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:

Healthy Lake Huron Presentation

Ted Briggs from the Ministry of Environment presented a powerpoint on the Healthy Lake Huron program, a collaboration since 2010 aiming to improve water quality along Lake Huron's southeast shores. Efforts focus on reducing soil loss and enhancing soil health through measures like stream buffers, berms, and cover crops. Actions also include septic system inspections, livestock restrictions near streams, and education. Briggs highlighted that long-term monitoring is essential for connecting environmental improvements with management efforts.

Parks Renewal and Redevelopment Strategy

Director of Community Services presented a report to Council on the Parks Renewal and Redevelopment Strategy for the Township of Huron-Kinloss using Pl.ural to develop the Strategy. The Strategy aims to guide the planning, management, and revitalization of local parks. It emphasizes community involvement through a combination of in-person and online engagement methods that will be available to the public on Have Your Say HK. The Strategy includes specific plans for projects like Heritage Park/Kin Bruce Park, Pickleball Courts, a Ripley Dog Park and Lucknow Dog Park, as well as trail development.

Unopen Road Allowance

The Director of Public Works recommended to Council the need for an Unopen Road Allowance Policy. This Policy would offer guidelines and principles for Township Staff when assessing alterations to unopened road allowances, aiming to mitigate potential liability for landowners undertaking work in these areas. Considerations include equal public rights to use these areas and the need to protect the natural environment from significant alterations without careful deliberation. This Policy will come forward once Staff review existing legislation and by-laws for policy creation.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on May 13^th, 2024. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.