Committee of the Whole Highlights – March 2, 2026

The Township of Huron‑Kinloss Committee of the Whole met at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers on March 2, 2026.

 Highlights from the meeting include:

• 2025 Strategic Plan Update
• 2026 Garbage Collection Contract Request for Proposal
• Ross Street Pumping Station Renovation Requests for Tender
• Park Street Reconstruction Requests for Tender

Full agendas and supporting documents are available on the Township’s website.

2025 Strategic Plan Update

Summary: Council received the annual progress update on the 2023–2033 Strategic Plan, highlighting accomplishments achieved across all departments in 2025.

Council received Report CAO‑2026‑03, prepared by the Manager of Strategic Initiatives, which provided the Township’s 2025 progress review for the 2023–2033 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan acts as the Township’s long‑term roadmap, guiding priorities, projects, and decision‑making across all municipal departments. It outlines the actions the Township aims to complete over the next decade and measures progress annually.

The 2025 Strategic Plan Progress Update shows that 49% of all identified actions have been completed, with 33 actions finished, 50 underway, 3 identified as at risk, and 15 scheduled for future years. Council also recognized and thanked Township staff for their work in advancing these initiatives and maintaining momentum across a wide range of projects.

Major 2025 achievements included strengthened community partnerships, enhanced service delivery, and continued investment in asset management and long‑term planning. Progress is also reflected on the public dashboard, which has been updated to show completed and ongoing initiatives for transparency.

What This Means for Residents
The update shows how the Township is progressing toward its long‑term goals of supporting reliable services, sustainable community growth, and responsible financial stewardship. Reporting on this work each year helps ensure projects remain on track and that Township resources continue to align with Council’s established priorities.

2026 Garbage Collection Contract Request for Proposal

Summary: Council awarded the renewal of a three‑year curbside garbage collection contract to Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling (BASWR) at a total cost of $619,227.30 (excluding HST).

Council received Report PW‑2026‑12, prepared by the Director of Public Works, which outlined options for the curbside garbage collection contract beginning April 1, 2026. BASWR provided pricing for several contract durations, and staff recommended the three‑year contract based on long‑term cost stability and BASWR’s reliable service since taking on garbage collection in Huron‑Kinloss in 2002. The current contract expires March 31, 2026.

What This Means for Residents
Residents will see no changes to their garbage collection schedule or how they place garbage at the curb. The new contract maintains the existing level of service and ensures curbside pickup continues without interruption.

Ross Street Pumping Station Renovation Request for Tenders

Summary: Council awarded the renovation contract for the Ross Street Pumping Station in Lucknow to Domm Construction Ltd. for $116,320.00 (excluding HST) to prepare the building for use as office space for the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), which operates the Township’s water and wastewater systems.

Council received Report PW‑2026‑13, prepared by the Director of Public Works, outlining the proposed renovation of the Ross Street Pumping Station. Constructed in 1930, the building was formerly used in the operation of the Lucknow drinking water system until December 2023. The renovation includes structural repairs, new doors and windows, insulation, electrical and accessibility upgrades, interior finishing, and removal of outdated piping.

Converting it into office space will put an existing municipal asset back into productive use and meet the Township’s obligation to provide suitable workspace for OCWA.

What This Means for Residents
The renovation will provide water operations staff with a safe, functional workspace, make efficient use of an existing Township‑owned building, and support responsible long‑term management of municipal infrastructure. This approach also helps avoid higher future costs and ensures continued support for essential water system operations.

Park Street Reconstruction Request for Tenders

Summary: Council awarded the contract for the Park Street Reconstruction and Huron Street sidewalk replacement to Omega Contractors Inc. for $2,134,176.59 (excluding HST)

Council received Report PW‑2026‑15, prepared by the Director of Public Works, outlining tender results for the next phase of roadwork in southwest Ripley. This project represents Phase 2 of the multi‑year reconstruction program for the area. Work will include new curb and gutter, accessible sidewalks, storm sewers with private drain connections (PDCs), watermain replacement, and drainage improvements.

The accepted tender met all project requirements and came in well below the amount allocated in the 2026 Capital Budget, resulting in cost savings across the project. The Township will also pilot a new tree‑protection method during construction to help safeguard healthy trees along the route.

What This Means for Residents
Residents can expect improved road conditions, upgraded underground services, safer and more accessible sidewalks, and long‑term infrastructure reliability. The Township will coordinate directly with nearby property owners to help minimize construction impacts.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026. The Council meeting scheduled for March 9, 2026. has been canceled. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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