2026 - A Time for Renewal

The year ahead presents many opportunities to refresh and renew our commitment to a strong, sustainable and vibrant community.    

BMRA will reset our priorities based on what we accomplished, and what we learned, in 2025.  

As always, we will be advocating for you – our members – to TBM council, Grey County and beyond.  

Renew your membership. $25 by eTransfer to join.bmra@gmail.com

1 Engagement

First, we have already begun planning for a full series of citizen engagement opportunities leading up to the fall municipal elections in the TBM.  

This election campaign will provide the opportunity for broad community dialogue on the Town’s priorities, the progress that has been made over the past three years, and what issues must be addressed going forward.

Stay tuned on this!

2 Advocacy

Second, we will focus our advocacy efforts on transparency and accountability on necessary infrastructure investments and project management.

We ended 2025 with a major setback – a 50% overrun on the Mill Street/Bay Street/Craigleith wastewater project budget – which reflected inadequate financial controls, project scrutiny and management processes from the Town.

Among other concerns, this $19 million overage raises questions about the Town’s long term financial security. Town Finance has committed to delivering an updated future financial projection.  Our efforts will be laser focused as we continue our work to monitor TBM infrastructure development, and hold the Town to account in 2026.

3 Craigleith

Third, we will engage with local residents as part of the Craigleith Community Working Group, to push for stronger community planning for Craigleith, recognizing that it will account for a  substantial proportion of the Town's growth in the years ahead.

4 Housing

Fourth,we will continue our important work to support a strong local economy through a diversity of housing options with a focus on expanded workforce housing.  

As recently reported in the Collingwood Today publication, TBM Council has for years been touting its commitment to the creation of more affordable housing, but very little has been accomplished.

We need to see some progress, and the BMRA formed a Housing Strategy Working Group to spur progress.

Its work will continue in 2026.

5 Council Accountability

Fifth, we will continue to push for progress in line with the Official Plan, Strategic Plan and Budget commitments through this period of economic uncertainty and political distractions.

One of the more important issues will be how proceeds from the Town’s Municipal AccommodationTax will be apportioned.

The Town’s share of this new revenue stream could be in the range of $1.5 – 2.0 million annually. The BMRA has been pushing to have this funding both support local business development, as well as infrastructure development and maintenance.

Inflation-free member dues.

Renew for $25 by eTransfer to join.bmra@gmail.com

2025 AGM in April

We remain committed to regular communications and opportunities to engage with you.    Our 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held in April.

Watch for further details.

Any Questions?