Council Highlights – April 20th, 2026

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:

• Treasury: 2025 Statement of Investments

• Council received the Township’s 2025 Statement of Investments, which outlines how surplus municipal funds were invested during the year in accordance with legislative requirements and Council‑approved policy.

• Building & Planning: Zoning By‑law Housekeeping Amendments

• Council received a report on proposed housekeeping updates to the Comprehensive Zoning By‑law and directed staff to schedule a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act.

• Public Works: Boiler Beach and Penetangore Row Watermain Project

• Council accepted the tender for construction of a new watermain along Boiler Beach Road and Penetangore Row South and approved moving the project forward.

• Legislative Services: Election Policies and Delegation of Authority Review

• Council reviewed election‑related governance measures in preparation for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, including steps that may apply during the election period to ensure continuity of municipal operations.

• Legislative Services: Election Sign By‑law Review and Updates

• Council reviewed the Township’s Election Sign By‑law and directed that updated by‑laws be brought forward for consideration ahead of the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.

Additional details and context for each item are provided below. The full agenda and supporting documents can be viewed on the Township of Huron‑Kinloss website.

Treasury: 2025 Statement of Investments

Council received Report TRE‑2026‑21, prepared by the Treasurer, summarizing the Township’s investment portfolio as of December 31, 2025. The report is provided annually under the Municipal Act, 2001, Ontario Regulation 438/97, and the Township’s Investment Policy.

Municipal investments are used to manage surplus funds while ensuring money remains available to support day‑to‑day operations and planned capital projects. Investment rules prioritize security and liquidity, limiting risk while allowing funds to be accessible when needed.

At year‑end, the Township’s investment portfolio totaled $8,834,559.37. Investment income earned in 2025 was $305,929.87, compared to $266,438.57 in 2024.

Council received the report for information and no further action was required.

Why This Matters

• Annual investment reporting provides transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed

• Municipal investment rules are designed to protect public funds while keeping them available for Township needs

• The report fulfills an annual legislative and policy requirement

Building & Planning: Housekeeping Amendments – Comprehensive Zoning By‑law

Council received Report BLD‑2026‑15, which outlines proposed updates to Comprehensive Zoning By‑law 2018‑98, as amended. Housekeeping amendments are undertaken periodically to address minor errors, outdated references, and clarity issues that can arise through ongoing administration of the by‑law.

Areas being reviewed include definitions, general zoning provisions (such as setbacks and accessory buildings), and other wording updates intended to improve consistency and interpretation.

Residents are invited to attend a statutory public meeting to consider the proposed amendments on May 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, located at 21 Queen Street, Ripley, Ontario. Additional details about the meeting are available in the Township’s public notice.

What This Means for Residents

• No zoning changes have been approved at this time

• Residents are encouraged to review the public notice and supporting materials ahead of the public meeting

Public Works: Boiler Beach & Penetangore Row Watermain Project

Council received Report PW‑2026‑22, which outlines the replacement of an aging rear‑yard watermain with a new municipal watermain and water services located within the road allowance. The project also includes the replacement of several non‑functional storm outlets.

Following a public tender process, Council accepted the bid from Lavis Contracting Company Ltd. in the amount of $1,358,339.95 plus HST, and directed that the appropriate by‑law be brought forward to formally award the contract.

Additional road surface work, including topcoat paving on Boiler Beach Road, is planned for 2027. The construction start date will be confirmed once approvals from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority are received.

What This Means for Residents

• Watermain replacement work will proceed along Boiler Beach Road and Penetangore Row South

• Construction timing will be confirmed once regulatory approvals are in place

• Residents in the project area will receive advance notice and updates before work begins

• The project addresses aging water and stormwater infrastructure in the area

Legislative Services: Election Policies and Delegation of Authority Review

Council received Report CLK‑2026‑13, which outlines administrative measures that may apply during an election period when Council’s ability to approve certain decisions is limited by legislation. These limitations, often referred to as “restricted acts,” are intended to prevent major decisions from being made late in an election cycle where 75% of Council may or is not returning for another term. 

The report also outlines a potential temporary delegation of authority, which allows senior staff to carry out limited operational decisions if needed, ensuring essential municipal business can continue until the new Council is in place.

No changes affect voting, candidacy, or the delivery of municipal services.

What This Means for Residents

• This item relates to internal governance during an election period

• It helps ensure fair elections and uninterrupted Township operations

• There is no impact on voters, candidates, or public services

Legislative Services: Election Sign By‑law Review and Updates

Council received Report CLK‑2026‑12, which examines proposed updates to the Township’s election sign regulations. The review focused on clarifying rules related to the placement, timing, size, and enforcement of election signs and aligning them with current legislation and enforcement practices.

The proposed approach would repeal and replace the existing Election Sign By‑law and make related updates to the Township’s general Sign By‑law.

What This Means for Residents

• Election sign rules are being reviewed for clarity and consistency

• The focus is on safety, fairness, and clear enforcement

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4^th, 2026. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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