June 2026 Monthly Update

Bayou Road Reconstruction planned for summer 2026

Severn will begin reconstruction of Bayou Road from Highway 11 to Hedgemere Landing starting in early July. The project start date has been slightly delayed due to the required work of external service providers. The project will include road reconstruction, new sidewalks, a signalized pedestrian crossing, curb and gutter upgrades, storm sewer and drainage improvements, streetlighting upgrades, and pavement markings. Daytime single-lane restrictions, temporary driveway access impacts, mail delivery changes, and intermittent closures of the Hedgemere Landing public boat launch are expected during construction. Updates will be provided throughout the project. View the updated notice.

Council adopts updates to Additional Residential Unit policies and zoning regulations

Official Plan Amendment adopted for ARUs

Council adopted Official Plan Amendment No. 1 through By-law 2026-42 on June 3, 2026. The amendment applies to all lands within the Township of Severn and introduces additional Official Plan policies related to Additional Residential Units (ARUs), including matters Council will consider when a proposed ARU does not comply with the Zoning By-law. The amendment will be submitted to the County of Simcoe for approval. Anyone wishing to receive written Notice of Decision from the County may submit a written request to the County Clerk. View the notice. 

Zoning By-law Amendment passed for ARUs

Council passed By-law 2026-40 on June 3, 2026, amending the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-65 to update provisions for Additional Residential Units (ARUs). The amendment applies Township-wide and provides regulations for ARUs in the R1, R2, ER, SR1, AG, RU, RR, and GL zones, along with clarifications, improvements, and site-specific zoning and mapping amendments. Eligible appeals must be filed no later than June 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. View the notice. 

Fire Danger Rating set to High

As of June 1, the Fire Danger Rating in Severn is set to high. Burning is allowed with a permit, but Severn Fire and Emergency Services recommends no burning at this time. Dry conditions and wind can cause fires to spread quickly and increase the risk of wildland fires. Residents are asked to use extra caution, never leave a fire unattended, and check the Fire Danger Rating before burning. Make sure you have a valid fire permit before starting a fire. View the notice.

Help shape a new park in Port Severn

Township of Severn is creating a concept design for a new passive park on Port Severn Road along the Little Lake shoreline, and we want your ideas. This future waterfront space could include features like picnic and shade areas, seating, naturalized gardens, public art, improved docks, canoe and kayak access, and more. Community feedback will help shape the design, including what the park could look like, how it could be used, and what features matter most to residents and visitors. An online survey is now open until June 30, followed by a Public Information Centre in July where the community can review draft concepts, ask questions, and share feedback. Have your say and help shape the future of this new waterfront park in Port Severn. Visit our Have Your Say page.

June is Recreation and Parks Month

June is Recreation and Parks Month, and there are lots of ways to get active in Severn! Explore local parks and trails, try drop-in pickleball, visit the Uhthoff Trail, check out summer day camp opportunities, or follow along with our JRPM activity calendar for ideas to move, play, and connect all month long. Whether you are walking, cycling, paddling, playing, or enjoying time outdoors with family and friends, June is the perfect time to celebrate the places and programs that help keep our community healthy and active. View the JRPM activity calendar.

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 Shoreview Drive, Treeline Drive, and Sandcastle Court from June 15 to June 19. 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. View the news release.

Public Meetings

Township of Severn will hold two hybrid planning meetings on Wednesday, June 17 during the Council meeting scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at our Administration Office, 1024 Hurlwood Lane.

The meeting will include Zoning By-law Amendment Z-26-08, which applies to 3152 Muskoka Street in Washago. The second is a Non-Statutory Public Information Meeting regarding proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 2651 Nichols Line, related to the proposed Cumberland Quarry.

Residents are welcome to attend in person, participate virtually, stream the meeting online, or provide written comments to the Planning department. View the notice for Zoning By-law Amendment Z-26-08 or  for the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 2651 Nichols Line.

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, Learn to Play Pickleball, 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. This month’s #RootedinSevern business feature takes us to Mother Fudrucker’s Farm, where generations of agricultural history, community connection, and rural entrepreneurship come together. Visit the #RootedinSevern page.

Septic Re-inspection Program update

On June 3, 2026, Council repealed the $370 fee, and directed staff to report back on the current status of the discretionary septic reinspection program. The report will also include options for potential changes to the program, along with information on possible fees. More information will be posted online as it is available. Until further direction by Council, the program will continue to operate as-is. View the 2026 inspection area and Frequently Asked Questions.

Severn Connects is back this July!

Severn Connects returns this July with outdoor family-friendly fun, Township services, community partners, 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

Following Council’s decision at the May 20, 2026 Council meeting, the Township will be implementing a Short-term Rental Licensing program as noted as Option #2 in Report No. A26-019. The Short-term Rental Licensing Program will support responsible short-term rentals and improve accountability for operators.

A Short-term Rental Licensing By-law will be brought forward for Council’s consideration at a Special Council meeting on Wednesday, June 24. If approved, the by-law will allow the Township to implement the program. More information will be shared as materials are finalized. Learn more on our Short-term Rental page.

Spaces still available for our Summer Day Camps 

Severn’s 2026 Summer Day Camp season will offer full-week summer programming for children ages 4 to 11, with camps running Monday to Friday from June 29 to 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.

Tax bills to be issued in mid-June

Final tax bills will be mailed in mid-June, and are due in two instalments: August 8 and October 8. For an easier way to manage your bills, register for eServices to view, pay, and print your tax bill online, or complete the online pre-authorized payment plan form to set up automatic withdrawals. Payments received after the due date are subject to a 1.25% penalty, with an additional 1.25% added each month the balance remains unpaid. View the notice.

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.

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.