July 23, 2026
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Huron-Kinloss council has approved the next step in updating how the Bruce Area Solid Waste and Recycling (BASWR) program is governed.
Following a closed meeting, July 13, council endorsed the BASWR Municipal Services Corporation business case and approved, in principle, a Municipal Services Corporation as the preferred governance model.
The decision follows a comprehensive business case prepared by KPMG on behalf of BASWR member municipalities. The study assessed whether transitioning from the current 1999 Joint Undertaking model to a Municipal Services Corporation would better support evolving governance, accountability, contractual, and operational requirements.
There are no changes to waste or recycling services for residents. Collection services will continue as usual while participating municipalities continue developing the governance framework for the shared BASWR program.
Huron-Kinloss is one of several municipalities that participate in BASWR. Together, the participating municipalities are reviewing how the program is governed to support reliable, affordable service over the long-term.
Council's decision follows a regional public consultation process. Residents were invited to complete a survey and participate in a virtual town hall meeting, July 7. Feedback from these engagement opportunities helped inform the recommendations presented to participating municipal councils.
A public consultation version of the BASWR Municipal Services Corporation business case was received by council for information at its July 20 meeting.
The proposed Municipal Services Corporation model would:
Be governed by participating municipalities, with each municipality appointing one representative.
Include two independent, skills-based voting directors to provide additional expertise.
Keep key strategic decisions under municipal oversight through reserved shareholder powers. These include changes to the corporation's mandate, membership, major borrowing, and significant service agreements.
Council's endorsement, in principle, does not establish the Municipal Services Corporation. Instead, it authorizes the next phase of the transition, including the preparation of draft legal agreements, governance bylaws, and a transition plan.
The proposed governance documents will return to participating councils for review and approval before the new governance model is implemented.
Residents will continue to receive the same waste and recycling services they do today. This initiative focuses on how the BASWR program is governed, not on changing day-to-day service delivery.
Participating municipalities will continue working together to implement the proposed governance model. Residents will receive updates as the project reaches key milestones.
Learn More:
Watch the July 7 virtual town hall recording
Read the BASWR Municipal Services Corporation business case (public consultation version)
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