Huron-Kinloss had ambitious 2009, says mayor

By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss Council

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Huron-Kinloss mayor Mitch Twolan  

Last year was an ambitious one for Huron-Kinloss, with huge investments in infrastructure through grants from the federal and provincial governments.

"That was a big boost for the township," says mayor Mitch Twolan, reflecting on 2009. "We were able to put a lot of money toward much-needed projects."

Among those were a new fire hall in Lucknow, a water system in Whitechurch, extending the waterline to Mary's Restaurant in Lucknow, roadwork in Point Clark, paving of Concession 4, renovations to the Point Clark Community Centre, and new entrance doors for the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

Last year was also a difficult one with a lot of people losing their jobs, due to cutbacks at Wescast in Wingham and the closure of Volvo in Goderich, says Twolan. "We were also expecting a lot less money from the province through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, meaning a 17-per-cent tax increase."

The province has since announced the funding cuts will not be as drastic, and has allowed some transitional funding.

"We had a banner building year with about 50 new homes," says Twolan. "Most of those were in the Heritage Heights subdivision and Inverlyn Estates, as well as Ripley and Point Clark. We're finding many old cottages are also being turned into year-round residences."

Looking to  2010, the mayor expects the township will continue to deal with water quality issues along the lakeshore, including the battle against invasive species of grass that are attempting to take over the beach. "We're trying to bring in a botanist to help us out," he says. "There are a lot of concerns we need to address. We also want to work with the MNR (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) in eradicating the Phragmites grass that is extremely invasive."

Huron-Kinloss is continuing its septic re-inspection program which enters its fourth year in the spring. And the mayor sits on the source water protection committee which is working to maintain safe drinking water for this area.

Twolan says the agricultural community took a hit last year and is facing another difficult year in 2010. And there continue to be health problems for people who live near area wind farms.

"This is going to be a difficult budget year as we face an eight-per-cent increase just to maintain the services we have," says Twolan. "The new construction and increased assessment help. We have good corporate citizens in Bruce Power, Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, and Acciona/Suncor, who donate to projects and provide our citizens with jobs. 

"Plus, it looks as if we're going to have another good building year and things are picking up for the manufacturing sector. Once the Bruce-to-Milton transmission corridor opens up, there will be more wind turbines and that means more construction jobs.

"Along the lakeshore is where people are relocating."

As for the municipal election coming up Oct. 25, Twolan is running for re-election. "I still enjoy it," he says. "This is my 12th year on council and  my second term as mayor. The current council has a lot on its plate and we have only eight months to get things done, but we're in good shape."

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010