August 29, 2026
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Huron-Kinloss council has directed staff to continue planning for future beach access along Boiler Beach Road, including potential stairways and improvements to natural pathways.
That was the decision at the August committee-of-the-whole meeting.
The review by the township follows several reports, public meetings, and community engagement activities related to privately-constructed stairs and pathways located on municipal property. As part of the process, staff surveyed property owners within the Boiler Beach study area to better understand local preferences for future beach access.
Of the 23 survey responses received, most respondents preferred natural pathways, while others supported stairways or indicated that either option would be acceptable.
Based on survey results, community feedback, safety considerations, and long-term planning needs, staff identified four potential locations for engineered stairways. The areas being considered are near 48, 60, 70, and 74 Boiler Beach Road. These locations will be studied further before any decisions are made.
Staff will continue exploring opportunities to improve existing natural pathways.
The proposed locations will undergo further review with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) and be assessed for factors, such as erosion, slope, and shoreline conditions. Staff will also consult with the Lake Huron Coastal Centre regarding opportunities to improve existing natural pathways. Final locations have not yet been confirmed.
If approved following further review, installation of stairways could occur this fall or next spring. Improvements to natural pathways would continue as site conditions allow.
In other news, council received an update on work under way to develop the township's Active Transportation Master Plan, with a focus on the lakeshore area. The plan is intended to guide future decisions about sidewalks, walking routes, cycling connections, and other ways people move around the community as future capital projects are planned.
The plan is being developed to improve accessibility, support active lifestyles, and make it safer for people walking and cycling throughout the community. Staff are currently focusing on the lakeshore area, where active transportation infrastructure is limited, before expanding the plan to include other communities, such as Ripley, Lucknow, and Whitechurch.
The draft concept explores ways to better connect neighbourhoods with such destinations as beaches, parks, businesses, schools, and recreational facilities. This could include future sidewalks, pathways, and safer road crossings. Staff is also collecting information about how people walk and cycle in the area to help guide future planning decisions.
Staff will continue refining the plan using traffic information, expert review, and future public feedback. A draft plan is expected to be shared for public feedback before being presented to council for final consideration.
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