Council Highlights – March 16th, 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:

• Building & Planning: Hellyn Subdivision – Draft Plan Extension
• Treasury: 2025 Council Remuneration Statement
• Treasury: 2025 Unaudited Year End Statement
• Public Works: 2025 Drinking Water Annual/Summary Reports

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

Building & Planning: Hellyn Subdivision – Draft Plan Extension

Summary: Council supported extending the draft plan approval for the Hellyn subdivision in Lucknow, allowing the developer more time to complete required planning updates.

Council received Report BLD‑2026‑12, prepared by Manager of Building and Planning/CBO, which outlines a request from the owner of the subdivision on Park Lots 46–50 (Albert Street W/S) for additional time before the current approval expires on April 28, 2026. The developer is finalizing a Redline Revision, which is an updated version of the subdivision layout, along with related zoning amendments. These changes will adjust the lot configuration and allow for future multi‑residential development.

These planning applications will come to Council at a future meeting. Staff recommended a three‑year extension, which Council endorsed and will forward to the County of Bruce.

The Draft Plan for the Hellyn subdivision is included in the meeting’s supporting documents.

What This Means for Residents

• The extension confirms the subdivision project is continuing through the required planning steps.
• Updated plans (the Redline Revision and zoning changes) will return to Council once complete.
• When those applications are publicly considered, residents will have the standard opportunities to review materials and provide comments under the Planning Act process.

Treasury: 2025 Council Remuneration Statement

Summary:  Council received the 2025 Statement of Remuneration, which outlines the compensation and expenses paid to Council members and committee appointees as required under Section 284(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001. The total paid in 2025 was lower than in 2024.

Council reviewed Report TRE‑2026‑14, prepared by the Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer, which itemizes remuneration and expenses for 2025. In 2025, Council members received a total of $177,657.49, a decrease from $191,816.54 in 2024. Additional payments included:

• $3,689.64 from Conservation Authorities and the Source Protection Committee
• $750.00 from the South Bruce OPP Detachment Board
• $867.82 in payments to the Property Standards Committee

Individual totals for each elected official and committee member are included in the full report. Information regarding the South Bruce OPP Detachment Board was not available when the agenda was printed and was added to the final report once received. This confirms the Township has met its legislated reporting requirements.

What This Means for Residents

• This is a routine annual requirement under the Municipal Act and provides transparency around how members of Council and statutory committees are compensated.
• No changes to compensation were proposed as part of this report.

The Council Remuneration By-law is available on the Township’s website.

Treasury: 2025 Unaudited Year End Statement

Summary: Council received the unaudited 2025 year‑end financial update, which provides a preliminary picture of the Township’s finances before the external audit is completed. The report projects a $108,385.35 operating surplus, with staff recommending it be transferred to the Tax Mitigation Reserve.

Council reviewed Report TRE‑2026‑18, prepared by the Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer, summarizing the Township’s preliminary financial position for 2025. An unaudited year‑end statement is an early estimate based on year‑end accounting but not yet verified by external auditors.

The projected surplus of $108,385.35—about 0.9% of the 2025 tax levy—resulted mainly from higher‑than‑expected supplemental taxation and a one‑time WSIB credit. Final audited results will be presented once the audit is complete. Staff recommended transferring the surplus to the Tax Mitigation Reserve, which helps manage future cost pressures and support tax stability.

What This Means for Residents

• The recommended transfer helps keep future tax rates stable by strengthening the Township’s reserve position.
• The surplus does not change the 2026 tax levy but supports long‑term financial sustainability.

Public Works: 2025 Drinking Water Annual/Summary Reports

Summary: Council received the annual compliance reports for the Lakeshore, Lucknow, Ripley, and Whitechurch drinking water systems. All systems met provincial standards.

Council reviewed Report PW‑2026‑16, prepared by the Manager of Environmental Services, summarizing the performance of the Township’s four drinking water systems in 2025. The Ontario Clean Water Agency prepared the reports, which confirm:

• No Adverse Water Quality Incidents occurred in 2025
• All treated water flows stayed within approved limits
• Arsenic testing for Lakeshore, Lucknow, and Ripley met provincial standards
• Barium testing for Whitechurch met provincial standards

Council acknowledged receipt of the reports as part of regular oversight of drinking water operations.

What This Means for Residents

• All Township drinking water systems met required provincial safety and reporting standards in 2025.
• Regular compliance reporting helps confirm that water quality is being monitored and maintained year‑round.
• The results reinforce that municipal drinking water remains safe, reliable, and well‑managed

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron Kinloss Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8th, 2026. The meeting take place in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street, Ripley.

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