2026 Spring/Summer Newsletter
Message from Mayor Creelman
An election is coming — over to you
It has always discouraged me that turnout in elections, especially municipal elections, is so low.
Voter turnout in Mono over the last 40 years has ranged from a high of 41.2% in 2010 to a low of 25.1% in 2022. It has averaged 31.8% over the last 15 elections. We are not the exception. The municipal turnout across Ontario was 32.9% in 2022. Contested elections however tend to drive higher turnout.
With low turnout and multiple candidates running, a councillor can be elected with the support of less than 10% of the electorate! To avoid this sort of circumstance, some municipalities adopted a ‘ranked ballot’ process. This approach was unfortunately shut down by the Province.
In efforts to make voting easier and more accessible, Mono has tried voting by mail, phone and in the last two elections and the forthcoming one, voting by internet/phone. This year’s voting period will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16 and end on October 26 at 8:00 p.m.
For those thinking about running, the nomination period begins on May 1st and closes on August 21st at 2:00 p.m. For further information, visit our 2026 Election page.
So, what can be done to increase interest in municipal politics and elections?
One can start by following the work of municipal government.
- First, there is the Town’s website: townofmono.com
- Since the 1990’s we’ve had a Question Period at Mono Council. We now accept questions in-person, submitted in advance and online during our livestreamed meetings.
- While not always the most exciting viewing, Council and some committee meetings have been livestreamed and available on YouTube since 2019, even before COVID. Our meeting on February 24 attracted over 300 views: youtube.com/@TwnofMono
- We’ve published this newsletter since 2013.
- Council Highlights, published after each Council meeting, can be subscribed to and read online. Mono also extensively employs social media.
- Finally, we host Town Hall meetings at which residents can raise issues and ask questions of Council. This Newsletter contains information on the next one slated for April 18.
In short, those wanting to keep informed and possibly run as a candidate in the forthcoming election have many resources available.
In the end, the most invaluable resource are those who have municipal council experience. Reach out to them, ask questions and see whether this is a ‘fit’ for you. If not, you can still get involved. Come out to all-candidates meetings, ask questions and encourage your friends and neighbours to get involved and vote.
This will be my last contribution to this newsletter leading up to the election in October. It has been a privilege to communicate with residents and trust you have found it informative.
—John Creelman, Mayor
2026 Municipal Election & Becoming a Candidate
Are you considering running for your Town council in the upcoming election? Get the information you need by attending a candidate information session!
Candidate Information Sessions
Hosted by Dufferin County’s lower-tier municipalities.
Virtual:
Facilitated by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Date/time: April 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Location: Online — register online.
In-Person Session 1:
Facilitated by Clerks on Call
Date/time: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7 PM
Location: Monora Park Pavilion (500 Monora Park Drive, Mono)
In-Person Session 2:
Facilitated by Clerks on Call
Date/time: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10 AM
Location: Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (200 Fiddle Park Lane, Shelburne)
Candidate nominations must be submitted during the nomination period starting on May 1 and ending on August 21, 2026.
Voting Period
10 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2026 – 8 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2026 (Voting Day)
Reminder: In the Town of Mono, the 2026 Municipal Election will be conducted online and by telephone. In-person voting at Town Hall is still completed online. Registered electors will receive the voting website link and PIN in the mail prior to the election. PINs should not be shared with others. PINs can be issued to eligible electors during the voting period.
For more information about the election and updates, visit our Election page.
April 18 Town Hall Meeting
Guest Speaker: Andrew McCammon, Headwaters Institute will be giving a brief presentation on Safe and Sustainable Water for Mono's Future.
Following the presentation, there will be an open forum for any topic.
Location: Town Hall (347209 Mono Centre Road).
Date & time: April 18, 2026 from 9:30 AM to noon
Upcoming 2026 Council Meetings
- April 14 at 9 am
- April 28 at 9 am
- May 12 at 9 am
- May 26 at 9 am
- June 9 at 9 am
- June 23 at 9 am
- July 14 at 9 am
- August 25 at 9 am
- September 8 at 9 am
- September 22 at 9 am
- October 6 at 9 am
- October 20 at 9 am
- November 10 at 9 am
- December 1 at 9 am
- December 8 at 9 am
Please check the calendar of meetings to verify meeting dates/times.
Volunteer at the Mono Pollinator Garden on Hockley Road
Volunteer at the Mono Pollinator Garden on Hockley Road
Are you looking for a satisfying new experience — meet new people, work outdoors, have fun learning about gardening, become involved with construction and education and contribute to enhancing our natural environment? Yes, it’s all possible!
