Council Highlights - February 18, 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:

• Municipal Agreement Drain – DeBoer MacIntyre
• Ripley-Huron Community Centre – Ice Plant Replacement
• 2026 Municipal Election – Joint Compliance Audit Committee

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

Municipal Agreement Drain – DeBoer‑MacIntyre

Summary: Council approved bringing forward a by‑law to enter into a Mutual Agreement Drain with neighbouring landowners. This step is required under the Drainage Act because a private drainage system needs to cross Township property.

Council received Report DRA‑2026‑05, prepared by the Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk and the Director of Public Works, which outlined a request from neighbouring landowners near South Kinloss Ave to formalize a private drain crossing on municipal property. Under Section 2 of the Drainage Act, the Township must be a party to the agreement when private works cross Township land.

A Mutual Agreement Drain is a tool that allows landowners to collaborate on a private drainage solution and register the responsibilities on title. Township staff worked with the landowners to prepare the agreement, ensuring the crossing is installed safely and that roles for construction and maintenance are clearly defined. The Township does not share in construction or maintenance costs, and registration costs are paid by the requesting landowner.

What This Means for Residents

• This is a routine step under the Drainage Act when private drainage infrastructure needs to cross Township land.
• The Township is participating only to permit the road crossing and does not assume any costs.
• The agreement ensures the work is built safely and properly documented for future property owners.

Ripley‑Huron Community Centre – Ice Plant Replacement

Summary: Council approved awarding the RHCC ice plant replacement to CIMCO Refrigeration for $506,425 plus HST, advancing a provincially supported recreation upgrade that keeps the project within the approved capital budget.

Council received Report CS‑2026‑07, prepared by the Director of Community Services, about planned recreation upgrades supported through the Ontario Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). The full CSRIF program totals $1,059,000, including $529,500 in provincial funding.

The ice plant replacement—the mechanical system responsible for freezing and maintaining the arena floor—is the next phase of this program. It follows the 2025 completion of the Lucknow Community Centre roof and works alongside a planned storage addition for community user groups.

To move the project forward, the Township invited companies to submit pricing in January 2026 and received three submissions. CIMCO Refrigeration was selected through a competitive process and the contract fits within the approved capital budget.

What This Means for Residents

• The upgrade is partially funded by the Province, reducing the local financial impact.
• Replacing the aging ice plant ensures the arena can continue supporting community programs, tournaments, and recreation without risk of unexpected equipment failure.
• The new ice plant will support safe, reliable arena operations and help maintain consistent ice quality.
  

2026 Municipal Election – Joint Compliance Audit Committee

Summary: Council received an update on the process for establishing a Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 Municipal Election — a provincially required committee that reviews requests for audits of candidate or third‑party campaign finances.

Council received Report CLK‑2026‑07, prepared by the Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk, about the steps required under the Municipal Elections Act to set up a Compliance Audit Committee for the upcoming election.

Rather than forming separate committees, most Bruce County municipalities — including Huron‑Kinloss — are collaborating to create a Joint Bruce County Compliance Audit Committee. This shared approach provides access to a broader pool of qualified members and helps all municipalities meet strict legislative timelines.

Recruitment will begin in March 2026, with recommended appointments returning to each municipal council for approval. The committee must be formally established by October 1, 2026, and its term will align with the next Council term (November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030)

Forming a joint committee provides:

• cost savings through shared recruitment and training,
• access to a larger member pool to avoid conflicts of interest,
• improved compliance with strict election timelines, and
• increased public confidence through standardized, county‑wide procedures.

What This Means for Residents

• This committee is a standard, provincially mandated part of the election process.
• It ensures any requests for campaign finance audits are handled fairly, independently, and within required timelines.
• Only municipalities where a request is filed would incur any associated costs, funded through the Election Reserve if needed.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron Kinloss Council Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2^nd, 2026. The meeting take place in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street, Ripley.

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