Grey County council chambers. (BlackburnNews.com stock photo by Kirk Scott)Grey County council chambers. (BlackburnNews.com stock photo by Kirk Scott)
Midwestern

Grey County Councillors Walk Out During Vote

A vote on the fate of Grey Gables in Markdale did not take place as planned at Grey County Council.

Councillors were to vote on a motion to close it as a county run long-term care facility and put it up for sale to the private sector. Grey Gables would be amalgamated with a new facility in Durham.

However, several councillors opposed to the plan walked out, leaving the meeting without a quorum.

Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen says he and the other dissenters have the people of the county in mind.

"We're here to stand up for the people of Grey County and we're here for the seniors that are represented all through the county. We're an age friendly community and we're standing up for all people of Grey County," says McQueen.

Deputy Warden Kevin Eccles, who chaired the council meeting, says walking out on the vote lacks courage and a decision must be made on the future of long-term care in Grey County sooner rather than later.

"Walking out and walking away was not very courageous of some of the members of council today, because it's going to take some courage to step up and make decisions," says Eccles.

The issue will be back at council at the next meeting in two weeks.

There were two councillors absent from the council meeting for the first vote. If they're back in two weeks and stay in the meeting, there would be a quorum and the vote could go ahead.

Some members of Grey County Council who walked out of council when the Grey Gables motion was tabled. (Photo by Kirk Scott) Some members of Grey County Council who walked out of council when the Grey Gables motion was tabled. (Photo by Kirk Scott)

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