July 2026 Monthly Update

Bayou Road Reconstruction begins the week of July 6

The Bayou Road Reconstruction project is scheduled to begin the week of July 6, 2026, with work taking place from Highway 11 to Hedgemere Landing. Pre-construction condition surveys by OZA Inspections are underway for nearby properties and are voluntary and available at no cost. During construction, residents can expect daytime single-lane restrictions and possible temporary driveway access impacts. View the notice.

Help shape a new park in Port Severn

Severn is planning a new passive park on Port Severn Road along the shoreline of Little Lake. Community members are invited to drop in to a Public Information Centre on Thursday, July 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 3253 Port Severn Road to review draft park concepts, ask questions, and share feedback before the design is finalized. Light refreshments will be available. Visit our Have Your Say page.

Join our team as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer

We're hiring a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. This position supports the community by identifying, interpreting, and enforcing municipal by-laws, responding to inquiries and complaints, conducting investigations, and helping educate the public on local rules related to property standards, noise, parking, canine control, and more. The pay range for this position is $38.13 to $44.62 per hour for a 35-hour work week. Hours may include afternoons, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays. Applications will be accepted until July 15, 2026. View the full job posting and apply online on our Job Postings page.

Lawn Watering By-law is in effect

Township of Severn’s Lawn Watering By-law is in effect from May 15 to November 1 to help conserve water and reduce water use, loss, and waste. During this period, even-numbered addresses may water lawns on even-numbered days and odd-numbered addresses may water lawns on odd-numbered days. Lawn watering is permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to follow the by-law and use simple water conservation practices at home to help protect this important resource. View the notice.

Notice of ditching work

Township of Severn will be completing ditching work on Confederation Drive, Pine Avenue, and Rideley Boulevard from July 13 to 24. Work will take place daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The work will include removing sediment from ditches, replacing or removing some culverts, and lowering high shoulders. These improvements will help water drain from the road into the ditch system and move more easily through the storm drainage system. View the notice.

Now recruiting: Volunteer Firefighters

Severn Fire and Emergency Services is looking for dedicated community members to join the Severn Fire Team as Volunteer Firefighters. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to serve your community, build valuable skills, and be part of a committed team of professionals. Applications opened June 1, 2026 and must be submitted online by August 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Learn more about the role, minimum qualifications, required documents, and the recruitment process on our Recruitment page.

Prosper Severn: Supporting local business growth

Township of Severn has launched Prosper Severn, a Business Retention and Expansion Program to better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing local businesses. Businesses are invited to participate through one-on-one interviews or an online survey, with feedback helping guide future economic development planning in Severn. The program will run until September 2026. Visit the project page.

Registration now open for summer recreation programs

Recreation programs help build a healthy, active, and connected community by giving residents opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and spend time with neighbours. Registration is now open for Severn’s summer recreation programs, including DK Dance, Pilates, and Tiny Fun Arts and Crafts. Visit our Recreation Programs page and create your account on UniverusRec to register online.

#RootedinSevern

#RootedinSevern is a pilot program celebrating the local businesses that help make our community strong, vibrant, and unique. Each month, we’re sharing the stories of Severn businesses, the people behind them, and why they chose to build, grow, and stay rooted here. The July business feature is Copperpot Nuts Inc., a local favourite that has grown from a garage startup into a nationally recognized brand. Known for its premium roasted nut products, Copperpot Nuts offers thoughtful locally made gifts and gives visitors a taste of Coldwater. Visit the #RootedinSevern page.

Septic Re-inspection Program update

At its meeting on June 17, 2026, Council considered Planning and Building Report No. P26-038 respecting the Septic Reinspection Program and passed Motion #C2026-185. As part of that motion, Council directed that the remainder of the septic reinspection program be suspended for five years. This decision is in effect immediately. As a result, no further action is required from property owners at this time in response to the 2026 septic reinspection notice received in spring 2026. If your property has already had an inspection completed in 2026 under the discretionary program, you will not be charged for that inspection.

Severn Connects is back this July!

Severn Connects returns this July with outdoor family-friendly fun, Township services, the County of Simcoe, OPP, Kool FM, refreshments, free swag, a gift basket draw, and Township fleet vehicles for kids to explore. Stop by to meet Township staff, ask questions, and learn more about municipal services and programs in a relaxed community setting on Wednesday, July 8 at the Coldwater Fairgrounds, 11 Michael Anne Drive, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., or Thursday, July 9 at Timberline Creek Park, 3581 Timberline Avenue, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit the Severn Connects page.

Short-term Rental Licensing Program

A Short-term Rental Licensing By-law was brought forward for Council’s consideration at a Special Council meeting on Wednesday, June 24, and was approved. The application form, program guide, and related resources are expected to be available in late fall 2026 to support the program’s launch on January 1, 2027. Applications are also expected to open in late fall 2026, giving operators time to review the requirements and prepare their submissions before the program goes live. Learn more on our Short-term Rental page.

Summer Day Camp has begun!

Some weeks are still open for registration. Severn’s 2026 Summer Day Camp season offers full-week summer programming for children ages 4 to 11, with camps running Monday to Friday from until August 28 in Coldwater and Washago. Camp options include Adventurers in Washago, Little Explorers in Coldwater for ages 4 to 6, and Trailblazers in Coldwater for ages 7 to 11. Visit our Day Camps page for program information and registration details.

Thinking about running for Council?

Severn’s 2026 Municipal Election is on Monday, October 26, 2026, and nominations are now open. Running for Council is an opportunity to represent your community, bring forward local ideas, and help shape decisions that affect services, infrastructure, growth, recreation, community well-being, and the future of Severn. If you care about where you live and want to make a meaningful contribution, now is the time to learn more. Visit our Elections page to review candidate resources, key election dates, the Notice of Nominations, voting information, the Voters List, and the Unofficial List of Candidates. Whether you are planning to vote or considering putting your name forward, the Elections page is your starting point for accurate, up-to-date information. Visit the Elections page.

Register the July 15 Joint Candidate Information Session

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in partnership with the City of Orillia and the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara, and Springwater, is hosting a free information session for potential candidates and third-party advertisers on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the West Orillia Sports Complex. Learn about eligibility, the nomination process, campaign finances, key dates, and more. To reserve your spot, contact the Township of Severn Customer Care Team at 705-325-2315 or customercare@severn.ca. Learn more. 

Water bills will be mailed the week of July 6

Water and sewer bills will be issued the week of July 6 and are due Friday, July 31. Severn issues water and wastewater bills quarterly, with regular due dates of January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31. Residents can view, manage, and pay their bills online through the Township’s eServices portal, or pay by online/telephone banking, in person, by mail, at their bank, or through a pre-authorized payment plan. Visit our Paying Your Bill page for more information.

Upcoming Council and Committee meetings

Additional meeting information can be accessed on our Council Portal at https://severn.civicweb.net/Portal/.

You can also subscribe to receive email updates on one or more Council or Committee meeting. Visit the Subscribe menu on the Council Portal to learn more.