Meaford net-zero development earns Gold in new county green-building program

A net-zero subdivision in Meaford is the first development to earn Gold in a new green-building recognition program run by Grey, Dufferin and Wellington counties.

The counties launched the voluntary Green Development Program on Oct. 13 at the Baybounds Presentation Centre in Meaford, Grey County said in an Oct. 15 release. The program scores new residential developments on 18 features across the natural environment, community and transportation, and the built environment. Projects can earn Bronze, Silver or Gold.

Four developments received the first recognitions, according to the county:

• Baybounds by Sinclair Homes, Meaford, Gold (26 points). The first phase has 55 units and is designed to be fully electric, with cold-climate heat pumps, rooftop solar and Level 2 EV chargers for all homes.
• Elements of Meaford by Sarlie Canada, Silver (18 points). A 26-unit, fully electric mixed-use project. It was the first submitted to the program.
• Baycrest Apartments by SkyDev, Owen Sound, Silver (16 points). A mixed-use development that will include 712 residential units.
• Five Creek Estates by Great Gulf, Orangeville, Bronze (nine points).

"By encouraging energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and affordable housing, we're helping create communities that are better for residents, more cost-effective over the long term, and supportive of our shared environmental goals," Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs said in the release.

Participation is free and doesn't affect or delay the normal development approval process, the county said. Any new residential development receiving occupancy after Jan. 1, 2025, is eligible. The program is funded in part by Natural Resources Canada's Codes Acceleration Fund.

SkyDev, which the City of Owen Sound describes as part of Skyline, is building Baycrest on the former RCA factory site at 3195 East Bayshore Rd. The first phase is three buildings with 267 rental suites, and the full site is planned for eight six-storey buildings totalling 712 units, the city said when ground was broken in August 2025. Sinclair Homes is a family-owned builder based in Kitchener, according to its website.

Builders can find the interest form at grey.ca/green-development.

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