Goats to the rescue: Utilities crews get a little extra help

By: Brittany McKay

Water and wastewater crews across Central Huron kept busy throughout August, completing repairs, equipment upgrades and construction work while also uncovering a piece of local infrastructure history beneath Huron Street.

Central Huron Council has been asked to receive the August 2026 Monthly Utilities Report from Utilities Manager Ian Koetsier for information.

At the sewage treatment plant, grazing goats completed their second round of vegetation control, helping crews manage growth around the facility.

The goats, which come from near Arthur, spent approximately five days at the facility earlier in the year and returned for another five-day period later in the summer.

Staff reported being pleased with the results, saying the goats had effectively mowed down the vegetation.

The goats were subsequently being moved to Goderich.

Utilities staff also replaced unsafe grating in the bar screen and grit tank area, improving safety around the wastewater treatment equipment.

A new Muffin Monster wastewater grinder has also been installed and is now operational. The installation was contracted to a wastewater equipment installer after staff determined they did not have the necessary tools and trades available to complete the work themselves.

The installation cost $10,188 plus HST and was not included in the original budget for the capital purchase approved by council.