May 2026 Monthly Update

2026 Municipal Election: Nominations are open

Severn’s 2026 Municipal Election is on October 26, 2026. Nominations opened on May 1, so now is the time for prospective candidates to learn more about running for Council. Visit our Elections page to find information about how and where to vote, confirm you are on the Voters List, view the Unofficial List of Candidates, review key election dates, and access candidate resources. Whether you are planning to vote or considering running for Council, this page is your starting point for accurate, up-to-date election information. View the Notice of Nominations.

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 3 to 9

Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 3 to 9, and this year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.” Severn residents are encouraged to learn about local risks, make an emergency plan, build a 72-hour emergency kit, and review helpful preparedness resources before an emergency happens. Visit Severn’s Emergency Preparedness page for tips, tools, and links to resources. View the news release.

Public Meetings

Public Meetings on May 6

Severn will hold hybrid public meetings on May 6, 2026 during the Council meeting starting at 9:00 a.m. at our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane). The meetings will cover proposed planning changes, including zoning updates for part of 20 Sheridan Drive, new rules for secondary uses on farm properties, and changes related to additional residential units. View the notices.

Public Meeting on May 20

Severn has received a complete zoning by-law amendment application for 4260 Burnside Line, also known as Cavana Ridge. The application proposes to allow a small-scale bistro restaurant as an accessory use on the property, including indoor dining and/or an outdoor patio. A hybrid public meeting will be held on May 20, 2026, during the Council meeting that begins at 9:00 a.m. at our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane). Residents can attend, watch online, or submit comments to the Planning department. View the notice.

Bayou Road Reconstruction planned for June 2026

Severn will begin reconstruction of Bayou Road from Highway 11 to Hedgemere Landing starting on or around June 1, 2026. 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 notice.

Interim tax bill instalments are due on May 8

Property owners are encouraged to make payments by the due date to avoid late penalties. Payments can be made through eServices, online or telephone banking, by mail, in person at our Administration Office, at your bank, or through a pre-authorized payment plan. Property owners should also ensure their mailing information is up to date, as payment is required even if a tax bill was not received. For support, contact our Customer Care Team at 705-325-2315 or customercare@severn.ca. View the notice.

Notice of Victoria Day office closure

Our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane, Severn) will be closed on Monday, May 18. The office will reopen on Tuesday, May 19, at 8:30 a.m. View the notice.

Plan ahead for parking at the Coldwater Lions Duck Race

The annual Coldwater Lions Duck Race takes place on Saturday, May 30, with family fun, vendors, a parade, and the duck drop in downtown Coldwater. If you plan to attend, please plan ahead as parking will be limited and only permitted in designated areas shown on the Duck Race Event Map. Active parking enforcement will be in effect, and vehicles parked in non-permitted areas may be ticketed or towed. Please do not park on or alongside Firehall Lane, block driveways, or park in non-designated areas. View the notice.

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.

Severn continues to build new recreation programming for all ages

Severn is growing its recreation programming with new opportunities for adults, seniors, and youth to stay active, connected, and engaged. This spring’s lineup includes Yoga, Pilates, Learn to Play Pickleball, Free Weights, Beginner Watercolour, Upcycling, and more, with registration available through Severn’s online recreation portal. Visit our Recreation Programs page and create your account on UniverusRec to register online.

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.

Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Information Sessions

Severn Fire and Emergency Services is inviting residents to learn more about becoming a Volunteer Firefighter at upcoming recruitment information sessions on May 6 and May 23. Attendees can learn about the role, expectations, training, recruitment process, and application requirements before applications open on June 1, 2026. Learn more and register online on our Recruitment page. View the news release. 

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.