Council Highlights – May 20, 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:

• Planning: Comprehensive Zoning By-law Housekeeping Updates
• Treasury: 2025 Development Charges Statement
• Governance: 2027 Council Remuneration
• Governance: Notice of Motion – Citizen & Volunteer Recognition

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

Planning: Comprehensive Zoning By-law Housekeeping Updates

Summary: Council approved a housekeeping amendment to Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2018-98, applying across the Township. The update improves clarity, consistency, and usability while aligning the by-law with current provincial policy and Township practices.

The amendments refine zoning standards and update permissions in response to issues identified through ongoing use of the by-law. Changes include updates to definitions, general provisions such as setbacks and accessory buildings, and provisions related to uses like additional residential units and home-based businesses.

What This Means for Residents

• Clearer and more consistent zoning rules
• Updated standards and permissions in some areas, including housing-related uses
• Improved processes for how zoning is applied and administered

View full details in Report BLD-2026-15 – Zoning By-law Housekeeping Amendment

Treasury: 2025 Statement of Development Charges

Summary: Council received the annual statement of development charges in accordance with the Development Charges Act, outlining funds collected and held for growth-related infrastructure.

The statement provides a summary of development charge activity for 2025:

• $29,106 in development charges were collected during the year
• $2,538.53 in interest was earned on reserve funds
• Total funds of $31,644.53 are held to support future growth-related infrastructure as development occurs.
• Funds are allocated to specific services such as roads, water, wastewater, fire services, and recreation infrastructure

Annual reporting is required under provincial legislation to ensure transparency in how development charge funds are collected, managed, and used.

What This Means for Residents:

• Development charges are paid by developers and help fund infrastructure needed to support growth, such as roads, water, and emergency services
• Funds collected must be used for specific growth-related purposes and cannot be applied to general operations
• Annual reporting ensures transparency and accountability in how these funds are managed

View full details in Report TRE-2026-25 – 2025 Statement of Development Changes

Governance: 2027 Council Remuneration

Summary: Council approved 2027 remuneration rates for members of Council through a by-law, based on a review of compensation levels.

The updated rates reflect a review of Council compensation relative to peer municipalities:

• The Township’s current Mayor compensation was below its established benchmark compared to others.
• Adjustments include an increase to the Mayor’s annual stipend and a 3% increase to all position stipends and per diem rates 
• The total estimated budget impact for all Council members is approximately $10,200

As 2026 is a municipal election year, remuneration rates are being established in advance of the next term of Council to ensure transparency for candidates and the public.

What This Means for Residents:

• Council compensation is reviewed periodically using comparisons with similar municipalities to ensure consistency
• Remuneration is set in advance of the next Council term as part of the municipal election cycle, so expectations are clear for candidates and the public
• Changes are planned and included within the Township’s budget to support transparent and predictable financial management

View full details in Report CAO-2026-08 – Council Remuneration.

Governance: Notice of Motion – Citizen & Volunteer Recognition

Overview: Council received a notice of motion—a formal request for Council to consider an item at a future meeting—regarding the development of a citizen achievement and volunteer recognition program.

What’s Being Proposed:
The motion, to be considered at a future Council meeting, would direct staff to investigate options for a potential program, including:

• Program structure and format
• Eligibility criteria
• Nomination and selection processes
• Administrative requirements
• Associated costs

The intent is to recognize the contributions of residents and volunteers to the social, cultural, and civic life of the community.

What Happens Next:

• Council will consider the motion at a future meeting
• No program has been approved at this time
• If approved, staff would report back with options and recommendations for Council to consider

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

Subscribe to receive Meeting Highlights 

Follow us on Facebook for more!