We do the gardening work on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings, once the weather warms up. Volunteers work as often as they wish. For more information, go to the Mono Pollinator Garden website
Headwater Streams Committee
The Headwater Streams Committee is working with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) to rehabilitate a Brook Trout stream. The stream, almost the beginning of Mono Centre Creek, is in the BTC’s Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve. The BTC bought this 123-acre property in 2022. It is located a couple of lots south of Mono Centre and runs from the 2nd line all the way over to the 3rd line. The main Bruce trail now runs through the property.
Several small creeks, ponds and wetlands are on the property. One of these is a cold-water stream that starts in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, then runs south to the Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve. There are Brook Trout in the stream, and these fish can only live in cold water. The problem occurs when the stream enters an old pond. The pond warms the water to temperatures higher than those in which Brook Trout can thrive.
The rehabilitation plan will reroute the river’s path around the pond. This will allow the cold water to flow around the pond without increasing in temperature and also preserve the pond’s wetland habitat. Following the construction phase, volunteers will be invited to plant trees and wetland vegetation to help restore the habitat.
Headwater Streams volunteers have been assisting with the work by helping collect temperature and flow data, by planting trees and by measuring sediment depths in the pond. Together the three partners — Headwater Streams, NVCA and BTC — need to raise several hundred thousand dollars to complete the project. Everyone is hopeful that the funds will be raised and work can start in the summer of 2026.
Anyone willing to support the project can make a donation to “Town of Mono – c/o Headwater Streams Committee” and they will receive a receipt for a charitable tax donation.
—Written by: HSC member — Fred Nix, Deputy Mayor
Venues for Your Next Event: Mono Community Centre & Monora Park Pavilion
Plan your special event at one of our two rental facilities. For booking information, please email recreation@townofmono.com or visit the Mono Community Centre / Monora Park Pavilion web pages. 2026 dates still available!
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Spin into Spring!
Join us for a fun, hands-on evening exploring the art of spinning wool!
Whether you're an experienced spinner or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome!
- Learn the basics of spinning wool
- Get tips and ask questions
- Connect with fellow fibre enthusiasts
Come enjoy a relaxing evening of creativity, learning, and community!
Event Details:
Date: Monday, April 20th.
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Location: Mono Community Centre (754483 Mono Centre Road).
Cost: FREE — Open to all ages.
2026 Court Passes
Court passes available in early May.
Passes start at $30 for Mono residents.
For more information, visit our court website.
Mono Pollinator Garden Anniversary Party: A Decade in Bloom
- Take a garden tour & learn how we’ve grown
- Join a workshop to learn about pollinators and soil health
- Check out our new signage to learn about Anishinaabe plant names and Indigenous plant knowledge
- Learn how to make your space pollinator friendly
- Take your family on a scavenger hunt
- Enjoy our garden inspired refreshments
- See what we have planned to celebrate our 10th anniversary all year long!
All ages are welcome (accessible event)
Date & Time: Sunday, June 21 (Rain date: June 28) from 1 to 4 PM
Location: Mono Pollinator Garden (246366 Hockley Road, Mono)
Mono Pollinator Garden ½ Day Camps
Explore the world of pollinators and the plants they depend on with hands-on journalling, garden adventures, games and crafts.
Dates:
- Session 1 — July 15th (Rain date: July 16th)
- Session 2 — August 5th (Rain date: August 6th)
Time:
9:30 am – 12 noon
Location:
Mono Pollinator Garden (246366 Hockley Road)
Activities:
Learn about pollinators and the plants they love, nature journalling , garden exploration, games, crafting.
Ages: 7–12
Instructor: Pam Mauti B.A., B.Ed. — Education Coordinator, Mono Pollinator Garden
Cost:
$10 which includes snack and nature journal to take home
To Bring:
- Water bottle,
- Hat,
- Outdoor clothing, and
- Closed shoes
Snack provided.
Registration
Local Clubs
For club membership information for the Monora Lawn Bowling Club, Mono Pickleball Club, and Mono Tennis Club, please visit:
New Noise Bylaw
Council passed the new Noise Bylaw at its meeting on February 10, 2026. This new bylaw replaces the 2004 bylaw and prohibits noise defined in the bylaw as “sound or vibration that at the point of reception by its volume or nature is likely to disturb the inhabitants.” Additionally, Schedule B prohibits certain activities that cause noise by time:
There are exceptions to the regulations of the bylaw, including: exemptions granted by Council, a generator in operation during a power outage, snow removal equipment or activities, ringing of bells/chimes or clocks associated with religious or public buildings or uses, a public utility, where a Certificate of Approval has been issued by the applicable provincial ministry, and Normal Farm Practices.
View the new Noise Bylaw online.
