Regular Central Huron Council meeting addresses key community matters

Clinton council took a significant step forward in exploring the future of the former Bluewater Youth Centre property, hearing from consultants and ultimately approving a plan to pursue an innovation hub model aimed at job creation and youth retention.

Mayor Jim Ginn opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of the decision ahead. “This is a pretty major decision for the municipality, and we want to make sure everyone is comfortable with the information they’ve received.”

The meeting featured a presentation and follow-up discussion with consultants from Stiletto Consulting, including Laura O’Blenis and Tara Sutton, who addressed questions submitted by the council and the public regarding the feasibility study.

O’Blenis noted that partnerships with post-secondary institutions remain a strong opportunity despite ongoing changes at the provincial level.

“Institutions today are needing to get creative in terms of identifying new opportunities to bolster up their enrolment,” she explained, adding that this creates potential alignment with Central Huron’s proposed innovation hub.

Ginn shared fresh developments from earlier in the day, “I was sitting in my car up to about 10 minutes ago on a conversation with MPP Thompson and the president of Trent University. I had a good conversation with them. They're excited about this. They have your report.  They look forward to working further with us and maybe even making something formal. That's hot off the press, I guess you could say.”

Both Consultants highlighted that while industry interest exists, development must proceed in phases. O’Blenis stressed that the recommended first step is establishing an innovation hub before committing to large-scale construction.

“We do not have enough data to suggest that you would be having enough interest for full development,” she said. “The hub is the first step.”

As the meeting went on, examples from other regions were cited, including a New Brunswick research park that grew gradually after securing anchor tenants.

“It does start with anchor companies,” O’Blenis explained, noting that early partnerships can drive long-term growth.

Council members raised practical concerns about implementation, particularly funding and timelines. A staff clerk expressed caution about financial returns, noting the project is “not super lucrative” but aligns with council’s goals of job creation and youth retention. He also asked how the municipality would transition to physical development after the initial five-year phase.

 O’Blenis responded that sustainability planning must begin early.

“By year five, you have a path forward,” she said, emphasizing that success depends on strong management and evolving partnerships. The importance of external funding was also taken into context.

“You really should line up your grants because you will need resources to accelerate things,” O’Blenis advised.

Economic Development Officer Chris Watson supported the proposal, calling it “a prudent opportunity with an incredible potential for payback,” while acknowledging the risks.

“Most great outcomes are not without risk,” he said, adding that the plan offers a chance to “swing for the fences.”

Local stakeholders also voiced support. A representative from the REACH Centre noted that even partial implementation would benefit the community.

“If REACH succeeds, it’s good for Central Huron,” he said.

“Even if the extra development doesn’t come to fruition, we’ll be better.”

Councillor Michael Russo stressed urgency on that front, “The minute that we leave this room and haven’t made a decision on our path forward that would be a big error.”

Ginn expressed, “I think that was a wise decision to take advantage of an opportunity we had. I think anybody that knows the price of agricultural land, 300 acres for $5.2 million is dirt cheap. I think we can move forward with an opportunity.”

Council ultimately passed a motion to adopt the Stiletto strategic framework, begin implementing a long-term innovation hub plan, and move forward with hiring a project manager.

Highlights on the Kayak Launch

Beyond the innovation hub discussion, council also heard updates on community initiatives, including a highlight on the newly installed accessible kayak launch, which Community improvement coordinator Angelia Smith described as both successful and deeply moving.

“Among other people, we had three wheelchairs sitting on the dock and three really happy people in kayaks that would never have had that opportunity before,” she said.

She shared a story that resonated strongly with council: “There was a lady there with her grandkids. She said her grandkids didn’t want to just hang out with an old lady in a wheelchair, as she used to go kayaking with them. On Friday they took turns going out with their grandma in the water. So, it was powerful.”

Smith emphasized the value of the investment: “Very small investment for such huge gain, so thank you and be sure to check it out.”

Mayor Ginn, who attended the launch, agreed. 

“Certainly, was moving and the launch works very, very well, “he said. “Those kayaks come out of the water pretty easily.”

He added that the project may already be influencing neighbouring communities, “I had a conversation with some members of ACW council and now they’re looking to cut some grass and pick up some garbage - I’m not sure that would have happened otherwise.”

Deputy Mayor Marg Anderson raised practical concerns about river usage, noting that residents had asked about downstream access.

“People usually go downstream, how are they going to get out when they go downstream? As there aren’t any other launches along the way?” she asked.

Smith explained that most users are treating the launch as a start and return.

“They were going up as far as the rapids and then going down as far as they were comfortable with, and they came back,” she said. “The fact that they’re able to get in at all is such a massive win.”

She acknowledged future possibilities but noted current limitations: “Unless we had more of them, that’s probably not an option.”

Deputy Mayor Anderson also questioned whether signage should be added to inform visitors that it is the only access point. Smith responded simply, “No,” when asked if signage currently exists.

Mayor Ginn suggested most users research ahead of time. “In most cases, people research it before they come, and we know that happened in St. Mary’s.  I don’t think anybody has two.”

Smith agreed, “Of all the ones I researched, there aren’t any that have two, you go out and you enjoy yourself and you come back.

Ginn added reassurance about conditions: “There’s quite a pool there, so it’s not fast-moving water at all.”

Councillor Russo suggested a simple solution: “I’m pretty sure that if this winds up on the website… there’s lots of places to put a special note indicating just that.”

Summer Student to Assist at Events

Councillor Jennifer Cox raised questions about the municipality’s new summer student, asking, “I’m just curious what the hours would be and is there an expectation that they would attend events for overtime type hours?”

Community improvement coordinator Angelia Smith confirmed the role would be flexible and hands-on. He’ll just follow along with me.”

Smith clarified that adjustments would be made to maintain balance: “the plan would be that he would work 35 hours.”

Province Funding Pressures Raise Concerns

Under items of interest, Deputy Marg Mayor Anderson brought forward concerns about provincial funding for public health.

“The province has told the health units that the only increase would be 1 per cent per year and the rate of inflation was 2.4,” she said. 

“So, what the province doesn’t give us - it will go back to the local municipalities to pay.”

She argued that responsibility should remain at the provincial level: “Health care is a responsibility of the provincial government so I think they should be the ones paying the bill.”

The council supported the motion.

During discussion, a question was raised about funding sources, specifically the land transfer tax. Mayor Ginn clarified, “It goes to the province.”

The motion was ultimately carried unanimously.

Council approves Clinton splashpad resurfacing project

Clinton council has approved resurfacing work at the Clinton splashpad after the current non-slip coating showed signs of deterioration and reached the end of its expected lifespan.

The municipality issued a request for quotes for the project, which included removing and disposing of the existing coating and installing a new pour-in-place non-slip surface. Two quotes were received, but one was not considered because the company only offered to complete the installation portion of the work.

Council approved the remaining quote from ABC Recreation Limited, the company that originally installed the splashpad in 2017, at a cost of $53,925 before applicable HST.

The 2026 capital budget included $51,688 for the project, with the remaining $3,186.08 after HST to be funded through the facilities reserve.

The project supports Central Huron’s goals of improving infrastructure and maintaining community facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy.