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Fire Risk Level Increased to High
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are permitted, however extreme caution is required for all large open-air burning. Read the full notice here.
Page Category: Services
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Accessible Transit
Whether you have a medical appointment, shopping errand, or are visiting a friend, Meaford Moves+ is an accessible door-to-door bus service that can get you there. Individuals who live in the Municipality and have a disability or mobility challenge may be eligible to use this service. Register today to start booking your trips!
Transit services are provided throughout the Municipality of Meaford. Bookings for medical appointments to Collingwood, Thornbury, and Owen Sound are also available. For more information on this service, see the Specialized Transit Policy.
FAQ
Meaford Moves+ accepts users with both permanent and temporary disabilities. To qualify for Meaford Moves+, applicants must either:
- Have a healthcare professional sign off on the application, or;
- Provide proof of eligibility through documents such as an Accessible Parking Permit, proof of ODSP, etc.
Disabilities include those identified in the Ontario Human Rights Code, including but not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive and mental health disabilities. Qualification is not based on your income or age.
Scooters and electric wheelchairs (depending on their size, weight and type) are permitted on the transit bus. Please have your devices verified by the transit operator ahead of time to make sure they can fit securely.
All prices are for one-way trips only. You may bring up to two companions with you. Companions pay the same fare. If you require a support person to use the bus, this person travels for free.
Local Trip – $2.00
Trip to Owen Sound, Thornbury, or Collingwood – $8.00
Specialized transit operates Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Once you have submitted your application and have your pass, just call 519-538-5577 to book your trip.
To apply for Meaford Moves+, complete the Meaford Moves Application.
You can either have the application form completed and signed by one of the Health Care Professionals listed in the Policy, or provide the information from a valid Ontario Accessible Parking Permit to the Municipal Office. The application must be either signed by the applicant, or signed on behalf of the applicant if he/she is incapable of signing.
Submit your completed form to:
Once your application is submitted and approved, you will receive your transit card in the mail.
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Parking
From April 2 to November 14 annually, overnight parking on streets is permitted.
Parking in Meaford includes municipal lots and street parking, with specific regulations.
Overnight Winter Parking (November 15 to April 1)
- No parking is allowed on streets or in municipal lots between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. during these dates to facilitate snow removal.
- Exception: The Market Square Parking Lot at 12 Nelson Street East permits overnight parking in designated rows. Park in the ‘odd’ or ‘even’ row corresponding to the next day’s date when plowing occurs between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. For example, if parking on the 15th and leaving your vehicle overnight, use the ‘even’ row for the 16th.
Memorial Park Paid Parking (May 1 to October 31, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
- Non-residents: $10/day or $100/season plus user fees. Pay by visiting the honkmobile.com with Visa, Mastercard, or Visa Debit.
- Residents can register their vehicle for free parking in one of the following ways:
- Online: Fill out the the registration application to self-register.
- Once your application is approved by our staff, you will get an email asking you to claim your permit and register with HONK.
- In Person: Registration is also available at during staff hours at:
- Memorial Park Office
- Municipal Office
- Be sure to have proof of residency (e.g. driver’s licence, tax or utility bill) and vehicle ownership documentation available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free parking is available at various locations (observe posted signs for restrictions), including:
- Berry Street (25 Berry Street)
- Beautiful Joe Park (162 Edwin Street)
- Bognor Hall (597352 Grey Road 29)
- David Johnston Park (128 Fuller Street)
- Fred Raper Park (207 Bayfield Street)
- Irish Mountain Lookout (265566 Sideroad 25)
- Legion Park (South/East corner Owen Street and Legion Road)
- Leith Beach (359392 Grey Road 15)
- Meaford and St. Vincent Arena and Community Centre (151 Collingwood Street West)
- Meaford Harbour (3 St. Vincent Street)
- Memorial Park (181 Grant Avenue)
- Nelson Street West (28 Nelson Street West)
- Riverside Hall (157707 7th Line)
- St. Vincent Park (269 Lakeshore Road)
- Off-leash Dog Park (25 Grant Avenue)
- Trowbridge St. East (22 Trowbridge Street)
- Woodford Hall (107 Woodford Crescent)
- Trowbridge Street Rear Lots (15 and 21 Trowbridge Street)
- Meaford Public Library (11 Sykes Street North)
- All municipal locations have accessible parking, other than those noted.
