South huron Council briefs

Municipality of South Huron logo

By John Miner

United Way support increased

South Huron council has agreed to increase its funding for United Way Perth-Huron with an annual contribution of $35,000 a year for the next five years.

Council made an initial grant to the United Way in 2021 of $10,000. The next year it increased the amount to $30,000 a year for five years. In a presentation to council in May, United Way Perth-Huron director Ryan Erb said the agency faces increasing costs to provide services and there is an increasing demand.

In South Huron, United Way Perth-Huron supports the South Huron Connection Centre, Huron Turning Point and an Access Centre for programs operated by the Huron Perth Children’s Aid Society and The Well Youth Hub.

BIA engagement procedure endorsed

A new procedure for engaging with the Exeter Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been endorsed by South Huron council.

Citing the major impact projects have on businesses, the BIA earlier this year requested council consult with it before the first construction tender is let. The policy adopted by council states that where feasible, before detail design is finalized, the municipality may request BIA input on specific concerns and suggested mitigation ideas. During construction the municipality will continue direct communication with affected businesses and property owners and may maintain regular liaison with the BIA.

Nothing in the procedure requires the municipality to adopt all BIA recommendations or creates a joint decision-making structure.

Contract awarded for Huron Park sewage station upgrade

A contract in the amount of $4.1 million has been awarded to Finnbilt General Contracting to upgrade the Huron Park sewage pumping station.

When the project is complete, it is expected that repair and maintenance costs will be reduced. A staff report stated the construction will have little to no impact on the public or businesses in the area of the project as the pumping station is in a low traffic area.

Sewage flows will be maintained throughout construction with no impact on customers served by the station. In recommending Finnbilt, GEI Consultants said Finnbilt is a reputable and competent contractor.

Drinking water system achieves top rating again

An inspection of the South Huron drinking water system by Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has found the system was in full regulatory compliance.

The ministry put the risk rating for the system at 0.00 per cent and gave it a 100.0 per cent final inspection rating.

It is the 17th consecutive year the South Huron system has been given the highest percentile rating and the 15th time it has achieved a 100 per cent inspection rating. A report to council by Alyssa Keller, South Huron environmental services manager, said the results are only possible with the extraordinarily dedicated, competent frontline staff and unwavering support of council.

Heritage building grant program backed

South Huron is adding its support to calls for a provincial grant program to encourage creation of additional housing units within heritage buildings.

Advocated by the Architectural Conservancy Ontario and backed by some municipalities, the Heritage Helping Housing Building Grants program would provide matching grants to heritage property owners to create new housing units in under-utilized heritage buildings.

Speaking in favour of establishing the $10-million per year program, Coun. Aaron Neeb said it would not only create more housing, but keep heritage properties from being demolished and ending up in the landfill.

Coun. Marissa Vaughan said heritage house owners are hogtied in their ability to make improvements and a grant could help.

“I think it is a great idea.”