A network of organizations works together to provide care and support for Meaford residents. Learn more about these important facilities and the types of services they offer.
Brightshores Health System
Brightshores Health System provides essential healthcare services for people in Grey and Bruce Counties. Brightshores operates a total of six hospitals in the region, with one of them located in Meaford. Brightshores Health System’s Meaford Hospital offers the following services:
24-hour Emergency Department
Inpatient Department
Day Surgery including Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Endoscopy and General Surgery
Medical Imaging (X-Ray and Ultrasound)
Laboratory Services (Inpatient and Outpatient)
Ambulatory Care Clinics (Dermatology, Urology, Orthopedics, and more)
Physiotherapy Services
Diabetes Education
Helipad for rapid transfer of critically ill patients
Meaford Location Address:
229 Nelson St W Meaford, ON N4L 1A3
Owen Sound address:
1800 8th St E Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9
Don Bumstead & Family Medical Health Centre
The Don Bumstead & Family Medical Health Center provides practice space for four Family Physicians, and is complete with state-of-the-art equipment and computer systems.
Important Update: Garbage Collection Changes Effective July 6, 2026
Starting July 6, your first garbage bag will be collected each collection day at no cost, with garbage tags required for the second and third bags. We’re also introducing new green garbage tags to go along with this transition period.
Here’s everything you need to know about our waste services, including information on pickup schedules, drop off locations, and which waste materials belong where.
Curbside Collection
Miller Waste is in charge of picking up your garbage, recycling, and green bin organic waste. Meaford has proudly been recognized as having one of the highest waste diversion rates in the province, thanks to your participation in our recycling and green bin programs.
Please note:The municipality does not provide recycling or organics bins.
All items must be placed at the curb for pickup by 7 am, with collection hours from 7 am to 7 pm. Collection crews may begin their work in any area of the zone, so pickup times may vary from week to week.
Garbage collection occurs every other week. The collection date is based on your location within the municipality. Download the Recycle Coach app to receive pickup reminders. You can view your collection schedule by viewing or downloading the 2026 Collection Guide.
Garbage Bag Tags
First bag is free, second and third bags require tags and a maximum of three bags of garbage can be put at the curb per garbage day. Each bag must not exceed 40lbs.
As part of the updated garbage collection program, the Municipality is introducing new green garbage tags. Here’s what else you need to know:
Orange garbage tags remain on sale until June 30, 2026
Green garbage tags go on sale beginning July 2, 2026
Both orange and green tags will be accepted at the curb until December 31, 2026
Beginning January 1, 2027, only green garbage tags will be accepted
Note: Tags are only required for garbage. There is no cost or tag required for recycling or green bin collection.
The cost of each bag tag is $5.50, and can be purchased at participating locations:
Owen Sound Freshco
Owen Sound Library
Owen Sound Food Basics
Annan Post Office
Rockford Service Centre
Godard’s Your Independent Grocer
Meaford IDA Pharmacy
Meaford Canco Gas Station
Meaford Circle K
Meaford Ultramar
Meaford Convenience and Pet Shop
Rice’s Home Hardware
Knights’ Home Building Centre
Recycling Collection
As of January 1, 2026, your curbside recycling collection has transitioned to Ontario’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling system, managed by Circular Materials, which oversees recycling services in Meaford. Miller Waste, contracted by Circular Materials, will continue to handle the local collection of recycling. Both your recycling collection day and blue bin will remain the same.
Meaford residents can use the Miller Waste Transfer Station, located at 2085 20th Ave. East, Owen Sound. Accepted materials include garbage, recycling, cardboard, scrap metal, and tires.
Fees may apply. Debit and credit accepted.
Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sun: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
The new green garbage tags will be available for purchase beginning July 2, 2026.
Yes. The Municipality will accept both orange and new green garbage tags at the curb for residents until December 31, 2026. This transition period is intended to allow residents to use any remaining orange tags they already have.
Yes. A transition period will be in place from July 6, 2026 to December 31, 2026, during which both orange and green garbage tags will be accepted for resident use.
Refunds will not be offered for unused orange tags. Residents are encouraged to use their existing supply during the transition period.
