Dufferin County is responsible for the overseeing of all waste disposal services and can be contacted at: 

Phone:  519-941-2816 ext. 2620 
Email:  dufferinwaste@dufferincounty.ca

Reporting Pollution 

• If there is any polluting of the environment, such as dumping or contaminating the land, call Spill Action Center 1-866-MOE-TIPS (1 866 663 8477)
• For non-emergency agricultural pollution concerns and manure management contact OMAFRA at 1-888-466-2372

Damaged Waste Bins

• The Township Office has replacement green bins and kitchen compost bins.  There is no charge for replacing a damaged bin, but the damaged bin must be brought to the office.

Recycling Bins

For new or replacement Blue Boxes, please call GFL at 1.888.941.3345 ext. 1

Extra Waste 

• The Township sells garbage bag stickers for those weeks when you have more than one clear bag.  Extra tags are $2. Any other questions about garbage, please contact Dufferin County.
• Tags are available at the Township office and Maple Grove Market on Airport Road.

Missed Garbage Collection Day/ Waste Not Being Picked Up 

• For any waste related concerns, including missed collection, please contact GFL Environmental at 1-866-417-2797.
• View Dufferin County's current Waste Guide and Calendar here
• View upcoming Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste Events here
• If collection is skipped due to weather, you can put out double the following week.
• For drop-offs, the dump/transfer station location is: 473051 Dufferin County Road 11, Orangeville, Ontario
• Contact Dufferin County for push notifications of garbage news, or download the Dufferin Waste app

Fill Importation 

• Generally importing of fill is not permitted.  The Township’s Fill By-law regulates the importing and exporting of fill within Mulmur Township, and may allow importation where it is appropriate and has been approved in accordance with a submission under the By-law.
• Some projects that do not require a fill permit still require a Road Agreement (NEC approved projects, NVCA approved projects, building permits and septic permits, drainage works, agricultural projects (normal farm practices must apply), and projects less than 300m2 that are otherwise exempt.)
• Projects that require a full application and permit: projects wishing to import or remove more than 300m3, fees, performance security ($1/m3), road deposit ($60-$100/ road meter), insurance, signed agreement.
• The following site alteration activities are exempt:
• Works for road and bridges, utilities and services, flood and erosion control and storm water management facilities; parkland development, walkways, trails, paths, fences, retaining walls, steps, and lighting, initiated by: Provincial or Federal Ministry or Department, County of Dufferin, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Township or any local board of the Township
• Site plan, a plan of subdivision, a consent or development permit
• Driveway/ entrance works with an approved entrance permit and where the aggregate material is being imported from a licensed pit for the purposes of constructing a driveway.

Ponds

• Contact the NVCA to ensure you are not within a regulated area and seek guidance with best practices.  If you are within the NEC a permit may be required. Review the Township’s Fill By-law.  Section 4.1 of By-law 4-2015, Exemptions precludes the requirement for a permit.
• Exemptions: e) on lands where no soil is being added or removed from the subject lands, but rather is being moved on the site, and the amount of soil being moved on the site does not exceed 300m3
• Therefore, if you are removing the soil from the pond to an offsite location or the pond is large enough that there will be approximately 20 loads of fill removed (20’x50’x12’ pond), a permit is required.
• If your property is located within the Niagara Escarpment Commission, you must first contact them to obtain a permit if required.

Fences

• The Township’s Fence By-law allows the construction of fences.
• Maximum 1.83m (6’) in height
• Cannot obstruct visibility above 2’ on a corner lot.
• Must not extend onto municipal Right of Way.
• Does not require neighbor contribution.
• No permit is required unless it is in conjunction with a pool.

Pools

• The Township’s Fence By-law requires that all pools (3’ in depth or more) have a minimum 1.5m (4.92’) fence/ enclosure with proper latching.  Alternatively, where a pool is 1.35m (4.43’) above grade and is equipped with a lockable/ removeable ladder a fence is not required.  A municipal approval and building permit are required where there is a house or there could be a house built in the future within 200m of the pool.

Hot Tubs

• A permit is not required to install a hot tub on your property.

Sheds

Structures that do not exceed 15 m2 in size are exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit and are also exempt from compliance with certain building codes.

