Kincardine Council Meeting — Tuesday, September 23, 2026
Bruce C Nuclear Update Chad Richards, Senior Strategist at Bruce Power, addressed council in a 10-minute delegation on the Bruce C new nuclear project. Richards confirmed Bruce Power has submitted its Initial Project Description and signed a Project Charter with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), locking in a structured timeline for the integrated federal impact assessment. The full Impact Statement is targeted for submission later in 2026, with a federal decision expected in early 2028. A positive decision would trigger a licence to prepare site, initiating an approximately three-year site-preparation phase (to ~2031) and a subsequent 14-year construction period; projected operational life is 60–80 years. Bruce Power has opened a $1 million regional readiness funding program for municipalities across Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties. Staff reported municipal coordinators meet weekly with Bruce Power counterparts; they flagged that preparing for Bruce C has already strained two dedicated municipal staff positions. A four-year, $2.2 million growth readiness program is underway. Staff estimate roughly 3,100 additional workers on-site during site prep, rising to a peak construction workforce of ~12,000 by 2040. Councillor Stewart noted the Bruce C scenario would roughly double the municipality’s population and urged an earlier project decision to avoid indefinite parallel planning tracks.
Housing Action Plan 2.0 Approved Council unanimously approved Housing Action Plan 2.0 and directed staff to propose supporting resources through the 2027 budget. The plan centres on “Project 160,” a target of 160 new below-market rental and ownership units at monthly costs between $1,088 and $1,740, distributed across the municipality and prioritized for current Kincardine residents.
2027 Rates and Fees By-law Enacted By-law 2026-098 passed all three readings. Most fees rise 3% in line with CPI. Water rates increase 4%; wastewater rates increase 10.25%, both per the water and wastewater rate study. Building permit fees rise by more than 3% under a previously approved five-year phase-in. Councillor Blackwell voted against the broader fees resolution, citing concerns over special-event fees charged to community organizers.
CIP Daycare Funding Council approved $20,000 in Community Improvement Plan funding to Little Beginnings Daycare (444 Durham Street), which serves ~93 children and carries a waitlist of ~116.
2027 Budget Preview A preliminary budget increase of 6.54% was flagged, driven by a 3% asset-management levy, compensation increases, and an OPP cost increase capped at 11% by the province. Councillor Stewart warned of debt-service pressure from the $14 million Tiberton Water Project ($2 million/year) and flagged further borrowing risks that could consume 16–20% of the operating budget.
Tax Write-Offs Six Section 357/358 Municipal Act applications were approved totalling $3,331.83 in assessed value; the municipal share is $1,930.94.