Council Highlights – June 15, 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:

• 2026 Budget Amendment
• Development Charges Reduction Program
• Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Agreement Renewal
• Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Water Quality Review
• Ripley Industrial Park Lot Sale

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

2026 Budget Amendment

Council approved an amendment to the 2026 Budget to fund drainage improvements on Parkplace and upgrades at the Medical Centre. The work will be funded through existing budget resources and reserve funds. 

This will not result in an increase to property taxes.

Why are these changes needed?

• The Parkplace drainage system is not working as designed and is contributing to roadway deterioration. Improvements will create a more reliable drainage solution and help protect the roadway.
• The Medical Centre’s aging furnace requires replacement, along with upgrades to connect to a backup generator to support reliable heating and emergency power.

What This Means for Residents

• Improved drainage will help protect the Parkplace roadway and extend its lifespan
• The Medical Centre will have more reliable heating and backup power during outages or emergencies
• The budget amendment will not increase property taxes

Learn more about 2026 Budget Amendment

View the 2026-60 Budget Amendment By-Law

View full background details in Report TRE-2026-28 – 2026 Budget Amendment

Development Charges Reduction Program

Council reviewed the Province's Development Charges Reduction Program, which would require municipalities to reduce residential development charges by 30–50% for three years, including retroactive reductions for eligible building permits issued after March 30, 2026.

After reviewing the program, Council supported a recommendation not to apply due to the financial implications, limited eligibility of Township projects, and the program's limited fit with Huron-Kinloss' growth and infrastructure needs.

What did Council consider?

• Reduced development charges would lower growth-related revenue and shift more infrastructure costs to the Township and existing taxpayers.
• Program funding applies only to the growth-related portion of eligible projects. Most project costs, along with many local infrastructure needs, would still be the Township’s responsibility.
• Huron-Kinloss’ development charges remain relatively low compared to many Ontario municipalities and have not historically limited development.
• The Township’s primary eligible project is still in the early planning stages, which presents additional considerations related to timing and funding commitments.

What This Means for Residents

• Development charges remain unchanged.
• The Township will continue funding roads, water, wastewater, and other infrastructure through its existing long-term financial plans.
• The Township will continue pursuing funding opportunities that better align with local infrastructure priorities.

Learn more about Development Charges Reduction Program

View full details in Report CAO-2026-10 – Development Charges Reduction Program

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority - Agreement Renewal

Council supported renewing the Township’s agreement with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) to continue watershed programs and services from 2026 to 2030. Council directed staff to bring forward a by-law to authorize the agreement.

The agreement maintains existing services, including flood forecasting, water quality monitoring, and support for development in areas with natural hazards such as floodplains and shorelines.

What This Means for Residents

• Continued monitoring and preparation for flood risks and emergencies
• Ongoing protection of local waterways and watershed health
• Support for development decisions that consider natural hazards

Learn more about MVCA Agreement Renewal

View full details in Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Programs and Services Agreement (2026–2030)

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority - Water Quality Review

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) presented a 20-year review of water quality trends across the watershed, including the Pine River. The presentation was received for information.

The long-term monitoring program helps assess watershed conditions and informs future planning and decision-making.

What This Means for Residents

• Long-term water quality monitoring provides valuable information to guide watershed planning and management.
• Protecting local waterways requires continued collaboration between municipalities, conservation partners, landowners, and residents.

Learn more about SVCA Water Quality Review

View full details in SVCA Water Quality Program – 20 Year Review Presentation
Additional information: 2023 Annual Surface Water Report (2002–2023)

Ripley Industrial Park Lot Sale

Council approved the sale of a lot in the Ripley Industrial Park to a private purchaser.

The Township develops and services industrial park lands to support business investment and economic growth in Huron-Kinloss. This sale supports continued development in the industrial park and makes business-ready land available for future investment.

Learn more about Ripley Industrial Park Lot Sale:

View full details in By-Law 2026-63 – Ripley Industrial Park Land Sale

For more information on available properties, site features, and investment opportunities in Huron-Kinloss, visit the Ripley Industrial Park page.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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