NORTH DUNDAS – An update on a potential partnership with North Grenville which could provide North Dundas residents with weekday commuter service and Saturday shopping transportation, was presented to North Dundas Council at their regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 12, 2026. The proposal has drawn significant interest, but several details remain to be worked out before the proposal could come before council for approval.

North Dundas Economic Development Officer Stephen Mann presented council with a Key Information Report, that outlined the results of a community transportation survey and preliminary discussions with North Grenville, while stressing that no financial commitment or direction was being sought from council at this stage.

The survey, launched May 15, was adapted from a North Grenville transit survey to reflect transportation needs and travel patterns in North Dundas. It was promoted online and through hard-copy surveys distributed at community locations.

To date, 320 responses have been received, with the survey remaining open for additional input. The results indicate interest in both weekday commuter service connecting residents with OC Transpo as well as Saturday shopping transportation, with Kemptville emerging as the preferred weekend destination.

Based on those results, North Dundas staff began discussions with North Grenville about extending its existing transit service into the township. North Grenville council has expressed interest in continuing those discussions.

Under the preliminary concept, North Dundas would have dedicated access to a North Grenville transit vehicle operating as an extension of the existing NG Transit service.

The proposed pilot could include weekday commuter service to an OC Transpo LRT connection, as well as a Saturday shopping route. Specific routes, stops, schedules, booking procedures and service levels have yet to be determined.

Potential departure and arrival locations, including township-owned or public parking areas in Winchester, will also require further review.

Operational planning would involve North Grenville and service providers, including Mobility Transportation Specialists and the Blaise booking platform currently used by North Grenville Transit.

A 12-to-24-month pilot beginning in early 2027 is being considered, subject to a final agreement, funding requirements and approval through North Dundas’ 2027 budget process.

Mann’s report indicated preliminary financial information from North Grenville is in the range of $150,000. However, the figure remains subject to further discussion and no funding is being requested at this time.

Operating costs, administration fees, insurance requirements and other financial considerations would be presented to council as part of the 2027 budget deliberations. Staff will also investigate potential funding sources, including the Ontario Transit Investment Fund.

Further public consultation is planned as staff continue assessing the community’s transportation needs.

Residents can provide input in Winchester on Aug. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Wellings of Winchester clubhouse, and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Joel Steele Community Hall. A further session is scheduled for Chesterville on Sept. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nelson LaPrade Centre.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has also provided a letter of commitment supporting continued collaboration with residents and local organizations.

Staff will continue discussions with North Grenville and other partners before bringing a more detailed proposal back to council for consideration.