To qualify for this exemption, the structure:

(a) is not more than 15 m2 in gross area,

(b) is not more than one storey in building height,

(c) is not attached to a building or any other structure,

(d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and

(e) does not have plumbing

This amendment aims to simplify the regulatory process for smaller sheds, recognizing their limited impact on property and neighborhood dynamics.

Costs of Development 

• Development charges are collected under the authority of the Development Charges Act, 1997.  Development Charges are fees collected from developers at the time of a building permit to help pay for the cost of infrastructure (capital costs) required to provide municipal services to new development, such as roads, infrastructure, community centers and fire and police facilities.  If you are demolishing a house and rebuilding it, there is no development charge applicable, provided permits are issued within 2 years. Please note that Township Development Charges are collected prior to the Township sign-off on a Building Permit, as well as County and School Board Development Charges collected by the County of Dufferin at the time of Building permit issuance.

Residing in a Trailer while Building on the Property

• The Zoning By-law sets out, in section 3.3.7 and 3.3.8 the rules to temporary and permanent trailer occupancy. 
• 3.3.7 Habitation in Camping Trailers and Recreational Vehicles
• 3.3.8 Temporary Trailer Habitation during Dwelling Construction

Building a Garage Before a House 

• Generally, garages cannot be built before the dwelling because garages and sheds are accessory to a residential use and are only permitted when there is a house constructed on the parcel.  Special exemptions may apply to agricultural sheds. 

 Section 3.2 of the zoning by-law provides provisions related to accessory structures, such as garages and sheds. 

• 3.2.1.1 Accessory Buildings and Structures on Vacant Lands

Permit to Construct or Demolish/ Water Connection/ Sewer Service 

• You are required to go through Dufferin County to apply for all building and demolition permits. 
• Please contact Public Works regarding Mansfield water connections.  Please visit our User Fees and Charges page for more information.
• The Township does not operate any sewer services.  Mulmur is serviced generally by individual septic systems under the building code act and in some cases communal services.

Tree Removal

• By-law 47-2019 regulates the removal and injury of trees.  The By-law limits clearcutting of trees larger than 0.5ha and provides a process for purposeful proposals to remove trees. 

2.1 No person shall injure, destroy, or harvest any tree or undertake clearcutting on any parcel of land of an area larger than ½ hectare, prior to receiving approval from the Council.

2.2 Any person wanting to injure, destroy or harvest trees or undertake clearcutting of an area larger than ½ hectare on any parcel, for which an exemption is not provided under section 3.0 of this By-law, shall provide to the Municipality a proposal prepared by a certified arborist or forester including the following information:

• i) A complete inventory of all the trees to be removed including the health, species, size, and location of each tree, and whether any of the species are rare, threatened, or endangered; and,
• ii) a justification for the removal of the trees
• Generally, the by-law does not apply to activities as part of an approved site plan, subdivision, aggregate license, normal farm practices (to a maximum of 2ha of minor squaring up), MNR activities, small properties (Less than 2ha), trees within 30m of a dwelling, personal, firewood use and harvesting of marketed tree.
• Managed forest and tree cutting plans may be submitted to the Township for filing purposes only.

Building a Second Dwelling/ Apartment 

• Section 3.3 of the Zoning By-law sets out the provisions for second dwellings.  Lots with 2ha or more of land can have a detached second dwelling with restrictions.  Smaller lots may be permitted to have attached dwelling units. 

Home Businesses/ Occupations 

• Home industries are generally permitted on larger properties, being greater than 2ha and zoned Countryside area.  Home occupations are generally permitted on any property where there is a dwelling.
• Section 5, Definitions defines home industries and home occupations as follows:

HOME INDUSTRY
Any occupation conducted entirely within a building or part of a building accessory to a single detached dwelling house that includes light manufacturing, processing or assembly, small scale warehouse or a workshop. A Home Industry shall permit the storage of a contractor’s vehicles, equipment, and materials within a fully enclosed accessory structure.  A Home Industry shall not include a contractor’s yard.

HOME OCCUPATION: 

An occupation or profession related to the provision of services, carried on primarily by the occupant of a dwelling within his/her dwelling as an accessory use in connection with which there is no display, no stock in trade nor commodity sold upon the premises, which is not produced on the premises.
Restaurants, including take-out are not permitted as home occupations. However, a catering business is permitted.  All other permits, including health unit inspections are the responsibility of the owner.

