Township News
April/May 2026
Council Meeting Schedule
Regularly scheduled Meetings of Council for the months of April and May 2026 will take place on the following dates:
Council Meetings:
Wednesday, April 8th – 3:00 p.m. Public Session
Wednesday, April 22nd – 3:00 p.m. Public Session
Wednesday, May 13th – 3:00 p.m. Public Session
Wednesday, May 27th – 3:00 p.m. Public Session
Development Services Committee Meetings:
Wednesday, April 1st – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6th – 5:30 p.m.
*Please refer to the Council Portal for the 2026 meeting schedule by visiting bit.ly/3Gz6S1B.
All meeting times are subject to change, and Special Meetings of Council may also be called on an as needed basis.
Please Note: Township Council Chambers are open to the public. To ensure safety of the public, members of Council, and staff, room capacity limits are in place.
Virtual attendance is available, with Council meetings following a hybrid format and continued live-streaming. Members of the public are welcome to view Special Council and Development Services Committee Meetings via livestream on the Township’s YouTube channel.
Public Participation in Electronic Meetings
The Township of Oro-Medonte’s Procedural By-law allows for electronic participation at Council meetings. Protocols have been established to advise how to participate in the public portions of these meetings. Please visit Council | Township of Oro-Medonte for more information, including how to participate in Open Forum or request a deputation/presentation.
Live Streaming
Township of Oro-Medonte Council meetings are live streamed. To view meetings live, visit bit.ly/41PEpiX and subscribe to the Township’s YouTube channel – Township of Oro-Medonte.
Spring/Summer Recreation Programs and Registration
The Township is offering a variety of programs for pre-school, children, youth, adults, and seniors, along with fitness classes, drop-in options, course and certificate programs in partnership with St. John Ambulance, and specialty/summer camps. To learn about program offerings and registration information, please see the 2026 Spring/Summer Recreation Guide.
Summer Camp Information
Registration for summer camp is open. To view camp program details and to register your child, please see page 32 of the 2026 Spring/Summer Recreation Guide
Follow @playoromedonte for Recreation Information
The Community Services division has launched an Instagram channel with a dedicated focus on recreation programs and activities. To stay up-to-date on exciting new program options, specialty camps, drop-in schedule updates, course and workshop offerings, facility rental availability etc., please follow instagram.com/playoromedonte.
CO Alarm Requirements for Houses and Multi Residential Buildings Have Changed
Effective January 1, 2026, existing homes including detached, semi‑detached, townhomes, and cottages are required to have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installed on every storey, including floors without bedrooms. CO alarms are required in any home that has a fuel‑burning appliance, an attached garage, or any other potential source of CO. Previously, alarms were only required outside sleeping areas in homes with fuel‑burning appliances.
Existing Multi-Residential Building Requirements
To protect occupants throughout the building, owners must ensure CO alarms are installed inside units and in corridors, where required under updated regulations. Additionally, CO alarms are required to be installed in buildings that contain fuel‑burning appliances, attached garages, or any other potential CO sources.
For additional information regarding CO alarms, and new requirements for owners, landlords, and tenants, please visit Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms | Township of Oro-Medonte.
Alarms for Life Program
Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services (OMFES) offers residents a Home Fire and Life Safety Audit at no cost. Fire personnel will check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, proper placement, and common fire hazards. If alarms are missing, outdated, or not working, OMFES may provide and install a battery‑operated combination smoke/CO alarm at no cost. For more information, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 705‑487‑2171.
Open Air Burn Permits
In accordance with the Township’s Fees and Charges By-law No. 2024-094, please note there is a $10.00 fee for all Open Air Burn Permits. The fee may be paid online by visiting Burn Permits – Township of Oro-Medonte or in person at the Administration Centre. For information regarding open air burning, please visit Open Air Burning | Township of Oro-Medonte. The Township appreciates your cooperation and understanding.
2026 Digital Parking Permits
Oro-Medonte residents are eligible for two (2) free digital parking permits. Please note each vehicle requires completion of a parking permit application form (one application per vehicle.) After completing the application, a confirmation e-mail will be sent with your parking permit. For additional information including the parking permit application form, please visit oro-medonte.ca/parking.
2026 Dog Tags
A friendly reminder to please renew your 2026 dog tag(s). Payment to renew your tag(s) in-person can be made at both the Township Administration Centre (148 Line 7 South) or at the Simcoe Woods Community Centre (737 Horseshoe Valley Rd. W). To renew your tag(s) online, please visit oro-medonte.ca/dogtags.
E-billing Option for Tax and Utility Account Bills
The Township is pleased to offer Oro-Medonte residents the option to receive tax and utility account bills by e-mail. To sign up for e-billing with delivery to your inbox, please visit Paperless E-Billing Sign-up Form – Township of Oro-Medonte.
Urban Stormwater Pond Safety Reminder
In the interest of public safety, a friendly reminder that access to areas for urban stormwater management is prohibited. These areas are often subject to dramatic and rapid changes in water levels during periods of rain and snow melt. Site conditions including muddy water, sudden drop offs, subsurface currents, and the potential for entanglement with vegetation and debris is possible. For additional information regarding urban stormwater management and safety precautions, please visit Urban Stormwater | Township of Oro-Medonte.
