Spring Updates for Southgate Businesses

Spring is here! You - our business owners and operators - are starting to gear up for the busyness of the coming months. Find out which Township of Southgate policies and programs have the most impact on you and your business. Watch Council and Committee meetings to stay informed. Visit the schedule of meetings, agendas, and minutes. Agendas are usually published six days in advance of the meeting date. You will find the link to the livestream of each meeting to watch online!

Learn about the Construction of Dundalk Elementary School

The Bluewater District School Board has applied for a building permit to start the construction of Dundalk Elementary Public School. The site north of Todd Crescent at the end of Bradley Street’s future extension in northwest Dundalk will take nearly two years to complete. During construction, a temporary access road for contractors will be built. When finished, the school will be open for kindergarten to grade 8 students, plus a childcare facility and playing field space. The School Board, County of Grey, and Township are working through the various steps of the planning process to finalize all necessary approvals and issue building permits to commence construction, as quickly as possible. This exciting project takes pressure off the two existing schools in Dundalk and accommodates future growth in Southgate.

Attend the Planning Open House: On Farm Diversified Uses (OFDUs)

The Southgate Planning Department is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the Southgate Zoning By-law related to certain On Farm Diversified Uses (accessory uses to Agricultural Operations). These proposed changes would allow a small number of OFDUs to proceed without requiring a Zoning By-law Amendment if all rules are met.

The open house will outline the proposed rule changes and the size limits of OFDUs that would be permitted to proceed if these rules are adopted. In all other cases, a rezoning would still be required. OFDUs would still need to meet all requirements of the Building Code.

Please join us at the following times:

April 30, 2025 1:00pm to 3:30pm at the Holstein Council Chambers; or 

April 30, 2025 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Frank MacIntrye Building in Dundalk.

Comments will be accepted until May 2, 2025 and can be emailed to planning@southgate.ca.

Participate in the Township's 25th Anniversary Celebrations

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Township of Southgate's establishment, which took place in 2000, following the amalgamation of the Township of Egremont, the Township of Proton, and the Village of Dundalk. This celebration provides an opportunity to honour the rich history, cultural heritage, and community spirit of the area. Anniversary activities will be merged with already existing community events and activities. One such activity is partnering with the Dundalk Fire Department on the Firefighter's Frolic in Dundalk on June 20-21. To provide input on Frolic events, please contact ramyotte@southgate.ca or call 519-923-2402 by May 1.

Stay tuned for more information on 25th anniversary activities!

Apply for Stater Company Plus

Do you need assistance starting your own business? Starter Company Plus is a training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs over the age of 18 who are not returning to school. Participants receive training and business skills development as well as mentorship from local business leaders. Participants may also be eligible for a grant of up to $5,000. The application process is open from April 7-20th, 2025. 

Sign-up for Summer Company

Summer Company offers students (high-school or post-secondary) between the ages of 15-29 the opportunity to start and manage their own summer business. Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to $3,000, and invaluable training and mentorship from local business leaders. Summer Company 2025 is now accepting applications! Fill-out the intake form to get in touch with program staff and get started.

Improve Your Business Property

Start renovating your business with support from Southgate Community Improvement Plan (CIP) incentives. Enhance your façade, signage, building, accessibility, and so much more through this grant matching program. Help to rehabilitate publicly used frontages and streetscapes across the Township of Southgate by applying for funding. For program-specific questions, connect with Economic Development Officer Brenna Carroll.

Access Library Business Resources

Visit the Southgate Public Library for help with your business needs! Located at 80 Proton Street N in Dundalk, we offer free access to wi-fi and computers, printing and faxing services and scheduled tech appointments for help with using your devices and apps. Visit our website for free digital resources and for upcoming programming. Follow us on Facebook @Southgate Ruth Hargrave Memorial Library to stay up to date on what's happening at the library.

Submit your Permit Application

To enhance services for our business owners and operators, you can now complete the entire building permit process online on any mobile device with Cloudpermit, a cloud-based software. Having the correct permits is vital for your safety, as well as the safety of your customers. Cloudpermit enables you to apply for building permits, schedule inspections, connect with staff, and make changes to your permit applications.

Get Free Business Support

Access services customized for Grey County entrepreneurs and small business owners through the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC). Receive feedback from professionals on your business start-up or expansion, attend seminars to improve your productivity, access grants, and so much more. Schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation appointment so that you have the tools and guidance you need to successfully grow your business.

Connect with us!

You can reach us via email and social media. If you have specific questions or concerns, connect with Economic Development Officer: Brenna Carroll.

Book time with Brenna Carroll: Southgate EDO Connection