Council Highlights November 4th 2024

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:

Lake Range Drive Speed Limit and Traffic Review Study

A delegation to Council presented a resident petition concerning the Lake Range Drive speed limit. The Director of Public works presented a traffic review update report covering Lake Range Drive, Boiler Beach Road, Huron Road, and Wolfe Street. Data from past radar studies on Lake Range Drive shows some evidence of speeding, particularly between Concession 2 and Concession 4. Staff have recommended installing additional speed limit signs on key roads in 2025 as a traffic calming measure.

Given increased development and traffic, Staff also recommended a third-party traffic study to review speed limits, road conditions, and safety features. In response to requests to adjust stop signs at key intersections, staff suggested that a professional review could guide changes for safer, more efficient traffic flow.

Rates and Fees 2025

Council reviewed a report from the Treasurer on updates to the Township’s 2025 Rates and Fees, aimed at keeping costs fair and in line with neighbouring communities.

Proposed changes include slight increases in fees for planning, emergency services, recreation, and landfill services. Water rates will increase by 1%, and wastewater fees by 5.6% to support long-term infrastructure needs. Additionally, the new dog tag fee structure will be simplified, and development charges will be adjusted yearly to keep up with rising costs. These increases will help cover service costs and reduce the burden on taxpayers. These changes will be considered by By-law at the Council meeting on November 18th.

Council Meeting Schedule 2025

Council reviewed the 2025 regular meeting schedule, as outlined in a report by the Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk. The approved schedule maintains Council and Committee of the Whole meetings as outlined in the Procedure By-law, with Committee of the Whole meetings on the first Monday of each month and regular Council meetings on the second and third Mondays. Meetings will generally begin at 7:00 p.m., with adjustments on statutory holidays.

For January and February, Council approved a schedule adjustment, combining February’s regular meetings into a single day meeting format, similar to the January meeting structure. This change, based on feedback from 2023, is intended to streamline the schedule and may be incorporated in future updates to the Procedure By-law.

Routine Disclosure Policy

Council reviewed and approved a policy designed to improve transparency and access to information, a key priority in the Township's 2023-2033 Strategic Plan. This policy encourages open communication by making Township records more accessible to the public without the need for formal Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

Under the new policy, residents can access information through three channels: Active Dissemination (proactive sharing of key records online), Routine Disclosure (informal request-based sharing), and FOI requests for sensitive information or documents exempt from automatic disclosure.

This approach is intended to streamline public access, reduce staff time on formal requests, and support an open, accountable government.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18th, 2024. The meeting will take place in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley. Please note the meeting scheduled for November 11th has been cancelled.

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