Mayor's Message

Mayor Macdonald often posts messages to residents of Essa Township.

Did you miss her latest message? Check out the Mayor's Message on our website.

If you would like to contact Mayor Macdonald or Council directly, please visit our Contacts page.  

• View Council Agendas
• View Council Minutes

Planning & Building Updates

Guide to Additional Residential Units:

The Planning Department and Building Department officially launched the Guide to Additional Residential Units for Essa Township. Two in-person workshops were held at the Essa Library in March 2025 for public engagement, and the Guide is now available online at https://www.essatownship.on.ca/media/dlkmalyh/essa-aru-guide.pdf

Official Plan Update:

The Official Plan Update process is underway, currently finalizing the Background, Issues and Options for Council approval. Please visit the Township’s ‘Official Plan Review’ page on the Township’s website to keep updated on the project’s progress or email us at officialplan@essatownship.on.ca with any questions or comments.

Exciting Things are coming to our community this summer!

• Summer Camps are kicking off at the Angus Recreation Centre and Albert Breau Community Park. secure your spot early!
• Pickleball Drop-ins are available starting in June at the Thornton Arena on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings. All skill levels are welcome and equipment is available. come try it out!
• Now Open: The new Maplewood Community Park Playground at 191 Maplewood Drive in Angus is ready for play! Stop by and enjoy this fantastic new space.
• Coming This Summer: A brand-new Pump Track at the Thornton and Angus Arena and a new skatepark in front of the Angus Recreation Centre will be opening soon! Get ready for some outdoor fun on wheels.
• Splash Pads are now open across Essa.

Summer Recreation Guide: Now Available

Explore all the fun that winter in Essa Township has to offer! Our Summer 2025 Recreation Guide is now available, featuring a variety of programs for all ages. Registration is now open, so be sure to create an account using our Online Registration portal to sign up for any remaining spots.

Dive into our seasonal activities and make the most of summer in Essa! ☀️

The Current Edition of the Recreation Guide can be found here: 

Summer Recreation Guide 2025

Property & Utilities Updates

Essa Public Library

Summer is almost here, and Essa Public Library has you covered. Ontario Parks Passes; birdwatching Adventure Kits and bocce ball are all available to borrow with your library card. Become a grill master with recipes from our cookbook section. Need a little outdoor time? Dip into our Community Gardens at both the Angus and Thornton branches.

Visit essalibrary.ca to browse our collection and sign up for newsletters for programs for all ages. 

Fire Safety Reminder!

Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms save lives-only if they work! Install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas. Test them monthly, replace batteries twice a year and replace your smoke alarms every 10 years or according to manufacturer's instructions.  

Generators/Power Outages: Stay Safe When the Power Goes Out- Use Generators Properly! Generators can keep the lights on, but when utilized incorrectly, they can be deadly. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires, use generators outdoors and at least 3 metres away from any structure, windows, or doors.

Upcoming Community and Council Events

Future events can be viewed on our Community Events Calendar

For a calendar of upcoming Council Meetings, please see the Council Meeting Calendar.

Marriage Licenses & Civil Ceremonies 

To marry in Ontario, a marriage license is required to be obtained prior to your ceremony taking place. 

Did you know that you can obtain a marriage license from the Administration Centre? Complete the Marriage License Application and visit our office. Call ahead for availability.

For a simple, non-religious ceremony during business hours, the Township offers civil ceremony services. Contact the Clerk's Department or complete our Online Booking Request at least two weeks in advance. Bring your marriage license and payment when booking.

For further information visit our website. 

Bulky Item and Yard Waste Pick Up

Did you know that in Simcoe County, disposing of bulky items is hassle-free with a year-round appointment-based service? 

Bulky Items: 

In the County of Simcoe, bulky collection is year-round by appointment only.

The cost is $50 for every five items. Call Service Simcoe at 1-800-263-3199 to book an appointment.