Yes. The Municipality will continue to use external vendors, in addition to municipal locations, for the sale of garbage tags.
Winter weather in Meaford can bring heavy snowfall, whiteouts, and freezing rain, making roads hazardous. When this happens, waste collection may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons.
The Municipality contracts Miller Waste Systems for garbage, recycling, and compost collection. During severe weather, Miller Waste assesses road conditions and determines if collection should proceed. If service is disrupted, they notify Municipal staff, who then inform residents of the next collection date.
Miller Waste handles thousands of pick-ups weekly using specialized trucks. Bad weather can impact this complex system, and safety is the top priority. Please be patient and understanding during delays.
Get real-time updates through our Municipal website, social media, or the waste app (available for Apple and Android).
Related Information and Resources
Garbage collection occurs every other week. Must be placed at the curb by 7am.
One bag without a tag will be collected at no cost
The 2nd and 3rd bags each require a garbage tag
Maximum of 3 bags per collection day (1 untagged, up to 2 tagged)
Wrap each garbage tag around the top of the bag
Place tied garbage bags inside the garbage can
The same garbage tag program applies:
1st bag: no tag required
2nd and 3rd bags: each requires a tag
Indicator tags must be placed on the outside of the box and be clearly visible to the collection driver (available at the municipal office)
Place tied garbage bags inside the garbage box/bin
The same garbage tag program applies:
1st bag: no tag required
2nd and 3rd bags: each requires a tag
The box must be:
Located at least 3 ft from the road edge and no more than 10 ft away
Clearly visible to the truck driver
Large enough to hold all garbage set out for collection
Do not stack different waste types (e.g., recycling on top of garbage)
NOTE: The Municipality is not responsible for damage to bins
Open 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the following Saturdays:
Saturday, January 10
Saturday, February 14
Saturday, March 14
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, May 9
Saturday, June 13
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, August 8
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, November 14
Saturday, December 12
Material List
Printer Cartridges
All Cell Phones and Smart Phones
iPads and Tablets
Pagers
GPS
Modems
Laptop, Desktop and Personal Computers
Mini and Micro Computers
Tablets and iPads
Monitors and CRT TV’s (up to 39”)
Computer Peripherals, Keyboard, Mice, Cables and Wires
Hard Drives, Memory and Motherboards
CD-ROM and Optical Drives
Power Supplies
Uninterrupted Power Supply, APC, UPS Battery Back Up Supply
Cable and Satellite Receivers (PVRs)
Digital Cameras
iPods and MP3 Players
Video Projectors, Video Players/Recorders
Amplifiers, Pre-Amplifiers, Equalizers
Radios, Speakers
Audio Players and Recorders
Car Audio Equipment
Cameras And Camcorders
DVD Players, VHS Players
Gaming Consoles
Servers and Storage Area Networks
Routers, Modems and Switches
Server Racks
Cables and Wires
Multiline Phone Systems
Multiline Phones
Telephones and Fax
Main Boards
Desktop Printers
MFPs
Scanners
Desktop Copiers
Cell Phone/Laptop Batteries
Household Batteries (common types: A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and button (coin) cell, commonly found in Flashlights, toys, tools, watches, and household safety devices like fire alarms and CO (Carbon Monoxide) detectors)
Rechargeable Batteries (common types: Lithium-Ion, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, and Small Sealed Lead Acid* (SSLA); commonly found in Cordless power tools, cordless phones, and devices like cameras (must be under 5kg each)
Mercury switches and thermostats
Smoke detectors
Water coolers
Dehumidifiers, air conditioners or freon products
Bio & hazardous waste/sharps
Liquids and chemical waste
Household hazardous waste
Gas powered equipment
Automobile & lawn equipment batteries
Household Hazardous Waste
Location:
City of Owen Sound Public Works Building 1900 20th Street East Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6
Hours:
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the following Saturdays:
Saturday, April 25
Saturday, May 23
Saturday, June 13
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, August 15
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, October 3
Saturday, October 24
Requirements:
Bring photo ID or tax receipt for proof of Meaford residency
For residential waste only (no commercial/industrial)
Material List
Household Hazardous Waste includes materials that are corrosive, oxidizing, flammable or poisonous.
Residents are asked to tape the terminals or place all rechargeable and Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries in individual bags before bringing them to the event. If you are unsure of the battery type, please tape the terminals or place the battery in a bag to be safe.
Aerosol cans (full or partially full)
Antifreeze
Batteries
Bleach
Brake fluid
Cosmetics and beauty products
Detergents
Disinfectants
Fertilizers
Fire Extinguishers
Gasoline (containers brought to the depot will not be returned)
Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs (broken ones are not accepted)
Glues and adhesives
Household cleaners (includes oven, drain, floor, glass and toilet cleaners)
The Meaford Leaf and Yard Waste Depot operates annually from mid-April to mid-November.
Opening Friday, April 10, for the 2026 season.
Location:
157859 7th Line, Meaford
Hours:
Fridays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Accepted Materials:
Leaves
Grass
Weeds
Sawdust
Woodchips
Plants
Small shrubs
Brush and branches up to 6 inches in diameter
Not Accepted:
Stumps
Branches over 6 inches in diameter
Garbage
Plastic
Construction materials
Free Mulch
Mulch and compost are available for pickup during operating hours while supplies last; bring your own shovel and containers for loading.
Owen Sound Leaf and Yard Waste Site
The Municipality of Meaford entered into an agreement with the City of Owen Sound in order to give Meaford residents increased access to yard waste facilities.
The site is located at 2450 28th Avenue East (the southwest corner of the intersection of 28th Avenue East and 26th Street East, north of 20th Street East).
Education, service and team work are core values that guide everything we do, and providing the highest quality of pre-hospital emergency care (including assessing, treating and transporting patients to an emergency department) is our commitment to you. This is accomplished by meeting and exceeding standards set by the Ministry of Health and County Council.
Safety services and precautions are not limited to land. A special operating agency that sits within the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Coast Guard is dedicated to keeping mariners safe in Canadian waters and protecting our marine environment.
On Georgian Bay, the Coast Guard might respond to incidents such as:
Vessel on fire (assisting with rescue)
Vessel aground
Vessel disabled or broken down
Vessel taking on water
Vessel capsized
Vessel lost in fog
Person overboard
Missing persons
Medical emergencies
Assisting other agencies
The Coast Guard is located within the Meaford Harbour: 128 Fuller St, Meaford, ON N4L 1B7
Fire prevention starts with awareness and preparation. The best way to protect your home and family is to stop fires before they start and be ready for emergencies.
Preventing Fires
Prevent fires by being cautious around potential hazards. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items away from heat sources like stoves and fireplaces. Use candle holders carefully and never leave them unattended. If you smoke, do so outside and ensure cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are required on every storey and outside of all sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms monthly
Change the batteries once a year
Replace smoke alarms after 10 years
Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your household
The Ontario Fire Code requires homes to have working carbon monoxide detectors.
Creating a Fire Escape Plan
Develop a comprehensive fire escape plan with your entire household. Start by drawing a map of your home that shows all windows and doors. Carefully examine each room to identify two possible exit routes. Ensure all windows and doors open easily and are not blocked. Choose a specific meeting place outside where everyone will gather in case of an emergency.
The most critical rule is to stay out of the building once you’ve escaped. Never return to a burning structure, regardless of the circumstances.
Community Fire Safety Support
Our Fire Prevention Officer offers free educational presentations for schools, community groups, and local events. Sparky the fire safety mascot may even make a special appearance to help engage younger audiences.
To schedule a presentation or learn more about fire safety, contact our Fire Services team.
The Meaford and District Fire Department (M&DFD) was established when St. Vincent Township signed an agreement with the Town of Meaford in 1985. Euphrasia Township then joined in 1986. After amalgamation in 2001, the Municipality of Meaford built a new fire station on Stewart Street. It officially opened in September of 2009.
Today, the Meaford Fire Department responds to over 300 calls per year from the Stewart Street Fire Station. We have a fleet of 5 apparatus: Rescue, Pumper, Tanker, Wildland Tanker, Aerial, and 2 support vehicles covering over 500 square kilometers. Our response area covers Meaford’s downtown and the rural area, including the Canadian Armed Forces 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford (4 CDTC).
