Dave in the Community

Grey Highlands has a proud tradition of community-driven projects and events. Volunteers fuel our local groups and clubs including Rotary, Kinsmen, Ag Society, Rec Committee and community associations. Volunteers run most of our major events including the Markdale Frolic, Flesherton Fling, Car Show, ORATS, Seniors Fair, THREE fall fairs and so much more!

I love living here in Grey Highlands and it's such a pleasure to contribute to our local volunteer culture. Here are a few community projects I'm involved with:

Markdale Christmas Lights

When it was announced in 2025 that there would be no lights on Markdale's christmas tree, Dave got a few neighbours together to purchase and install lights - just in time for the Santa Clause Parade. Sometimes, you just need to get things done - and ask permission later!

Volunteering at Events

Whether he's folding tables, stacking chairs, on the sound board or directing traffic, you'll often see Dave volunteering at local community events. He's volunteered for the Ag Society, Rotary, Osprey RAM Rodeo, Markdale Recreation, Kimber Valley Market, Escarpment Corridor Alliance and more!

Grey Highlands Turtle Team!

Dave created the Grey Highlands Turtle Team in 2024, coordinating a public education forum as well as the construction of nest cages that were installed throughout Grey Highlands. (Dave also approached our municipal council about collaboration on better signage and nest locations.... but they said no). 😭

Hopeville Kite Festival

Dave created Grey County's annual kite festival in 2021. Beginning in Markdale, then moving south towards Dundalk, the event has grown into the largest kite festival in Ontario and of the largest annual events in Grey County.

TV Ontario: Crossroads

When TVO came through Markdale to film an episode of their Crossroads series, Dave was one of the local community leaders interviewed for the show. Dave spoke about sustainable growth, political participation and safe streets.

War Memorial Taskforce

In 2026, Grey Highlands council created the the Markdale War Memorial Relocation Taskforce, which is trying to find a new physical home for various war memorials in town. Dave is honoured to be one of the seven appointed members.

Annual Snow Pile Award

Dave started the annual Snow Pile Award in 2025, raising money for the Markdale Food Bank. Participants have to guess when the Foodland snow pile will melt! 280 people have participated so far, raising $770.

Strong Towns

Co-founded by Dave, Strong Towns Grey Highlands has provided influential research and guidance to our town council in regard to sustainable development and safe streets.
READ: Our Traffic Calming Recommendations & Zoning Bylaw Report

Municipal League

Dave co-created the Grey Highlands Municipal League in 2022 to boost participation in our local municipal election. The project was wildly successful with an all-time record number of candidates and a popular "Candidates Menu"

Flesherton Pool

Dave is the founder and President of the Flesherton Aquatic Society, which is trying to bring the old Delphi Pool back to life! The pool has been sitting empty for 17 years. Dave and his team are currently implementing a feasibility study, with BIG plans for 2027.

Marvelous Maps

Dave has a fun side project, making quirky and fun maps of Grey Highlands. From wetlands to road patterns to quilts, Dave's maps receive laughter, amazement.. and confusion. 😹 You can check them all out here!

Vintage Patches

When the good folks at Northern Chestnut Embroidery found boxes of old patches from Grey County, Dave sorted them into categories and sold them at the Markdale Auto Show as a fundraiser for the local Horticultural Society!

GRY Bumper Stickers

In an effort to celebrate local pride, Dave printed 200 bumper stickers based on the classic European country code stickers. GRY stickers can now be seen across the County!

Greenbelt Rally in Markdale

In 2023 Dave organised a rally to support Ontario's Greenbelt, an environmental gem that protects 750K acres of agricultural land. 170 local residents showed up, from all political backgrounds!