Municipal Community Newsletter

35 Alice Street | Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 CA

Featured in the April newsletter...

Municipal Office and Library Easter Weekend Closure
2026 Municipal Election
Spring Leaf and Yard Waste Collection starts in April
Participate in the Municipal Parking Review Public Consultation
Sports and Recreation Showcase on April 25
16th Annual Mayor's Keep the County Clean Challenge
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

Monthly Wisdom...

“April is a storyteller, painting landscapes with vibrant hues of green and pink.” - Morgan Harper Nichols

Municipal Office and Library Easter Weekend Closure

Please be advised that our Municipal Offices and Library locations will be closed on Friday, April 3, through to Monday, April 6, in observance of Easter.

We look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday, April 7 during our regular hours.

Half-Load Restrictions

Half-Load restrictions are in effect until late April, weather permitting.

These restrictions are put in place to help protect municipal roadways, as warmer temperatures during the spring thaw can increase the risk of road damage.

View a list of restricted roads

Second Installment of Interim Tax Bills Due April 30

A reminder to residents that the first installment of the Interim Tax Bill is due on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The Municipality of Brighton offers the following payment method options for tax bills:

Online or telephone banking, at your financial institution or Pre-Authorized Payment

Cash, cheque, or debit at the Municipal Administration Office (35 Alice Street) in person or in the drop box. Please do not include cash in the drop box

By visa on the municipal website

If you have further questions, please contact the Municipal office at (613) 475-0670 ext. 201.

Water Bills Due April 30

A reminder to residents that Water Bills are due on April 30, 2026.

The Municipality of Brighton offers the following payment method options for water utility bills:

Online or telephone banking, at your financial institution or Pre-Authorized Payment

Cash, cheque, or debit at the Municipal Administration Office (35 Alice Street) in person or in the drop box. Please do not include cash in the drop box

By visa on the municipal website

If you have further questions, please contact the Municipal office at (613) 475-0670 ext. 211.

Spring Leaf and Yard Waste Collection

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste starts this month!

Collection dates for each area are:

Area 1: Monday, April 6

Area 4: Monday, April 27

Please ensure that bags weigh less than 18kg (40lbs), are rolled securely at the top, that brush is tied into bundles no longer than 3 ft, and that all materials are placed curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your collection date.

To view the collection area map or to learn more visit www.northumberland.ca.

The 2026/2027 Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities is accepting applications. This scholarship provides meaningful financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education. Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1 to 4 year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026, and recipients will be announced in the Fall for the 2026-2027 cohort.

Learn more and submit an application

Municipality of Brighton Rain Barrel Program

In an effort to promote sustainability in our community, the Municipality of Brighton is excited to partner with Cole's Timber Mart and Brighton Home Building Centre to offer residents $50 off their purchase of qualifying rain barrel models as part of our NEW Rain Barrel Program. Funds to support this program were passed by Council as part of the 2025 budget.

There are several benefits to owning a rain barrel, including:

Reduced reliance on treated water - pumping and purifying treated water requires a lot of energy. Using rainwater for your garden will conserve this valuable resource and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced strain on sewer systems - rain barrels divert rainwater runoff away from overloaded sanitary and storm sewer systems, helping to prevent overflows and pollution.
Cost savings - watering your plants with free rainwater reduces your water consumption, lowering your water bill.
Healthy plants - rainwater naturally contains minerals that can benefit plants, often better than treated tap water

Qualifying rain barrel models include:

FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 (50 gallons), available in black or grey. Retail Price: $129.99 + HST Price with Municipal Program: $79.99 + HST. Available at Cole's Timber Mart, 47 Ontario Street.

Free Garden Earth Square Rain Barrel (50 gallons), available in light grey/white. Retail Price: $119.99 + HST Price with Municipal Program: $69.99 + HST. Available at Brighton Home Building Centre, 40 Butler Street.

To apply this discount to your rain barrel purchase, please speak with associates at Cole's Timber Mart or Brighton Home Building Centre.

To learn more about the qualifying rain barrel models and the Rain Barrel Program, please contact cbirch@brighton.ca.

Keep Your Spot—Stay Connected!

If you’re looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner, don’t wait - join the Health Care Connect list!

Having your own family doctor or NP means you have someone who knows your full health history and supports you throughout your life. It’s your main link to the care you need.

Residents WITH a family doctor or nurse practitioner outside of Hastings Prince Edward Counties are still encouraged to register with Health Care Connect without having to give up your doctor!

Already on the wait list?

Care Connectors are reaching out to everyone on the list by email, letter, and phone. They’re making sure your information is up-to-date and that you still are seeking a local healthcare provider.

