Welcome everyone to the first edition of the Town of Kippens Mayor’s Blog. As a council, we feel that communication with those who live in our community is an important part of governing the affairs of the community. We work on your behalf, as your representatives, and it is your trust in our ability to govern that makes it possible to effectively do our jobs as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councilors.
This monthly blog will be one mechanism through which we can provide information to you about the efforts and activities being carried out by the council on your behalf, to keep you in the loop and ensure that you know that we value the trust that you place in us. This space will highlight projects and other initiatives that are ongoing or will happen in the future and draw your attention to other points that may be of interest.
Water System Capital Project
To begin, I would like to draw your attention to a major Capital Works Project funding that we received, due in large part through the diligence and hard work of our CAO.
The water system in the town will receive a significant upgrade. The Town of Kippens has received approximately $2.4 million to replace the water tank and complete other necessary upgrades.
The new tank will increase capacity for water supply to our system and will ensure that we have a safe and secure water supply to future-proof and support new development. Requests For Proposals (RFPs) have been issued, and we should have more information as soon as the bidding process is complete.
New Equipment for Public Works
You may have noticed that our storage yard next to the Town Office contains a number of new pieces of equipment.
We have spent a lot of time and effort in replacing and repairing our town equipment to ensure that our workforce is able to effectively and safely do their jobs. These purchases also guarantee that the services provided by the town have continuity and are not interrupted due to equipment breakdowns.
Some of our equipment was older and required more and more upkeep, so it seemed sensible to refresh some items.
You may have noticed that the snow clearing this winter was carried out using our new front-end loader, which was a significant addition to the tools at our employees’ disposal.
We have since purchased:
- International Dump Truck (plow and salt/sand distribution)
- John Deere Compact Excavator
- Equipment Trailer
In buying these items, we increase the ability of our workers to carry out projects in-house without having to lease at considerable expense or hire contractors.
Recreation Plan Updates
The Town of Kippens commissioned a consulting group to create a Recreation Plan. This item is archived on our town web page and can be reviewed at the following link:
Recreation Plan:
https://kippens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Recreation-Plan.pdf
Our CAO is working diligently to implement some parts of this plan, and you may notice beautification work being carried out on our greenspaces and sports fields.
The two baseball fields have had some work completed on the infield spaces, and more work is planned for the warning tracks. Some hydroseeding in the surrounding areas will also take place.
These fields are being used intensively by the Minor Baseball Association and our children are benefiting from these upgrades.
We hope to move forward with the implementation of the plan, in phases, over the coming years. It is the belief of council that recreation is one of the keys to a healthy life.
Canada Day Celebrations
Our town hosted a very successful Canada Day celebration on July 1st.
The Canada Day committee, chaired by Rosie Ryan, is to be commended for the organization that was quite evident in the celebrations.
Our student hires did a phenomenal job of decorating Gaudon’s Bridge and the poles on Kippens Road with balloons and flags. Our Canada Day pride could be seen as one traveled through the community.
The Volunteer Firefighters were on the ball, delivering hamburgers and hot dogs to the crowd.
The event was very well attended and there were lots of events and activities for all ages. Three of a Kind put on an amazing show and caused quite a number of our residents to have a scuff!
Our Special Olympics kids appeared to have an amazing day and tore up the sod with their dancing. They even managed to get their coach, Rosie Ryan, out for a few dances!
Congratulations to all who assisted in any way!
Fireworks Update
The fireworks show didn’t happen on Canada Day evening due to the July 1st weather curse. Rain and fog made it impossible to go ahead, but keep your eyes posted, as we will be setting the show off on a date to be announced.
In closing, please feel free to contact your mayor, deputy mayor, and any of the councilors if you have comments or suggestions.
All email addresses can be found at:
We will do our best to respond.
Last, please look for this report each month on an ongoing basis as we bring you news of our town.
Eric Nippard
Acting Mayor