December 2025

As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect opportunity to look back on the year and reflect on the many moments and events that brought Tay Township together.  

From challenges like the ice storm—where our community came together to support one another—to celebrations such as Tay Canada Day, Portarama, and the Tay Tree Lighting, this year has been filled with moments to be proud of and grateful for. We enjoyed Seniors events, launched initiatives like e-billing and online dog tag licensing, hosted our second Meet the Fleet, and celebrated another successful Tee Off With Tay. Some highlights include our first Week of Welcome Open House, honouring Dr. Charles Talbot with a newly named road, and the Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue committee reaching its fundraising goal—milestones that showcase Tay’s strength, spirit, and progress. 

Winter certainly arrived early this year! A friendly reminder to help our Operational Services crews, who are hard at work keeping roads clear and safe for everyone. You can help by removing any obstacles from roads and sidewalks, such as basketball nets, hockey nets, and garbage or recycling carts. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe! 

The Municipal Office will be closed starting at noon on Wednesday, December 24, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. For after-hours emergency services for Water, Wastewater, Roads, and Parks, please call 705-526-5762. Additionally, the Tay Township Public Library will operate on amended holiday hours. For more information, please visit tay.ca/library.  

On behalf of myself, Council and Staff, I want to wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season. May this time be spent with loved ones and making memories. I look forward to 2026 and all that it brings for Tay Township. 

Until next time,

Mayor Ted Walker twalker@tay.ca.

Upcoming Meetings

Holiday Office Closure

Tay Township is Hiring

Join #TeamTay today! We’re hiring for various Summer Student positions! Municipal student positions are a fantastic way to learn about local government and the way it connects with the community it serves.

✅Legislative Services Student

✅Municipal Law Enforcement Services Students

✅Summer Operational Services Students

✅Summer Program Assistant

✅Day Camp Counsellors

📍Postings Close at 4pm on January 13, 2026 | Full details at tay.ca/jobs.

Tay Community Rink

Holiday Schedule

The Tay Community Rink is OPEN! Check out the full schedule below for public skating times from December 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026. For full details and more information please visit tay.ca/rinks.

Winter Active Living Programs

Get active this Winter in Tay Township! Registration for Winter Active Living Programs is now OPEN! Some of the programs being offered this year include Yoga, Pilates and HIIT.

For more information and to register visit tay.ca/register.

Tay Shore Trail Winter Update

Maintenance of the Tay Shore Trail has wrapped up for the season, except for 2 sections that will remain maintained:

• Waubaushene: Pine St. to Coldwater Rd. 
• Port McNicoll: First Ave Trail – Davidson St. to Woodlands Ave. 

Please note that this season, under a Council authorized one year trial, the trail section from Triple Bay Road to Duffy Drive will be groomed by the Georgian Bay Snowriders Club and will be designated as a multi-use trail.

To check the status of the snowmobile trail throughout the season, please visit the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs website. 

Maintenance of the entire Tay Shore Trail will resume in the spring of 2026. 

Thank you for helping us keep the trail safe this winter! For more info, visit tay.ca/news.

Reminder Winter Parking Regulations In Effect

Reminder! Winter Parking Regulations are in effect from November 15 until April 1.

Please do not park your vehicle on or within 3.05 metres (10 feet) of roads between 3:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

For more information visit tay.ca/WinterParking or call us at 705-534-7248 and press 2 to connect with a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, or email mleo@tay.ca.

Reminder: New CO Alarm Requirements Effective Jan. 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, updates to the Ontario Fire Code will require enhanced carbon monoxide (CO) alarm safety in residential spaces.

All residential occupancies including homes, apartments and other dwellings that contain a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage must have:



• A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm adjacent to each sleeping area.
• A CO alarm on each storey without a sleeping area (on every floor).

Tay Township Fire and Emergency Services is always available to help you with your CO and smoke alarms. Learn more at tay.ca/news.

