Hunking municipal drain project moves forward following council’s approval

A new drainage infrastructure project in Central Huron is moving ahead following council approval, marking an important step toward improved water management in the area.

The project, known as the Hunking Municipal Drain, is based on an engineering report prepared by R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited dated October 28, 2025. The report outlines the proposed design and construction details and has now been formally accepted by council as the basis for the project.

While approval has been granted, the project is still in the early stages and has not yet proceeded to construction.

The total estimated cost is $190,000. Of that, the municipality’s share is $970, with the remaining $189,030 to be funded by local property owners identified as benefiting from the drainage improvements.

To move the project forward, the municipality will borrow the required funds and recover costs through assessments levied on affected landowners. These costs will be determined in accordance with the engineering report and issued as invoices once finalized.

Unlike typical long-term municipal financing models, the assessments will be collected in full within 30 days of billing, once issued to property owners.

Council noted that the drainage improvements are considered necessary under the provisions of Ontario’s Drainage Act and are intended to improve long-term water flow and land management in the area. Further steps, including scheduling and construction timelines, will be confirmed as the project progresses.