Prohibited overnight (2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) from November 15 to April 1, except at Market Square Parking Lot as specified above.Maintain at least 3 meters from fire hydrants and 9 meters from intersections.
* Please note that this location does not have designated accessible parking space
Parking tickets are issued for by-law violations. Payments can be made via cash, debit, or cheque at the Administration Office, 21 Trowbridge Street West, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For appeals, please contact bylaw@meaford.ca or 519-538-1060 ext. 1134.
To dispute a parking ticket, complete a Parking Action Form.
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Municipal Drains
Municipal drains are critical pieces of rural infrastructure that help manage stormwater and protect farmland, roads, and properties from flooding. In the Municipality of Meaford, these drains are governed by the Ontario Drainage Act and are typically found in agricultural areas.
What is a Municipal Drain?
Municipal drains are typically located in agricultural or rural areas and are legally constructed drainage systems created through formal proceedings under the Ontario Drainage Act. These systems may include:
- Open ditches
- Enclosed pipes or tiles
- Culverts
- Bridges and other related structures
Municipal drains are not natural watercourses, though they may follow or connect to them. They are created to remove excess surface water from land, particularly agricultural land, and may serve multiple property owners.
Responsibilities Under the Drainage Act
Under the Ontario Drainage Act, municipalities are responsible for:
- Maintaining and repairing existing municipal drains
- Coordinating drainage petitions for new drains or improvements
- Ensuring assessments and cost-sharing are conducted fairly
- Communicating with landowners impacted by drainage projects
The Municipality of Meaford appoints a Drainage Superintendent to manage and coordinate these responsibilities and to ensure compliance with provincial legislation.
Maintenance and Repairs
Drain maintenance is critical to prevent flooding and waterlogging. Regular maintenance activities may include:
- Clearing blockages
- Removing sediment or debris
- Repairing damaged sections
- Vegetation control
When maintenance is required, costs are typically shared among the landowners within the drain’s watershed area, as outlined in a prior engineer’s report. Each property’s share is based on how much it contributes to the drainage area.
Property owners are not permitted to perform maintenance or make changes to a municipal drain on their own. Unauthorized work may cause damage or legal complications.
Requesting Work on a Municipal Drain
If an existing municipal drain requires:
- Maintenance (clearing blockages, removing debris, repairing infrastructure), or
- Minor improvements, you may request work by contacting the Municipal Drainage Superintendent below.
If a drain needs to be improved, extended, or newly constructed, a petition must be filed under Section 4 or 78 of the Drainage Act. A petition requires support from affected landowners and must be submitted to the Municipal Clerk. Once accepted, the municipality will:
- Appoint an engineer
- Conduct a site assessment
- Prepare a report with recommendations and cost assessments
- Hold a public meeting to review the report with affected landowners
- Present the report to Council for decision
This process ensures fair cost-sharing and legal compliance for all affected parties.
Current Drainage Projects
The following municipal drain projects are in progress or under review through the Drainage Act process.
Flooding and erosion in the Paradise Bay and Bayshore Road area led to a drainage petition under the Drainage Act.
Initiated by a petition under the drainage act, this project addresses ponding and erosion in rural agricultural lands near 2nd Concession North. A 576 m closed drainage system is planned for construction in 2025.
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Water & Wastewater Billing
As part of the 2026 budget, the Municipality of Meaford is updating how water and wastewater bills are calculated, effective February 1, 2026. These updates move the community toward a more consumption‑based user pay system that ties your bill more directly to the amount of water your household uses.
Understanding Your Water Bill
Take a look at this example of a water bill to see exactly what to expect. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each charge:
- Service Charge: A fixed fee that covers water and/or sewer service.
- Water Charge: Based on your monthly water consumption, measured in cubic meters.
- Sewer Charge: Based on your monthly water consumption, measured in cubic meters.
- Additional Fees: Any extra charges related to specific services or infrastructure projects.
View water and wastewater rates
Paying Your Water Bill
There are several ways to pay your bill:
- Through your Bank– Pay at the teller or through online banking. Be sure to use the water account number as the payee reference. Depending on your bank, we may be referred to as Meaford PUC, Meaford Utilities, Meaford Public Utilities, or Meaford (Mun. of) Utilities. Note that payments typically take 2-3 business days. Some other helpful tips:
- Drop the first two zeros from your customer number and enter it correctly to avoid admin fees
- Sign up for a pre-authorized payment plan to ensure that your bills are paid on time
- In Person– Pay at the Municipal Office (21 Trowbridge St. W, Meaford). We accept debit, cheque, and cash.
- By Mail– Send your payment, along with the bill stub, to the Municipal Office. Please note that the Municipality is not responsible for delays in the mail.
- By Credit Card – Visa and MasterCard are accepted as payment options. Please note that both payments incur a 1.75% fee, with a $1,000 max, and processing takes two business days.
- Phone: 1-877-565-3799
- Online
To register for pre-authorized payments, please:
- Complete the online registration form
- Submit it by mail or drop it off at the Municipal Office: 21 Trowbridge St. W
If you have any questions, please contact our Tax Department or Utilities Department for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water bills are issued monthly and are typically sent between the 20th and 23rd of each month. The due date will be the 15th (or the next business day) and is printed in the upper right corner of your bill. Please ensure that your payment is received by this date to avoid any late charges. After the due date, interest at a rate of 1.25% will be applied monthly on any outstanding balance.
This can be caused by several factors, such as increased water usage, a leak in your system, or changes to the water rate. If your bill seems unusually high, start by checking your faucets, toilets, and pipes for potential leaks, and review your water consumption. If you have any concerns, contact our billing department for further assistance.
If you are buying or selling a property in Meaford, complete this form to set up or cancel your account.
Please submit your request at least 5 business days before your closing date to ensure timely processing.
All water and wastewater accounts will be registered under the name of the property owner, who will be held ultimately responsible for all water and wastewater charges, as well as any associated fees billed to the property.
If both the property owner and tenant agree, the utility bill can be sent under the property owner’s name, marked care of the tenant at the tenant’s address. This requires completing a property owner tenant account guarantee form.
Final Reading Notification: The property owner must notify the Municipality of a required final reading a minimum of five (5) business days before the date a tenant vacates or occupies the property. Notification must be made in writing via the form available at the Municipal Office, on the website, or by email upon request.
Arrears Notification: In cases of arrears, a statement of account will be mailed to both the property owner and tenant(s) for any accounts that are over 30 days past due. A final arrears notice will be sent to the property owner if an account balance remains unpaid for 90 days or reaches an amount of $900, whichever occurs first. The notice will inform the property owner that if payment is not received by the next billing due date, the outstanding balance will be transferred to the property tax roll. The property owner will be responsible for any additional charges or penalties associated with the transfer to the tax roll.
Some properties that are not connected to municipal water and/or wastewater will still receive a water bill. This is because of an Infrastructure Renewal Fee, a flat rate charge which is applied in the following cases:
- The property has water and/or wastewater infrastructure in front of it but is not connected
- The property is vacant but has services installed up to the property line
These properties are included in the system’s water and wastewater capacity because they might connect at some point in the future. The fee helps cover the cost of maintaining or upgrading the infrastructure, ensuring the services are ready when needed.
Water rates are set annually by Council via the user fees and charges by-law.
Water Certificates are available by request with a cost of $50.00 per property. Certificate requests can be emailed to water@meaford.ca along with a copy of the cheque to be mailed to the following address, with the cheque made payable to:
Municipality of Meaford
Water Department
21 Trowbridge St. W
Meaford, ON, N4L 1A1 -
By-Law Complaints
In the Municipality of Meaford, certain controls exist to help our community run smoothly and safely. Get to know the basics of by-laws, including how to submit a complaint.
