​Huron-Kinloss exploring options for drainage superintendent services

Huron-Kinloss council is seeking expressions of interest for drainage superintendent services, following notice that the Municipality of Huron East will no longer provide this service under the existing shared agreement.

A report by chief administrative officer Jodi MacArthur was discussed at the township’s committee-of-the-whole meeting, July 7.

Huron-Kinloss and Huron East have been sharing drainage superintendent services since 2022. The terms of the agreement have provided Huron-Kinloss with 750 hours annually, which is equivalent to about two days per week.

The appointment of a qualified drainage superintendent is a legislated requirement under the Drainage Act and is essential for overseeing municipal drainage works, advising landowners, and securing provincial grants, states MacArthur, in her report.

Given the limited availability of qualified individuals and the competitive nature of this specialized field, staff will explore all options — including municipal employment, consulting contracts, or new shared-service arrangements — to determine the most viable solution for the township.

In the meantime, staff has also discussed the possibility of appointing a second temporary drainage superintendent with the Ontario agriculture ministry, and has two potential candidates who may be willing to assist, temporarily, with the Black Creek Municipal Drainage project.