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Last year saw many accomplishments in Huron-Kinloss and despite
the economic downturn, the township should be able to hold its
own in 2009.
That's the word from mayor Mitch Twolan who said one of the
major celebrations of 2008 was the Lucknow Reunion which was a
huge success. "A Lucknow History Book was also released at the
reunion - the culmination of a lot of time and effort," he said,
"and the township saw the grand re-opening of the Lucknow
Library after extensive renovations.
Then, in the fall, property owner David Brown announced his
$10-million plan to transform downtown Ripley.
"If that project gets up and running, it would create an
economic boom for this area for a long time," Twolan said. "It
would provide jobs and apartments; that's what this area lacks
right now, affordable housing."
Most of Lewis Park in Ripley was completed last year, said
Twolan. All that remains is to hook up the splash pad and finish
some landscaping. The park cost about $250,000, with $50,000
coming from the township and the rest through fund-raising.
The Ripley streetscape was a major $1-million project that is
mostly completed, with some work to be finished in the spring.
"It was done as a joint project with Bruce County," said Twolan.
"The $450,000 Lake Range Drive paving, from the 4th concession
to the 12th concession, was also done last year, thanks to
provincial funding for infrastructure."
Other projects included algae harvesting along the lakeshore
which was a success; installation of nitrate filter systems at
four different creeks above the hill which seem to help decrease
nitrate in the water; a water quality monitoring program; and
reduced setbacks for the dynamic beach at Bruce Beach. The
township also bought a new fire truck at a cost of $350,000.
Construction numbers were down but, the year before (2007), saw
a major increase because of the wind farm built that year, said
Twolan. "New home building continues to be strong."
Late last year saw a huge economic downturn, he said. "This has
affected our residents with job losses at Volvo and Wescast," he
said, "and the agricultural industry is up and down every year." (next column)
17/01/2009 11:14 PM
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Problems at the Kincardine hospital site, where there is
call for de-amalgamation from the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, has
impacted the township, said Twolan. "There seems to be a lot of
frustration, but we need the hospital functioning with as many services
as possible if we have any hope of attracting new residents and visitors
to the area."
Ultimately, 2008 was a busy year, said Twolan, with a lot of high-end
projects completed, thanks to provincial funding. "That made a huge
difference," he said. "It helped fund some work that needed to be done
and get some big projects out of the way. Council works well together
but the township still gets complaints about one area having more work
done than another."
"The money has to go where it's needed at the time," said Twolan. "Lucknow
is going to need a new water tower. We're planning for that by building
up reserves for it - that project is going to be a huge undertaking. You
meet the needs where it's required; that's what you have to do."
He said the township has had an aggressive budget over the past two
years and that has resulted in improved infrastructure and better
equipment. However, 2009 may be a different situation as the new
assessment phase-in begins.
According to Twolan, increases are to be spread over four years and that
will leave the municipality feeling the pinch. "I think this year,
council will sit back and take a good look at what's needed for the next
five to six years in the municipality. We need to look out for our
people; we want to do the best we can for them and still run the
business of this multi-million-dollar corporation. At the end of the
day, you have to look out for the best interests of the municipality as
a whole."
He also noted that Huron-Kinloss has the third-lowest tax rate in all of
Bruce County, without including water rates.
A major project in 2009 is the reconstruction of Huron Road, with a new
storm-water system, at a cost of $1 million, said Twolan. The township
has applied for a Build Canada grant for that work.
Also on the agenda are construction and repair of several roads in
Lucknow; and the purchase of a new tandem snowplow. The septic
re-inspection program enters its third year, with about 22 per cent of
inspected systems requiring repair or replacement; education is a big
part of the program.
"This is going to be an interesting year," said Twolan. "Basically,
we're facing unforeseen circumstances with the economy, and it's not
just here, it's worldwide." He expects that good news from plans at
Bruce Power will be a boost for this area. The township is in fairly
good financial shape. We have 5.5 per cent of taxes owing and we have
healthy reserves. We have a good community of volunteers who help out,
including the volunteer firefighters. Everybody who helps out should be
commended for their dedication and hard work."
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