The key distinction is in their scope and jurisdiction; laws focus on broad legal principles and issues such as criminal law and human rights, while by-laws center on more local, everyday matters such as noise control. Enacted by federal or provincial governments, laws apply across and entire jurisdiction, and by-laws, in contrast, are enacted by municipal governments, like Meaford, and apply solely within their boundaries.
Here you can find a list of applications for various licences and permits such as building permits and dog tags.
Municipal Enforcement Service, led by the By-law Law Services division, is responsible for enforcing the municipalities’ by-laws on behalf of various municipal departments and divisions, including but not limited to: Building, Fire, Parks, Planning and Transportation and Roads. The Division is committed to raising awareness of community and provincial standards, providing a compliance approach with a wide range of by-laws and regulations related to canine control, fire routes and parking, land use, property and building maintenance, and the use of parks and facilities.
Municipal enforcement complaints can be submitted through the following channels:
- Online: Using the Online Service System
- Email: bylaw@meaford.ca
- Phone: (519) 538-1060
- After hours: (888) 525-7024
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Administrative Penalty System (APS)
What Is an Administrative Penalty System (APS)?
The Administrative Penalty System (APS) is a streamlined, dispute process that replaces the traditional court system for dealing with minor violations of Designated Municipal By-laws covered under the APS By-law. Instead of going through the Provincial Offences Court, APS lets the Municipality resolve these matters directly and more efficiently.
What to Know About the APS Program
- APS is intended to support compliance with designated municipal by-laws through an administrative process managed by the Municipality.
- The initial rollout will apply to select by-laws including Noise, Nuisance, Property Standards, Open-Air Burning, Signs, and Yard and Boulevard Maintenance.
- More serious or ongoing matters may still be addressed through the Provincial Offences Act where appropriate.
The full program will be implemented in mid August of this year. Offences that occur before the implementation date will continue to be addressed through the existing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although they may look similar, a Part I ticket, and a Penalty Notice are processed in different ways. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Part I Ticket: Is an Offence Notice issued under the Provincial Offences Act, which is processed at the Owen Sound Court House.
- Penalty Notice: Is an administrative penalty to the Municipalityissued under the Municipality of Meaford’sDesignated By-laws, which are processed by the Municipality.
With APS, a person who receives a penalty notice will be able to either pay the penalty or request a screening review within the timeframe set out on the Penalty Notice. Instructions on the process will be provided within the Penalty Notice and on the municipal website.
A screening review is the first level of review available under APS. If a person disagrees with a Penalty Notice after the program is implemented, they may request a review by a Screening Officer. The Screening Officer may keep, cancel or reduce the penalty, or extend the time for payment, including any administrative fee(s) based on the information provided and the applicable rules.
If a person disagrees with a Screening Officer’s decision, they may be able to request a hearing review by a Hearing Officer. A Hearing Officer may keep, cancel or reduce the penalty, or extend the time for payment, including any administrative fee(s) based on the information provided and the applicable rules.
The Hearing Officeris not required to make the same decision as the Screening Officer.
If the Hearing Officer agrees with the screening officer’s decision, you will be required to pay an additional‘hearing decision upheld’ fee added to your total amount due.
If you do not attend your hearing review, you will be charged a “non-appearance’ fee.
A Hearing Officer’s decision is final.
No. APS eliminates the need for court appearances for designated minor by-law offences.
Yes. APS allows for escalating penalties for repeat violations to encourage compliance.
No. The court system will still be used for serious offences or situations involving persistent non-compliance.
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Property Taxes
Final property tax installment due dates are August 27 and October 27. To avoid late payment charges of 1.25% per month, payments must be received on or before the due date.
Sign up for e-billing to receive your bills directly to your email and ensure you never miss a payment.
The Municipality of Meaford issues property tax bills twice a year. Collected on behalf of the municipality, Grey County, and local school boards, property taxes fund essential municipal services such as roads, fire protection, policing, parks, recreation, and library services. Learn more about important dates, incentives and rebate programs, and how you can pay your bills at ease and at speed.
