Huron-Kinloss

Huron-Kinloss
—  Township  —
Huron-Kinloss
Coordinates: 44°03′N 81°32′W / 44.05°N 81.533°W / 44.05; -81.533Coordinates: 44°03′N 81°32′W / 44.05°N 81.533°W / 44.05; -81.533
Country	Canada
Province	Ontario
County	Bruce
Settled
Formed	January 1, 1999
Government
• Mayor	Mitch Twolan
• Federal riding	Huron—Bruce
• Prov. riding	Huron—Bruce
Area[1]
• Land	440.59 km2 (170.11 sq mi)
Population (2006)[1]
• Total	6,515
• Density	14.8/km2 (38/sq mi)
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
• Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
Postal Code	N0G
Area code(s)	519 and 226
Website	www.huronkinloss.com

Huron-Kinloss is a township in the Canadian province of Ontario, located within Bruce County. The township had a population of 6,515 in the Canada 2006 Census.

Huron-Kinloss is located in Western Ontario, on Lake Huron. It is relatively remote, particularly by the standards of densely populated Southern Ontario and remains a primarily rural region of farmland and woodlots. The lake shore is sparsely populated with the village of Point Clark at the south end and Boiler Beach at the north end, with a mixture of seasonal and permanent cottages along the shore in between. Lucknow and Ripley are the largest towns inland.

Economically, the township depends heavily on agriculture and agricultural services, and some food processing such as the Pine River cheese factory. A number of residents work in Kincardine or Goderich, with the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station being the largest area employer. Tourism is also economically prominent. With tourism and the Bruce plant, the local economy is more prosperous than many similar regions.

Lately, huge industrial wind turbines have dotted the landscape, hurting tourism and property values alike. Although Huron-Kinloss council and most residents are against further development, large companies and wealthy land owners are demanding more be built. Those living near the turbines and future sites are being forced to sell their properties for much less than market value. Although many grass roots groups are fighting future builds, the outlook does not look good for those living in the area.

The region is popular with retirees, with a lake-moderated mild climate and a reputation for a relaxed, friendly lifestyle.

The boiler from the Erie Belle explosion lies on Boiler Beach at the northern end of the township.

Communities

The township comprises the communities of Amberley, Bruce Beach, Blair's Grove,Clarks Church, Clover Valley, Holyrood, Kinlough, Langside, Lower Langside, Lucknow, Lurgan Beach, Pine River, Point Clark, Purple Grove, Reid's Corners, Ripley, and Verdun.

Amberley

Amberley is along the Highway 21 with several houses and the Ambeley General Sore. One of the founders of Reserch in Motion (RIM) is building a summer home/mansion to the south, in ACW Township, just south of the Amberley Beach.

Point Clark

At the southern end of Huron Kinloss is the cottage settlement of Point Clark. Although many cottages are used seasonally, about one third are full time homes. Residents here are quite proud of the Point Clark lighthouse and boat launch/harbour. Those along the lakeshore pay about 70 per cent of the township's taxes, but receive only a token amount of services in return. Huge Industrial Wind Turbines are soon to be build along a historic bluff to the east of Point Clark, which will ruin the once beautiful area and force property values to drop sharply. Point Clark is the jewel of the township. Canadian country/folk singer/songwriter Darrell Roberts calls Point Clark his home.

Bruce Beach

Just north of Point Clark and Lurgan Breach is Bruce Beach, a cluster of cottages and a nice, sandy public beach.

Emmerton Beach

This settlement sandwiched between Bruce Beach and Lurgan beach is a quiet area. The beach is located here, as well as a tennis court and a trail.

Holyrood

This hamlet lies beyond Ripley on the outskirts of the township, and has a General store and community centre.

Lurgan Beach

Between Bruce Beach and Point Clark is Lurgan beach. There are many year round residents, as well as cottages. The earth is very sandy, and sand dunes are widespread. The Boat Club is in Lurgan Beach.

Pine River

Just minutes from Bruce Beach, Pine River is inland, and is settled around Highway 21. The Pine River Cheese Factory is located here, and makes many types of cheeses. A fire in 2010 put work to a standstill. It has started functioning once again producing their high quality cheese and butter.

Ripley

One of the larger hamlets in the township, it is home to the township office. It boasts several craft shops, a small grocery store, a restaurant and the public school; Ripley Huron Community Public School. The annual fair is held at the arena. Much of the township's tax money is spent on a futile effort to turn the village into tourist area. A park was built by funnaling most of the township's grant money into it while parks in other areas went without upgrades. This upset many rate payers in the township.

History

The area was founded as a Scottish settlement in the mid-19th century by 109 families forced to leave the Isle Of Lewis during the Highland Clearances. The first post office at Ripley opened in 1857, and many of its original settlers are buried in the local Lewis Gaelic cemetery.

Demographics

Population trend:^[2]

• Population in 2006: 6515 (2001 to 2006 population change: 4.7 %)
• Population in 2001: 6224
• Population total in 1996: 6284
  • Huron (township): 3792
  • Kinloss (township): 1277
  • Lucknow (village): 1215
• Population in 1991:
  • Huron (township): 3755
  • Kinloss (township): 1265
  • Lucknow (village): 1129

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 2473 (total dwellings: 3759)

References

		Kincardine	Brockton
	Lake Huron		South Bruce
		Huron-Kinloss
		Ashfield–Colborne–Wawanosh	North Huron, Morris-Turnberry