November Municipal Update

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week: November 1 to 7

Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, so a working alarm is essential to help protect your household. During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, November 1 to 7, Severn Fire and Emergency Services is offering property owners one free combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm per property, while supplies last.

Bring your expired alarm to our Administration Office at 1024 Hurlwood Lane, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to exchange it. If you can’t visit in person, email our Customer Care Team or call 705-325-2315 to request an alarm. Learn more on our Carbon Monoxide Safety page.

2026 Municipal Election results

The Clerk certified the results of Severn’s 2026 Municipal and School Board Election on October 27. Mike Burkett was elected Mayor, Dan Janssen Deputy Mayor, Keith Prentice in Ward 1, Mark Missen in Ward 2, Phil Brennan in Ward 3, and Michael Kelly in Ward 4. Jason Stanton was acclaimed in Ward 5.

A total of 5,625 of Severn’s 15,606 eligible voters cast a ballot, for a turnout of 36%, about five percentage points higher than in 2022. Thank you to everyone who voted, all candidates who put their names forward, and the staff and election workers who supported the election. View the official certified results on our Results page. The new Council term begins November 15.

Inaugural Meeting of Council

Township of Severn invites you to attend the Inaugural Meeting of Council on Wednesday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting marks the beginning of the 2026–2030 term and is an opportunity to welcome the new Council. Join us in Council Chambers at our Administration Office, 1024 Hurlwood Lane. All are welcome to attend in person. Please RSVP by email to customercare@severn.ca before 4:00 p.m. on November 24. The live stream of the meeting can also be watched on our Council Portal or our YouTube channel.

New 55 plus program: Stay Active Stay Connected

Something new is here for adults 55 plus in Severn! Stay Active Stay Connected is a free community recreation initiative offering opportunities to stay active, learn new skills, meet people and connect with the community. Programming includes fitness, workshops, guest speakers, recreation and social activities, along with a free lending library of recreation equipment and resources. View the weekly Monday and Wednesday schedule and learn more on our Stay Active Stay Connected page.

Registration now open for Winter 2027 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 fall and winter recreation programs, including Pilates, Yoga, Tiny Fun Arts and Crafts, and March Break Day Camp. Visit our Recreation Programs page to view the Recreation Guide and create your account on UniverusRec to register online. 

Road reconstruction updates

Roadwork is continuing at several locations in Severn. Work dates are weather dependent. 

• Division Road at Burnside Line: Drilling for electrical work is scheduled for November 4 to 6, followed by base asphalt on November 6 and surface asphalt on November 12 or 13. Temporary signal lights will be installed until the permanent signal pole is ready.
• South Sparrow Lake Road: Paving is scheduled for November 10. Street lighting near the bend is still to be installed.
• Bayou Road: Pedestrian crosswalk signals and street lights are still to be installed, road resurfacing complete. 

Stay informed by visiting our News and Notices page or following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Service Recognition Reception

Join us on Thursday, November 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Coldwater Community Centre, 11 Michael Anne Drive, to celebrate the long service of Deputy Mayor Judith Cox and Councillor Mark Taylor and recognize the contributions non-returning members of the 2022-2026 Council. Presentations begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by an informal reception at approximately 7:00 p.m. No RSVP is required, and everyone is welcome.

Short-Term Rental Licensing program applications open November 12

Severn is introducing a new licensing program to support responsible short-term rental activity, improve accountability and provide clearer information for operators, renters, residents and neighbouring property owners. Applications open online November 12, 2026, ahead of the program launch on January 1, 2027.

The Short-term Rental Licensing Program Guide explains how to apply, what documents to prepare, what information to provide renters and the responsibilities of licence holders. It includes a checklist and examples to help operators get ready. The fee is $250 per rental bedroom, plus HST. Read the guide and get ready to apply on our Short-term Rentals page.

Skating at Coldwater Community Centre

The ice season is in full swing at the Coldwater Community Centre! This season’s skating options include public skating, Moms, Pops and Tots and Seniors Skate, homeschool skate, Senior’s Shinny, and drop-in shinny. There’s something for different ages and interests, whether you’re looking for a casual skate or time on the ice with family. Check the skating schedule for current dates, times, and fees before heading to the arena. 

Sponsor a community skate

Local businesses and service clubs can support the community by sponsoring a free public skating session at the Coldwater Community Centre. Several dates are available throughout the season. To learn more, email recreation@severn.ca or call 705-325-2315.

Veteran's Week is November 5 to 11

Veterans’ Week runs from November 5 to 11, a time to remember and recognize all who have served, and those who continue to serve Canada. Indigenous Veterans Day is November 8, and Remembrance Day is November 11. Township flags will be lowered to half-mast on November 5 and raised on November 12.

In Coldwater, the Coldwater Legion's Remembrance Day parade will form in front of the arena at 10:30 a.m. before proceeding down Gray Street and Coldwater Road to the Cenotaph beside the Legion for the ceremony. Residents can also honour those who served by viewing the Veterans’ banners along the street and the new cascading poppies installations around Coldwater. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers whose care and creativity brought these displays to life.

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.