Severances 

• The Township policy may allow consideration of up to three severances from an original 100-acre (40ha) parcel, provided that all other criteria can be fulfilled or addressed, including safe entrance, environmental protection, rural character, separation from barns, zoning provisions, agricultural land preservation and more.
• Lot creation is generally not permitted within the NEC nor within the Agricultural designations.  Boundary adjustments may be considered where no new building lot is created.
• Pre-consultation with NVCA is required where lands are partially regulated by the conservation authority.  Review of the Official Plans and provincial resources, including natural heritage feature mapping is required.
• Pre-consultation with the Township is strongly encouraged, as there are many factors that must be considered before a severance can be supported.  Safe access, environmental protection, separation, and impact on agriculture are only a few of the considerations.

Boundary Adjustment/ Severance/ Minor Variance Applications

If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not allowed by the zoning by-law, you may have to apply for a zoning change - also known as a zoning by-law amendment. Council can consider a change only if the new use is allowed by the Official Plan. Contact Tracey Atkinson.

Photocopies 

• The Township offers many services and permits.  Our Schedule of Fees is on our website.  There is a nominal fee for photocopies.

Commissioning 

• The Township of Mulmur provides Commissioner of Oath services. We take affidavits and commission oaths and declarations. You are responsible for the content and correctness of the document you are getting commissioned. 
• There is no fee for these services.

Special Event Permits

• Bylaw 25-2021 “the Special Event Bylaw” regulates special events, seasonal sales, motor vehicle racing and rallies. 

Event and Activity Regulations in the Township

The Township has specific regulations regarding various activities and events to ensure public safety and minimize disruption. Here's what you need to know:

Prohibited Activities

Racing is not permitted on any private or public lands within the Township.

Special Events

A special event is an organized gathering of more than 50 people per day. This includes a wide range of activities like sporting or leisure events, wedding hosting, fundraisers, permanent garage sales, flea markets, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. Special events can be for-profit or not-for-profit and may or may not charge admission. Rallies and races are explicitly excluded from this definition.

Rallies

A rally is a competition where two or more people operate motor vehicles on public or private land, or highways, to:

• Complete a designated route according to instructions.
• Complete a designated route according to instructions within a specific timeframe.
• Earn points or awards based on vehicle operation.

Rallies do not include casual driving tours, sightseeing tours (e.g., homes, restaurants, birdwatching), or organized arts and crafts tours that primarily involve highways.

Seasonal Sales

Seasonal sales refer to any temporary structure (like a building not approved by the municipality, a vehicle, trailer, tent, or cart) used to sell food, beverages, or goods to the public on a seasonal basis.

Permit Exemptions

The following events do not require a permit:

• Events organized by the Township.
• Events held at locations with appropriate zoning for the specific event.
• Events covered by an existing agreement with the Township (e.g., a facility rental agreement).
• Weddings, family celebrations, and family reunions hosted by a family member.
• Organized walks and runs.

Permit Application Process

For events requiring a permit, applications must be submitted 60 days prior to the event and include a non-refundable fee of $250. The By-law details additional required documentation. Neighbor notification is mandatory.

Failure to obtain a permit will result in a fine of $2,500.

Hawkers and Peddlers

By-law 03-2021 licenses, regulates, and governs vehicles and stands that sell food and refreshments for consumption by the public. It also prohibits hawkers and peddlers within the Township of Mulmur.

Noise and Event Restrictions

By-law 28-2020 prohibits "noises likely to disturb the inhabitants." The Township may issue written permits for noises typically associated with events or amplified sound.

Permit applications must include the date, time, type and level of noise, number of guests, and event details. Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the planned event.

If a neighbor is disturbed by noise, even if an exemption has been granted, they should contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Methods of Payment 

• The Township does accept credit card, debit credit card, cash, cheque, and payments made through online banking or e-transfer. 
• We offer pre-authorized payments.  The application gives you an option to pay monthly or in installments on the installment due dates, we require that you attach a void cheque with the application so that we are able to set this up. 
• You can pay online by signing into your bank account and setting up a payment just like you would for any other bill payment.  You can find us by searching the Payee “Mulmur” and then two options will appear.  If you are paying your taxes, you should select the Tax Option and use the 19-digit roll number which is located on your tax bill.  For all other payments, choose Utility/AR and use the five-digit account number located on your bill.  If the payment is for something miscellaneous such as dog tags, the account number to use is 00150.