Water Quantity Threat
A meeting was held recently under the Joint Municipal Water Management Agreement between Mono, Orangeville, East Garafraxa and Amaranth. A study of our municipal wells and the aquifers that feed them had identified that we have a “water quantity risk.” A water quantity risk doesn’t mean we are going to run out of water any time soon. But it does mean our aquifers are stressed if pushed to the limit.
Under the agreement, there are certain triggers — increase in water usage, increase in land development — that require us to re-do the study. These triggers were hit a year or so ago. The original 2011 study was re-done and the purpose of the meeting was to give an overview of the results.
The good news is that the study identified no new risks to Mono’s drinking water wells. But, of course, the water quantity risk remains. In fact, some of Mono’s wells will have challenges meeting future demands. “Future demands” assumes several new properties are connected to the water system. This may or may not happen.
—Written by: Fred Nix, Deputy Mayor
Climate Corner — Heat Pumps: Have they Arrived?
Heat pumps — what are they?
A heat pump (HP) is somewhat misnamed. Better to call it a heating and cooling pump, as it does both functions equally well. The term “pump” is appropriate as it does not create energy but rather pumps energy from outside to inside your house vice versa for cooling. Impressively a heat pump is reversible, allowing it to both heat and cool your home.
Greenhouse gas reductions?
As 84% of Ontario’s electricity comes from non-fossil fuel sources (nuclear, hydroelectric, wind and solar), you will use electricity to power your heat pump, and the switch from oil, propane or gas will produce less emissions.
How do HPs work?
It seems impossible — that you could heat your home with outside air in the winter! But HPs can transfer outside heat to indoors even in winter. HPs are powered by electricity and are 2 to 5 times more energy efficient than oil and gas. 1, 2
Depending on the type, heat pumps can source the heat from the ground, from water or from the air. They function just like your refrigerator which extracts heat from the cold interior and expels it out the back. All heat pumps have an additional source of energy, providing a backup source of heating if the outside temperature goes below the unit’s effective heating level.
What is a ground source HP?
Ground source HPs but are the most energy efficient pumps and are likely to last longer than air source pumps. To access the ground’s heat, loops of plastic pipes are laid in the ground, and a liquid refrigerant is pumped through the pipe and transfers the heat from the ground to the house… or the reverse for cooling.
Are air source HPs better?
In the last few decades, air source HPs have become more efficient, and they’ve become effective for very cold environments. Air source is now the “go to” HP system for all homes. The outside pump unit is about 3’ × 3’ and is placed on the ground close to the side or back wall of the house. The inside unit looks much like your present furnace and is connected to your heating ducts.
The cold climate air source HPs will heat your home — and depending on the unit — when the outside temperature is -20 to -25°C. These are the commonest pumps sold in Dufferin. There are many different units available.3 They are no longer noisy and the heat provided is very steady. Although they work best when they are attached to ducts in the house, ductless systems are very effective, but the heating or cooling is confined to the area of the indoor unit(s).
But don’t they cost more than standard furnaces?
The upfront costs of HPs are higher than a fossil fuel furnace alone. However, the ongoing yearly costs are 25-50% of an equivalent oil or gas furnace, and you get a good air conditioner as well. There are also rebates that are available through the federal government and loans available through Dufferin County.
The initial air source HP cost is nearly the same as propane or gas when you access the rebate. A ground source pump system is significantly more costly than air — because of the extensive buried piping. Considering the added benefit of a rebate, the lower yearly costs, the excellent heating and cooling functions and the greenhouse gas savings, HPs have become a more obvious choice when your furnace and air conditioner need to be replaced or if you are building a new home.
References
- Natural Resources Canada. Heating and cooling with a heat pump. https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star/heating-cooling-heat-pump#d
- Gard-Murray, A., Haley, B., Miller, S., Poirier, M. (2023). The Cool Way to Heat Homes: Installing Heat Pumps Instead of Central Air Conditioners in Canada. Building Decarbonization Alliance, Canadian Climate Institute, Efficiency Canada, Greenhouse Institute. https://transitionaccelerator.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/The-Cool-Way-to-Heat-Homes.pdf
- Dynamic Heating and Cooling Inc. Canada’s Best Heat Pump Brands for 2025. https://dynamicheatandcool.ca/best-heat-pump-brands-canada-recommends-2025/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-9
Paperless Billing
Go paperless in 2026! Receiving your bills by email is available for tax, water, and waste water bills. To register your account, please email the Tax & Water Department at cathy.crawford@townofmono.com
Please include your:
- Account number
- Name
- Email address
Pre-authorized Payment Plan
Avoid late penalties by setting up a pre-authorized payment plan. Setting it up is easy and you can choose to pay by installment dates or choose monthly payments.
