Hanover and West Grey Boundary Adjustment

What is the purpose of the public meeting on November 19?

A joint public meeting provides an opportunity for residents of both municipalities to receive details of the proposed Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment and share comments for both councils to hear and consider prior to their respective decision on the proposed Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment Agreement. In this situation a public meeting is also required by the Municipal Act.

What approvals are required before a boundary adjustment takes effect?

Both West Grey and Hanover Councils will need to approve the Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment Agreement. Pending approval by each municipal council (Hanover and West Grey), the next step would be for both municipalities to make a Boundary Adjustment submission to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Through a Minister’s Order, the Minister may approve the agreement following their review.

There is no process for residents to appeal a Minister’s Order.

When is the proposed effective date of the boundary adjustment?

The effective date will be following the Minister’s approval and Restructuring Order.  It is projected to be early 2026. 

What type of future development is being planned on these lands and describe the planning process from a County and Town perspective.

No specific development is planned but future development is expected to include commercial, industrial and residential. Future Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning by-law updates will detail how development will evolve. When the Town of Hanover or the County of Grey update their official plans, or the Town’s zoning by-law, with specific development designations or zones, there will be further public consultation, including public meetings and the ability to provide further comments at that time.

Will farmers continue operating if boundaries are adjusted? 

Yes, farming can continue. Farming has a rich history in Grey County and is a valued part of our regional economy that needs to be protected. 

There is no obligation for any property owner to develop their land. All landowners will maintain their right to farm as long as they choose.

Expanding development lands around primary settlement areas is a best practice for reducing overall sprawl and protecting agricultural lands.

Will taxes increase on the properties if transferred from West Grey to Hanover?

Properties from West Grey that come into Hanover will realize a property tax increase based on Hanover’s current tax rate being higher than West Grey’s. Hanover is committed to phasing in this increase over 5 years.

For other Hanover residents, a 0.5% tax levy increase is proposed to be introduced in 2026 each year for the next 5 years to support payments to West Grey for the boundary adjustment.

Where do I pay taxes if the boundary adjustment is approved?

Properties moved into the Hanover boundary will pay taxes to Hanover. 

If approved, will water and sanitary sewage services be extended to my property? Am I required to connect to these services and is there an immediate cost for the connection?

It will take time for Hanover to build out and extend their water and sanitary infrastructure to the Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment lands. As water and sanitary services are extended to properties, residents will have to connect once services are available. This will take many years and build out will be phased. The cost of connection is not known at this time.

Will Town of Hanover provide all services (police, garbage pickup and road maintenance etc.)?

Hanover will provide most services including police, fire, bylaw, and waste management. Road service may be Hanover, Grey County or West Grey through shared service arrangements.

Will I be able to access library and recreational services without additional charges?

Yes, landowners within the Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment lands will have access to Hanover Public Library and Hanover Parks, Recreation and Culture services.

If approved, will Town of Hanover By-laws apply to my property?

West Grey’s zoning bylaw and the County official plan will apply until such time that Hanover completes updates to their official plan and zoning by-law to include the Mutual Prosperity Boundary Adjustment lands.