The Mayor of West Grey has made an announcement concerning a major issue in the municipality.
Kevin Eccles wanted to address the boundary dispute with Hanover.
And he says West Grey is not interested in annexation or expropriation of lands along the border with Hanover.
The mayor called a news conference Monday to make that clear.
Eccles says the land that Hanover is interested in is in West Grey – and it will remain in West Grey.
Eccles also wants to make it clear that West Grey – not Hanover – will lead the process of deciding what to do with West Grey land.
He points out that both the county and the province have indicated that West Grey must initiate and lead any discussion concerning the land within their borders.
Eccles says West Grey is interested in exploring development, but it’s up to West Grey to decide where and why to do so – not Hanover.
Eccles says Hanover’s comprehensive review proposes annexing 200 to 400 acres of land in the County Road 4 and 28 corridor.
But West Grey has passed a resolution authorizing their CAO to forward a letter to Hanover saying they are not interested in the annexing or restructuring of West Grey lands.
Eccles says West Grey is interested in a cross-border joint water and sewer servicing agreement with Hanover.
He invites Hanover to come to the table for formal discussions to find an agreement that would benefit West Grey, Hanover, and the region.