Spring eNews 2021
Your latest news and opportunities to connect with your community!
"The Natural Place to Be"
Mayor's Message
Thank you to everyone throughout Seguin for all of your patience and assistance this past year as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic uncertainty. The North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit has the lowest per capita case count in the province because our community has responded well to the public health measures. At our township offices, work has never stopped and all of our services have continued to be offered – albeit via telephone and online. While the offices remain closed to the public our staff have continued to provide all of our essential services including maintaining standard levels of service across all departments including the issuance of building permits to keep construction moving throughout Seguin.
 
We are planning and prepared to deliver on our community programs such as water quality testing, our learn to swim programs and our summer ice and hockey schools based on the direction and advice from the health unit. Please continue to watch seguin.ca for up to date information.
 
Seguin Council continues to prioritize accessible, affordable broadband for all of our residents. We understand the frustration many people have felt with the lack of robust connectivity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your Council has entered into a contract with Vianet to deliver wireless to the home with 50mbps down and 10mbps up to 2467 homes and businesses in 2022. We have also received strong proposals from two other internet service providers that have the capability to deliver connectivity to a combined 2095 homes and businesses. Seguin Council will not let our commitment to enhanced internet service to all fall by the wayside.
 
Your Council is pleased to have approved the 2021 budget with a 0.5% tax increase while adding several important service improvements delivering on vital commitments made in the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. This increase represents a $8.78 increase in total property tax for the average residential property owner. This budget includes a total allocation of $300,000 to convert seasonal roads to year-round maintained roads throughout the Township.
 
In 2021, you will see Seguin begin a township-wide project to develop a long-term integrated trails and active transportation strategy in recognition of the importance our trails have in making Seguin a special place to live and visit. With our neighbouring townships, we continue to await confirmation of provincial and federal funding to build the long-awaited Wellness Centre and Pool Complex.
 
As COVID-19 vaccinations rollout throughout Canada and spring unfolds throughout Seguin, we are hoping for a year much different from last with the opening of our community buildings and programs. Please continue to practice all of the public health guidelines including physical distancing, wearing a mask and frequent hand washing. Above all, please support our local businesses and be kind to those around you.

Ann MacDiarmid
Mayor
CAO's Message
It’s hard to believe that 6 months has passed since I joined the Township and moved our family here to Seguin Township. I continue to be inspired by the community’s commitment to achieving the objectives of your strategic plan and our community's resilience during one of the most challenging times in a generation. My wife, children and I are so grateful for your warm welcome to Seguin. 

The environment first way of life is so vitally important to all of us and shapes the decision making processes and recommendations your administration makes to council. This objective remains a top priority for all staff with a focus on protecting and enhancing our natural environment. 

We continue to shape our policies and plans to support you, our focus of bringing reliable infrastructure including enhanced connectivity through broadband, physical infrastructure and a strong local economy are priorities we continue to advance locally and as a partner in the West Parry Sound District. We strive to ensure there are ample opportunities for all to prosper, especially during such challenging times. 

Our goal of providing an exceptional customer experience remains a top priority and shapes the actions of the township administration daily. While we explore and implement various improvements and efficiencies, we are also faced with the challenges and complexities of maintaining compliance with provincial regulations and the recommendations of our local health officials. Like so many of you, we pivot and shift the direction of the organization on a daily basis as we evolve with the varying impacts of COVID-19. 

I encourage everyone to remain cautious and stay safe during these challenging times. Maintain your due diligence by practicing all the appropriate safeguards to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including staying home as much as possible, maintaining physical distancing, wearing your masks and only going out for essential needs. Now is the time for each of us to do our part by staying committed to these practices keeping our families, friends and community safe. 

I look forward to meeting and seeing you all around the community in the near future. We are in the home stretch as vaccinations continue to roll out across the district and the province. My family and I are looking forward to meeting you out in the community while we further explore and enjoy everything Seguin has to offer when the time is right. 

Stay strong and stay safe!
 
Jason Inwood
 
Community Services Update
We are happy to announce the launch of our new online booking system for Program Registration and Facility Rentals. It's easy to create an account and user friendly to complete your transaction including paying online.