Billing Schedule and Due Dates
Interim tax bills are distributed in late January and are based on 50% of the previous year’s taxes.
Final tax bills are distributed in late July and are calculated using the current year’s total taxes, minus the interim amounts already paid.For 2026, the interim bill due dates are February 24 and April 24, and the final bill due dates are August 27 and October 27.
Payment Methods
Online Banking: Set up “Meaford Taxes” as a payee and use your 19-digit roll number. Note: Payments applied to the incorrect account are subject to a $20.00 administration fee.
In Person: Pay by cheque, debit, or cash at 21 Trowbridge Street West.
Mail: Send cheques (no cash) to the address above.
Drop Box: Available 24/7 at the front of the municipal office.
Credit Card: Accepted only through our online bill payment system or by calling 1-877-565-3799. A 1.75% processing fee applies. The maximum payment is $10,000.00. Please allow two business days for processing.
Note: Late payments incur a penalty of 1.25% per month on the outstanding balance. Interest is added on the first day of each month thereafter.
Pre-Authorized Payment Plans
Pay monthly, with withdrawals made on the 20th or the 28th of each month, or choose to have your payments automatically withdrawn on the due date. Sign up using the registration form link below.
Please note:
- An application form and a void cheque are required
- Annual re-enrollment is not necessary
To register for, cancel, or update pre-authorized payments, please:
- Complete the fillable PDF form
- Submit it by mail or drop it off at the Municipal Office, located at 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford
- Or use our online form for pre-authorized payments
If you have any questions, please contact our Tax Department or Utilities Department for assistance.
Tax Certificates
Lawyers or mortgage companies can request tax certificates for a fee of $75.
Submit requests to:
Email: tax@meaford.ca
Mailing Address:
Municipality of Meaford
21 Trowbridge Street West
Meaford, ON N4L 1A1Change of Mailing Address
Property owners are responsible for updating mailing address information. Notify the Municipality if your contact information changes to ensure you receive your bills.
Assessment Information
Property assessments are provided by MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation). For inquiries, visit www.mpac.ca or call 1-866-296-6722.
Tax Incentive and Rebate Programs
Several property tax incentives and rebate programs are available. Contact the appropriate agency for eligibility and application details:
Farm Tax Class: Agricorp–1-888-247-4999
Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program: Ministry of Natural Resources–1-800-387-7011
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program: Ministry of Natural Resources–1-855-866-3847
Low-Income Seniors or Persons with Disabilities Rebate: Annual tax relief (up to $500) is available to qualifying low-income seniors or persons with disabilities for increases in property taxes year-over-year.
Applications are accepted from July through to December.
Complete the Property Tax Increase Relief form or download the PDF.
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Emergency Preparedness
From natural disasters such as floods and tornados to infectious diseases and water contamination – all situations are critical and life-threatening. Disaster can strike out of nowhere, which is why the Municipality has developed an Emergency Management Program to ensure that we are prepared for any potential emergency. The program includes an Emergency Management Plan, along with public education activities, training and exercises.
Be Prepared
Follow these steps to make sure your preparations check all the boxes.
Make a Plan
During an emergency, traditional forms of communication may be an issue, as reception or internet access may be unavailable. Identify several out-of-town contacts whom you and your household members can call or message, those located a fair distance away so they will likely not be affected by the same emergency. Ensure these emergency contacts are posted somewhere easily visible in your household.
In the event of an evacuation, choose two safe locations, one of them close to home and the other located outside of your neighbourhood.
If you have pets, designate someone who can look after your furry friends if you have to evacuate your home, as only service animals are often allowed at reception centres.
