Township News December 2025/January 2026
Council Meeting Schedule
Regularly scheduled Meetings of Council for the month of December, 2025 will take place on the following dates:
Council Meeting:
Wednesday, December 10th – 3:00 p.m. Public Session
Development Services Committee Meeting:
Wednesday, December 3rd – 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.
Registration is Open for Upcoming Holiday Themed Workshops, Winterfest Camp, and a Variety of Recreation Programs
Registration is open for upcoming holiday themed workshops – please see page 9 of the 2025 Fall Recreation Guide for details. Additionally, the Township is offering Winterfest Camp over the elementary school break, December 22-23, 2025, and December 29-January 2, 2026.
As a reminder, the Township offers a variety of programs for pre-school, children, and adults, along with fitness class and drop-in options. To learn about current program offerings and registration information, please see the 2025 Fall Recreation Guide.
Please Note: The Winter Recreation Guide will be available for viewing on Wednesday, December 3rd. Registration for programs and activities will open on Wednesday, December10th.
Recreation Fee Assistance Program
In partnership with We Are The Villagers, the Township is pleased to announce the introduction of the Recreation Fee Assistance Program. Through this program, eligible residents can receive financial assistance to help reduce the cost of participating in recreational activities. Please visit Recreation Fee Assistance Program | Township of Oro-Medonte or scan the QR code for details.
Outdoor Rink Volunteers Needed
The Township’s outdoor rinks are maintained annually by dedicated, generous, and community minded volunteers. We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2025/2026 winter season. The Township provides all necessary training and equipment. Please consider joining our team of volunteers and help make a difference in your community. For additional information, please contact Jodi Grubb, Supervisor, Community Recreation and Special Events at jgrubb@oro-medonte.ca, and visit Skating and Ice Rinks | Township of Oro-Medonte for rink locations and to learn additional details about volunteering.
2025/2026 Ice Skating Schedule at the Oro-Medonte Community Arena
Reserve Ice Time Online
Ice time for the Oro-Medonte Community Arena can be booked online by visiting oro-medonte.perfectmind.com.
Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services Home Fire and Life Safety Audit Program
Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services (OMFES) has implemented a Home Fire & Life Safety Audit Program for Oro-Medonte residents. The program aims to:
- Enhance fire safety in your home
- Identify and mitigate potential risks
- Ensure your compliance with the Ontario Fire Code
- Assess fire protection and detection devices
- Ensure you have working smoke & CO alarms where required
- Review your home escape plan
- Provide expert advice on home fire protection equipment
Please take advantage of this program to make your home safer by calling OMFES at 705-487-2171 to book your appointment.
Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services is on Linktree
Please scan the QR code to join Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services (OMFES) on Linktree. You will find important and helpful information about OMFES including fire prevention, public education, events, and community updates. This is a great way to stay connected and safe in Oro-Medonte.
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. We appreciate your understanding.
Digital Parking Permits
Digital parking permits are available for all Oro-Medonte residents and non-residents through HonkMobile. To obtain your two (2) free digital parking permits, and to review a list of frequently asked questions, please visit Parking | Township of Oro-Medonte.
E-billing Option for Tax and Utility Account Bills
Engage Oro-Medonte – the Township’s new Digital Engagement Platform
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new digital engagement platform, Engage Oro-Medonte, to enhance communication, interaction, and engagement with the Oro-Medonte community. Engage Oro-Medonte is a space designed to connect, collaborate, and share ideas providing an opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to stay informed, participate in discussions, and provide input on projects, initiatives, and decisions, that shape the future of our community. Please take time to visit engage.oro-medonte.ca, sign up for an account, and review current projects.
Recycling Changes Coming to Simcoe County
Starting January 1, 2026, residential recycling collection in Simcoe County will be managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization appointed by producers under Ontario’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. This province-wide transition shifts responsibility for the collection and processing of blue box materials from municipalities to producers of recyclable products. The County of Simcoe will continue to manage garbage and organics collection, as well as operate waste-drop off facilities as usual. For detailed information, please visit Recycling Collection Changes – Simcoe County.
Winter Reminder - Preventing Frozen Water Pipes
The Township of Oro-Medonte is responsible for water service pipes that run from the road to the property line/curb stop. Any service issues, such as leaks and frozen water services on private property, are the homeowner’s responsibility.
Tips to help prevent frozen water services on your property:
- Insulate pipes that are most susceptible to freezing, such as those near outside walls, in crawl spaces, or in attics.
