Grey Highlands council has backed away from a proposal that could have complicated plans to demolish the former Talisman ski resort buildings near Kimberley.
Mayor Paul McQueen withdrew his motion to begin considering a heritage designation for the property during Wednesday's council meeting, following considerable public opposition.
Instead, council voted 5-1 in favour of directing the mayor and municipal staff to engage in discussions with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, which purchased the former resort property in 2025.
The Conservancy plans to demolish the deteriorating buildings and ski lifts and restore the 134-acre property to its natural state.
However, those plans became the subject of controversy after an architect told council in September that the former resort buildings may have heritage value and should be considered for preservation.
McQueen subsequently proposed initiating the heritage designation process, raising concerns that the municipality could interfere with the Conservancy's restoration plans.
Eight people addressed council during Wednesday's meeting, all opposing the proposed heritage designation.
McQueen acknowledged the controversy surrounding his original proposal, saying the ongoing municipal election campaign made it an inappropriate time to pursue the matter.
"We're in election mode. It's too politicized," McQueen told council.
The mayor said he had spoken with Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald, and the two agreed that continued discussions would provide a better way forward.
"Part of moving forward is working together," McQueen said.
McDonald welcomed the change in direction, describing it as a "far less adversarial approach" and expressing support for transparent discussions about the property's future.
The Conservancy says its goal is to remove the abandoned resort structures, restore natural habitat and permanently protect the lands along the Niagara Escarpment.
Councillor Dan Wickens voted against the revised motion, while Councillor Nadia Dubyk declared a conflict of interest.
The decision means the heritage designation process proposed by McQueen will not proceed under his withdrawn motion, although discussions about the property's future are expected to continue.
