2026 Dog Tags Now Available!

A dog tag is more than a tag – it’s peace of mind for you and protection for your pet.  Licensing your dog helps for a quick return home by reuniting dogs with their owners faster and avoids the stress and fees associated with the pound.

Dog tags are available online, in person, or by mail. Thank you for being a responsible pet owner! 🐾

Essa Public Library News

• Be sure to make Essa Public Library part of your new year by exploring everything we have to offer. Expand your imagination with stories, games, and movies. Discover new talents with our Library of Things, which includes kitchen appliances, podcast kits, and ukuleles. Connect with new friends at in-person library programs.
• Visit essalibrary.ca for Angus and Thornton Branch hours, and don’t forget you can access digital resources online 24/7. 

Parks and Recreation News

• Skate Punch Passes Available – Enjoy 10 flexible visits to public skating at any Township of Essa facility. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for more information.
• March Break Camp Registration Now Open – Secure your spot today. Register online at https://townshipofessa.perfectmind.com/

Winter Parking Updates

Please be advised that Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect, November 1st to May 1st each year. During this period, vehicles are not permitted to be parked on the roads, over a sidewalk or on any municipal boulevard, even if there is no snow. Violators may be ticketed or towed.

For More information, Visit: Parking - Essa Township

Report an Issue: Please be advised that the Township of Essa does not investigate anonymous complaints.

Winter Operations Update

• Since November 6, Public Works staff have responded to more than 40 winter weather events, nearly double the number recorded during the same period last year. Crews continue to work diligently to maintain safe road conditions across the Township.

Mailbox Installation & Maintenance

• Mailboxes must be securely mounted at a minimum height of 42 inches above the road shoulder on a sturdy 6-inch wooden post, as posts can deteriorate over time. The Township does not install or replace mailboxes damaged by snow coming off plows or wings and will only repair or replace a mailbox if there is clear evidence of direct contact by Township equipment. Plastic mailboxes are not replaced, as they are not designed to withstand local winter conditions.

Essa Fire Department News

New Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Requirements – Effective January 01, 2026

Dear Essa Resident,

As of January 1, 2026, changes to the Ontario Fire Code will require additional carbon monoxide (CO) Alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages. These updates are being made across the province to improve household safety and prevent incidents caused by carbon monoxide exposure.
The new regulations require:

• A Carbon Monoxide alarm adjacent to every sleeping area in your home; and
• A Carbon Monoxide alarm on every storey that does not contain a sleeping area (for example, a main floor or basement).

These requirements apply to all residential occupancies, including existing homes. Even if your home already has a CO alarm, you may need to add more to comply with the updated Fire Code to ensure one per level. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly installing the right number of CO alarms is a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe from this silent danger.

Council’s Message - A Note to Our Community

Stay informed with the Council’s latest message to residents.

Plan ahead for 2026!

Want to know when Council will be meeting next? Head over to our Calendar to see all scheduled dates and stay connected with Township decisions. Check the 2026 Council Meeting Calendar here: 2026 Council Meeting Calendar

Community Assistance Grant Program

Attention Non-profit and Community Organizations! The Community Assistance Grant Program is now open for applications! If you’re part of a local non-profit group or organization offering a needed and worthwhile service in our community, this is your chance to apply for funding.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Must be a not-for-profit or registered charitable organization; and
2. Must be operated by a volunteer base; and
3. Provide an accessible, needed and worthwhile service proven to benefit the Township of Essa residents.

Deadline: Make sure to submit your application before January 31, 2026

How to Apply: Visit the Township’s website for full details and application form: Community Assistance Grants - Essa Township

Feeding Wildlife Is Strongly Discouraged!

The Township of Essa would like to remind residents that feeding wildlife is strongly discouraged.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) advises that feeding wildlife intentionally or unintentionally can cause significant harm to both animals and the community. While providing food may appear well-intentioned, it can lead to serious and long-term consequences, such as:

• Cause animals to lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the risk of aggressive or dangerous behaviour
• Attract wildlife to residential areas, leading to conflicts with people, pets, and vehicles
• Create dependency on human-provided food, reducing animals’ ability to forage naturally and survive on their own
• Increase the spread of disease among wildlife populations
• Result in property damage, including damage to homes, gardens, and outbuildings
• Ultimately lead to wildlife being relocated or destroyed when animals become a public safety concern

Feeding wildlife can also attract larger predators to an area, creating additional safety risks for residents and pets. Residents are encouraged to help prevent wildlife conflicts by:

• Securing garbage, compost, and recycling in wildlife-resistant containers
• Not leaving food, pet feed, or bird seed accessible outdoors
• Cleaning up fallen bird seed regularly
• Keeping barbeques and outdoor eating areas clean
• Supervising pets while outdoors

If you have questions or concerns related to wildlife, please visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website or contact the Township for additional information.

Have questions or need assistance? We’re here to help!

Township of Essa
5786 County Road 21, Utopia, ON L0M 1T0
📞 Phone: 705-424-9917

Stay connected by following us on our official social media channels and visiting our website for the latest updates, programs, and notices.