Committee of the Whole Highlights – September 9, 2026

By Township of Huron-Kinloss - Sep 18, 2026

Committee of the Whole Highlights – September 9, 2026

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

Highlights from the meeting include:

Noise Exemption Request for the Ripley Fall Fair
Huron-Kinloss at the 2026 International Plowing Match
Community Flag Raising Request
Electricity Purchasing and Energy Management
Drinking Water Threat Assessment

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

Legislative Services: Noise Exemption Request for the Ripley Fall Fair

Noise Exemption Approved for the Ripley Fall Fair

Council approved a noise exemption for the Ripley Fall Fair, allowing live music and other amplified sound at the fairgrounds until midnight on Friday, September 25, and until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, following Saturday night's activities.

Why does the Fall Fair need a noise exemption?

The Township's Noise Control By-law generally prohibits amplified sound between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. Because Fall Fair entertainment will continue beyond 11:00 p.m., the Ripley Agricultural Society requested an exemption. Township staff reviewed the request and reported no concerns.

How do noise exemptions work?

Residents and organizations can apply for a noise exemption when an activity would otherwise not be allowed under the Noise Control By-law. Council considers each request and may approve it, deny it, or approve it with specific conditions.

What This Means for Residents

Residents near the Ripley fairgrounds may hear live music and amplified sound after 11:00 p.m. during the approved exemption periods.
The exemption applies only to the Ripley Fall Fair and the approved dates and times.

Planning an event that may need a noise exemption?

Complete the Noise Exemption Request Form to get started. Submitting your request early will allow time for staff review and Council consideration.

Learn More / View Full Report

View full details in Report CLK-2026-29 – Noise Exemption Request – Ripley Fall Fair 2026.

Additional Information:

Tourism: Huron-Kinloss at the 2026 International Plowing Match

International Plowing Match Coming to Bruce County

Council received an invitation to attend the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, taking place September 22 to 26 in Walkerton. Township staff will also be at the event as part of the Bruce County showcase, promoting Huron-Kinloss and the Secrets of the Back Forty tourism brand.

The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is a five-day agricultural event hosted in a different Ontario community each year. The event includes plowing competitions, agricultural demonstrations, exhibits and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

How will Huron-Kinloss be represented?

The Huron-Kinloss tent will be part of the Bruce County showcase. Visitors can “Unlock the Secrets of the Back Forty” using an interactive game board and learn about local attractions, experiences and what Huron-Kinloss offers as a place to live and visit.

Going to the International Plowing Match?

Stop by the Huron-Kinloss tent within the Bruce County showcase between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., September 22 to 26, and “Unlock the Secrets of the Back Forty” to discover some of Huron-Kinloss’ hidden gems through the interactive game board.

Learn More

Find event information, tickets and visitor details on the official IPM website.

Legislative Services: Community Flag Raising Request

October 15 Community Flag Raising Approved

Council approved a request from Oak’s Tree of Love to raise a community flag on October 15, 2026, in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. The flag raising is intended to increase awareness and recognize families affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

How does the Community Flag Raising Program work?

Community organizations can request to have a flag raised at the Township's Community Flag Pole, located at the entrance to Memorial Park and the Ripley-Huron Community Centre, to recognize eligible events, activities and achievements.

Requests are reviewed to make sure they meet the Community Flag Raising Policy and require Council approval. Approved flags can generally be flown for up to one week or for the length of the event, whichever is shorter. Organizations supply their own flag.

What types of flag raisings are eligible?

Eligible flag raisings can raise awareness of programs and activities, celebrate achievements or community events, or recognize organizations that have made significant contributions to the community. See the Community Flag Raising Policy for full eligibility requirements and exclusions.

What This Means for Residents

A community flag will be raised on October 15 to recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
The Community Flag Raising Program is available to community organizations with eligible requests.

Interested in requesting a community flag raising?

Contact the Clerk at clerk@huronkinloss.com at least four weeks before the requested flag raising date to get started. Requests must meet the Community Flag Raising Policy and require Council approval.

Learn More / View Full Report

View full details in CLK-2026-31 Request for Community Flag Raising - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Additional Information:

Community Services: Electricity Purchasing and Energy Management

Electricity Purchasing Strategy Has Saved More Than $32,000 Over Time

Council received an update on how the Township purchases electricity and tracks energy use at municipal facilities. Participation in the Local Authority Services (LAS) electricity program has resulted in approximately $32,418 in total savings over time.

Why does the Township purchase electricity through LAS?

LAS is part of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and offers a program that helps municipalities manage changing electricity prices. The Township uses the program to secure pricing for a portion of its electricity in advance, helping reduce the impact of larger price changes and making electricity costs more predictable.

Why does the Township track energy use?

The Township reports the annual energy use of its municipal buildings and facilities to the Province. Tracking this information helps identify opportunities to use energy more efficiently. Overall energy use has remained relatively stable, with most changes related to heating and cooling needs caused by weather.

What This Means for Residents

The Township's electricity purchasing strategy helps make municipal energy costs more predictable and has produced overall savings.
Tracking energy use helps identify opportunities to use less energy and manage the cost of operating municipal buildings and facilities.

Learn More / View Full Report

View full details in CS-2026-24 Electricity Procurement with Local Authority Services LAS Report And 2026 Provincial Reporting.

Additional Information:

Public Works: Drinking Water Threat Assessment

No Significant Drinking Water Threats Identified in Projects Reviewed

Council received the Township's 2026 Significant Drinking Water Threat Assessment, which reviewed planned wastewater and stormwater projects for potential risks to drinking water sources. None of the projects reviewed were identified as significant drinking water threats.

Why is this assessment completed?

The Township is required by the Province to complete the assessment as part of the approvals for its wastewater and stormwater systems. It is updated at least once each year to account for new or updated projects.

What This Means for Residents

The assessment found no significant drinking water threats associated with the wastewater and stormwater projects reviewed.
New and updated projects will continue to be reviewed each year for potential risks to drinking water sources.

Learn More / View Full Report

View full details in Report PW-2026-49 – Water-Wastewater Report September 2026

Additional Information

2026 Significant Drinking Water Threat Assessment

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday September 24, 2026. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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