2026 Burn Permits Available Through New Community Connect Portal 
Starting January 2, 2026

Starting January 2, 2026, Tay Township will launch Community Connect, a new online portal for our Fire Department. Through this portal, residents can purchase burn permits and provide important information that will assist Tay Fire & Emergency Services in the event of an emergency. 

What’s Changing? 

• Burn permits will now be available through Community Connect accessed at tay.ca/firepermits starting January 2, 2026.
• The cost remains $20 per permit and is valid for 1 year from the purchase date.
• Online purchase is encouraged, but permits can still be obtained in person at the Municipal Office, during regular business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For full details visit tay.ca/news.

Toys for the North

A heartwarming delivery of thousands of toys, generously provided by The Canadian Toy Association and Thomson Terminals, is on its way to families in need across North Simcoe! These gifts will bring joy to children and families this holiday season.

A huge THANK YOU to the amazing volunteers who helped organize and deliver these toys, ensuring that every child has a reason to smile. Your dedication makes a world of difference!

Is the Nearest Fire Hydrant 
Clear of Snow?

In an emergency, every second counts. Tay Fire and Emergency Services are asking residents to help keep fire hydrants accessible this winter. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, please assist the Fire Department by clearing the snow within a one-metre radius around the hydrant. This will ensure it can be quickly located and used if needed. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!

Dog Tag Reminder

Be a responsible pet owner and learn more about the licensing and control of dogs within the Township.

Tay Township has a two-dog limit and dogs are required to be immunized against rabies.

Residents can now purchase and pay for their dog tags online. Click here to submit an online dog tag application. Proof of valid rabies vaccination is required.

Dog licenses are also available for purchase in person at the Township office or by mail by completing the application and submitting it along with proof of rabies vaccination to 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour, ON L0K 2A0.

Why license your dog?

• If your dog is lost or involved in an emergency, a license provides information needed to contact you.
• Lost dogs are returned home faster and spend less time in our care.
• It is a legal requirement, and you could be fined without a dog license.

For more information regarding canine control and dog tags please contact our Municipal Law Enforcement Team at 705-534-7248 and press option 2 or via email mleo@tay.ca. 

Tay Township Public Library

Check off some resolutions with the library this year! Want to spend more time with friends and family? We have board games and puzzles for that! Or if you've decided you need more outdoor time, you can check out an Ontario Parks or Wye Marsh pass! We've also got lots of books about health and nutrition if that is on your list for 2026. Whatever you're looking for, Tay Township Library staff are happy to help!

Read all the details about our programming and new titles in our Newsletter. Don't miss out on another Library event - subscribe to our newsletter, click here and fill out the form.

There is so much more in branch, don't take our word for it, plan to visit your Library today.

Changes Coming to Recycling Collection in Simcoe County

Starting January 1, 2026, residential recycling collection will be managed by Circular Materials as part of Ontario’s move to a standardized, producer-led recycling system.

Circular Materials will oversee recycling services for single family residential units. The County of Simcoe will continue to provide garbage and organics collection, as well as operate local waste drop-off facilities as usual. For more details, visit simcoe.ca/recyclingchange.

Victoria Harbour Lions Club

Forest Bathing - Pause. Breathe. Unwind. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Wye Marsh when you join Karen Chaplin, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, for a transformative walk along frosty winter trails.

Where: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, 16160 Hwy 12 E, Midland

When: January 14th, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm

How much: Non - Members $30 / Members $20

Who: 18+

For more information visit the Wye Marsh.

A Message from Tay Township

Fire and Emergency Services

If you're flying a drone, stay well away from emergency scenes, like accidents, fires, or police and rescue operations. Drone rules are set by Transport Canada, and flying near emergency sites is not only dangerous, it's illegal. Check where you can fly safely at Canada.ca/drone-safety

© The Corporation of the Township of Tay

450 Park Street, PO Box 100

Victoria Harbour, ON L0K 2A0

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 705-534-7248

Fax: 705-534-4493

www.tay.ca