Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside residents, community organizations, fellow municipal leaders and other levels of government on issues that matter to Grey Highlands.
From protecting important community services and infrastructure to advocating for health care, education and our rural communities, here are some of the stories that have helped shape my years of public service.
Paul McQueen Seeking Re-Election as Mayor of Grey Highlands
After 29 years of municipal experience and 12 years as Mayor, I am seeking re-election in 2026 to continue the work underway across Grey Highlands.
There is more to accomplish — from infrastructure and downtown revitalization to health care, responsible growth and supporting the communities that make Grey Highlands such a great place to call home.
Keeping Road 170 Paved
When Council voted in favour of converting a paved section of Road 170, west of the West Back Line, to gravel rather than resurfacing it, I believed we needed to honour the commitment made to our communities when Grey Highlands was formed.
I used the authority available to me as Mayor under Ontario’s Strong Mayor framework to veto that budget amendment. Council subsequently had the opportunity to override the decision, but the required majority was not achieved.
Road 170 remains paved.
Advocating for Grey Gables Long-Term Care
Grey Gables has been an important part of our community for generations, providing long-term care close to home for local seniors and their families.
I have continued to advocate for Grey Gables and for the redevelopment and additional beds that would strengthen long-term care in our community.
Together with the new Markdale hospital, I believe an expanded Grey Gables can play an important role in the future of health care in Grey Highlands.
A New Beavercrest Community School
When the future of Beavercrest was uncertain, parents, residents and community leaders came together to fight to keep a school in Markdale. I was proud to stand with our community and advocate for a solution that would protect local education for generations to come.
That community effort ultimately led to something even better — a new Beavercrest Community School, built on land purchased from Devonleigh Homes and now open to students.
What began as a fight to save our local school became an important investment in our children, our families and the future of our community.
Keeping County Road 91 Open
For many years, residents were concerned about the proposed closure of Simcoe County Road 91, an important transportation corridor connecting Grey and Simcoe counties.
I advocated at both Grey Highlands Council and Grey County Council to keep this road open.
The effort involved residents and representatives from both counties and stretched over many years. In January 2025, the proposed closure was finally stopped.
Building the New Markdale Hospital
The new Markdale hospital was more than 20 years in the making.
Throughout those years, our community continued to advocate for modern health-care facilities close to home. I was proud to be part of that effort and to work with community members and other levels of government as plans for the new hospital moved forward.
Today, the new hospital is an important part of our community and an investment in health care for generations to come.
Supporting the Markdale Hospital Through the RAM Rodeo
Community fundraising has played an important role in supporting health care in Grey Highlands.
For six consecutive years, the RAM Rodeo in Feversham has brought people together while raising funds for the Markdale Hospital Foundation.
To date, the event has raised close to $200,000 for our local hospital — something everyone involved can be proud of.
Serving as Grey County Warden
In 2019, I was honoured to be elected by my fellow County Councillors to serve as Warden of Grey County.
Serving as Warden provided another opportunity to represent Grey Highlands while working with municipalities throughout Grey County on the regional issues and services that affect all of our communities.
Representing Our Communities at AMO
I have also had the opportunity to serve on the Board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Having a voice at the provincial municipal table is important. It provides opportunities to advocate for rural municipalities and build relationships with municipal leaders and provincial representatives from across Ontario.
Those relationships and experiences continue to help when Grey Highlands seeks support and funding for local priorities.
Experience. Advocacy. Community.
Public service is about more than attending Council meetings. It means listening to residents, advocating for our communities and working with others to find solutions.
Not every issue is easy, and not every decision will have unanimous support. I believe leadership means being prepared to make difficult decisions, explain why you made them and remain accountable to the people you serve.
After 29 years in municipal government, I remain committed to working for all of Grey Highlands.
On October 26, I am asking for your support to continue that work as Mayor of Grey Highlands.
Paul McQueen
