December 2025

Holiday Season Service Update

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it come a few important updates to Town facility hours and services:

• Town Hall will close at 12:00 p.m. on December 24 and reopen with regular hours on Monday, January 5, 2026.
• There will be no curbside waste collection on December 25 or January 1; collection will shift to the next day, with all other collection days moving ahead by one day.
• The Town Waste Disposal Site will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
• Christmas Tree Collection runs January 5 to 16; please place trees curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your regular collection day, free of decorations, plastic and snow.
• The L.E. Shore Public Library and Craigleith Heritage Depot will be closed December 24 to 26, reopening December 27. Both locations will also close on January 1 and reopen the following day with regular hours.
• The Beaver Valley Community Centre and Arena will close at 4:00 p.m. on December 24, 2025, and remain closed on December 25, 26 and January 1, 2026. Public Skating will continue throughout the holiday season.

Essential services remain available, and online tools can be accessed anytime at www.thebluemountains.ca. For after-hours Town-related emergencies, please call 519-599-3131.

Learn More

2026 Digital Parking Passes Now Available

Residents can now register for their 2026 Digital Parking Pass. With a valid parking pass, Town of The Blue Mountains residents can enjoy free parking at all municipally owned paid parking locations, including beaches, parks and trails, simply by registering their licence plate. Please note that Town parking passes do not apply to privately owned paid parking lots.

Residents are required to register for parking passes annually and must re-register their vehicle for the 2026 year. Vehicle registration can be completed through the Town’s website or in person at Town Hall during regular business hours. Proof of residency and a copy of the vehicle ownership are required at the time of registration. For more information, visit www.thebluemountains.ca/parking-public-transit.

A reminder that Annual Winter Parking Restrictions remain in effect until April 15, 2026. As outlined in By-law 2022-49, overnight parking is not permitted on Town streets between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. These restrictions help support safe and efficient snow removal throughout the winter months. Learn more at www.thebluemountains.ca/parking-enforcement.

Register Your Vehicle for 2026

Final Call: 2025 Environmental Sustainability Fund

There's less than a week to get your application in for the 2025 edition of the Town's Environmental Sustainability Fund! A total of $8,000 will be available to allocate among successful proposals. All proposals must be received before Tuesday, December 9 at midnight.

Learn More

Stay Fire-Smart This Holiday Season

Fire can happen anywhere, at any time, it most often strikes when we let our guard down - when we’re distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, by our cellphones, by the kids or by the doorbell. Before you get caught up in the holidays, check out our list of Holiday Fire Safety Tips.

Learn More

Council Workshop #4 Scheduled

A Special Meeting of Council will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at Town Hall for the fourth Corporate Strategic Plan Council Workshop.

Led by Strategy Corp, this workshop session will focus on confirming the draft Corporate Strategic Plan framework with Council, based on public feedback gathered through the information sessions and validation phase.

Residents are encouraged to attend in person to stay informed as the Town continues to shape Our Path Forward. For those unable to attend, a recording of the meeting will be available on the project webpage following the workshop.

Learn More

DocuPet: A New Leash on Dog Licensing

Dog licensing in The Blue Mountains just got an upgrade. The Town has partnered with DocuPet to introduce a modern licensing system that makes it easier for residents to register their dogs while adding extra protection if a pet ever goes missing.

Under the new program, licences are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, and renewal notices are now automated so pet owners receive clear, timely reminders before their licence expires. All dogs in the Town are required to be licensed annually in accordance with By-law 2006-32, and the updated system helps make the process more convenient and straightforward for residents.

Each licence comes with a DocuPet ID tag and access to HomeSafe®, a 24/7 lost pet recovery service. The tag features a unique ID code linked to a secure online pet profile. If a dog goes missing, the information can be quickly shared through DocuPet’s network of shelters and recovery partners, helping reunite pets with their families faster, often before they ever enter a shelter system.

Residents can get started today by registering their dog online through DocuPet, in person at Town Hall or by mail.

Learn More

The L.E. Shore Memorial Library Turns 30

This December, the Blue Mountains Public Library (BMPL) proudly marks its 30th anniversary. A milestone celebrating three decades of creativity, lifelong learning and community heritage.

Since opening its doors in 1995, L.E. Shore Memorial Library has worked to redefine the role of a public library. The Gallery at L.E. Shore was part of its vision from the beginning, later enhanced by the addition of the Craigleith Heritage Depot museum and archive. Together they create a vibrant GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) institution dedicated to engaging, enriching and celebrating The Blue Mountains community.

Come celebrate with us this December:

An Evening Soirée with Ken Haigh, Jennifer Murley and, Alessia Farris
Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. | L.E. Shore Memorial Library | All Welcome, Registration encouraged | Admission: Free

Register Here

30th Anniversary Special Exhibition | December 2025
Open until Monday December 29 | The Gallery at L.E. Shore | All Welcome | Admission: Free

Learn More

Holiday Hamper Drive at Foodland

The Blue Mountains Professional Firefighters Association Local 4986 will be at Thornbury Foodland on Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. hosting a Holiday Hamper Drive in support of Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO).

Firefighters will be collecting Foodland gift cards and cash donations to help BVO provide meaningful support to community members who may need assistance during the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to stop by and contribute if they are able.

Learn More

Celebrate the Season with Holiday Skates

In addition to regularly scheduled Public Skating on Saturdays and Sundays, additional Public Skating times have been added over the holiday break on the following dates:

• December 22: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• December 23: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• December 29: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• December 30: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• December 31: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• January 2: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Learn More