Bruce County Council Highlights for February 19, 2026

Bruce County Council met on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. The complete agenda and video of the meeting is available on our Agendas and Minutes webpage. 

These are highlights of the meeting:

Updates from Employment Services and Economic Development

Employment Services Bruce Grey Huron Perth presented a report detailing the results of the responsive system to the end of December 2025. The semi-annual update to Council detailed a series of program successes including direct contributions to workforce development and 864 individuals finding employment within the fiscal year.

Bruce County’s Economic Development team also provided Council with an update and an Annual Report documenting their 2025 efforts. Initiatives like Business to Bruce, the Spruce the Bruce funding program, and Explore the Bruce continued to provide the County with business, workforce, community, and tourism development services throughout the year in alignment with the Bruce County Economic Development Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

Ontario Regulatory Registry Consultation – Public Sector Procurement Requirements

The Province of Ontario’s recent release of Proposal #53053 through the Ontario Regulatory Registry will see provincial procurement requirements applied to municipalities and local boards. 

The report for direction to Council includes draft comments regarding the “Buy Ontario Directives.” The comments request clarification regarding Light Duty Fleet Vehicles and considerations regarding the Construction and Infrastructure Procurement Policy.

Bruce County has previously advocated for the focus of purchasing efforts on local and/or Canadian sources.

Council directed staff to submit the comments to the province by the proposal’s deadline of March 2nd, 2026. 

Draft New Bruce County Official Plan Mapping Recommendations

As development of the Draft New Bruce County Official Plan, a report sought direction about mapping changes requested by municipal partners and the public.

Council directed staff to include the boundary adjustments requested by municipal partners into the Draft New County Official Plan. 

Staff will continue to bring further matters requiring a decision to future meetings.

What’s Next?

The next Bruce County Council meeting is March 5th, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

For a complete schedule of Committee and Council meetings, along with agendas, recordings and minutes for meetings, please visit our Agendas and Minutes webpage.