Fire Services
The Meaford Fire Department, comprised of up to 34 trained volunteer firefighters and officers, is dedicated to protecting life and property within the Municipality and portions of the neighbouring Municipality of Grey Highlands. The fire department responds to numerous types of calls that include fires, motor vehicle collisions, and provides medical assistance to Grey County EMS.
In addition, the fire department provides specialty rescue services for:
Cold Water Rescue
Rope Rescue
Drone Deployment
Recruitment
We periodically recruit new volunteer firefighters to join our team. If you are interested in serving your community through challenging, exciting, and fulfilling work, review the Applicant Information Guide and consider becoming a Meaford Firefighter.
In the Municipality of Meaford, fire services are divided between two distinct departments:
The Meaford Fire Department (MFD) exclusively serves the eastern region of the Municipality and operates under full ownership and management by the Municipality.
The management of ITFD is overseen by an appointed Board of Management, which includes representatives from both the Municipality and the Township of Georgian Bluffs.
As part of our ITFD partnership, we have established a shared response system by which we can pool our resources, coordinate our efforts, and provide a unified emergency response to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the Municipality.
The benefits of this partnership are twofold. Meaford’s rural residents benefit significantly from this collaboration, as it ensures that that they receive timely and effective assistance in the event of a fire-related emergency. The partnership also facilitates enhanced water delivery across Meaford, guaranteeing a more reliable and efficient water supply for both urban and rural areas.
Meaford is a growing region with a significant healthcare gap. Here’s why the need for a Family Health Team is urgent, and what a system of local, coordinated, community-based care would look like for you.
Why This Matters
A Growing and Changing Community
The Municipality’s rapid growth and a dual shift in demographics are transforming local healthcare needs.
Limited Access to Primary Care
Many residents lack family doctors and allied health support close to home; as their needs increase, some leave the community in search of other options.
TC Energy Pumped Storage Facility
Projected increase in local population, in particular during the construction period.
Building Rural Healthcare Together
Stronger healthcare in smaller rural regions depends on provincial investment and local partnership working together to close the healthcare gap.
Rural Healthcare Priority
Establishing new Family Health Teams aligns with Rural Ontario priorities and strengthens sustainable, connected care in underserved areas.
Municipal Role in Health Advocacy
While healthcare is a provincial responsibility, municipalities are key partners who understand local needs and can help ensure its effective implementation. Recognizing this, the Municipality of Meaford and the Town of Blue Mountains have collaborated with North East Grey Health Clinics.
What this means for you
Faster access to primary care
Fewer avoidable Emergency Department visits
Improved overall community wellness
Better support for aging in place
Our Request to the Province
We are calling on the Province of Ontario to provide additional funding for the establishment of new Family Health Teams in communities with the greatest healthcare gaps, ensuring equitable access to local, coordinated care for all.
We are a pet-friendly community, complete with a variety of dog parks and on- and off-leash areas where your four-legged companions can run free. We also licence dogs, which helps missing dogs return to their owners faster with an easily identifiable tag. Here you’ll find information on applying for a dog tag, how to report a lost pet, along with tips for responding to other wildlife in the area.
Dog Tags
All dogs in Meaford must be licenced and wear a dog tag to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Dog licences are an annual requirement and must be renewed each year. Cats do not require a licence.
How to Get a Dog Tag: Provide proof of rabies vaccination and apply:
Rules: Owners must be 16+, carry a leash, clean up waste, and ensure dogs remain under control. Not allowed: aggressive/sick dogs, female dogs in heat, digging, or puppies under 4 months. See the 078-2013 Control of Dogs and Care of Animals By-law for full details.
We’ll share details on Facebook to help locate your pet. Pound fees may apply.
Pet Welfare & Wildlife Assistance
Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance
Meaford partners with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society to provide financial aid for spay/neuter surgeries. In order to be eligible for this service, pet owners must have:
Residency in Meaford & age 18+
Household income meeting Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Offs
Cats must be 5 months – 7 years old, healthy, and not pregnant
Meaford is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raccoons, deer, turtles, coyotes, and beavers. While wildlife sightings are common, it’s important to know how to respond appropriately and safely.