Celebrating 100 Years of Forest Management — 100 Free Seedlings!
This year, the Town of Mono proudly celebrates 100 years of Forest Management.
After widespread forest clearing during the settlement era led to erosion and barren lands, Council acted in 1926, launching large-scale tree planting on Town lands. By 1968, more than 360,000 trees had been planted, creating the Mono Forest Tracts we manage and enjoy today. Leaders like Shelly Anderson also involved local students in planting and forest education, inspiring generations to protect our natural resources.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving away 100 FREE Tree Seedlings — one for each year of forest management. Seedlings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and we especially encourage residents who have not yet participated in our Annual Tree Shop Program, to take part.
Pick-up: Beginning May 4th, 2026
8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, or while supplies last.
Location: Town Hall (347209 Mono Centre Road)
Help us grow the next 100 years! Plant a tree and be part of Mono’s forest history!
2026 Landfill Openings
The Town of Mono’s landfill site located at 795261 3rd Line (between Mono Centre Road and 25 Sideroad) will be open to residents on the following dates:
Spring
- Wednesday, May 20 from 8 am – 1 pm
- Saturday, May 23 from 8 am – 3 pm
- Wednesday, May 27 from 8 am – 1 pm
- Saturday, May 30 from 8 am – 3 pm
Fall
- Wednesday, September 23 from 8 am – 1 pm
- Saturday, September 26 from 8 am – 3 pm
- Wednesday, September 30 from 8 am – 1 pm
- Saturday, October 3 from 8 am – 3 pm
Accepted materials: tree and brush debris only (no garbage & no leaves in bags). Alternatively, residents can follow the guidelines of the Dufferin County Leaf and Yard Waste Program found online.
Is It Really ‘Flushable’? Your Actions Can Protect Your Wastewater System!
Many everyday items, even those labelled “flushable,” should never go down your toilet or drains. These products don’t break down as advertised, causing damage to your home septic system, the Town’s wastewater infrastructure, and the environment.
Flushing items like wipes, sanitary products, cotton swabs, dental floss, diapers, fats, oils, medications, or hazardous materials like paints and motor oil can:
Block pipes, causing expensive repairs and potential flooding in your basement.
Damage the town’s sewer system, leading to service interruptions.
Negatively impact the wastewater treatment plant, by increasing costs and odours.
Pollute the environment.
In fact, flushing anything beyond water, toilet paper, and human waste has already led to costly repairs and unpleasant odours, as these non-flushable items damage equipment and must be manually removed by operators (sometimes daily).
The rule is simple: only flush toilet paper and human waste. Dispose of everything else in the trash! Let’s all do our part to keep Mono’s wastewater treatment plant running smoothly and protect our environment.
When in doubt, throw it out!
Fieldstone Wastewater Treatment Plant Update
Brookfield Developments (Brookfield), in coordination with their consulting engineers and operating authority, continue to advance operational improvements to the Fieldstone Wastewater Treatment Plant. Throughout the past year, regular monitoring, preventative maintenance, equipment repairs, and system upgrades have been undertaken to address identified deficiencies and support improved performance. Some of these measures included installation of new pumps, upgrades to pH and online monitoring equipment, and the addition of an odour control system and ventilation improvements. Temporary operational measures remain in place while work continues toward long-term solutions to ensure the plant remains reliable and efficient.
The Town continues to work closely with Brookfield to address outstanding issues and improve overall plant performance. At this time, the wastewater treatment plant has not yet been assumed by the Town, and assumption will only occur once all works meet the satisfaction of Town Engineers, Legal, and staff.
We appreciate your continued patience. For updates, please visit the Town’s website or contact the Wastewater Department at 519-941-3599 ext. 251 or by email at sewageinquiries@townofmono.com
Public Works Spring Message
Road maintenance is currently underway. Road sweeping will take place in mid to late April, while road grading will begin the first week of May in preparation for gravel resurfacing and the application of calcium for road stabilization / dust control, and is expected to be completed before the end of June. All operations are weather permitting.
A friendly reminder to refrain from placing objects within the Town’s right-of-way such as sprinkler systems, landscaping, rocks etc. The Town will not be held responsible for any damages that may occur.
Please assess the condition of your mailbox and post and repair accordingly. Remember road occupancy permits are required when performing work or an activity on the road. Please contact Public Works:
519-941-3599, extension 225
Council Highlights Celebrating 10 Years
Following every Council Meeting since the July 19, 2016 meeting, an issue of Council Highlights has been released. Each issue of Council Highlights provides an email summary highlighting some of the topics and decisions from the council meeting to help keep residents informed. Subscribe to Council Highlights.
