The Essa Update – September 2026
2026 Municipal & School Board Election
Development and Planning
The Planning Department has formally begun an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the Township of Essa. Below are some key action items and tentative dates:
- Document and data collection - continuous and ongoing
- Community and Economic situational analysis - continuous and ongoing
- Online Survey - September 2026
- Stakeholder Interviews - September 2026
- Focus Groups - September 2026
- Public Open House - November 2026
- Draft Strategic Plan - December 2026
- Final Strategic Plan - January 2027
The online survey is open until October 9, 2026. To complete the Survey: Click Here
Back-to-School Safety
With students returning to school this September, we remind all motorists to slow down and stay alert in school zones and neighbourhoods. Please obey posted speed limits, watch for children crossing the road, and always stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.
Let’s work together to make getting to and from school safe for everyone. Slow down. Stay alert. Keep our students safe!
Ice Birthday Parties are Available Now!
Make your next birthday one to remember with an Ice Birthday Party at the Township of Essa! Bookings are now open at the Angus Recreation Centre and Thornton Community Centre from September through March.
Choose from:
⛸️ Public Skate Party - $200 + HST
🏒 Private Skate Party - $300 + HST (pending ice and facility availability)
📧 Questions? Contact parksandrec@essatownship.on.ca
Go Paperless with E-Billing
Receive your property tax and water bills directly to your email — faster, easier, and environmentally friendly!
To enroll, complete the Online Paperless Billing Form.
Please note: Once enrolled, you will no longer receive paper bills. All account holders are responsible for ensuring payment by the due date to avoid penalties.
Make Payments Easy with Pre-Authorized Payments
Simplify your payments and avoid missing due dates by signing up for pre-authorized payments:
Water & Sewer: Automatic withdrawal of your exact quarterly bill amount on the due date.
Property Taxes: Automatic withdrawals applied directly to your property tax balance.
Stay Informed: Township By-Laws
Residents are reminded to stay informed about Township by-laws, including those related to property standards, Parking, Canine Control and more.
To review all applicable by-laws, please visit: https://www.essatownship.on.ca/council-administration/by-laws/.
If you observe a possible violation, you may submit a report using our online Reporting Tool.
Please note that the Township of Essa does not investigate anonymous complaints.
Marriage Licences & Civil Ceremonies
Planning to get married? The Township of Essa makes the process easier with online application submissions and appointment bookings.
- Submit your Marriage Licence application online.
- Book your Marriage Licence appointment online.
Visit the Township’s Marriage Licences & Civil Ceremonies webpage for details and to get started:
https://www.essatownship.on.ca/council-administration/licences-and-permits/marriage-licenses-civil-ceremonies/
2026 Tax Installment Dates
- Third Installment - September 24, 2026
- Final Installment - November 25, 2026
Water & Sewer Invoice / Due Date Schedule
| Utility Billing Period | Utility Due Date |
| July 1 to September 30, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| October 1 to December 31, 2026 | January 31, 2027 |
Essa Public Library
Fall into great events with Essa Public Library. Join us for Trivia Night on Thursday, September 17 at 7pm. Theme: Movies! Tickets are $20 in support of the library and include a popcorn bar and the chance to win prizes. Register at essalibrary.ca. The Simcoe Reads final debate takes place Tuesday, September 29 at 6:30pm. Register at SimcoeReads.ca to attend.
Want to make sure you don’t miss a thing? Sign up for e-newsletters at essalibrary.ca
Don’t forget to share your thoughts about library open hours through our Community Survey, closing October 1.
Saved by the Beep – Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is September 28!
Why it matters
Working smoke alarms save lives. In the event of a fire, you may have less than two minutes to escape safely. Taking a few seconds each month to test your smoke alarms helps ensure they are ready to alert you and your family when it matters most.
What you can do
- Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
- Replace batteries twice a year unless your alarm is equipped with a 10-year lithium-ion battery.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Join us by taking the pledge at SavedByTheBeep.ca and commit to testing your smoke alarms every month. It's a simple step that can make a life-saving difference. Let's make fire safety a habit, one beep at a time.
As a friendly reminder, Fire Prevention Week follows shortly after and will take place October 4 to 10. This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," highlighting the importance of safe charging practices for devices powered by lithium-ion batteries and other rechargeable technologies.
Parking Updates
Please be advised that Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect, November 1st to May 1st each year. During this period, vehicles are not permitted to be parked on the roads, over a sidewalk or on any municipal boulevard, even if there is no snow. Violators may be ticketed or towed.
For More information, Visit: Parking - Essa Township
Report an Issue: Please be advised that the Township of Essa does not investigate anonymous complaints.
Have questions or need assistance? We’re here to help!
Township of Essa
5786 County Road 21, Utopia, ON L0M 1T0
📞 Phone: 705-424-9917
Stay connected by following us on our official social media channels and visiting our website for the latest updates, programs, and notices.