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Service Center

Bruce County offers a wide range of children's programs including assisted daycare and learning programs, plus community programs for adults, seniors and families. When financial assistance is required, this is where to start exploring the options. Our hope is that you discover a compassionate and sharing community like no other.
Contact us

Bruce County

Tel : 519-881-1291

info@brucecounty.on.ca

Government

Bruce County believes exploring new ideas and innovation should happen every day and be a partnership between communities, citizens, county employees and business.

County Services

You too can make a difference! To become a volunteer or for more information on the Adopt-A-Highway Program, please contact the Transportation and Environmental Services Department.
You can now apply for housing on-line!

You can also apply in-person or by mail.


Walkerton Administration Building: 30 Park Street 519-881-0431
Penetangore Hub: 529 Gary Street, Kincardine 519-396-2116
Lakeshore Hub: 1243 MacKenzie Road, Port Elgin 519-389-5580
Peninsula Hub: 268 Berford Street, Wiarton 519-534-1286


Ontario Works is an income assistance program which provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families.
The Bruce County Home Child Care Program (HCC) is a program that is licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and provides quality child care in a home setting.
The Bruce Grey Data Information Sharing Collaborative (BGDiSC) is a collective of not-for-profit, social service, government, health and education organizations that seek to mobilize community decision-makers to share vital local rural data to better inform regional programming, polices, funding and social services to support prosperity, sustainability and the well-being of the community.
211 is a free, 24/7 hotline that helps people connect to community, social, health and government services in their communities. To support this work Community Connection/211 maintains a comprehensive database in partnership with the United Way of Bruce Grey, and the Counties of Bruce and Grey.

The Official Plan is the strategic document that guides our community’s growth and development. The Official Plan impacts how and where Bruce County will grow. It considers our unique, local needs and guides how we will work towards a vision for our future.
Bruce County is fortunate to have a wide range of multi-use trails in both urban and natural settings found throughout the county. These trails are operated by local municipalities, Bruce County, Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, Conservation Authorities, and local trail clubs. Whether you are looking to mountain bike or get out for a hike we have you covered. For more information on trails within Bruce County and specific uses please visit the link below.
The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force facilitates community partnerships to advocate for poverty reduction and elimination.
Our Mission

The mission of Brucelea Haven is to provide quality services to those entrusted to our care.
The Child Activity Assistance Program (CAAP) is a fund available for families with a gross income of less than $49,466.00 to assist families with the cost of activities.
Child Care Fee Subsidy is available to parents working, attending school or in need of support for themselves or their children. Child Care Fee Subsidy is paid in spaces in Licensed Child Care Programs, Bruce County Licensed Home Child Care Program, Before and After School Programs, and/or Authorized Camp Programs. To qualify for Child Care Fee Subsidy, you must have an up-to-date copy of a recent Notice of Assessment and Canada Child Benefit Notice. An income test application will be completed by a Child Care Case Worker using a copy of your tax information (line 236) and signing the Child Care Fee Subsidy Agreement. The application will determine your portion of child care cost.
We work together to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities in Bruce and Grey counties by reducing substance-related harms.
The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund contributes to the advancement of human services goals and priorities and/or provides specific support to low income households. Here you can find more information on the current initiatives being funded.
Building on a long history of cross-sector collaboration, the process of Community Safety and Well-Being Planning has allowed over 70 community partners in Bruce and Grey – from Municipalities, police services, police service boards, education, health, community and social services – to come together to discuss resident perceptions and begin to explore local data related to safety and well-being, with the goal of identifying and reducing risk factors that contribute to safety and well-being issues, using cross-sector strategies and focusing on the social determinants of health.
The Dietary Manager and Registered Dietitian prepare menus that meet the nutritional requirements for the residents. The four week menu cycle allows us to accommodate food preferences of the residents as much as possible, with choices offered. Weekly and monthly menus are displayed in each of the dining rooms. We provide Registered Dietitian services for nutritional monitoring and risk assessment of residents.
Discretionary Benefits may be available to assist with the cost of various health and non-health related items and some exceptional one-time expenses. To be eligible for financial assistance under Discretionary Benefits, you must be a resident of Bruce County and in receipt of benefits from one of the following programs:
• Ontario Works Program (OW)
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Temporary Care Assistance (TCA)
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Program
Give the gift of hope and inclusion for children and families in need.

Reach out and touch someone’s life this holiday season.
The Early Learning Coordination (ELC) program enhances quality and builds capacity within Licensed Child Care Programs in Bruce County.
COVID-19 Update:

Bruce County EarlyON Child and Family Centres (EarlyON) have engaged with Grey Bruce Public Health, local school boards and community centres to prepare for a safe return to indoor re-opening. We are excited about our in-person indoor re-opening and will continue to provide outdoor and virtual program opportunities for families.