Commonly seen in the spring as they search for food—this is normal and not usually a cause for concern.
These species are part of our natural environment and may be spotted near residential areas, especially during seasonal changes.
How to Respond to Wildlife
Do Not Approach: Avoid direct contact with wild animals. Do not attempt to feed, touch, or relocate them.
Protect Pets and Children: Keep them indoors or under close supervision if wildlife is spotted nearby.
Eliminate Food Sources: Secure garbage, remove bird feeders, and do not leave pet food outside.
Aggressive or Dangerous Animals: If you feel threatened or see an animal acting aggressively, call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122.
When to Call for Help
The Municipality of Meaford does not provide wildlife control services. For specific situations, please contact the appropriate agency below:
Must have a Livestock Damage Claim before trapping a coyote. Complete the Coyote/Wolf Compensation Form and submit it to the Meaford Fire Hall at 81 Stewart St
Licenced trappers must remove the beaver tail and bring it with a completed Beaver Process Claim Form to the Meaford Fire Hall
If wildlife damages livestock, poultry, or honeybees, you may be eligible for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
Contact Ed Ormsby (Municipal Livestock Valuer) at 519-374-0139within 10 business days of the incident.
A site visit will be conducted, and the claim will be submitted to the Ministry.
The Municipality provides Commissioner of Oaths services for a variety of documents such as Declaration of Vehicle Transfers as well as general affidavits. Here are some important things to note about these services:
To have something commissioned, everyone who needs to sign the document must be present and have a valid photo ID.
The Municipality does not provide Notary Public services.
A Commissioner of Oaths is not the same as a Notary Public. If your document requires the signature of a Notary Public, you will need to contact a lawyer or a Notary Public.
Appointments are strongly recommended to ensure a Commissioner of Oaths is available. To make an appointment please contact the Clerk
The Commissioner is not responsible for the contents of the affidavit – that is the responsibility of the person whose signature is being commissioned. You must understand the details of what you are signing and their correctness.
The fee for this service is $20.
This service is offered at our Municipal Office.
Municipal business
Appointment of Special Constable
Affidavit for lost Outdoors Card
Amendment to Birth/Death/Marriage Certificate
Delayed statement of live birth
Immunization Exemption forms
Domestic and Foreign Pension documents (proof of life)
Proof of residency (owner/tenant letters)
Statutory Declaration of Apprenticeship hours
Legal Name Change forms
Statutory Declaration by a person for change of sex designation
Canadian Citizenship Forms Statutory Declaration of Lost Identification (must include police report #)
Sworn statement for the transfer of a used motor vehicle in the province of Ontario
Sworn statement for the transfer of a family gift of a used motor vehicle in the province of Ontario
Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal – Affidavits
Statutory Declaration for OSAP – Statement of Common-Law Status, Supporting Children
Statutory Declaration of theft of a HST Cheque or Federal Cheque
Affidavit of Unregistered Vehicle (boards, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trailers, etc…)
Statutory Declaration for Motor Vehicle Deals Compensation Fund
Consent letter for children travelling abroad (as witness)
Notary Public Documents
The Province of Ontario provides additional information and assistance in finding a notary public in Ontario.
Estate settlement documents, Wills/Cert- Of Appt. of Est. Trustee without Will
Divorce, Separation, Marriage or Cohabitation Agreements
Litigation Guardian Affidavit
Power of Attorney
Mining Claim Forms or Transfers for the Province
Transferring of Un-Patented Mining Claims
Exposure Device Operator
Custody Documents
Documents involving debts – Bankruptcy
Real Estate related documents
Court, Legal or Civil Issue related documents
Declaration of Claimant and Indemnity (bank form re: estates) & replacement of shares
Statutory Declaration of Progress payment Holdback Security Deposit
Statement of Arrears
Tender Documents
Declaration of Translator
Age of Majority or BYID Card Application
Certified True Copies
Ontario Mortgage Corporation documents
Travel Affidavit
Affidavit of a Lost Cheque
Other
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