October 2026 Monthly Update

Bayou Road reconstruction nearing completion

The Bayou Road reconstruction project is nearing completion. Crews are scheduled to lay the final layer of asphalt on Monday, October 5, weather permitting. To complete this work, Bayou Road will be closed between Grand Tamarack Crescent and Hedgemere Landing from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Traffic will be directed onto Grand Tamarack Crescent, with access between Bayou Road and Cumberland Road maintained. View the notice.

Check your mail: Voter Information Letters have been mailed

Voter Information Letters were mailed on September 25 to eligible electors on the Township of Severn’s Voters’ List. Online voting opens October 15, with Election Day on October 26, 2026. Visit our Elections page for more information.

To be eligible to vote in Severn's municipal election, you must be:

  • a Canadian citizen
  • at least 18 years old
  • a resident, owner, or tenant of land in the Township of Severn or the spouse of such tenant or owner
  • not prohibited from voting under any law

In Severn, you can only cast your vote one time, no matter how many properties you either own or rent in the area.

Municipal elections have a direct impact on your community and the services you rely on every day.

Elected municipal officials make important decisions about local priorities, including roads, parks, fire and emergency services, and community programs.

Voting in municipal elections gives residents an opportunity to have a voice in these decisions and to help shape the future of their community. It is an important part of local democracy and helps ensure that municipal government reflects the needs and interests of the people it serves.

By voting, you take part in decisions that affect daily life in Severn.

To confirm that you are on the voters list, visit severn.voterservices.ca. If you are not on the voters list, you can register by selecting the Register option in the top-right corner of the screen, or by visiting our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane), Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

You can also register at an advance voting station or on Election Day. If registering in person, bring government-issued identification that shows your address.

Before voting begins, all eligible electors will receive a Voter Information Letter. This letter will include important details about how to vote online or in person, including voting dates, locations, and instructions.

Electors are encouraged to review their Voter Information Letter carefully and keep it in a safe place until they are ready to vote.

If you don’t receive your letter by October 9, or need to update your information, email the Election Team or call 705-325-2315.

Online voting offers a convenient and accessible way to participate in the 2026 Municipal Election.

Online voting will be available from Thursday, October 15, 2026, through Election Day on Monday, October 26, 2026. During this voting period, eligible electors can cast their ballot online using the instructions provided in their Voter Information Letter. 

Advance voting

Date Location Time
Saturday, October 17, 2026 Administration Office, 1024 Hurlwood Lane 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Coldwater Community Centre, 11 Michael Anne Drive 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 23, 2026 Washago Community Centre, 4361 Hamilton Street 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Election Day (October 26) voting: Ward-specific locations

Ward Location Time
Wards 1 and 2 Coldwater Community Centre, 11 Michael Anne Drive 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ward 3 Administration Office, 1024 Hurlwood Lane 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wards 4 and 5 Washago Community Centre, 4361 Hamilton Street 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Fire Prevention Week: October 4 to 10

Fire Prevention Week is a chance for fire services and communities across Ontario to share practical information that can help prevent fires and keep people safe. This year’s theme, Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower, focuses on safe charging habits for devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Severn Fire and Emergency Services will be at the Orillia Fall Fair on October 3 and visiting Severn Shores Public School on October 8 to share fire prevention and safety information. Fire Prevention Week runs October 4 to 10. Learn more on our Fire Prevention page.

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.

Office closure for the Thanksgiving holiday

Our Administration Office and facilities will be closed on Monday, October 12 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will reopen on Tuesday, October 13 at 8:30 a.m. Many municipal services remain available online, including service requests, building inspection bookings, fire permits, recreation registration, and property tax and water and sewer account management. For urgent municipal matters after hours, call 1-833-896-9963. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Council and staff wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. View the notice.

Property tax payment due October 8

The next property tax instalment is due Thursday, October 8. Avoid late-payment penalties by paying on time. You can pay through online or telephone banking, by mail or in person, or use eServices to view and pay your bill online. Sign up for a pre-authorized payment plan to make future payments automatic. View the notice.

Registration now open for Fall 2026 and 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 Beady Crazy, 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. 

Safety improvements coming to Burnside Line and Division Road

Construction began September 29 at the Burnside Line and Division Road intersection. The $953,823 project will add traffic signals, turning lanes onto Division Road East and West, and localized overhead lighting to support safer travel through the intersection. Temporary lane reductions and traffic control will be in place during construction, which is expected to continue until November 30, 2026. Expect delays. Please follow posted signs and use caution around workers and equipment. View the notice of construction.

Skating at Coldwater Community Centre

The ice is back at the Coldwater Community Centre starting October 5! 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.

South Sparrow Lake Road reconstruction update

Work continues on South Sparrow Lake Road. Culvert work, ditching and road widening are complete, and crews are now pulverizing the road in preparation for paving, which is expected before Thanksgiving. Driveway reconstruction is scheduled to follow after Thanksgiving. Please use caution in the work area and follow signs and directions from traffic control staff. Read the project update. 

Water and wastewater bills due October 31

Water and wastewater bills have been issued and are due by October 31. With eServices, you can view, manage, and pay your bills online. You can also sign up for a pre-authorized payment plan to have payments withdrawn automatically each month or on the due date. View the notice.

We're hiring: Join the Severn Team

Recreation Coordinator

Severn is seeking a Recreation Coordinator for a 12-month contract, with the possibility of an extension. In this role, you’ll develop recreation programs and special events, recruit and oversee instructors and volunteers, coordinate service delivery, and support the department’s administrative work. The position pays $34.71 to $40.59 per hour for a 35-hour work week. Hours are irregular and may extend beyond the standard work week to meet program and event needs. Apply by October 9 on our Job Postings 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. 

Type of meeting Date Time Meeting format
Council Meeting Wednesday, October 7 9:00 a.m. Hybrid (in person and online attendance options)
Culture and Recreation Advisory Committee Tuesday, October 13 7:00 p.m. Online
Committee of Adjustment Tuesday, October 20 6:30 p.m. Hybrid

Community events happening this October

Community events bring people together, and create opportunities to connect and help make Severn a welcoming place to live. Stay informed about what’s happening by signing up for weekly Community Calendar emails, or help spread the word by submitting your own local event. Visit our Event Calendar.

Upcoming events include:

Contact us

If you have questions or would like more information, Severn’s Customer Care Team is here to help. Residents can connect with us by phone at 705-325-2315 or by email at customercare@severn.ca.

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1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario

Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
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