Tax Installment Due Dates 

• Your interim tax bill is sent out in January of each year and is always 50% of your taxes from the previous year.  Payments are split into two installments - one due in February, the other in May.  Your final tax bill is sent out in July and is calculated by taking the tax rate and multiplying it by your assessment.  Your interim amount is then deducted from the final tax amount.  Those payments are also split into two installments - one due in August and the other in October.  Penalty and interest are charged at a rate of 1.25% per month and added at the beginning of the month. 
• Tax Installment dates for the year can be viewed on our website

Municipal Community Grant 

• The Municipal Community Grant application is due annually by February 1, and then the applications are brought forward to Council for approval.  The application is available online and can either be sent to clerk@mulmur.ca or mailed to the Township office.

Tax Incentive Programs 

We offer three tax incentive programs to eligible property owners:

Agricultural Farmland Tax Incentive Program – administered by Agricorp.

Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP) – administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) – also administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

• Our most popular by-laws can be found on our website at: www.mulmur.ca/town-hall/bylaws.

By-law Enforcement Issues 

• Any person can choose to exercise their rights to enforce our by-law through the justice (court) system.  The Township may choose to enforce its by-law through various means, including By-law enforcement visits, letters, orders, and court if the matter meets the Township’s threshold.
• If you would like to file any kind of complaint, you can do so by using the form on our website.

Property Maintenance 

• The Township Property Standards By-law 07-2006 applies to all lands within the Township.  It contains provisions related to:

Property maintenance (section 4)

• Keeping yards free of rubbish and debris (section 4.01)
• Drainage and sewage (section 4.02)
• General repair of fences and accessory structures (4.04)
• Garbage (4.05)
• General repair of signs (4.06)
• Screening of storage/ scrap areas (4.07)

Building standards (section 5)

• Vermin (5.01)
• Building standards (5.02)
• Safe access (5.03)

The Township enforces the by-law based on legitimate, signed complaints being received.  Complaints for lands within the Niagara Escarpment will be forwarded to the NEC Enforcement Officer.

Pets, Snakes and Exotic Animals 

• The Township’s Animal Care and Control Bylaw 53-2019 outlines which animals can be kept within the Township of Mulmur.  There is a list of Prohibited Animals and further all venomous and poisonous animals, arachnids, and reptiles as well as any animal (exotic, indigenous, domestic) which may pose a threat and/or danger to the public are strictly prohibited as well.

Firearms

• The Township does not regulate firearms.  If you think your neighbor is hunting out of season, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).  If you believe at any time that you may be in danger or your neighbor is being careless with his/her firearm, contact the OPP.  Hunting is permitted in certain County Forest Tracts from October 1- May 1.  To do so you must obtain a license from the County of Dufferin for more information visit their website.

Speeding, Vehicle Racing or Unsafe Parking 

• Call the OPP at 1 888 310 1122 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency) for the following:

 illegal (criminal, dangerous, threatening, safety)
 highway traffic concerns (racing, stunt driving, speeding)
 Trail use or misuse concerns related to natural areas or parking associated with parks.

• Bruce Trail Conservatory
• MNR of MNR parks (Boyne Park, Pine River Fisheries)
• County of Dufferin for County forests

ATVs on Township Roads

• The Township of Mulmur has a Bylaw that prohibits the use of Off-Road vehicles.
• ATVs are not permitted on Township roads.
• ATV use of Township roads can be reported to the OPP

Snowmobiles

• Snowmobiles are permitted on all roads in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act
• There are also other trails that are on private property, but a license with the trail association is required.
• Do not drive on private property or farm fields, especially wheat fields, where you can do significant damage.
• Snowmobiling off trail is trespassing.

Mailbox Damaged by Snowplow

• The Township of Mulmur is not responsible for damages caused by vandals or from flying snow and ice from the wing of the snowplow.  On occasion due to poor visibility or oncoming traffic, the Township plows may hit a mailbox.  If this occurs and can be verified that the plow did hit the mailbox, the Township of Mulmur will repair the damages to the mailbox/ post or replace it with a standard metal mailbox.  “The boxholder is responsible for ensuring that snow and garbage, as well as parked vehicles and other obstructions do not block access to the mailbox.  The boxholder must also ensure that the box and post are in good repair.  Your mailbox must be cleared of all items regularly to allow easy service by the contractor.” (Canada post Rural Mail Delivery Policy)

Location of the Mailbox

• “Canada Post identifies the exact location for your rural mailbox.  The face of the mailbox should be installed closer to the road than the rounding of the shoulder.  The bottom of the box should be 105 cm (42 inches) above the roadway.” (Canada Post Rural Mail Delivery Policy) visit www.canadapost.ca for more information.

