Committee of the Whole Highlights – July 6, 2026

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting was held on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

Highlights from the meeting include:

• Delegation – Bruce Power: Bruce C Overview and Regional Municipal Readiness Fund
• Fire and Emergency Services: Monthly Update & Emergency Exercise
• Structure Rehabilitation Contract Award – Lucknow Area Bridges & Crossings
• Staffing Plan Update – Service Delivery Improvements
• Volunteer Recognition Program
• Integrity Commissioner Appointment
• Council Livestreaming and Technology Upgrades

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

Delegation – Bruce Power: Bruce C Overview and Regional Municipal Readiness Fund

Council received a presentation from Bruce Power on the proposed Bruce C project and a new funding opportunity for municipalities.

What was presented about Bruce C?

Bruce Power provided an update on early-stage planning for the Bruce C project and outlined the federal impact assessment process currently underway. The presentation also introduced a proposed funding program that may support municipalities with planning and preparedness related to future energy development.

The project is in the initial assessment phase, where potential environmental, social, and economic impacts are being reviewed and engagement with Indigenous communities and the public continues.

What this means for residents:

• This was an informational presentation—no decisions were made
• The Bruce C project is still in the early stages of review
• The Township may be eligible for funding to support future planning and readiness work

Learn More:
View the Bruce Power: Bruce C Overview Presentation Slides

Fire and Emergency Services: Monthly Update & Emergency Exercise

Council received monthly updates from Fire and Emergency Services and Emergency Management, with a focus on a recent emergency exercise involving Township staff and partner agencies.

How the Township Tests Emergency Preparedness

The reports highlighted the Township’s ongoing training and preparedness activities, including a recent emergency exercise designed to test response plans, communication, and coordination with partner agencies.

The exercise simulated a real-life emergency scenario and allowed staff to practice roles, decision-making, and teamwork in a controlled environment. It also tested the use of Council Chambers as an emergency operations centre.

What This Means for Residents

• Emergency plans are regularly tested and improved to ensure they work when needed
• Township staff coordinate with partner agencies to strengthen emergency response
• Training exercises help support a faster, more effective response during real emergencies

Learn More:
View full details in Report FIR‑2026‑13 – Emergency Management Summary June 2026 and Report FIR‑2026‑14 – Fire and Emergency Services Report June 2026

Structure Rehabilitation Contract Award – Lucknow Area Bridges & Crossings

Council approved awarding a contract to VanDriel Excavating Inc. for rehabilitation work on four Township bridges and culverts in the Lucknow area and surrounding roads to maintain safe, reliable crossings.

Why is this needed?

These structures require maintenance to extend their lifespan and prevent further deterioration. Regular inspections identified the need for repairs, helping avoid more costly work in the future.

What this means for residents:

• Improved safety and reliability of key road crossings used for daily travel and local businesses
• Maintenance work helps extend the life of Township infrastructure and reduce future repair costs
• Some work on the Lucknow bridges will be scheduled for 2027 to accommodate traffic needs

Learn More:
View full details in Report PW‑2026‑39 – Rehabilitation of Structures L5, L6, H32 and H51

Staffing Plan Update

Council received a one-year progress update on the Township’s Staffing Plan Development Project, which tracks progress on service delivery improvements, internal process changes, and efficiency initiatives

Progress on Service Delivery Improvements

The report highlighted progress made over the past year since the plan was approved by Council, including a range of actions aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery across the organization.

What improvements have been completed?

Staff have implemented a significant number of actions focused on practical improvements such as streamlined workflows, improved interdepartmental communication, updated technology, and clearer roles and responsibilities. The plan is well underway, with 74% of actions completed to date.

What this means for residents:

• Internal improvements are helping staff respond more efficiently and provide more consistent service
• Digital tools and updated processes are reducing manual steps and improving service delivery times
• The Township continues to refine processes to maintain reliable services and make the best use of resources

Learn More:
View full details in Report CAO‑2026‑13 – 2026 Staffing Plan Update

Volunteer Recognition Program

Council approved the implementation of a Township volunteer recognition program, beginning in 2027, and directed staff to develop program details.

How the Volunteer Recognition Program Will Work

The program will formally recognize volunteers for their contributions to the community and provide a consistent approach to acknowledgment across the Township.

Next Steps for the Program

Staff will report back in Fall 2026 with further details on nomination processes, eligibility, and how recipients will be selected. The Township will also determine how and when recognition will take place, with options such as an annual event or presentation at a Council meeting.

What this means for residents:

• Volunteers will be formally recognized for their contributions to the community
• Residents will have the opportunity to nominate individuals or groups
• Program details will be confirmed before launch

Learn More:
View full details in Report CAO‑2026‑14 – Volunteer Recognition Program

Integrity Commissioner Appointment

Council approved appointing a new Integrity Commissioner and ending the current agreement in accordance with the contract. A by-law will be brought forward to formalize the appointment.

Why is this being done?

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent office that helps ensure Council members follow the Township’s Code of Conduct by reviewing complaints and providing advice on conduct and accountability.

The Township is beginning the process to appoint a new commissioner following notice that the current provider will not continue beyond January 2027.

What this means for residents:

• The Township will continue to have an independent office to review Council conduct and support accountability
• Residents can bring forward concerns about Council behaviour through the Integrity Commissioner process
• The transition is being planned to ensure there is no interruption in service

Learn More:
View full details in Report CLK‑2026‑22 – Integrity Commissioner Expressions of Interest

Council Livestreaming and Technology Upgrades

Council received a report outlining options to upgrade Council Chambers technology to support clearer audio, improved video, and livestreaming of meetings. Staff were directed to include Phase 1 in the 2027 budget for consideration and continue exploring funding opportunities.

Why is this being considered?

The Township is exploring options to improve access to Council meetings by making them easier to watch and hear, whether in person or online. The proposed approach is a phased implementation, beginning with livestreaming for real-time viewing.

Key Considerations Before Implementation

• Cost and funding: The project requires capital funding and will be considered through the 2027 budget, with grant opportunities being explored
• Accessibility: If meetings are recorded and posted afterward, captioning is required under AODA standards, adding ongoing costs and external support needs
• Operations: The system must be reliable and manageable with existing staff resources
• Future use: The upgraded system would also support training, events, and emergency response

What this means for residents:

• Meetings would be available to view live online in real time
• Public participation in meetings would remain unchanged under Phase 1.
• A phased approach ensures the project is implemented responsibly, with costs and requirements reviewed before full rollout

Learn More:
View full details in Report CLK‑2026‑23 – Technological Updates and Costing

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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