SWIM
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Living in the North and learning to swim go hand in hand. This skill is essential and the Township of Seguin provides numerous opportunities to learn at the Foley Matheson Beach and the Rosseau Waterfront.

Session #1: July 5 - July 16
Session #2: July 19 - July 30
Session #3: August 3 - August 13
Session #4: August 16 - August 27
Also offering Bronze Star/Medallion/Cross


**due to Covid-19, all classes are subject to change and/or cancellation.**
Humphrey Community Centre
Summer Ice Rentals
We are planning to have our ice open this summer pending current Covid-19 restrictions. If you are interested in booking summer ice click here to book online, call 705-732-4300 et 263 or email kduggan@seguin.ca
Hockey puck and skates
Making Seguin Greener One Tree At A Time
To celebrate Earth Day we marked the occasion by giving 500 White Spruce seedlings out in the community. Thank you to everyone that picked up and planted a tree and to those that shared their photos with us!
Building Department Update
Seguin Building Department has been working diligently to maintain customer service in spite of the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently working on updating our web pages so you can easily find important information you are looking for. With this link https://forms.seguin.ca/Building-Inspection-Request-Form you can now make your inspection request online! You will receive confirmation directly from your inspector as to when they will be there. We are currently working to improve on the efficiency of our intake and plans review process with the ability to receive and review most applications digitally. You can email us your applications and supporting documents in one correspondence (PDF format) to building@seguin.ca. Our inspectors are also working hard to maintain a short turn-a-round times for inspections thus supporting the progress of your project. 

Do you have open building permits issued to your property?
Now is the time to address and close your open building permit. Occupying a building prior to closing the building permit is a contravention of the Building Code Act not to mention, that this action could leave the occupants exposed to health and safety risks and other liabilities. The Township of Seguin is taking steps to address open permits in our municipality to be sure that our rate payers are safe and there is no exposure to the potential liabilities that come from dormant open building permits. If you are unsure, please contact the staff at Seguin Township, with your property information, to determine if you have any outstanding building permit items to address and close. The Building Department is best reached by email at building@seguin.ca or by phone 705-732-4300.
Fire Department Update
Fire services logo
The Twins have Arrived!
Seguin Fire Department put two new tankers in service the beginning of May. Tanker 12 will be replacing and servicing Foley and Tank 42 will be replacing and servicing Humphrey. Both vehicles carry 2000 gallons of water.
Tanker 42
Tanker 12
Fire Danger Rating
Be sure to check the Fire Danger Rating each time before you burn. Fire Danger Rating Boards can be found throughout the Township or click HERE to visit our website.
Public Works Update
Farewell to winter 2020-2021, while mother nature was not overly aggressive this past winter, the impacts of Covid-19 were and continue to be a top priority for all of Seguin’s Staff. The entire public works winter crew was on call, 7-days per week, 24 hours a day from November 1st to mid-April to keep our community safe. We are very proud of our team and thank them for their commitment to keeping your roads safe and passable and their dedication to keeping a safe working environment.  
 
While spring has sprung, is has been a slow roll out to warmer weather, that said, we have had our hands full this spring with many challenges for Public Works staff. From maintaining our roads and initiating new recycling practices to ramping up capital projects, we are working hard to serve our residents safely and efficiently while continuing to comply with the changing Covid-19 restrictions and protocols.  
2021 Projects
Our Public Works crews will be busy again this season maintaining the roadway network and kicking off several capital projects that were approved in the 2021 budget.
                                
Approved Projects include:
  • Salmon Lake Road - slurry seal from 3 Legged Lake road, inland
  • Star Lake Road – Phase 1 Rejuvenation 
  • Continue work on converting seasonal roads to year round roads, including Morgan Bay Rd., Otter Lake Road seasonal, Burkett Drive, Loon Drive, Islandview Road, Schmidt Circle, and Shady Lane.
  • Bi-Annual bridge and structure condition assessments.
  •  Data collection of road speeds continues throughout the year, with a blitz in early August to capture speed data during peak season.
Waste Disposal Update
Waste disposal is for Seguin residents and property owners only! Please do not dump illegal materials at our transfer sites, as the cost of clean-up is ultimately absorbed by you, the taxpayer. If you observe someone dumping illegally or want to report the condition of a waste transfer site, please call By-Law Enforcement during regular business hours at 705-732-4300 or after hours at 705-751-0050

Canadian Diabetes Association has resumed collecting clothing and materials. Clothesline bins are located at all waste transfer sites. The Township diverts thousands of kilograms of textiles from our landfill each year, while supporting this fundraising initiative. Win-Win!

