Grey County is the fourth largest county in Ontario, with more than 100,000 residents. This upper tier of municipal government provides shared services to nine local municipalities, of which Owen Sound is the largest and the county seat. Top industries include agriculture, tourism, healthcare, retail, construction and manufacturing. By embracing the principles of Intelligent Community development, Grey County is focusing on well-being, economic vitality and environmental stewardship to create a model of rural prosperity, at a time when rural areas struggle to hold onto their agricultural heritage and strength in an increasingly urbanized and digital world.
The SWIFT Initiative
In a rural county with some community densities as low as four people per km², broadband access is always a challenge. Grey County is one of 15 counties in southwestern Ontario that make up the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus, which developed the SWIFT Initiative to address major gaps in broadband coverage and lack of fiber-optic connectivity. The initiative began in May 2011 as a regional conversation about the importance of broadband to the Southwestern Ontario economy and how to address the lack of modern Internet infrastructure in rural areas. In 2016, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced $180 million in combined funding, triggering additional private investment from ISPs.
Since then, SWIFT has awarded 95 contracts to 19 ISPs, which have installed more than 5,000 km of optical fiber across 345 communities, including four First Nations. Within Grey County, 7 sub-projects have been awarded, with 208 km of fiber installed and more than 2,500 premises connected for a total investment of C$16.3 million.
Growing a Skilled Workforce
The Grey-Bruce Long-Term Care Workforce Collaboration project brought together multiple agencies of Grey and neighboring Bruce Counties, as well as YMCA Employment Services, Georgian and all 19 public and private long-term care homes the counties. Funded by the Province of Ontario, the program helps job seekers gain essential, technical, and soft skills for careers in healthcare. Since its launch, the program has enrolled 150 people and seen 87% successful complete training and gain employment. The model is now being replicated to address workforce challenges in other sectors.
Grey County supports a strong pipeline for skilled trades through the Georgian Apprenticeship Expansion, which has increased enrollment from 100 to 500 apprentices annually. The program includes “Try a Trade” days and experiential learning events to attract new participants. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) registers 15–20% of secondary students annually and has grown female participation in trade apprenticeship to 10% of the total.
Grey County also advocates with colleges to introduce nursing degrees and has invested C$1 million to support implementation of an Honors Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Georgian College’s Owen Sound campus. The program includes six local clinical placements and strong employer connections and is expected to graduate 105 nurses annually by 2026. An additional C$7.1 million renovation transformed over 10,000 square feet of space into a state-of-the-art Nursing and Wellness wing to support the program.
Another C$1 million investment – leveraging federal, provincial and private funding – created a Regional Skills Training, Trades & Innovation Center at the county’s Sydenham Campus. It offers training programs aligned with local industry needs, business services, and access to technology. The new Campus is also the subject of a net-zero feasibility study to assess potential for energy-saving retrofits to help meet the County’s climate goals.
Support Outreach Services (SOS)
The SOS program delivers mobile, person-centered health and social services to individuals facing barriers to care. Engaging with partner organizations across Grey and Bruce Counties, this pilot program has provided thousands of patient visits through fixed and mobile sites and services including primary care, mental health counseling and harm reduction. Proven success has enable the program to continue and expand its reach.
Going Green in Grey
Grey County’s Official Plan, known as Recolour Grey, sets a 20-year vision for development, sustainability, and innovation. Key policies include support for connectivity, farm-based businesses, transportation, climate action and housing diversity.
The Indigenous Advisory Circle – including representatives from Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation – is guiding the Grey Roots Museum in developing inclusive exhibits and programming. This collaboration ensures that local First Nations history and culture are respectfully and accurately represented.
Grey County is advancing sustainability through a Climate Change Action Plan, which moved corporate net-zero targets from 2050 to 2045. The County is a member of the Clean Air Council and a partner in the Regional EV Charging Network Strategy. The Experimental Acres program pays farmers to adopt best practices for soil health and carbon sequestration, and is active at six participating farms in the county.
The future looks bright in Grey County. As SWIFT lowers the barriers holding back rural economies, the county and its partners are building the workforce, social services and sustainability needed for inclusive prosperity and the strong social and cultural bonds that make a place people and employers choose to be.
Population: 109,825
Website: www.grey.ca
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