Road Complaints and Information Required 

• For road complaints contact:  Public Works at 705-440-0582
• Information which must be provided: name of road, ensure the road is a Township not a County road, location (green # if known), complaint, does it endanger the motoring public.
• If the complaint is of serious nature and none of the above can be reached, any staff can call on the radio to Public Works to provide the information to the proper person.  This can happen due to poor cell phone reception in Mulmur

Motor Vehicle Accidents 

• Ensure that you take the location and name of the road.
• Contact the O.P.P (911)
• Notify Public Works at 705-440-0582

Licensing of Dogs

• By-law 53-2019 provides for the keeping, controlling, and licensing of dogs.

Mandatory Dog Tags: Section 2 of the by-law stipulates that all dogs, whether permanent residents or temporary visitors, are required to obtain an annual dog tag.

Key Provisions for Dog Owners:

• Prohibition of Dogs Running at Large (Section 4c): Dogs are prohibited from running at large within the Township. Instances of dogs at large without an owner present should be reported to AgapiK9 Inc. at 519-942-1508 for appropriate action.
• Prevention of Nuisance Barking (Section 4d (i)): Dog owners must prevent their animals from becoming a nuisance through excessive barking or howling. Individuals affected by such disturbances may initiate legal proceedings by swearing out information before a Justice of the Peace.

Furthermore, By-law 53-2019 addresses the licensing of kennels and outlines minimum standards of care for dogs. It is important to note that the Township will impose charges on owners of unlicensed dogs for any canine control services rendered in accordance with the by-law.

Registering for a Dog Tag 

• You can obtain a dog license by filling out our application form either in person or by mail and submitting the appropriate fee for up to three dogs.  We will issue you the tag(s) when we receive payment.

Fire Permits 

• Mulmur Township does not issue burn permits, but you are expected to be familiar with and follow the Fire Burning By-law 18-2023
• Additionally, you are expected to contact your local Fire Department if you are unsure of whether a burn ban is in effect.  If a total fire ban is in effect, there is NO outdoor burning. 
• If you burn in contravention to the by-law or during a burning ban or create a fire requiring fire response services, you may be responsible for the full costs of first responders. 

Fire Area Map 

• There are three Fire Stations which serve the Township of Mulmur including Mulmur- Melancthon, Rosemont, and Shelburne
• Please view our Fire Map to determine which District you reside in.

Backyard Chickens By-law 

• By-law 19-2018 regulates coops and the requirements for hen husbandry.
• Outside of the Countryside and Rural Residential zones, a maximum of 4 hens are permitted, subject to the following:

 1. No coop and management shall be in accordance with any Backyard Hen By-law, as amended or replaced.
 2. No rooster shall be permitted.
 3. MDS shall not apply.
 4. There is a single detached dwelling on the property and the coop complies with section 3.2 (Accessory Structures), and the minimum setbacks of 3m to any lot line.
 5. The coop and any run (associated outdoor fenced area) shall only be permitted in the rear yard.

Horses 

• A horse is permitted where an agricultural use is permitted in the zoning by-law.  Generally, a horse is permitted in the Countryside (A) zone, on parcels with a minimum of 2ha.

Livestock Facilities 

• All livestock facilities (other than a hen coop for a maximum of 4 hens) shall comply with (Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) See the OMAFRA website for more information.
• Farm Data Sheets for conducting MDS are also on our website and through Ministry Agri Suite downloadable software.  The Township will undertake the calculations as part of a pre-consultation process. Fees apply.
• Nutrient Management Plans / Strategies are required for livestock buildings and manure storage facilities with greater than 5 Nutrient Units.  Contract OMAFRA for complete regulations

Agricultural Land not Being used to Farm 

• The Township does not have a by-law that will force a landowner to crop farmland.  If the land is not currently being farmed, you are not eligible for a Farm Tax Rebate.
• If you are aware of this situation, you can report them to the Township or OMAFRA/Agri-Corp