Hazardous waste is accepted year round at the McFarlane Street transfer site in Parry Sound. Seguin Township does not collect hazardous waste. For more information and hours of operation, please call Parry Sound at 705-746-2101 or visit www.parrysound.ca
Seguin Landfill Hours & Special Events

Seguin Landfill - 39 Star Lake Road
Summer Hours
8:00am to 4:00pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
(May 1st to Oct 31st)

The landfill accepts furniture, mattresses, brush, appliances (including fridges), scrap metal, electronics, and car tires for free. Construction materials, shingles, and boats will continue to be accepted at their regular tipping fee.

Free Bulky Waste dates for Seguin Residents

  • Saturday, May 22 and Sunday May 23, 2021
  • June 26 to September 6, 2021

Please note: Due to Covid-19 constraints,
  • All Free Dump Days events will be held at our landfill site only
  • Landfill Attendants are not permitted to handle your recycling items
  • Mask wearing is in effect
  • A limited number of residents are permitted within the landfill site at any one time. In the event of a line-up, please be patient.
  • All events are subject to Covid-19 restrictions and are subject to change.

RECYCLING
We now recycle boat shrink wrap
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting blue and white boat shrink wrap at our landfill site. Please ensure your boat wrap is clean of debris, free of zippers, snaps and ties, is dry and is neatly bundled for recycling.  Boat shrink wrap will be limited to 2 free bundles per household during Free Bulky Waste times. The cost to recycle shrink wrap is $5/bundle for residents, $10/bundle for commercial operators outside these times.
Here is a list of things you can recycle at each of our transfer stations:
CONTAINERS
  • Clear & coloured glass
  • Steel
  • Aluminum trays and foil
  • Cat litter tubs with plastic handles
  • Rigid plastic bottles
  • Plastic soft drink bottles
  • Clear compact disk cases
  • Tubs & lids
FIBRES
  • Newspaper & mixed paper
  • Phone books
  • Boxboard
  • Brown paper bags
  • Cardboard
  • Magazines & flyers
  • Wax coated milk & juice cartons
Liquor and beer bottles are not being collected at our transfer stations at this time because of Covid restrictions. We encourage you to return them for a deposit at the Beer Store where you can receive or donate the funds to the charity supported by the Beer Store. The last resort is to drop them into the container recycling bin.
Re-use Centre
Due to its non-essential status, the Re-use Center at the Landfill is closed during Provincial lockdown orders, and will re-open when safely permitted to do so. Donations of your re-useable items will continue to be collected during this time.
Composting
We are pleased to announce the continuation of our Backyard Composting Program for 2021. Seguin Residents may apply for a rebate of up to $40, off the purchase of a backyard composter. Some conditions apply. Please visit our website for more information and to obtain an application form. Click here
Seguin Public Libraries Update
The Library Staff are hard at work getting ready for this summer. While our programming might not look like it used to, we have a lot of fun stuff planned. Crafts, Scavenger Hunts, more Storytimes and even a chance for our local kids to write their own stories!
 
The TD Summer Reading Club is going to be held entirely online this year, so keep checking our website and social media for more information on when the club is open for registration. 
PaperShapers Monthly Origami Club
The PaperShapers Monthly Origami Club is looking for more members. This club is open to all ages, and you can sign up by emailing the library at seguinplstaff@gmail.com. Visit our website here for more information.
Curbside Pickup

The Christie and Humphrey Branches are open for curbside pickup!. You can place holds on items by email, over the phone or by visiting our website and logging into your library account.

Christie Branch Hours: Tuesday 2 - 7 pm and Friday 10 am to 3 pm 705-732-2850
Humphrey Branch Hours: Tuesday 10 am - 3 pm and Thursday 2 to 7 pm 705-732-4526
Seguin Township
5 Humphrey Drive
Seguin, ON. P2A 2W8
T. 705-732-4300