Ontario is working to connect two million more people to primary care, including our HPE communities!

The team at the Municipality of Brighton is committed to working together to meet the needs of our residents, visitors, and those who choose to invest in our area. We dedicate ourselves to providing superior services to customers.

For more information about each of our departments, visit the Municipal Services page on our website.

Applefest Advisory Committee

The Applefest Advisory Committee is excited to announce that applications for 2026 Vendor spaces and musical performers are now open! Apply to be part of this award-winning festival by completing the application form on the Municipal website. Applications are also available in hard copy format at the Municipal Centre, located at 35 Alice Street in Brighton.

The application intake period runs from April 1 to June 1.

If you have any questions related to the application process, please email applefest@brighton.ca.

Leveling Up

Members of Brighton Fire and Rescue recently took their skills to the next level (literally!) and participated in aerial truck and ladder training at Brighton Fire and Rescue Station #1.

2026 Open Air Burn Permit

Before you burn this year, be sure to purchase a 2026 Open Air Burn Permit from the Municipality. Burn permits can be purchased online brighton.burnpermits.com or in-person at Brighton Fire Station #1, 20 Elizabeth Street during regular business hours.

Municipal Parking Review Public Consultation

The Municipality of Brighton is undertaking a comprehensive review of its Parking By-Law to ensure that it reflects current community needs, supports public safety, improves accessibility and aligns with modern municipal best practices.

We want to hear from you!

How to participate:

Click here to complete the online survey before April 10, 2026.

Pick up a physical survey at:

Brighton Municipal Office and Public Library (35 Alice Street)
Brighton Public Works Department Office (67 Sharp Road)
Codrington Public Library (2992 County Road 30)

Public consultation is an important component of the By-Law review process. Gathering input from residents, business owners, employees and visitors will assist Council and staff in identifying areas of concern, evaluating potential regulatory changes and ensuring that future amendments are evidence-based and community-informed.

The Park’s & Recreation Department will be hosting a Sport & Recreation Showcase at the King Edward Park Arena on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This event will bring together local sports groups, and recreation clubs to highlight programs available in Brighton and promote active, healthy living all under one roof.

The community is invited to attend, visit the booths, register, watch demos and connect with the organizations that play an important role in our community’s recreation landscape.

2026 Municipal and School Board Election

The Municipality of Brighton is preparing for the upcoming 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, which will take place on October 26. If you have recently turned 18, changed your name, or moved, please take a moment to confirm your voter information on the Elections Ontario website to help keep the voters’ list accurate. Candidate nomination packages will be available beginning May 1 both online and in person at the Municipal Clerk’s Office located at 35 Alice Street. Voting in the 2026 election will be conducted using internet voting.

Important Dates and Deadlines:

Current until August 12, 2026 – Register and update Voter Information

May 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. – Nomination Period Begins

August 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Nominations Close

October 26, 2026 – Municipal and School Board Election Day

November 16, 2026 – Inaugural Council Meeting

Learn more and read the news release

Calling all Youth! Thinking about running for Council in the 2026 Municipal Election?

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a free online workshop designed to provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and boost your confidence in becoming a candidate and running an election campaign.

Date: April 15 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Learn more and register

Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities

Online Workshop Series

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting a series of free online workshops that provide a supportive, skills-focused environment to strengthen your leadership foundation and reconnect with the values that guide public service.

The online series is being offered in two streams:

Stream 1: For elected officials considering re-election. Learn more and register.

Stream 2: For first-time aspiring candidates. Learn more and register.

April marks the welcome arrival of spring in the Municipality of Brighton, bringing renewed energy, fresh optimism, and new opportunities across our community.

This month also includes Easter weekend, a time to gather with family

and friends and enjoy the early signs of changing weather (fingers crossed!).

Throughout April, we are excited to host several community events, including our Volunteer Recognition Event (April 23), Sport and Recreation Showcase (April 25), and the Official Brighton Branding Launch Event (April 30). Each of these gatherings celebrates the spirit of Brighton and supports ongoing community growth and development.

Spring is also a season of planning and preparation. We continue to collaborate with our regional partners and community organizations as we shape a vibrant summer filled with festivals, events, and economic development initiatives.

Our communications efforts will remain active and transparent as work progresses on both the County Road 64/Prince Edward Street Reconstruction and the Harbour Street Reconstruction projects. Throughout these important infrastructure upgrades, Brighton will remain open for business, ensuring that residents and visitors can continue to shop, dine, and support local businesses during construction.

