Council Highlights October 6th, 2025

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting was held on October 6, 2025 om Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley at 7:00 p.m. Highlights from these meetings include:

Enhanced Summer Patrol Services – 2025 Summary Report

The Committee of the Whole received a report from the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officer on 2025’s Enhanced Summer Patrol Services. Between July and August, by-law officers completed 20 patrol shifts (111 hours), focusing on lakeshore areas like Boiler Beach Road, where new “No Parking” zones were introduced. The patrols helped promote safe, respectful use of public spaces, and supported community events like the Point Clark Lighthouse fireworks. The initiative identified issues such as overflow parking and improper garbage disposal on beaches. The program was delivered on time and within budget. Staff recommend continuing the initiative in summer 2026, pending budget approval.

Non-Eligible Source Blue Box Collection

The Committee of the Whole received the Non-Eligible Source Blue Box Collection report prepared by the Director of Public Works. The report outlines changes to recycling services in Huron-Kinloss that will take effect on January 1, 2026, as part of Ontario’s transition to a producer-operated Blue Box Program managed by Circular Materials.

Under the new system:

• Residential recycling will continue via curbside collection.
• Residential drop-off recycling at the landfill will end.

However, Non-Eligible Sources—including industrial, commercial, and institutional (IC&I) properties—will lose access to all municipal recycling services, such as curbside pickup, cardboard depots, and landfill recycling bins.

To support these properties and maintain landfill diversion rates, Council approved Option 2B:

• A tax-funded depot collection program at the Huron Landfill, available only to Non-Eligible Sources.
• The depot will operate on designated days, separate from regular landfill hours.
• Residential customers will not be permitted to use this recycling depot.

Township staff will continue working with businesses and neighboring municipalities to monitor the transition and explore future improvements. Final program details will be included in the 2026 budget.

Economic Development and Tourism Update – Q3 2025

The Committee of the Whole received a quarterly report from the Economic Development Officer, summarizing Economic Development and Tourism from July to September 2025. The update highlighted ongoing support for local businesses, including the Homegrown retreat for rural women entrepreneurs, the grand opening of Schooner’s Bodega in Ripley, and a joint open house with Acacia Fine Cabinetry to showcase opportunities in the Ripley Industrial Park. Staff also continued preparations for the upcoming Investors Tour, scheduled for November 14.

On the tourism front, more than 8,500 people attended Music in the Fields, the Point Clark Lighthouse and Museum saw steady visitation, and Ripley Reunion 2025 was very well attended. The Back Forty Bites marketing campaign (an eat local initiative), supported by funding from RTO7, generated over 676,000 impressions and 19,000 link clicks. Revitalization work in downtown Ripley continued with new fencing, planters, and student-created artwork installed at 50 Queen Street. 

During the quarter, staff engaged with local businesses to provide information, gather feedback, and help them prepare for the upcoming Ontario Blue Box transition. All initiatives were delivered within the approved 2025 Economic Development budget.

Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition Membership

The Committee of the Whole received the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition Membership report from the Manager of Strategic Initiatives, recommending that the Township of Huron-Kinloss join the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition (SOIC) as a Regional Collaborative Partner.

Formed in 2023, the coalition brings together municipalities, healthcare providers, and industry partners to support the growth of the medical isotope sector and promote clean energy innovation in the region. Membership will allow the Township to participate in advocacy, research, and networking opportunities alongside four neighbouring municipalities and the County of Bruce.

The Committee of the Whole approved the recommendation, directed staff to submit a Partnership Application, and recommended appointing the Manager of Strategic Initiatives and a Member of Council to represent Huron-Kinloss at quarterly SOIC meetings. There is no membership fee, though participation may involve staff time and optional travel costs. The coalition’s recent report, Unlocking Our Isotope Opportunity, outlines 12 strategic actions, including a feasibility study on expanding isotope technologies in rural Ontario.

2026 Proposed Council Schedule and Conference Dates

The Committee of the Whole received the 2026 Proposed Council Schedule and Conference Dates report from the Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk, recommending adoption of the 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole meeting schedule.

Council approved the schedule and authorized exemptions to the Township’s Procedure By-law to accommodate key changes, including:

• The addition of a budget meeting on January 26, 2026.
• The rescheduling of the February Council meeting to February 18, to allow time for budget revisions.
• The removal of meetings that conflict with major municipal conferences, such as those hosted by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

The inaugural meeting for the 2026–2030 Council term is scheduled for November 16, 2026.

Staff have been directed to begin registering Council members for upcoming conferences and to include associated costs in the proposed 2026 budget. Orientation and training sessions will be scheduled following the municipal election.

Residents interested in addressing Council or making a presentation at a future meeting can learn more at huronkinloss.com/town-hall/mayor-and-council.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 15, 2025. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

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