|
2010 was a successful year for the township, says Twolan By Liz Dadson |
Huron-Kinloss council To Comment on this article Click Here |
|||
|
Huron-Kinloss Township had a successful 2010 and must now get back on track with its capital improvements. That's the word from mayor Mitch Twolan who offered some highlights from last year, and spoke about what's on the council table for 2011. "Last year was very successful, especially with our building department," said Twolan. "We had almost $28-million in construction value. That's fantastic and it comes with some major economic spin-off." He said the federal/provincial stimulus and infrastructure projects were a huge benefit for the township. They resulted in funding to build a new fire hall in Lucknow and to fix the roof on the Lucknow Sports Centre. In addition, the old Lucknow Town Hall has undergone some renovations and council is now considering the installation of an elevator to make the second floor accessible to all residents. Phase 1 of Havelock Street in Lucknow was reconstructed, said Twolan, and the Environmental Assessment process has begun for a new water tower in Lucknow. That would be a $2-million to $2.5-million project. Music in the Fields, organized by the Lucknow Kinsmen, was another success, Twolan said. The Village of Ripley is in good shape, he said, and council is working with local developer David Brown to continue his downtown rejuvenation project, Ripley Square. Also under way, he said, is an Environmental Assessment for a new well and possibly a water tower in Ripley. The overall Master Trails Plan was brought to council, said Twolan. The idea is to link the trails, the parks and the lake, with work continuing over the next several years. In Ripley, there have been more multi-residential projects coming to council, many of these being units for seniors, said Twolan. "This frees up single family dwellings for younger people to purchase in the village." In Point Clark, federal and provincial funding went toward the $2.9-million reconstruction of Huron Road, Twolan said. The issue of adverse health effects caused by wind turbines, continues to rear its ugly head at the council table, said Twolan. "There is a lot of concern out there. The municipality is not happy with the province's Green Energy Act and the lack of municipal participation it allows. We keep having to answer questions that the province should be answering." The October election saw Twolan and deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble acclaimed, and a vote required as six candidates ran for five councillor positions. Councillor Anne Eadie ran successfully in the Municipality of Kincardine and is now the deputy mayor there. "Basically in Huron-Kinloss, we saw our council re-elected, with the addition of Carl Sloetjes," said Twolan. "I think we have a good working council. It's so productive when everybody gets along. There's mutual respect between council and staff, and our council meetings are efficient and effective."
|
 Huron-Kinloss mayor Mitch Twolan As for 2011, Twolan said holding taxes in line is going to be a struggle with the loss of more provincial money, through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. "We're losing $89,700 from that fund this year," he said. "That's two-and-a-half points on our tax rate." As an advocate for rural Ontario, Twolan said he's prepared to fight for adequate funding from the Ontario government. He said that at the Bruce County level, the province has downloaded services and provides extra funding so the county doesn't have to increase its tax rate. The same is not true for municipalities. Wind issues will have to be taken to the next level, said Twolan, because the municipalities have no control over wind energy. As for capital projects, the township will have to get back on track, he said. "It's excellent to get all of this extra federal and provincial funding but it diverts money away from our planned projects." Fortunately, he said, the township's water and sewer systems are in good shape. The arenas in Lucknow and Ripley have been updated, the libraries have been renovated, and the community centres in Lucknow and Point Clark have been fixed up. As well, the main streets in both commercial cores are in good condition. "Now, we have to look at the bridges, culverts and roads throughout the township," said Twolan. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
|
|||
|
 for
world news,
books, sports, movies ...Saturday, January 22, 2011 |
