E-Newsletter
December 2024
Welcome to the Township of Essa's E-Newsletter! We're committed to keeping you informed about seasonal updates and topics of interest to Essa residents.
If there's a particular subject you'd like to learn more about, please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know!
Stay in the loop by subscribing to receive email notifications whenever a new newsletter is published on our website.
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.
Maplewood Community Park
Maplewood Community Park is set to become a vibrant recreational area for families and children in Angus.
The new playground will feature modern play equipment and a thoughtfully designed layout, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
Winter Recreation Guide: Now Available
Explore all the fun that winter in Essa Township has to offer! Our Winter 2024/25 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 winter in Essa!
The Current Edition of the Recreation Guide can be found here:
Overnight Parking Restrictions
From November 1st to May 1st, parking on streets and highways in Essa is prohibited between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., regardless of weather conditions.
Vehicles parked during this time may be ticketed or towed.
These restrictions ensure clear roads for public safety and winter maintenance.
For more info, visit https://www.essatownship.on.ca/living-in-essa/parking/
Guide to Additional Residential Units
The Planning Department has commissioned a ‘Guide to Additional Residential Units’ through funding from the Simcoe County Age-Friendly Community Municipal Grant.
The Guide is intended to offer the public best practices for adding more units to lots as they relate to aging in place, accessibility, life safety, affordable housing needs, and supplementary income for homeowners. The Guide will be available soon.
Fire Safety Reminder!
As the holiday season approaches, keep fire safety in mind. Use CSA-approved lights, don't overload outlets, and never leave candles or cooking unattended.
Make sure your smoke alarms are operating and up to date and review your home fire escape plan with your family. A fire-safe holiday is a happy holiday!
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.
2025 Capital & Operating Budget
The Township of Essa is actively working on the development and approval of the 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets. These budgets will guide investments in our community infrastructure, services, and programs for the upcoming year.
While the budget has not yet been finalized, key priorities under discussion include:
- Continued maintenance and enhancement of local roads and infrastructure.
- Investments in parks and recreation facilities to improve community spaces.
- Ensuring sustainable asset management to support long-term township needs.
We appreciate the community’s patience and engagement as the budget process moves forward.
For updates and more details as they become available, please visit 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
We’re thrilled to share that several exciting Parks & Recreation projects have been completed this year, enhancing our community spaces for everyone to enjoy!
- Cunningham Park Upgrade: The park now boasts improved amenities, creating a welcoming space for families and friends.
- Angus Arena: The old ammonia chiller has been successfully replaced with a safer, more efficient plate and frame chiller.
- Thornton Arena: A brand-new arena score clock has been installed, adding a modern touch to enhance the game-day experience.
- Angus Rink: New stand heaters are up and running, ensuring a warm and comfortable atmosphere for spectators.
- Maplewood Park Project: The much-anticipated upgrades have been completed!
Thank you to everyone for your patience and support as we worked to bring these improvements to life. We hope you’re enjoying these updated spaces!
Cook Up Holiday Magic with the Kitchen Library!
Have you discovered the Kitchen Library at Essa Public Library yet? Make winter gatherings fun and easy by borrowing a buffet server, serving dishes, punch bowl, carafe, or appliances like fondu sets and air fryers. For all your holiday baking, don’t forget about candy making kits, shortbread and chocolate bomb molds, cookie cutters, spring pans, and a bread maker. Having overnight company? Try out our egg cooker, waffle irons, and donut maker.
Browse the kitchen library and check out upcoming winter programming at essalibrary.ca.
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.
Toys For Tickets
Got a parking ticket? Here’s a unique way to give back! For tickets issued in November, you can bring in a new, unwrapped toy or gift card instead of cash. Make a difference this season by helping those in need within our community.
How It Works:
- Bring a new toy or gift card (equal or greater value to your ticket) in its original packaging and with the receipt.
- Drop it off at the Township’s Administration Centre during business hours.
- Deadline: Last day to bring toys is Friday, December 8, 2024.
Visit our website for more information
2024 Interim Tax Bill Reminder
The 2025 Interim Tax Bills will be mailed out in February. Please mark your calendars for the following installment due dates:
- First Installment: March 27, 2025
- Second Installment: June 26, 2025
Payments can be made online, through telephone banking, at your financial institution, or in-person at the Township Office.
For more details on payment options or to access your account, please visit the Township of Essa's website or contact our office.
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.
Time to Renew Your Dog Tags for 2025!
A friendly reminder to all pet owners in Essa: 2024 dog tags will expire at the end of this year. Don’t wait—renew your tags or purchase new ones today to ensure your pet is properly registered for 2025!
Why Register Your Dog?
- Helps identify and reunite lost pets with their families.
- Contributes to the safety and well-being of the community.
- It's the law! All dogs in Essa Township must be registered annually.
How to Purchase
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- Online: Visit our website to register and pay online.
- In-Person: Stop by the Township Office at 5786 County Road 21, Utopia.
Digging for Small or Large Projects?
Before you start digging, we would like to remind you - Don't forget to call Ontario One Call before you start.
