Council Highlights March 3rd, 2025

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting was held in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley at 7:00 p.m. Highlights from the meeting include:

BM Ross and Associates Delegations

Lisa Courtney of B.M. Ross provided Council with updated reserve calculations for the Township’s drinking water and wastewater systems, including Whitechurch capacity and vacant lot inventory. The CAO presented a report indicating a draft servicing allocation policy is in progress for Council’s review. Immediate projects include well replacement in Lucknow and additional water storage along the lakeshore, while wastewater system expansion will be assessed based on growth needs.

Bruce County Land Acquisition

The Township of Huron-Kinloss will acquire a section of land north of the Lucknow & District Sports Complex from the County of Bruce at no cost, as requested by the Lucknow & District Joint Recreation Board. Although the land cannot be merged with the existing property, ownership will allow for potential future expansion. The Lucknow & District Recreation Department already maintains the land, and all legal, survey, and registration costs will be shared with the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. A by-law will be brought forward to finalize the transfer.

Landfill Management

The Manager of Environmental Services presented a report on the Huron Landfill and the Cleanfarms program. The Township has been part of Cleanfarms' agricultural film plastic collection program since 2021, accepting bale wrap at no cost. However, Cleanfarms notified the Township that the program will end in January 2025 due to the cessation of Government of Canada funding. The Township is exploring alternative collection programs, with potential interest from Switch Energy.

Regarding landfill operations, daily cover costs have risen to approximately $5,000 per month, prompting the Township to explore BioCover, a biodegradable, non-toxic alternative that could reduce costs and prolong the landfill's lifespan. A product demo will be conducted, and if successful, the Township may lease equipment for further trials. These initiatives aim to reduce long-term costs while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.

Lucknow Library and Theatre Damage

The Director of Community Services presented a report regarding damage caused by falling ice and snow on the Lucknow Library and Town Hall Theatre roof. The incident resulted in the removal of eavestroughs, fascia, damage to the air conditioner, and fire exit stairs. Staff have closed the accessible ramp for safety and are in the process of gathering estimates for repairs. The estimated repair costs are between $10,000 and $15,000, and these will be funded through the general budget. Staff will provide further updates as repairs progress.

Budget Adoption

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on March 10^th, 2025. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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