Council Highlights – October 20, 2025

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Council Meeting was held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

2024 Audited Financial Statements Approved

Council reviewed and approved the 2024 Audited Financial Statements, presented by Treasurer and prepared by Seebach & Company. The report shows that Huron-Kinloss is in a strong and stable financial position.

The Treasurer’s Report on the 2024 Audited Financial Statements provides a detailed look at key trends while the Five-Year Financial Summary compares the Township’s performance from 2020 to 2024. For a more detailed breakdown, residents can also view the Independent Auditor’s Report from Seebach & Company.

The 2024 results show strong financial health in several areas:

• Accumulated Surplus: Increased to $97.6 million (up from $93.5 million in 2023). This represents the Township’s total savings, including investments in infrastructure, reserves, and other assets. It’s essentially the funds available after all expenses and obligations are accounted for.

• Debt vs. Reserves: Improved to 1:168, meaning the Township holds $168 in reserves for every $1 of debt — above the recommended minimum of 1:1.

• Capital Investment: The Township invested $9.7 million in infrastructure (roads, buildings, and other public facilities) in 2024. Total tangible capital assets—the value of all physical assets the Township owns—are now $83.9 million. Of this, $3.5 million is recorded as amortization, which represents the portion of assets used or worn down each year. This shows the Township is actively planning for asset renewal to keep infrastructure in good condition for the future.

• Net Financial Assets: Grew to $13.5 million (from $11.7 million in 2023). These are the funds the Township has available after subtracting liabilities, giving it the ability to fund future projects and day-to-day operations.

• Cash Position: Ended the year with $11 million in cash and equivalents (up from $9.1 million in 2023). This shows the Township has liquid funds readily available for operations and emergencies.

These results show that the Township continues to maintain a healthy financial position, with capacity to support ongoing operations, infrastructure needs, and future projects.

Information Items Received

Council received updates from:

• Ministry of Health: A Special Advisor is working with the Grey Bruce Health Unit to rebuild governance and ensure continued public health service delivery.
• Ontario Sheep Farmers: A letter highlighted livestock predation concerns and requested municipal support for Livestock Guardian Dogs through by-law updates.

Committee of the Whole Highlights – November 3, 2025

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole Meeting was held on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

Blue Box Transition – What You Need to Know

Committee of the Whole received Waste Management Report – November 2025 from Director of Public Works. The report provided an update on the upcoming transition of the Blue Box Program to Circular Materials, the organization now responsible for residential recycling under Ontario’s new producer responsibility framework.

Effective January 1, 2026, Circular Materials will assume operation of the Blue Box Program. Under this new framework, responsibility for residential recycling will shift from municipalities to the producers of the materials themselves—that is, the companies that manufacture or sell packaged products. These producers will now manage the collection, recycling, and reporting of their materials.

Key Updates:

• Curbside Recycling Continues: If you currently receive curbside recycling, this service will continue under Circular Materials.
• Expanded Materials Accepted: The new program will accept a broader range of recyclables, including:
• Aluminum trays
• Coffee cups
• Styrofoam
• Plastic bags and flexible packaging
• Visit the official Circular Materials website to view the complete list of accepted materials for the residential waste and recycling collection program.
• Public Recycling Depots: As the Township transitions out of managing recycling under the new Blue Box program, public recycling depots (including the cardboard drop-off locations at the landfill) will be phased out.
• Non-Eligible Sources: Businesses and institutions not covered under the residential program will use the tax-funded depot collection system approved by Council earlier this year.
• Communication Plan: Circular Materials will launch a public education campaign in November. Township staff are also engaging with local businesses to explain the new procedures.

For general updates from Circular Materials about the Blue Box program across Ontario, follow: facebook.com/circmaterials

2026 Rates and Fees Approved

Committee of the Whole approved the proposed updates to the 2026 Rates and Fees and 2026 Water and Wastewater Fees, effective January 1, 2026. These updates reflect rising costs, service expenses, and strategic financial planning. A By-law to implement these updates will be considered at the November meeting of Council.

These adjustments align with the Water Financial Plan and Asset Management Plan, ensuring long-term sustainability and infrastructure renewal.

Infrastructure & Drainage Planning

Committee of the Whole received the Transportation Report from Director of Public Works, outlining key updates on infrastructure projects:

• Gough Street Reconstruction is progressing despite weather delays. A geogrid stabilization solution was implemented to address poor soil conditions east of the bridge, funded through contingency allowances.
• The Point Clark Drainage Master Plan is being revised to reduce impact on private property. A new design concept may divert overland flows along Lake Range Drive, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Fire Prevention & Emergency Preparedness

Fire Prevention Week 2025 Recap

Committee of the Whole received the Fire and Emergency Services October Report 2025 prepared by Fire Chief, detailing how the Township hosted three open houses in Lucknow, Ripley, and Point Clark during Fire Prevention Week. The campaign emphasized the “Three Lines of Defence” in fire safety:

1. Public Education & Awareness
2. Fire Safety Standards Enforcement
3. Emergency Response

Key Themes:

• Lithium-ion battery safety: Proper use, charging, and storage were emphasized due to increasing fire risks.
• Smoke & CO Alarms: Residents were reminded that working alarms save lives. National statistics (2015–2023) show:
• Only 37% of residential fires had a working smoke alarm.
• 3 out of 4 fire-related deaths occurred in homes without one.

The Township distributed educational materials and reinforced the importance of regular alarm testing and replacement.

Emergency Management Exercise

Committee of the Whole received Emergency Services & Health and Safety Summary Report from Emergency Services & Health and Safety Coordinator which detailed Township staff and the Mayor participated in a regional emergency exercise on October 16, simulating a 48-hour province-wide power outage. The scenario focused on:

• Fuel shortages
• Agricultural impacts
• Telecommunications resilience

Representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture joined the Emergency Operations Centre to provide sector-specific insights. The exercise strengthened inter-municipal collaboration and improved staff readiness for real-world emergencies.

Mental Health & Safety Training

• Staff attended sessions led by the Canadian Mental Health Association, covering:
• Mental Health 101
• Difficult conversations
• Local support resources

The Township also applied for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, seeking funding for:

• Mental Health First Aid training
• Emergency exercise design and coordination

Upcoming Meetings

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

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