May 2026

Nomination Period Open for 2026 Municipal & School Board Elections

The nomination period is now open for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections. Starting on May 1, 2026, and running until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, qualified individuals can now put forward their candidacy for the 2026 election. Interested individuals must make an appointment with the Town Clerk to file their candidacy paperwork.

Once nomination papers have been filed, a candidate can begin to raise and spend money on a campaign. Members of the public have until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, to file their nomination, withdraw a nomination or change the office they are nominated for.

The voting period begins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, and runs until Monday, October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EST.

During the Voting Period, voters in the Town of The Blue Mountains will once again be able to cast their vote from the comfort of their home - or anywhere they can access the internet or telephone - 24 hours a day. An Election Help Centre will be available at The Blue Mountains Town Hall during the Voting Period to provide assistance.

Are you on the voters list? Visit www.RegisterToVoteON.ca to confirm, register or amend your information.

For more information on the elections, including candidacy requirements, how to file a nomination or other questions, please contact the Town Clerk via email, by phone at (519) 599-3131 ext. 232 or visit The Blue Mountains Town Hall at 32 Mill Street, Thornbury.

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Honouring Volunteers in The Blue Mountains

During National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25), the Town recognized the 2026 Volunteer Recognition Award recipients at the annual Volunteer Fair and Recognition Awards on April 22 at the Beaver Valley Community Centre.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a meaningful impact across the community. This year’s recipients include:

Arts and Culture Award: Beverley Smith
Heritage Award: Beaver Valley Agricultural Society
Sustainability Award: Bruce Harbinson
Sports and Recreation Award: Denise Remus
Blue Mountains Community Builder (Youth under 26): Camille McKinnon & Harry Halton
Blue Mountains Community Builder (Adult 26+): Maureen McDonnell
Outstanding Community Group Award: Events for Life & Georgian Bay Loves Jamaica

Congratulations to this year’s recipients and thanks to all volunteers whose ongoing commitment continues to strengthen the community.

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Town Outdoor Recreation Facilities Now Open for the Season

Town outdoor recreation facilities including tennis courts and public washrooms are now open for the season! The pickleball courts and golf course at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex are also expected to open for the season on Friday, May 8. Booking information for courts and tee times can be found on the Town's website.

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Long-Term Care Home Update

The Town and peopleCare Communities have continued to work together to advance a Long-Term Care Home in The Blue Mountains. The Town's initial work focused on a portion of the former Tee's Please property on Grey Road 19 in Craigleith. Through that process, environmental constraints were identified on the land that impacted site suitability for a long-term care home.

Given the time, scope and cost associated with the constraints, the project was shifted to another Town-owned property. A feasibility review of the municipal property adjacent to the new fire hall site on Grey Road 19 has been undertaken and staff have been refining site concepts with peopleCare to ensure the proposed long-term care home can be advanced in a manner that does not impair the functionality of the new fire hall and supports an efficient approach to servicing, including water, wastewater and stormwater.

Staff report ADM.26.029, titled 'peopleCare Long-Term Care Agreement' was brought to the Committee of the Whole on April 13, 2026, where Council approved the conditional sale of land to peopleCare.

Based on the proposed use, a Zoning By-Law Amendment will be required and if approved, site plan approval would be the next step prior to the issuance of building permits. There will be a public meeting scheduled regarding the necessary planning applications for the Long-Term Care facility. This will offer the opportunity for members of the public to ask questions on the approvals being sought and provide comment with the expectation that all questions will receive a response in a follow-up recommendation staff report.

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Help Stop the Spread of Wild Chervil in Our Community

The Town is currently asking residents to look for and report any patches of Wild Chervil within the road allowance fronting their property. This invasive species can displace native plants in ditches, woodlot edges and pasturelands, and poses a threat to agricultural lands. If you identify Wild Chervil, please cut it before it goes to seed, or contact the Town's Operations Department prior to Friday, May 15, 2026, to arrange a spot spraying treatment.

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Outfall Pipe Assembly at Lora Bay Park Update

The Town has awarded the construction contract for the assembly and installation of the offshore portion of the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant's new treated effluent outfall pipe to Clearway Construction Inc. This work was originally planned for 2025, but has been rescheduled for 2026 due to unexpected delays in the pre-qualification and tendering process. Lora Bay Park will be used as the assembly site, and is expected to be closed to the public from mid-May to October.

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May is Building Safety Month

Throughout the month of May, the Town is recognizing the important role building professionals play in keeping homes, buildings, and infrastructure safe.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating a Legacy of Building Safety,” marks the 70th anniversary of the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA). Since 1956, the OBOA has supported consistent building standards, professional training, and knowledge sharing across Ontario’s building sector.

Locally, the Town’s Building Services team works alongside residents and industry professionals to guide projects from application through to final inspection. Their work helps ensure development is safe, well-built, and supports the long-term strength of the community.

May 4–8 is Emergency Preparedness Week

The Blue Mountains Fire Department is recognizing Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4–8, 2026) and reminding residents of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. This year’s theme, Prepared Together, encourages residents to take steps to protect themselves and their households as the seasons change.

Future risks can be reduced by taking a few simple actions today, including:

Building a 72-hour kit for you and your family
Adjusting seasonal items in your kit
Staying informed about weather alerts and risks
Planning ahead for power outages
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

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Community & Events

Council Cafe at Good Grief

Join members of Council for the final Council Café event on Wednesday, May 20, at Good Grief Coffee in downtown Thornbury from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Council Café is a free event where members of the public are invited to join members of Council to have casual conversations about the Town and matters important to them. Registration is not required and attendees can join the event at any time. Light refreshments, including drinks and snacks, will be provided to guests.

Multicultural Celebration Looking for Vendors and Performers

It's the last week for food vendors, artisan and market vendors, performers and cultural groups to apply to be part of our Multicultural Celebration 2026!

Hosted by the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce in partnership with the Town, this vibrant, family-friendly community event celebrates cultures from around the world and brings people together through food, music, art and cultural expression.

If you offer international cuisine, culturally inspired goods or cultural performances, the YMCA would love to hear from you! Applications are due on May 8.

Not a vendor but want to attend? The event is on Saturday, June 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Moreau Park, Thornbury.

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Public Meetings: June 2, 2026

The following items are included on the agenda for the Public Meeting scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with options to attend in person or virtually.

Napier Street West Road Allowance Stop up and Close Proposal

The Town has received a request to stop up and close a portion of the unopened Napier Street West road allowance to facilitate a proposed land exchange, transferring the road allowance to the applicant and a triangular parcel at 10th Line and Beaver Street South to the Town.

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Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Review

The Town’s existing CIPs are being reviewed and updated to better support housing affordability, economic sustainability and revitalization. The review will result in a single comprehensive CIP with updated objectives and initiatives. The Draft CIP will be presented at the Public Meeting to receive Council and community feedback.

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Procedural By-law Update

Town Council has requested revisions to Procedural By-law 2023-62, including changes related to Strong Mayor Powers, virtual and in-person attendance, deputations, public comment limits, introduction of a consent agenda, clarification on procedures and general housekeeping amendments.

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