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

New in 2024: Council Meeting Highlights 

Council Meeting Highlights is intended to provide residents with a high-level summary of notable decisions made during Council meetings.  For official copies of minutes, kindly contact the Clerk's Department.

Official Plan Is Now Advertised 

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Official Plan was advertised by the Planning Department, marking an important step in the project's progress.  The RFP closed on April 4, 2024.

This initiative, which had been previously put on hold due to significant Provincial legislative changes, is now set to move forward.

The Planning Department expresses enthusiasm for the resumption of this crucial project.

Watermain Flushing

Municipal water users, drinking watermain flushing will take place as per the following schedule:

For more information, please see the Media Release.

Join us for the 22nd Essa Challenge Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 4, 2024 

Fire Safety Reminder: Check Your Smoke Alarms!

Do you know how old your smoke alarms are? Smoke alarms don't last forever; typically, they have a lifespan of 10 years.

Take a moment today to check the manufacturer's date on your smoke alarm and replace any that have expired. Don't forget to test your smoke alarms regularly.

For optimal safety, make sure to install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside sleeping areas.

Upcoming Community and Council Events

• South Simcoe Streams Network Tree Planting - Bob Geddes Park - May 25, 2024

Future events can be viewed on our Community Events Calendar

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

2024 Capital & Operating Budget

The 2024 Budget sees a 5.91% tax increase, about $43.95 per $100,000.00 per residential assessment, maintaining Simcoe County's lowest tax rate. For a typical home assessed at $395,000.00, this means an approximate $173.17 rise. Despite a 15% funding cut from the province, the budget boosts staffing, acquires new vehicles, upgrades roads, establishes new parks, and enhances existing ones. Essa allocates 5.7% of its tax to asset management, reinforcing its position with one of the lowest tax rates north of the GTA.

For information on Essa's 2024 Operating & Capital Budget, please refer to the Budget page on our website.

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 Deputy Clerk 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. 

Parks and Recreation Project Updates

This year, the Parks & Recreation department is excited to announce several approved projects set to enhance our community spaces.

• In June, the Cunningham Park Upgrade will begin, promising improved amenities for all to enjoy.
• Mid-Summer we'll replace the old ammonia chiller with a safer, more efficient plate and frame chiller at the Angus Arena.
• A new Arena Score Clock will be installed at the Thornton Arena
• The Angus Rink will receive new Stand Heaters.
• Looking ahead, the Maplewood Park project is scheduled to begin later this summer, with work anticipated to start towards the end of the season.

Stay tuned for further updates on these exciting developments!

Essa Public Library

It’s the perfect time to spring into new programs. Visit essalibrary.ca for a full calendar of special events such as P.A. Day movies, writer’s group, and hobby circle, children’s daytime and after school programs, and adult programs including book clubs, French Conversation Circle, and Senior Social. Teen programs offer opportunities to collect volunteer hours and make new friends.

Library cards are free for all residents of Essa Township. Visit our Angus or Thornton branch to sign up and access books, magazines, board games, puzzles, video games, kitchen gadgets and appliances, iPads, seeds, and more.

Essa Public Library – a place to imagine, discover, and connect.

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.

Yard Waste: 

Yard waste is collected bi-weekly during designated weeks in the sp​ring, summer and fall.  Click here to determine your yard waste week.

Public Works Department Improvements

There are of ways the Township of Essa is enhancing our communities infrastructure! 

Check out the latest improvements from the Public Works Department:

• Simcoe Street Urbanization
• 5th Sideroad Reconstruction/Repaving (9th line to 11th line)
• Willoughby Road Pathway Reconstruction (At the 4th Line)
• William St., Stoddart St. and Victoria St. Improvements/ Paving (Village of Thornton)
• Intersections Improvement/Repaving (6th line and Smith Rd. – 10th Sideroad and Simcoe Road 56 – 6th line and 5th Sideroad – 10th Line and 10th Sideroad- 5th Line)
• 8th Line (Highway 89 to 5th Sideroad) Reconstruction/Double Surface Treatment
• 9th Line (20th Sideroad to 25th Sideroad) Reconstruction/Double Surface Treatment
• 10th Line (Highway 89 to 5th Sideroad) Reconstruction/Double Surface Treatment
• Pine River Road- Micro-sealing
• 6th Line Dead-end (South of 25th Sideroad)- Micro-sealing
• 6th Line (South of County Road 21) - Micro-sealing
• 8th Line (North of 20th Sideroad) - Micro-sealing
• Thornton Water System Upgrades

We're dedicated to enhancing our roads, pathways, and water systems for a safer and more connected community. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects!

Join the Adopt-a-Road Program!

The Adopt-a-Road Program in Essa Township invites community groups and individuals to actively contribute to maintaining our roadside areas. Partner with us to clean up sections of Township roadsides, enhancing our community's quality of life.

Program Details:

• Enter into a three-year agreement with Essa Township.
• Commit to at least two clean-up events per year along a 2-kilometre stretch of road.
• Receive recognition with signage installed at each end of the adopted road section.
• Access safety vests, garbage bags, and other necessary equipment provided by the Township.
• Garbage bags collected during clean-ups are picked up by Township staff.

Interested in joining? Contact the Public Works Department at 705-424-9917 ext. 114 or visit the Administration Centre to speak with a member of our team.

Digging for Small or Large Projects?

With spring finally having arrived, we would like to remind you - Don't forget to call Ontario One Call before you start digging!