Ensure that all of your family members are informed, and are well-versed in:
- Utility shut-off procedures, including how to turn off main utilities such as water valves and electrical panels
- Evacuation routes, whether that is exiting your home through a main exit or alternate one such as a window
- Fire and safety measures, including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers
- A list of emergency numbers, including a family doctor and police
Make a Kit
Your emergency kit should hold everything you and your family would need to be safe and self-sufficient for at least three days (72 hours) immediately following an emergency. Make sure yours includes these essentials:
- Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days) and a manual can opener
- Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day)
- Medication(s)
- Flashlight
- Radio (crank or battery-run)
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
- Important papers (such as identification, contact lists, and copies of prescriptions)
- Extra car keys and cash
- Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
- Zip-lock bag (to keep things dry)
- Garbage bags
Discover more information and helpful tips.
Stay Informed
Things may change quickly during an emergency, so it is important to stay tuned to local news channels. As power outages are always a possibility, be sure to have a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your emergency kit. Stay informed with these resources:
Preparing for Severe Weather
Thunderstorms & Flooding
Did you know that in Canada each year, there are between two and three lightning-related deaths and 180 lightning-related injuries, on average?
As the costliest natural hazard in terms of property damage, floods can cause power outages, shoreline erosion, and damage to roads and infrastructure.
Learn what to do during stormy weather.
Winter Weather
Did you know that winter storms are more responsible for more deaths in Canada than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined?
Discover how to stay safe during the winter months.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme Cold
Before heading outdoors, plan ahead. Listen to the weather forecast, and dress in warm layers with a wind-resistant outer layer and warm, waterproof footwear. Wear appropriate clothes such as a scarf or facemask to cover as much exposed skin as possible.
Warming and cooling centres available at the community centre and the library, open during business hours.
Learn how to stay warm, including health risks and what to watch out for, so you can enjoy the winter weather.
Extreme Heat
Climate change is expected to bring heat waves that are more frequent, intense, and longer lasting. This may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among the most vulnerable. Know how to stay safe, and stay cool.
Everybody is at risk during these extremes, though the individuals at the highest risk include:
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- Those with chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes) or mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia, depression, dementia)
- Those on certain types of medications (such as high blood pressure)
- Outdoor workers (depending upon length or time and exertion levels)
Learn more about heat-related illnesses, including symptoms and prevention.
Municipal Emergency Management Plan
Meaford’s Emergency Management Plan helps us protect residents, businesses and visitors in the case of an emergency. We coordinate our emergency response with a number of agencies under the direction of the Municipal Control Group.
The Plan provides key officials, agencies and departments with important emergency response information, and outlines everyone’s roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency. It helps us provide a centralized, controlled and coordinated response to emergencies that might happen in the Municipality of Meaford, and meets the legislated requirements of the Emergency Management Act.
A hardcopy of the plan is available at the Meaford Fire Hall. The document is also available in other accessible formats and with communication support by request.
Our Country’s Plan
How does emergency preparedness work, nation-wide?
In Canada, emergency management is treated as a shared responsibility, relying on communication between all levels of government. As part of this integrated approach, emergencies are first handled at the municipal level, then scale up to the provincial/territorial level, and finally to the federal level if a Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) is made. In Canada, the majority of emergencies (more than 90 percent) are handled locally or at the provincial/territorial level and do not require direct federal involvement.
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Burn Permits
Annual burn permits are required in the Municipality of Meaford, in accordance with the Open Air Burning By-law #2022-13. Here’s everything you need to know about burn permits, so you can burn safely and responsibly.
Register For A Burn Permit
- A permit number is required before starting any burn.
- A separate permit must be obtained for each type of open air burn.
- Only one fire is permitted to burn at any given time.
Note:
- Permit applications submitted during business hours (Monday–Friday) will be reviewed within 24 hours.
- Applications submitted on weekends will be reviewed the following business day.
- Once approved, your permit number will be issued through Meaford Burn Permits.
Get a burn permit
What You Need To Know
- Annual Permits: Permits expire on December 31 of each year.
- Fire must be out by 1am unless property is over 1 acre for outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
- Setbacks: Fires must comply with setback requirements based on burn type and size.
- Location Restrictions: Fires are not allowed in front yards without approval from the Chief Fire Official.
- Approved Materials Only: Burn only clean wood or by-products of clean wood. Household or yard waste is strictly prohibited.
