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:

• Delegation: Update on Proposed Sale of Westario Power Inc. to ERTH Corporation

• Drainage: Sutton Municipal Drain – Tender Results

• Drainage: Black Creek Municipal Drain – Updated Project Direction

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

Delegation: Update on Proposed Sale of Westario Power Inc. to ERTH Corporation

Summary: Council received information related to the proposed sale of Westario Power Inc., including information about the proposed purchaser, ERTH Corporation, and the Ontario regulatory approval process.

Council received a delegation from Chris White, President & CEO of ERTH Corporation, and Walter Malcolm, President & CEO of Westario Power Inc., regarding the proposed sale of Westario Power Inc., which is jointly owned by nine municipal shareholders, including the Township of Huron‑Kinloss.

Information was provided about ERTH Corporation, including its organizational structure, lines of business, and overall operating model. Council heard that ERTH is a municipally owned regional electricity utility operating in multiple Ontario communities, with both regulated electricity distribution operations and non‑regulated business activities.

Topics discussed included governance arrangements, capital investment planning, system modernization initiatives, sustainability‑related projects, and regional utility partnerships, as outlined in the ERTH Corporation and Westario Power Inc. shareholders presentation.

Council received the information as part of the ongoing shareholder process related to the proposed sale and did not make any decisions at this meeting. No immediate changes to electricity services were discussed. Council was also advised that the proposed transaction remains subject to Ontario Energy Board approval before it can proceed.

Drainage: Sutton Municipal Drain – Tender Results

Summary: Council received the tender results for construction of the Sutton Municipal Drain and directed staff to bring forward a by-law to award the work to the lowest compliant bidder.

Council received Report DRA‑2026‑08, prepared by the Drainage Superintendent, regarding the tender results for construction work on the Sutton Municipal Drain, following completion of all required steps under the Drainage Act.

The improvement project was initiated through a landowner petition. The work is outlined in the Engineer’s Report, which Council provisionally adopted in February 2026. Public consultation and the appeal period have now concluded, allowing the project to advance to the construction stage.

Three tenders were received, with all bids coming in below the engineer’s cost estimate. The lowest compliant bid was submitted by Robinson Farm Drainage Ltd. in the amount of $177,978, excluding applicable taxes.

Council directed staff to bring forward a by-law to award the construction contract to Robinson Farm Drainage Ltd. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026, subject to final approval through the by-law process.

What This Means for Residents

• The Sutton Municipal Drain project is moving from planning into construction

• Costs for the work will be assessed to affected landowners within the drainage watershed, based on benefit, as outlined in the Engineer’s Report

• Final approval will occur when Council considers the tender award by-law

Drainage: Black Creek Municipal Drain – Updated Project Direction

Summary: Council received an update on the Black Creek Municipal Drain capital project and provided direction to the project engineer to proceed with preparing a revised final Drainage Report.

Council received Report DRA‑2026‑04, prepared by Manager of Legislative Services / Clerk, providing an update on the Black Creek Municipal Drain capital project. Council also received a presentation from the project engineer and provided direction following earlier landowner input and Council discussion. This direction is intended to refine the project approach before a final Drainage Report is prepared.

Based on Council’s direction, the engineer will prepare a revised final Drainage Report that reflects:

• A refined scope of work

• Consideration of cost‑effective and practical solutions

• A focus on addressing drainage concerns while recognizing environmental and landowner considerations

Once the final Drainage Report is completed and formally filed with the Township Clerk, staff will proceed with the required steps under the Drainage Act. This includes issuing notice and scheduling a Council public meeting to formally consider the report.

What This Means for Residents

• The Black Creek Drain project is continuing, with revised direction provided before final approval

• A public meeting will be scheduled after the final Drainage Report is filed

• Affected landowners will receive notice and have an opportunity to review the report, ask questions, and understand assessed costs before Council makes a decision.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron Kinloss Council Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20th, 2026. The meeting take place in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street, Ripley.

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