Council Highlights July 7th, 2025

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting was held in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley at 7:00 p.m. Highlights from the meeting include:

Blue Box Transition

The Committee of the Whole received an update on the upcoming transition of the Blue Box Program, a change mandated by the Province of Ontario that will shift responsibility for recycling from municipalities to producers beginning January 1, 2026.

Under the new system, eligible residential properties will continue to receive curbside recycling collection. One benefit of the new system under Circular Materials is that more items such as corrugated cardboard, coffee cups and plant trays will be accepted in your curbside recycling bin. As a result, all public recycling drop-off bins—including cardboard bins—at the Huron and Kinloss Landfills will be removed as of December 31, 2025.

Business and Institutional owners will be most impacted by the changes. Township staff have created a webpage with detailed information to help residents and business and institutions understand how these changes may affect them. An online survey is available to gather feedback and help explore viable solutions for businesses and institutions. Paper copies can be requested by contacting the Township. Your participation is appreciated as we work together to adapt to these changes.

Drainage Superintendent Services

The Committee of the Whole received a report on Drainage Superintendent Services, following notice that the Municipality of Huron East will no longer provide this service under the existing shared agreement. The appointment of a qualified Drainage Superintendent is a legislated requirement under the Drainage Act and is essential for overseeing municipal drainage works, advising landowners, and securing provincial grants. Given the limited availability of qualified individuals and the competitive nature of this specialized field, staff will explore all options—including municipal employment, consulting contracts, or new shared service arrangements—to determine the most viable solution for the Township.

Community Services

The Committee of the Whole received an update on several Community Services projects, including the completion of new play equipment and rubber surfacing at the Point Clark Lighthouse playground. Council also received updates on the completed restoration of the Municipal Office basement, a temporary parking solution near the Medical Centre and Daycare, and progress on RTO7-funded trail signage, which will see 19 new signs installed across the Township’s trail network.

New Agricultural Plastics Program Approved

The Committee of the Whole has recommended moving forward with a new agricultural plastics recycling program at the Huron Landfill, following the end of the Cleanfarms initiative. The proposed partnership with Switch Energy would offer collection for materials such as bale wrap, bunker plastic, shrink wrap, shavings bags, and baler twine. Collection bags would be provided free of charge, with a tipping fee of $140/tonne applied upon drop-off. The program is intended to operate on a full cost-recovery basis and will be monitored closely.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on July 14th. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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