Council Highlights October 21st 2024

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

Stormwater Servicing Master Plan – Northern Point Clark

B.M. Ross presented the ongoing Stormwater Servicing Master Plan for Northern Point Clark. The study focuses on Township-owned lands, evaluating drainage issues and potential solutions. Two key problem areas were identified: the north, where runoff causes flooding and existing drainage infrastructure is undersized, and the south, where insufficient drainage is impacting residential septic systems and causing flooding in low-lying areas.

Groundwater investigations, which included monitoring groundwater levels across five test sites, revealed that elevated groundwater levels throughout much of the year make stormwater infiltration difficult. Guidelines from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) require stormwater facilities to be at least 1 metre above average groundwater levels, further limiting infiltration options.

B.M. Ross provided recommendations for addressing the problem areas, with an estimated costs for each recommendation and emphasized that the Master Plan is intended to be implemented over a number of years in different phases. The plan provides a roadmap to make projects ready for construction or grant opportunities.

Next steps include selecting preferred alternatives, finalizing the Master Plan, and publishing it for a 30-day review period. Council will then consider adopting the plan, after which engineering designs for the initial phase of implementation will be completed, and necessary approvals will be obtained. Adoption of the plan will provide a framework for potential future projects and grant applications.

Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Stream

Council authorized staff to submit a grant application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Stream 2 for the construction of a new pickleball facility at Lions Park in Point Clark. The project, which has been a community-driven initiative since 2019, aims to address the growing demand for pickleball in the area, with over 50 registered players already participating on temporary courts.

Lions Park was selected as the preferred location due to its central position, space for six courts, and existing amenities, such as washrooms and level ground. The estimated project cost is between $350,000 and $500,000, covering six courts, landscaping, pathways, and parking. Community engagement with the Lions Park neighborhood will take place in November to address concerns and present a conceptual plan.

This proposal aligns with the Township’s Strategic Plan to support inclusive growth, ensuring that municipal infrastructure meets the needs of the community. The grant application will be prepared in conjunction with the finalization of the Parks and Trails Revitalization Plan, with hopes of securing provincial funding to complete the project by 2027.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4^th. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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