereby direct the Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer to:

  • Prepare the Municipality's 2027 Draft Budget;
  • Prepare a staff report for Council outlining the proposed budget development and approval timelines; and
  • Submit the Draft 2027 Budget to the Mayor for consideration following the commencement of the new term of Council.


July 29, 2026

Further to the previous Staff Direction provided 26/002, I, Paul McQueen, Mayor of the Municipality of Grey Highlands, hereby direct the Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer to:

  • Ensure that the 2027 operating budget is prepared with an overall increase not exceeding 2.5% above the approved 2026 operating budget.

Timeline

Specific Dates for each will be entered as they are received.

  • Timeline item 1 - incomplete

    Draft Budget Framework

    Council may make recommendations to the Mayor.

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Mayor's Budget Released

    Mayor's Budget Released (Presented) Distributed to Council members and Clerk; and made available to the public.

    Note: Budget is not tabled at a formal meeting of Council

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Budget Meeting #1

    Budget Council meeting

    Note: Council may make amendments by resolution (Majority Vote)

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Budget Meeting #2

    Budget Council Meeting

    Note: Council may make amendments by resolution (Majority Vote)

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Budget Meeting #3

    Budget Council Meeting

    Note: Council may make amendments by resolution (Majority Vote)

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    30-day Amendment Period Ends

    30-day Amendment Period Ends

    Note: if no amendments are received, the budget is deemed to be adopted by the municipality

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Mayor's Veto Deadline

    Mayors Veto Deadline – Last Day for the Mayor to veto amendments Council override period begins

    Note: Mayor must provide veto(s) to members of Council and the Clerk in a written document that includes the veto and reasons for veto; Clerk to distribute publicly

    Note: If the Mayor vetoes a resolution, the resolution shall be deemed not to have been passed by Council Note: If no veto(s) is received, the proposed budget, including any prior approved amendments, shall be deemed to be adopted by the municipality

  • Timeline item 8 - incomplete

    Deadline for Members to Override Mayor's Veto (if any)

    Deadline for Members to Override Mayors Veto (if any) Any vetoes received will be an agenda item at the regular Council meeting; Council may vote to override the mayor’s veto with 2/3 majority vote.

    Note: The Head of Council may vote as a Member of Council in a vote to override a veto.

    Note: If Council overrides the veto, the proposed budget, including any previously approved amendments, is deemed to be adopted by the Municipality.

    Note: If Council does not override the veto, the proposed budget, reflecting any vetoes, is deemed to be adopted by the municipality.

Watch Budget Meetings

Budget meetings will be added as they become available.