- Studies suggest that leaving a cold water tap running slowly at a level just above a drip may diminish the potential for a service to freeze, but remember that any additional water consumption will be metered and added to your water bill.
- If you are shutting off the main water valve coming into your home, ensure the water has drained from the pipes by opening the lowest tap.
- If you are going to be away, have someone check the house daily to ensure the heat is on and no problems occur.
Milestone Celebration Certificates
If you or a loved one is celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, Mayor Greenlaw and Members of Council are pleased to offer congratulatory certificates to help commemorate these special occasions. To request a celebration certificate, please visit Milestone Certificate | Township of Oro-Medonte.
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
The Township Administration Centre will be closed for the holidays from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 until Thursday, January 1, 2026. Normal business hours will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Please note the following holiday hours for the Oro-Medonte Community Arena:
Tuesday, December 23rd – the arena will close at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24th – Closed
Thursday, December 25th – Closed
Friday, December 26th- OPEN all day
Wednesday, December 31st – Closed
Thursday, January 1st – Closed
Please Support Local Business
- 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
Timely Topics
Preparing for the Winter Season
With cold weather upon us, and snow quickly approaching, please take time to review the following information and suggestions to ensure a safe winter season.
Winter Maintenance Operations
The Township’s Operations & Community Services division have been diligently working to finalize details pertaining to the annual winter maintenance operation plan. Each year, Township Operations division staff attend extensive and thorough snow school training regarding winter maintenance operations. This training takes place well before inclement weather arrives, to ensure the Township is prepared for varying weather events over the coming months.
The Township’s salt and sand supply is ready, staff scheduling including on-call coverage is prepared, and the Township’s winter vehicle fleet (snowplows etc.) have been serviced.
Please help us by being aware and respectful of snowplows on the road, understand visibility for snowplow operators is limited, leave plenty of room for operators to work, and keep in mind it takes several turns to clean an intersection. Snowplows travel slower than other vehicles – please keep your distance so that operators can see you.
Operations staff take a great deal of pride in their work keeping roadways throughout the Township clear, maintained, and safe for travel. Your caution, understanding, and patience while travelling over the winter months is greatly appreciated.
Operations & Community Services Division Annual Paint the Plow Event
At the end of October, in partnership with the Simcoe County District School Board, Kindergarten and Grade 1 students from Shanty Bay Public School joined Township Operations division staff for the 3rd annual Paint the Plow event. Students learned about snowplow safety, and met plow drivers/operators while decorating one of the Township’s snowplows. This annual event is an excellent opportunity for the Township to connect with the Oro-Medonte community.
Please take time to view an excellent video of the event – great job students! Thank you to the Simcoe County District School Board for your partnership, and to everyone involved for making such an important topic interactive and fun.
Please Note: A direct link to the video can be found by visiting bit.ly/4o1rV0s.
Winter Safety Reminders and Tips
Children Playing
Please speak with children about the dangers of playing in/on roadside snowbanks, and encourage them to play in snow behind homes, or in parks, where their safety isn’t compromised. Building forts and tunnels by the side of the road, as well as sliding on roadside snowbanks is dangerous for children. It is difficult for motorists and snow removal trucks to see children playing, and drivers may not be able to brake in time to avoid a potentially serious collision. There is also potential for snow clearing vehicles to bury forts built into snowbanks without realizing the fort was there.
Shovelling Snow
To help minimize collected snow created by snowplows at the end of your driveway, when shoveling, pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the street.) Remember to bend at your knees, not your back when lifting your shovel. Lift with your legs bent, stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance, and keep the shovel close to your body. Avoid picking up large quantities of snow at once, and consider using a smaller shovel, or filling a larger shovel no more than halfway.
Winter Driving
Please visit Winter driving | ontario.ca to review information provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, including driving tips and recommendations for preparing your vehicle for winter travel, and Driving safely in winter to review information provided by Transport Canada including snowmobile safety tips.
Winter Parking Reminder
Please note from December 1st, through to April 1, 2025, parking is prohibited on any Township road or municipal lot between 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Additionally, please ensure vehicles are parked in a manner that does not interfere with snow removal. Areas in the Township used to access winter recreational activities (i.e. ice fishing etc.) are exempt from winter parking restrictions. Please visit Parking | Township of Oro-Medonte for additional information including exemption locations.
Year Round Parking Permits
Digital parking permits are available for all Oro-Medonte residents and non-residents through HonkMobile. To obtain your two (2) free digital parking permits, and to review a list of frequently asked questions, please visit Parking | Township of Oro-Medonte.