News

After several years of technical studies, public engagement, and consultation with neighbouring municipalities, the City of Orillia has confirmed the preferred locations for its next municipal boundary expansion. Council has endorsed “Option 1 – Recommended Option,” which will guide the City’s efforts to secure approximately 196.1 developable hectares of land from the Townships of Severn and Oro-Medonte to accommodate projected growth over the next 20 to 30 years.

Following a temporary delay to the opening of Locks 42 to 45 due to high water levels and flows, conditions have improved sufficiently to allow navigation throughout the entire waterway.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District has cancelled the Flood Warning and issued a Flood Watch for residents in the Townships of Severn, Ramara, Tiny, and Tay, including the Severn and Black Rivers around Washago, and Sparrow Lake and Lake St. John. This statement is in effect until Friday, May 15, 2026.

Annual watermain flushing will start on May 11. Annual watermain flushing is an important preventative maintenance activity that removes mineral and sediment buildup from the watermains, allows Severn to deliver the highest quality water possible to our community, and ensures proper operation of the hydrants.

F.R. Nelson Road will be closed at 1270 F.R. Nelson Road on Friday, May 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a culvert replacement.

Beginning May 4 to May 23, 2026, residents from across the County of Simcoe (excluding residents from Barrie and Orillia) can once again purchase compost at all County waste facilities.

Township of Severn has proclaimed May 4 to 10 Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) 2026, with National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on May 7. This proclamation was issued at the request of New Path. Visit their website or the Children’s Mental Health Ontario website for more information.

Read the May 2026 Municipal Update for key Township news, project updates, meeting information, and more.

The second interim tax bill instalment is due on May 8. Complete our online pre-authorized payment plan form to set up automatic withdrawals from your account to pay your property taxes. You can easily view, print, and pay your tax bill online through our eServices portal.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District has extended the Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Warning until May 8 for residents in north Simcoe County, being the Townships of Severn, Ramara, Tiny, and Tay and including the area of the Severn and Black Rivers around Washago, as well as Sparrow Lake and Lake St. John.