Winter 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.

🎁 Toys for Tickets is Back! 🎁

From now until December 3, pay your parking ticket with a new, unwrapped toy of equal or greater value.

How it works:

• Bring your ticket, toy, and receipt to The Essa Administration Centre.
• All toys will go to local children in need, spreading joy and making the holidays brighter for everyone

Turn tickets into smiles and spread holiday cheer!

Parks and Recreation News

The Township of Essa’s Winter 2025/26 Recreation Guide is here, filled with programs and activities to help you stay active and connected all season long.

Program registration is open now, so visit Recreation Guide Winter 2025/2026 to view the recreation guide, and townshipofessa.perfectmind.com to explore all available programs and sign up today!

• Skate Punch Passes Now Available: Get 10-skate passes for use at Angus and Thornton Arenas. Purchase online at townshipofessa.perfectmind.com.
• December Yoga Drop-In Classes: Join us for Yoga Drop-In Classes throughout December! While online pre-registration and payment are required, participants can select the individual sessions that best fit their schedules.
• Holiday Skate Schedules Released: Our Holiday Skate Schedules are now available.
• New Children’s Dance Programs: We’re excited to introduce new Dance Programs for ages 3–12 at the Angus Recreation Centre. 

Essa Public Library News 

• Learn or practice a language at any age with Essa Public Library: English & French conversation circles for adults, or 110 languages on the Transparent Language app with your library card.
• Practicing with little ones? Join us for story times for preschoolers in French and Spanish. Keep the fun going at home with the Lote4Kids app, a collection of thousands of picture books in over 85 languages with audio narration and interactive games.
• Are you a parent/caregiver looking for a space to get creative and meet up with your community? Join us for a baby-friendly grown-up night out, Sign up online.

Safety of construction helps ensure that occupants and others such as Emergency Responders stay safe.

Did you know:

• If exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit have more than 3 stairs, then one handrail is required.
• Decks and porches require guards and stairs when reaching certain heights to prevent users from getting injured.
• To ensure completion of decks and porches, the Building Department requests that a separate permit from Additions and New Home permit applications, be applied for.
• On January 1, 2025, Ontario has adopted most of the National Building Code; it is now the 2024 OBC which contains the minimum provisions for construction. Free access and download can be found online through the Ministry of Housing and E-laws.

Unsure if you require a permit for your project? Email building@essatownship.on.ca with your inquiry.

Property Tax and Utility News

📅 Upcoming Due Dates

• Next Property Tax Due Date: November 26, 2025
• Next Utility Due Date: January 31, 2026

For more information: Call 705-424-9917 ext. 127 or email propertytax@essatownship.on.ca

🎄 Upcoming Community Events 🎄

• Special Meetings of Council – 2026 Budget Deliberations: visit: Community Calendar - Essa Township

• Angus Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. - Mill Street, Angus - Enjoy festive floats and costumes, followed by refreshments at the Angus Arena (Upper Level).

• Angus Christmas Tree Lighting - Friday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. - Angus Arena - Hosted by the Angus Lions Club and Angus Legion Branch 499, in partnership with local sponsors and the Township of Essa. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa as we light up the tree in the heart of Angus.

• Annual Christmas in the Village – Thornton - Sunday, December 7 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. - Thornton Gazebo - Celebrate the season with Santa, tree lighting, free hot chocolate, pizza, treats, and festive music.

**Please note: The Township of Essa Administration Centre will be closed from December 23, 2025, to January 4, 2026**

Recycling Collection Update – Effective January 1, 2026

• Recycling will still be collected on the same day and using the same carts.
• It will now be picked up by Emterra Environmental Inc.
• For recycling questions (schedules, missed pickups, cart repairs):
  📞 1-888-597-1541
  📧 customercareont@emterra.ca
• Recycling collection does not include Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (IC&I) properties such as small businesses, Churches and places of worship, Municipal buildings, Food banks, most not-for-profit organizations.
• New residents: Please contact the County of Simcoe to order recycling, organics, and garbage carts.

🏀 Basketball Nets: Safety Reminder

Residents are asked to be prepared for winter snow removal operations by moving all basketball nets off the roadways and boulevards. Nets left on streets or sidewalks may be damaged during snow plowing, and the Township will not be responsible for any items left in these areas.

For safe play, consider setting up basketball nets on your own property or use the facilities at one of the Township’s parks.

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.