Committee of the Whole and Council Meeting Highlights - February 2nd, 2026

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole Meeting was held in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley at 9:00 a.m. This was followed by a Council Meeting at 1:00 p.m.

 Highlights from the meeting include:

• Septic Inspections – Annual Program Update
• Transit & Traffic – 2025 Traffic Study
• 2025 Year-End Department Reports
• Bale Wrap Waste Diversion – 2026 Pilot Program
• 2026 Budget Deemed Adopted

The full agendas and supporting documents can be viewed on the Township of Huron-Kinloss website.

Septic Inspections – Annual Program Update

Summary: Council received the 2025 Septic Re‑Inspection Program Annual Report (HKCSI) from B.M. Ross & Associates on the Township’s Septic Re‑Inspection Program, which helps protect drinking water, local streams, and Lake Huron by ensuring septic systems are functioning properly.

In 2025, 430 septic inspections were completed across Huron‑Kinloss, including properties within wellhead protection areas. Inspections continued to identify routine maintenance issues—such as aging components and clogged filters—that can become more serious problems if left unaddressed. These findings support the value of the Township’s 8‑year inspection cycle, which is designed to prevent failures before they occur.

The report also linked septic maintenance to watershed health, as outlined in the 2025 Surface Water Monitoring Presentation. While Lake Huron shoreline sampling generally shows good water quality, the 2025 Baseline Surface Water Quality Annual Report notes that some inland streams see elevated nutrients and bacteria after heavy rain. Septic care is one of several factors that contribute to healthy waterways.

What does this mean for residents?

Properties scheduled for inspection in 2026 will receive booking information from the Township or B.M. Ross. Homeowners with advanced treatment units must keep service contracts up to date and submit required annual maintenance records under the Ontario Building Code.

Transit & Traffic – 2025 Traffic Study

Summary: Council received 2025 Traffic Study findings from Paradigm Transportation Solutions, which recommend updates to speed limits, stop‑sign placement, and transition zones to improve safety and ensure consistent signage in the growing Lakeshore area.

The 2025 Traffic Study assessed posted speed limits, stop sign control, and road safety conditions using traffic data and on‑site observations. Key recommendations include:

• Updating speed limits on Lake Range Drive and Concession Road 12
• Adding consistent 60 km/h transition zones on concession roads approaching the Lakeshore
• Relocating or adjusting stop signs at several intersections to improve driver predictability and safety

Staff Report PW 2026‑07 from the Director of Public Works supported most recommendations but noted concerns with changing stop control on steep hill locations along Lake Range Drive and Boiler Beach Road, citing winter braking and visibility issues. These locations will be reviewed further, with any changes considered in 2027.

Council accepted the study and directed staff to begin implementing the approved recommendations. Signage updates will roll out in phases starting summer 2026, with affected residents notified before changes take effect.

What does this mean for residents?

Residents may see the following changes in 2026:

• New or relocated stop signs at select Lakeshore and rural intersections
• Updated speeds on Lake Range Drive and Concession Road 12
• New 60 km/h transition zones approaching the Lakeshore
• Phased installation of new signage beginning summer 2026

Staff will communicate directly with impacted homeowners and share updates online.

2025 Year-End Department Reports

Summary: Council received year‑end updates from Building & Planning, Municipal By‑law Enforcement, and Economic Development & Tourism, outlining key activities and service trends from 2025.

Building & Planning – 2025 Year-End Report

In 2025, 235 building permits were issued (up from 196 in 2024), with a total construction value of $43.5 million. This included:

• 36 new single‑detached homes
• 2 multi‑unit residential permits
• 27 additions and renovations
• 59 sewage system permits

Agricultural and commercial construction remained strong, resulting in a net gain of 29 new residential units across the Township.

Municipal By-law Enforcement – 2025 Year-End Report

By‑law Enforcement completed 419 inspections and confirmed 167 infractions, primarily related to property standards, animal control, and general by‑laws.

Key initiatives included:

• The Enhanced Summer Patrol Services program
• A 28‑post By‑law Education Campaign on social media
• Continued rollout of Administrative Monetary Penalties, resulting in 8 penalties paid and fewer court‑related cases

Animal control activity remained steady, with 836 dogs registered and ongoing efforts to educate owners and promote responsible pet care.

Economic Development & Tourism – 2025 Year-End Report

Economic development activity remained strong in 2025, with staff supporting business recruitment, engagement, and grant programs. Highlights included:

• 5 new businesses opened in the Township
• Support for local events and business grants through programs such as Spruce the Bruce and the Downtown Improvement Program
• Continued growth of the Back Forty Bites campaign

Tourism activity was steady, with the Point Clark Lighthouse welcoming 1,900+ paid visitors, plus additional attendance at special events.

The annual Holiday Bites & Buys Shopping Pass program generated $127,500 in tracked local spending across 29 businesses, with 851 completed passes submitted.

Bale Wrap Waste Diversion – 2026 Pilot Program

Summary: Council received an update on establishing a new bale wrap recycling option and endorsed moving forward with a 2026 pilot program that will allow these agricultural plastics to be diverted from the landfill.

Council received report PW-2026-05 (Waste Management – February 2026) from Manager of Environmental Services and endorsed a partnership with Switch Energy Inc (SEI) to establish a new diversion stream for agricultural plastics. Since Cleanfarms stopped collections in 2025, the Township has sought a way to keep bulky materials like bunker plastic, greenhouse poly, and boat wrap out of the Huron Landfill.

To initiate the pilot, the Township purchased ten rolls of specialized collection bags. These will be filled by users and stockpiled at the landfill for bulk pickup by SEI. Staff will monitor participation and landfill capacity impact throughout the year to evaluate the program's long-term viability. 

What This Means for Residents

• Residents who use agricultural plastics now have a local option to recycle materials such as bale wrap, bunker plastic, greenhouse poly, shrink wrap, shavings bags, water‑softener salt bags, binder twine, and boat wrap through the pilot program.
• Free collection bags are available to pick up at the Huron Landfill
• Filled bags can be returned for recycling at a $140‑per‑tonne charge under the Township’s Rates & Fees.
• Keeping materials reasonably clean helps reduce disposal weight and ensures they can be properly processed.

2026 Budget Deemed Adopted

Summary: Council continued its review of the Mayor’s Draft 2026 Budget under the provincially legislated mayor’s budget process in the Municipal Act, which allows Council to propose amendments within a defined period. After discussing priorities and suggested changes, Council reached consensus and motioned to conclude the amendment period early.

The Mayor released the Draft 2026 Budget on January 19, followed by a presentation at the January 26 Budget Meeting. In accordance with the Municipal Act’s mayor‑prepared budget process, Council then entered a statutory amendment window during which members could bring forward formal changes.

At the February 2 Council meeting, members reviewed identified amendments and discussed long‑term financial planning. Council agreed not to advance any amendments and passed a motion to waive the remainder of the 30‑day amendment period, resulting in the 2026 Budget being deemed adopted on February 2, ahead of the statutory deadline.

What This Means for Residents

With the budget adopted, the Township can proceed with 2026 services, capital projects, and program delivery as planned. Residents can review tax impacts, service levels, and major projects in the 2026 Budget Book, available on the Township’s Budget and Finance webpage.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron Kinloss Council Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The meeting take place in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street, Ripley.

Subscribe to receive Meeting Highlights