- Weather Considerations:
- No burning during smog alerts or when wind speeds exceed 20 km/h.
- Burning is prohibited during fire bans.
- Minimize Nuisance: Ensure the fire does not disturb neighboring properties.
- Notifications for Larger Fires: Bonfires, Brush Fires, Controlled Fires, and Demolition Fires require notification at the start of each burn.
Types Of Burn Permits
Six Types of Open Air Burn Permits
- An Open Air Fire that is not greater than 0.8m (2.6ft) in diameter and 0.8m (2.6ft) in height and is within a manufactured non-combustible enclosed container such as fire bowls with spark arrestors on top or chimineas. Fire must be out by 1am unless property is over 1 acre.
- Schedule ‘A’ – Outdoor Fireplace
- An Open Air Fire that is greater than 0.8m (2.6ft) in diameter and 0.8m (2.6ft) in height but not greater than 1 cubic meter in diameter and is within an approved device enclosed on all sides
- Must be constructed of masonry, concrete, stone, heavy gauge metal or other non-combustible materials
- Fire must be out by 1am unless property is over 1 acre
- Schedule ‘A’ – Outdoor Firepit
- An Open Air Fire that is greater than 1 cubic meter but is not greater than 2.2m(7ft) in length, by 2.2m (7ft) in width, by 2.2m (7ft) in height
- This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official, whom you are required to notify at the start of each burn
- Fire can only be conducted on a parcel of land over 1 acre and can burn at any time
- Schedule ‘A’ – Bonfire
- An Open Air Fire that is greater than 2.2m(7ft) length, 2.2m (7ft) in width, and 2.2m(7ft) in height but is not greater than 3m (10ft) in length, by 3m (10ft) in width, by 3m (10ft) in height.
- Must be for the sole purpose of burning wood, tree limbs and branches. This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official whom you are required to notify at the start of each burn. Fire cannot be set, maintained or operated 2 hours prior to sunset.
- Schedule ‘A’ – Brush Fire
- An Open Air Fire that is greater than 3m (10ft) in length, by 3m (10ft) in width, by 3m (10ft) in height but not greater than 6m (20ft) in length, by 6m (20ft) in width, by 6m (20ft) in height
- This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official, whom you are required to notify at the start of each burn
- Fire cannot be set, maintained or operated 2 hours prior to sunset
- Schedule ‘A’ – Controlled Fire
- An Open Air Fire designed to remove a structure of only clean clear wood, with no indication of materials that are Household Waste, with an attached Building Permit to demolish the structure
- This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official, whom you are required to notify at the start of each burn
- Fire cannot be set, maintained or operated 2 hours prior to sunset
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for a burn permit, create or update your account online. For steps of how to complete this online, follow the guide.
An outdoor fire pit is similar to a traditional campfire. It is open to the air and usually enclosed by a ring of rocks, masonry, or metal.
An outdoor fireplace is a manufactured, enclosed device such as a chiminea or fire bowl. These units usually have spark arrestors and are designed to contain the fire more fully.
When applying for a permit, it is important to carefully read the description of each burn type. Permit requirements vary based on:
- The type of fire you plan to have
- Property size
- Required setbacks from buildings and other combustibles
Choosing the correct permit helps ensure your fire is safe and compliant with the by-law.
No. Each burn permit account must use a unique phone number. Using the same number can delay approval.
A Controlled Fire permit is intended for large-scale burns, such as agricultural or land-management fires.
It is not meant for small recreational fires. Many residents assume their fire is “controlled,” but this permit type has specific requirements and is not suitable for typical fire pits or fireplaces.
Fire safety rules are based on minimum distances to reduce the risk of fire spreading. These include how far your fire must be from:
- Buildings
- Trees
- Decks and fences
- Other combustible materials
Reviewing these requirements before applying will help you select the correct permit and avoid delays.
For active burns, you can notify the fire department within your online Burn Permit account or by calling 1-855-693-0080. For steps of how to complete this online, follow the guide.
For additional burn permits, you can update your online Burn Permit account. For steps of how to complete this online, follow the guide.
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