Council Highlights June 16th, 2025

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:

Comments to Province on Bill 17 – Building Faster and Smarter Act

Council reviewed the Manager of Building and Planning/CBO’s submitted comments on the Province’s proposed Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 (Bill 17). The comments raise concerns about proposed changes that could limit what information municipalities can ask for when reviewing development applications. Council supports efforts to streamline the planning process but emphasized that municipalities need to retain the ability to request and review important studies—such as sun/shadow, wind, urban design and lighting—so that local impacts can be properly assessed.

Council also reviewed the proposed change that would allow small reductions (up to 10%) in setback requirements to happen automatically, without needing a minor variance. While this likely won’t affect many local applications, Council raised concerns about added administrative work and potential risks in areas like shoreline protection, fire safety, and stormwater management. Council recommends clearer definitions and urges the Province to give municipalities flexibility to update their zoning by-laws accordingly.

A second round of comments will be submitted before the June 26 deadline.

NWMO Seeking Feedback on Siting Approach for next DGR

Council received a letter from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) regarding its plans to select a site for a second deep geological repository to store radioactive waste. The NWMO is inviting feedback from Municipalities, Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples on its proposed site selection process, which will begin in 2028 and will prioritize safety and community willingness. Feedback can be sent to ILW@nwmo.ca.

Traffic and Parking By-Law Amendment

Council passed a by-law amendment to restrict parking along seven sections of the west side of Boiler Beach Road. These new “No Parking” zones were introduced to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, as vehicles in these areas were often unable to park without encroaching on the roadway. The changes follow a May 5th staff report noting that limited space along the road makes it difficult to construct a multi-use path. Staff will begin installing signs this summer and continue monitoring the area for further adjustments if needed.

Mayoral Powers Delegated back to Council

Mayor Don Murray has delegated several powers back to Council that were granted to him under the Province’s new “strong mayor” legislation. These powers include responsibilities related to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Township’s organizational structure, senior staffing decisions, and oversight of local boards and committees. This decision, effective June 17, 2025, supports a continued collaborative approach to municipal governance. To learn more about the Municipal Act changes and view all mayoral decisions, visit www.huronkinloss.com/mayoral-powers.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday July 7th 2025. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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