Like our Facebook page for engaging posts including Group Time experiences, Storytime, DIY activities and more!
www.facebook.com/EarlyONBruceCounty
Information about the various employment supports that are available. Supports include resources to secure employment and upgrading opportunities.
OneList Bruce County is an online tool that helps to simplify the process of finding and applying for child care. OneList Bruce County is safe, secure, fast and convenient.
Resources available to assist with pursuing child and/or spousal support.
Forestry Management focuses on the following areas: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and County Forests. Find information about good forestry techniques, and Bruce County forestry by-laws.
Our Mission

To provide an optimal level of care, programming, and service, based on individual identified needs, to the residents residing in Gateway Haven
The Home Repair program is designed to improve the living conditions and provide financial assistance to homes needing safety, energy-efficiency and/or accessibility upgrades.
For anyone homeless or at risk of homelessness contact a YMCA Housing Outreach Worker. They will assist in connecting you to a safe place to stay for the night and work with you to create an action plan to find and maintain long-term sustainable housing. If you know of someone who is living unsheltered, please encourage them to call, or contact us so we can attempt to reach out to them.
We are now accepting new applications for our Home ownership program!
The Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) aims to prevent, address and reduce homelessness by improving access to adequate, suitable and affordable housing that is linked to flexible support services based on peoples’ needs.
The Income Support program is designed to assist Ontario families with financial assistance when faced with unemployment, being under employed or a health issue prevents employment.
Bruce County Maps is an online mapping application that supplies property information such as Zoning and Official Plan details along with Assessment information. Also included are points of interest such as schools, recreational facilities, water bodies, woodlands, elevations, and high resolution aerial photography. Feel free to explore!
Legislative Services is a division of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer and is home to the County Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
There are two Long Term Care Homes proudly operated by Bruce County — Gateway Haven located in Wiarton, Ontario and Brucelea Haven of Walkerton, Ontario. These homes provide quality services to the residents and their families.
Bruce County recognizes the role philanthropy plays in strengthening our community and that the benefits of such acts ultimately improves the quality of life for all residents.
To support this recognition, the County has a Community Grant program that provides a mechanism for groups or organizations to make financial requests to County Council. For eligibility and details, please review the policy below.
The Nursing Department, under the direction and supervision of the Director of Care, consists of a Medical Director, Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and nursing students.
Bruce County periodically receives Provincial and Federal funding to invest in affordable housing.
We understand that not all journeys in Bruce County go according to plan. When something happens to you, we are prepared to respond to medical and trauma emergencies. With a fleet of 9 ambulances and 1 supervisor unit stationed in 7 communities across the County we are ready to be deployed anywhere as needed.
The Bruce County Transportation and Environmental Services Department oversees permits and permissions for the following categories of requests associated with roads and bridges under their jurisdiction: Over Dimensional Loads, Entrances, Encroachments, Sign Installation, and Temporary Road Closures
The County provides professional planning advice, assistance, and land use planning functions to each of the 8 local municipalities within its jurisdiction, on local development processes including applications for Minor Variance, Zoning By-law Amendment , Official Plan Amendment, Consent, and Plans of Subdivision and Condominium.
Activity areas are available throughout the Home.
Find eligibility requirements, contact information and other details about the Bruce County Rent Supplement Program.
The Transportation and Environmental Services Department is responsible for construction and maintenance projects on roads, bridges and other structures under their jurisdiction throughout Bruce County.
The Special Needs Resource Program supports the inclusion of children with special needs in Bruce County licensed child care settings, EarlyON programs, and authorized camps, children’s recreation and skill building programs.
Spruce the Bruce is a local community improvement initiative created in 2011. The program generates social and physical change in rural communities, improving local quality of life and creating attractive, supportive business environments.
The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process is intended to contribute to the advancement of human services goals and priorities and/or provide specific support to low income households.
Bruce County Housing Corporation owns and manages over 600 social housing units across Bruce County.
Bruce County is undertaking a Transit Demand and Feasibility Study to get input on the need and demand for transit solutions for County residents, workers, students, and visitors.
LEAP Funding has been depleted for 2023. Please call 211 if you need assistance.

Bruce County is both the lead and intake agency for the Westario Power Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The Westario Power LEAP helps low-income customers who need assistance with arrears owed to Westario Power.

The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides an on-bill reduction for eligible customers. The OESP was launched by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) in 2016.

Bruce County also offers assistance with utility arrears through their Housing Stability Fund.
Update: Effective Monday, February 26, 2024, all weight/load restrictions of 5 tonne per axle are in effect on several county roads until further notice.





The Level of Service for Winter Maintenance on County Roads has a major impact on the economy and quality of life for County residents. The objective of the Bruce County Transportation and Environmental Services Department is to provide the best winter maintenance possible based on the resources available for winter control purposes and weather conditions.
Penetangore Hub
Address :

529 Gary Street
Kincardine ON N2Z 0G8
Canada


Peninsula Hub
Address :

268 Berford St, P.O. Box 129
Wiarton ON N0H 2T0
Canada


Library Headquarters
Address :

1243 Mackenzie Road
Port Elgin ON N0H 2C6
Canada


Gateway Haven
Address :

671 Frank Street
Wiarton ON N0H 2T0
Canada


Brucelea Haven
Address :

41 McGivern Street West
PO Box 1600
Walkerton ON N0G 2V0
Canada


Business Hours : 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
Address :

33 Victoria Street North
Southampton ON N0H 2L0
Canada


Lakeshore Hub
Address :

1243 MacKenzie Road
Port Elgin ON N0H2C6
Canada


Interior Hub
Address :

30 Park Street
Walkerton ON N0G 2V0
Canada


Walkerton Administration Centre
Address :

30 Park St.
Walkerton ON N0G2V0
Canada