Huron-Kinloss mayor says township had successful 2014; more of the same in 2015

Huron-Kinloss Township had a very successful 2014, and expects more of the same this year.
That's the word from mayor Mitch Twolan as he reflected on last year and looked ahead to what is slated for 2015.

"We had another good year for construction," he said. "The number of building permits was up from 2013, but the construction value was down, and there were fewer new houses built."
He said the hard winter weather played a large part in that, but developments, such as Inverlyn Lake Estates, continue to grow.
"The trend is for seniors to buy up the new homes in these developments, and then sell their homes to young families," said Twolan.

He said 2014 was a great year for the lakeshore and the beach. "The cooler temperatures and higher lake level meant a reduction in algae blooms."
The township's infrastructure is in good shape, he said, but the township was not successful in obtaining a provincial infrastructure grant toward replacement of the Lucknow water tower, so that $2.6-million project will be on the tax rate.

Work continued on the Point Clark Lighthouse refurbishment which should be completed this summer, said Twolan. That tourist attraction has been closed to the public since 2010 so the township is excited to be hiring summer staff to conduct lighthouse tours this year.

Huron-Kinloss continues to be part of the process to host a used-nuclear-fuel Deep Geologic Repository (DGR), along with South Bruce, said Twolan. "Our geology is good for hosting a DGR so we are now in Stage 3 of the process. We look forward to having the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) attend a council meeting in February."

Another big ongoing project is the natural gas initiative, said Twolan, which saw completion of the business report in October of 2014. Working with Kincardine and Arran-Elderslie on this project, Twolan said it's an important part of attracting new business and retaining current business in this area.
"We are excited to get the project to this point," he said. "We now have a business case. We tried to get it across to our residents that there are so many variables regarding the cost of natural gas, which is so heavily regulated, that it's hard to know what the ultimate cost will be for the customer. If I knew the numbers, I'd tell you, but I, as the mayor and as a taxpayer in this municipality, don't know those numbers."

The Music in the Fields two-day country music festival in Lucknow was another roaring success, said Twolan. "It was the best year ever. That festival and so many other great events would not happen without our wonderful volunteers, and I can't thank them enough for all that they do to make this such a great community."
Volunteers were also working tirelessly last year in preparation for this year's Ripley Reunion which runs July 30 to Aug. 3.

Last year saw a lot of major road construction completed, in partnership with the Bruce County Highways department, said Twolan. The projects included road reconstruction and sewer and water installation along the east end of Campbell Street in Lucknow; mill and paving of Bruce County Road 1, from Lucknow north to Highway 9; improvements to the Holyrood corner; storm sewer work and drainage work and paving in Kinlough; and Hill/Pine Street reconstruction in Lurgan Beach.

Last year was good for Twolan, personally, as he was elected warden of Bruce County in December. This is his second term, as he served as warden in 2007.
"That job has definitely changed since 2007 as the county has enhanced its services," said Twolan. "Awareness of the county is also more prevalent and there is a lot more information out there now through social media. It makes us more accountable. It's a double-edged sword because people know what's going on, they're informed, but do they trust what's being put out there? Everybody can have an opinion, but in order to object to technical information, you need to have the expertise to do that."

As for 2015, one highlight will be the Ripley Reunion, said Twolan.

Right now, council will begin working on the 2015 budget with the first meeting planned for Feb. 13. "Council has to review a lot of projects and determine what has to be done," said Twolan. Included in that list of projects, are the Lucknow water tower, the new Ripley well, the new Point Clark well, and the Point Clark Lighthouse.

"We're fortunate in Huron-Kinloss that we have the lake at one end, and the farming community at the other," said Twolan. "Our small towns can provide everything you need. We're not the biggest municipality in Bruce County but there's not a better place to live. This is a safe, healthy and vibrant community."

As warden of Bruce County, Twolan said the county has finished up its operational review and will begin implementing some of those recommendations. There are three new members at the county council table who have to get up to speed on the issues.
The county budget has been hammered out with a 3.9-per-cent increase, said Twolan. "We started at 12 per cent and had to shave it back from there."