Yours in Economic Development,

Ben Hagerman

Manager of Economic Development and Communications

Supporting Local Business through

Community Improvement Plan Programs

Last week, members of Council joined representatives from Downtown Brighton and the Economic Development and Accessibility Advisory Committees to present a cheque to Brighton Apothecary, representing funds accessed through the Municipality of Brighton’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

Brighton's CIP is a suite of programs designed to invest in rehabilitation and development projects that strengthen our downtown core. These programs focus on façade improvements and accessibility upgrades that align with our community’s long‑term vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving local economy.

Funding from Brighton's CIP was able to help Brighton Apothecary in:

updating the facade of the building and,
creating a more accessible space by adding an accessible washroom and motion-activated accessibility buttons for the doors.

Brighton Apothecary is the second business to benefit from this initiative, and we’re excited to see how these improvements contribute to a more welcoming and accessible downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.

Congratulations, Brighton Apothecary!

Help Us Keep the County Clean

Join us in putting waste in its place during the 16th annual Mayor's Keep the County Clean Challenge!

Running this year from Sunday, April 19 to Saturday, April 25, we're cleaning up roadside ditches, parks, and public spaces. Gather your friends, family, co-workers, teammates, and neighbours, and let’s bash some trash!

New this year, participants of the Keep the County Clean Challenge will receive a sheet of garbage bag tags in exchange for their efforts to clean up our community (limit to one sheet per household/organization registered).

Registration forms to participate in the Challenge will be available from April 1 to 15. You can find them...

On our website and,
In person at 35 Alice Street during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Supply pick-up will run from April 16 to 24 at the Municipal Centre (35 Alice Street) during regular business hours. Please note that this year, supplies will be pre-packaged for participants and not distributed through the supply pick-up bins.

For more information, please contact Gord Fletcher, Public Works Supervisor, at gfletcher@brighton.ca or (613) 475-0670 ext. 104.

The Municipality of Brighton is honoured to celebrate the dedicated community volunteers who strengthen our community at this year’s Brighton Volunteer Recognition Event.

Fellow volunteers are invited to join members of Council and municipal staff on April 23 at the Owen Gibb Community Hall, 75 Elizabeth Street, as we celebrate those who generously share their time, compassion, and expertise to improve the well being of our community.

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the 2026 Community Service Excellence Award, a prestigious award that recognize individuals who have made a significant impact in our community. To further celebrate the diverse spirit of volunteerism in Brighton, Spirit of Service Awards will also be presented to each nominated volunteer.

Complimentary tickets for community volunteers are now available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets may be reserved through the Municipal website or by phoning the Municipal Office at (613) 475 – 0670 ext. 210. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m., featuring remarks, light refreshments, and award presentations.

This event is proudly hosted during National Volunteer Week 2026, a time to recognize volunteers and the meaningful impact of their contributions across the country.

For more information about the Volunteer Recognition Event or to reserve tickets, please visit www.brighton.ca.

Community Input Needed to Shape New Tool for

Equity - Deserving Residents

Community partners across the Bay of Quinte are developing Quinte Compass, a new online tool will connect equity-deserving residents in the region with the services and supports they need, and they are calling on the community to help inform its development. Like a compass, the dashboard will guide users to relevant resources and strengthen connections across the region.

Residents and organizations are encouraged to complete the survey during March and April.

This project is a collaborative initiative between Loyalist College’s Centre for Healthy Communities, Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, Quinte Immigration Services, Belonging Re-Defined, and the The City of Belleville | Municipal Government's Economic Development department.

Complete the survey

Starter Company Plus+ Applications Now Open

Are you a Northumberland County entrepreneur who is looking to expand your business and have been in operation for more than 6 months?

The Starter Company Growth Program offers businesses growth development, training, advice, and mentoring. Eligible approved applicants could receive a grant of up to $3,500.

The grant application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2026

For eligibility requirements and the application process, visit Business Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland website.

Spring Yard Sale at Trinity-St. Andrew's United

Join Trinity- St. Andrew’s United for their annual Spring Yard Sale on Friday, May 1 and Saturday May, 2.

This Gigantic Church Yard Sale Indoors has something for everyone! Browse a selection of household items, books, music, small appliances, sports, toys, tools etc.

Date and Times:

Friday, May 1 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 2 - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This event will be held rain or shine.

Location:

Trinity- St. Andrew’s United

Church Hall - Inside and Outside

56 Prince Edward St., Brighton

Council and Committee meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre, 35 Alice Street and are open to the public.

Council and Council Planning meetings are streamed live on our YouTube Channel.

Regular Council Meetings: These meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month.
Planning Council Meetings: These meetings are held on the second Monday of each month.

Below is a list of recent Council and Committee meetings.