Huron-Kinloss

Huron-Kinloss
—  Township  —
Huron-Kinloss
Coordinates:
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 (170.1 sq mi)
Population (2006)[1]
 • Total 6,515
 • Density 14.8/km2 (38.3/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 from larger cities, particularly by the standards of densely populated Southern Ontario, and remains a primarily rural region of farmland and woodlots. The lake shore is fairly heavily populated with the village of Point Clark at the south end and suburban and exurban "overflow" from adjacent Kincardine at the north end, and 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.

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.

Contents

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 and has a small gas station. The founders of the Blackberry* phone (RIM) have mansion-like cottages that are being built on the Amberley Beach.

Bruce Beach

More toward Kincardine, Bruce Beach has a cluster of cottages along the shore, and has no businesses. The former Delicatessen and butcher shop, Rocky's Meats, lies at the top of the Bruce Beach entrance.

Emmerton Beach

This settlement sanwiched between Bruce Beach and Lurgan beach is a quiet area. The beach is located here, as well as a tennis court and a trail. A bed and breakfast is run by author Carol Helfenstein. Singer Brontae Hunter is from Emmerton Beach.

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 recently put work to a standstill.

Ripley

One of the larger hamlets in the township, it can be considered a large village. It boasts boutiques, small grocery stores, restaurants and the public school; Ripley Huron Community Public School. The annual fair is held at the arena.

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]

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

References