Health Care Connect Program
Residents in Barrie and surrounding areas who do not have a primary care provider are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. With new family doctors and nurse practitioners now accepting patients locally, registering ensures your information is up to date and ready to be matched when spots become available. Health Care Connect is free, simple to use, and the fastest way to get attached to primary care in our community. To register and learn more, please visit Health Care Connect – BAOHT.
Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant Offered Through the County of Simcoe
The County of Simcoe has opened applications for the 2026 Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant. This annual program provides $500,000 to help homeowners and landlords create safer, more accessible, and more inclusive living spaces for residents aged 60 and older. For additional information including the application form, please visit Apply for an Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant – Simcoe County. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.
Township Social Media Channels
General Township information that might be of interest can be found by visiting and following the Township’s social media channels:
Facebook at
Township of Oro-Medonte | Facebook
Instagram at
Township of Oro-Medonte (@oromedontetwp)
X/Twitter at
Twp. of Oro-Medonte (@TwpOroMedonte) / Twitter
Upcoming Office Closures
In recognition of Good Friday and Easter Monday, the Township Administration Centre will close on Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 6th. Regular business hours will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7th.
The Township Administration Centre will also close on Monday, May 18th for Victoria Day, with regular business hours resuming at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19th.
Please Support Local Business
Suggested ways of how you can help local businesses:
- When possible, buy local
- Look for local farm gate sales, buy from local producers
- Purchase from local businesses by visiting in person or shopping online
- Order local meals for takeout or delivery
- Share messages about local businesses through social media
- Share businesses social posts through your social media channels
- Write positive reviews of businesses you have visited
- Purchase gift certificates now that can be used later
Township of Oro-Medonte News
148 Line 7 South, Oro-Medonte, Ontario LOL 2E0
Phone: (705) 487-2171
Fax: (705) 487-0133
Email: info@oro-medonte.ca
Proud Heritage / Exciting Future
www.oro-medonte.ca
Strong and Responsible Financial Leadership
Over the past four years, a key area of focus for the 2022-2026 term of Council is safeguarding the financial health of the Township, and planning for the future. The following information provides steps that have been taken to ensure strong and responsible management of the Township’s finances.
Strengthening Long‑Term Financial Health
Council advanced several major initiatives to ensure the Township remains financially resilient. Through the 2025-2026 budget cycle, the 2026 budget recalibration, and the Municipal Service Corporation (MSC) business planning process, the Township completed significant foundational work that clarified our financial position and set the stage for a comprehensive long‑term financial plan. This work included proactive measures to address future deficits and increase contributions to infrastructure reserves.
Enhancing Revenue and Reducing Costs
A focused review of user fees, charges, and development charges generated new revenue, while reductions in insurance premiums and internal efficiencies lowered operating costs. These gains allowed the Township to advance corporate and operational priorities without major impacts to the tax levy, while also strengthening capital reserves.
Responding to the 2025 Ice Storm with Strong Leadership
Despite the uncertainty created by the ice storm in late March/early April, 2025, the Township demonstrated exceptional administrative leadership. Oro‑Medonte became the first of sixty-three (63) municipalities to submit a complete Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program (MISA) funding application, securing a higher initial allocation, and ensuring timely financial support for recovery efforts.
Building the Foundation for Long‑Term Planning
In 2026, the Township will begin developing a long‑term financial plan aligned with the updated 2025 Asset Management Plan. Together, with the Growth Management Strategy, these initiatives form the core building blocks for the 2027 Strategic Plan update, guiding future infrastructure investment, and positioning the Township to leverage upper‑tier funding opportunities.
Key Accomplishments
- Implementation of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to streamline enforcement and reduce reliance on the Provincial Court system.
- Inaugural member of the County of Simcoe insurance pool, projecting savings of more than $1.35 million over five years.
- Secured over $1.7 million in external grants and capital contributions.
- City of Barrie Boundary Settlement – the Township initiated the land facilitation process resulting in fair negotiated compensation of $15,000 per acre (the highest in Ontario), receiving $10.155 million in 2026. While transferring less than 1% of Oro‑Medonte’s land area, the Township has ensured to the best of its ability that the land transferred to the City of Barrie is used for community land development purposes only.
- Reinstated and strengthened financial controls in alignment with the 2024 KPMG Financial Services Review.
- Responsibility managed the Township’s budget ensuring delivery of services and programs to Oro-Medonte residents without incurring financial debt.
Diversifying the Tax Base
Council continued work to diversify the tax base and reduce reliance on the residential tax levy by expanding and strengthening the Township’s economic base through:
- Strategic Employment Lands: Advanced priority land designations through boundary adjustment discussions; along with advocacy and work with the County of Simcoe to advance development of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, and approval of the County of Simcoe Official Plan.
- Economic Development Strategy: Ongoing work to align growth, servicing, and investment attraction to support long‑term prosperity.
Future Sustainability
The Township faces a future sustainability funding gap challenge due to paving most of its road network. Current Provincially mandated asset management requirements could result in the Township needing to increase the yearly allocation for infrastructure planning. In this regard, careful consideration will be required during preparation of the Township’s 2027-2028 budget.
As Oro-Medonte continues to grow, Council and Staff will dedicate focused efforts to strengthen the foundation of the pillars of the Township’s sustainability.