Council Highlights – September 21, 2026
The Township of Huron-Kinloss Council Meeting was held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley.
Highlights from the meeting include:
The full agenda and supporting documents can be viewed on eSCRIBE, the Township of Huron-Kinloss's platform for Council agendas and minutes.
Building and Planning:
Holding Removal Requests
Two Holding Removal Requests Considered
Council considered two separate applications to lift the holding from two different properties previously approved by planning applications. The Holding was able to be lifted from one of the properties while the other had to be deferred.
What is a holding zone and why is it used?
Zoning rules outline how land can be used and developed, including whether it is intended for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes. They also regulate the type, location, and size of buildings that can be constructed, from a single-detached home to a three-storey apartment building.
Sometimes a property's zoning allows something to be built or the land to be used in a particular way, but specific requirements still need to be addressed before development can proceed. In these situations, the Township can apply a holding provision generally shown as an “-H” with the property's zoning. The hold restricts development until those specific requirements have been met.
The requirements vary from property to property and are generally specific to the type of development. They can include but not limited to, environmental requirements, agreements, archaeological assessments or other agency requirements.
How is a holding zone removed?
Once the required conditions have been addressed, the property owner can request that the holding be removed. Township staff verify whether the requirements have been met. If conditions are met, the Planning Act requires the Holding designation to be lifted.
Council would then pass an administrative by-law to remove the Holding designation on the property.
Why did the two requests have different outcomes?
- Conditions met: The holding for 93A Paradise Lake Street was removed after the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority confirmed its requirements had been satisfied.
- Confirmation still pending: The hold at 606 Statters Lake Avenue remained in place because due to an unanticipated delay the required provincial confirmation related to the archaeological assessment had not been received prior to the meeting. Council approved the by-law to be brought forward when this confirmation had been provided.
What This Means for Residents
- A holding means specific requirements must be addressed before development can move forward.
- Removing an “H” does not change what the property is already zoned to allow. It means the requirements attached to the holding have been satisfied.
- Removing a hold does not necessarily mean all development related approvals are complete. Development must still follow the property's zoning and any other applicable requirements including obtaining required building permits, agency approvals or entering into agreements as required.
Learn More / View Full Reports
- Report BLD-2026-26 – Holding Removal – BVLCP 31 LEVEL 1 UNIT 22 (Paradise Lake)
- Report BLD-2026-27 – Holding Removal – 606 Statters Lake Ave.
Additional Information
Treasury:
2025 Audited Financial Statements
Council Approves the 2025 Financial Statements
Council approved the Township's 2025 audited financial statements. The statements provide an annual overview of the Township's finances, including its assets, liabilities, reserves, revenues and expenses.
What do the 2025 results show?
At the end of 2025:
- Reserves were $18.5 million, compared with $17.4 million in 2024.
- Municipal debt was $50,924, down from $103,116 in 2024.
- Township assets, such as roads, buildings and equipment, had a net book value of $86.5 million, up from $83.9 million in 2024.
- The Township invested approximately $6.4 million in capital assets during the year.
The independent auditor concluded that the financial statements fairly report the Township's financial position and meet Canadian public sector accounting standards.
What This Means for Residents
- The annual audit provides an independent check on how the Township reports its finances.
- Reserves help the Township plan for future needs and respond to unexpected costs.
- Capital investment helps maintain the infrastructure and facilities residents rely on for municipal services.
Learn More / View Full Report
Additional Information
Community Services:
Heritage Park Restoration
Heritage Park Restoration Contract Approved
Council passed a by-law accepting the $887,979.81 tender from Roubos Farm Services for the Heritage Park Restoration Project, allowing the Township to enter into the contract.
Why is the restoration needed?
The project will restore and improve the drainage channel that carries stormwater through Heritage Park to help address ongoing flooding and erosion.
A construction start date has not yet been confirmed. The project is awaiting approval from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
How is the project being funded?
The Township has been approved for up to $794,380 through the Green Municipal Fund to cover up to 90% of project costs that qualify for the funding. The Township's share of the project will be funded through the approved budget.
What This Means for Residents
- Heritage Park is open now, including the new playground equipment, but temporary closures will be needed when restoration work begins.
- Improved drainage will help reduce flooding and erosion in and around Heritage Park.
- The work will also restore natural areas and improve opportunities for walking through the park.
- Grant funding will cover up to 90% of project costs that qualify for the funding, reducing the amount required from the Township's approved budget.
Learn More / View Full By-Law
Additional Information
Follow the Project
Visit the Heritage Park Restoration Project page on Have Your Say HK, the Township's online community engagement platform, to follow the project, find updates and information, and ask questions.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday October 5, 2026. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.
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