County of Simcoe seeking public input for future of Matchedash Waste Transfer Station

Midhurst/August 8, 2025: The County of Simcoe is inviting residents to share their input on the future of the Matchedash Waste Transfer Station, located at 4546 Upper Big Chute Road, Coldwater, in the Township of Severn. Results from this virtual public consultation will be reviewed and presented to County Council for their direction on the future of the transfer station.

Originally designed for seasonal use, it’s been determined that the Matchedash Transfer Station is no longer meeting the needs of the growing community surrounding it. The site lacks electricity, a weigh scale, and reliable internet or cellular service, and often experiences congestion, raising both service limitations and safety concerns. In 2013, the site processed 902 tonnes of waste across 5,361 transactions. By 2024, that number had more than doubled to 1,985 tonnes from 9,443 transactions. 

To address these challenges, County staff have proposed three options: 

1. Close the current Matchedash Transfer Station and move operations to a larger County facility just outside of Coldwater (closed Site 9 - Medonte)​ 
2. Expand the current Matchedash Transfer Station site​ 
3. Limit operations at the current Matchedash Transfer Station site to the collection/transfer of curbside waste only while upgrading basic facilities​ 

It is important to note that the Medonte site at 1675 Anderson Line (Township of Severn) is a closed waste site (already zoned for waste drop-off and transfer purposes). The Medonte site has not received waste since 2005, however, while closed to the public, it is still considered a waste site. This location was recently used to provide convenient drop-off of brush debris following the ice storm that occurred in Spring 2025.   

The public consultation will be open August 8 through September 7, 2025. Upon completion, staff will review feedback and make a final recommendation to Council in the fall of 2025.

To view more details about the three different options and to submit feedback, please visit simcoe.ca/wastesitereview. 

About the County of Simcoe

County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca. 

Contacts

Brandon Maron
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-903-7882 (mobile)
Brandon.Maron@simcoe.ca

Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca 

Received by the Township of Severn from the County of Simcoe via email on August 8, 2025.