Frequently Asked Questions

• Administration/Clerk
• Fire & Emergency Services
• Planning & Development
• Building
• Finance - Tax Department
• Parks & Recreation Department
• Public Works
• Water/Wastewater

Administration/Clerk

What Ward am I in and what is my Councillor’s name?

• Councillors’ names, phone numbers and wards are available in our Council section on the web site. Click here. A ward map is also available.

When is the next Council meeting?

• Council meetings are the first and third Mondays of each month, except for July and August where there is only one meeting scheduled for the first Monday. Click here for schedule of regular council meetings.

When is the next municipal election?

• Municipal elections take place every four years. The next election will be in November of 2010.

Where do I obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate?

• Please call the Receiver General at 1-800-461-2156 or visit their web site at www.cbs.gov.on.ca.
  The Office of the Registrar General
  P.O. Box 4600
  189 Red River Road
  THUNDER BAY, Ontario
  P7B 6L8

What are the fees for a dog tag?

Where can I purchase a dog tag?

• 2009 Dog Tags are available at the Township Municipal office located at 8348 Wellington Road 124. Tags may also be purchased by mail upon receipt of owner's name, address and telephone number. Dog Tag Application Form

How can I be a delegation at a Council Meeting?

• If you wish to be a delegation at a Council meeting, you are required to: Notify the Township Clerk or Deputy Clerk, no later than noon the Wednesday prior to the regular Council meeting and provide a written copy of your submission before 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the regular Council meeting. Click here for more information on delegations.

Where do I get a passport?

• Visit Passport Canada web site at www.pptc.gc.ca

I have a legal document that needs a Commissioner, do you provide this service? 

• Yes.  We have two staff members who have been appointed to be Commissioners for taking Affidavits.  Please call and make an appointment to ensure that staff are available to assist you. The Township of Guelph/Eramosa charges $10.00 for this service.  Please note that a Commissioner fo taking Affidavits is not the same as a Notary Public.  A Commissioner has been granted provincial authority to administer Oaths, take Affidavits and administer solemn declarations for statutory declarations.  The scope of a Notary Public is far greater.

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 Fire & Emergency Services

Can I burn in the Township?

• Please call the Township Office at 519-856-9951 about our Open Air Burning by-law to inquire as to whether an Open Air Burning Permit is required.  The fee for an Open Air Burning Permit is $25.00.

Tanker Accreditation?

• The Superior Tanker Shuttle Accreditation recognizes that the firefighters from the Rockwood station are able to supply a consistent water flow similar to that of a standard fire hydrant. As such anyone who lives in a non-hydrant area that is within 8km for residential and 5km for industrial (by road) from the Rockwood station are within the coverage area of this accreditation. The level of insurance credit/rebate varies with every insurance company.

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 Planning & Development

What are Development Charges? 

• Development Charges are municipal levies against new development to finance the growth-related capital costs associated with meeting the service requirements of development. The underlying intent of development charges is that growth pays for growth and that the financing of capital costs of servicing new growth does not place a burden on existing taxpayers. Growth-related capital costs are costs incurred by the Municipality as a result of expanding the capacity of municipal services to meet the needs of new development. 

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 Building

Where do I get a building permit application form?

To download an application, click here or you may visit our municipal office located at 8348 Wellington Road 124, Box 700, Rockwood (at Brucedale), ON N0B 2K0

Do I need a permit for a pool or a deck?

• Yes. A permit is required for ALL pools and decks.  Use the building permit application form found on our website. 
   
• Decks less than 24" above existing grade are NOT exempt from building permits.

Do I need a permit for a demolition?

• Yes. Please fill out the building permit application form and check off "demolition".
   

What does a Building Permit cost?

• Click here to view our Fees and Charges (Schedule "B" of By-law 35/2008)

What are the current development charges?

• Click here to view our Development Charges

How long does it take to obtain a building permit?

• After all requirements of applicable law are met, Bill 124 dictates that building permits be issued within a certain time frame which varies between 10 and 30 days.  A permit cannot be processed until all the corresponding documentation is included with the completed application form.
• It is recommended that you book an appointment to meet with a staff member in the Building Department when submitting a Building Permit Application.  Staff can go through the documents with you to help ensure nothing is missing which will help expedite the permit process.

When do I need an inspection for my building project?

• Building inspections are required before covering any aspect of construction.  Specific types of inspections are outlined in the Ontario Building Code.  Please call 856-9596 ext 126 to determine if an inspection is required and to arrange an inspection.
• Please note: 48 hours notice of inspection is preferred at time of booking. 

What by-laws do you have for fences? 

• Fences are required around pools as per By-law 30/2005. Click here for a copy of the by-law.

Does it matter if I put animals in a barn?

• Yes.  If you plan on housing any animals (other than a cat or 2 dogs) you must call the Ontario Ministry of Food and Agriculture at (519) 826-4047.  They will advise you on MDS calculations and a possible Nutrient Management Plan.

Where do I get a copy of the latest Building Code?

• If you have questions regarding the Ontario Building Code, one of the Township Building Inspectors will be able to provide you with information. If you require a copy of the Ontario Building Code, it can be purchased from Publications Ontario or visit the web site Ontario Building Code 

How do I find out where my septic system is located?

• The Township Building Department may have copies of health approval certificates on site if the building has taken place on the property during the last 30 or 40 years. Please call (519) 856-9596 extension 114 for more information.

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Finance - Tax Department

I have sold my property what do I do?

• If you have sold your property or purchased a new property within the Township of Guelph/Eramosa please notify our tax department. If you are using the telephone banking system, please ensure you change your account information to reflect the new property address. If you were registered for our pre-authorized payment plan, please notify our office in writing for the cancellation or modification of your program.

When will my property be reassessed?

• All properties will be reassessed in 2008 for the 2009 taxation year. All property owners will receive an Assessment Notice in the fall of 2008. For more information on Property Assessment, please check out the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation website at: www.mpac.on.ca.

Can I pay my taxes through Internet banking? How do I set it up?

• Most financial institutions now offer telephone or Internet banking mechanisms, which allow for property tax payments. Please look for 'Guelph/Eramosa Township', and then proceed to enter your roll number. Be sure to choose between the payment options of “taxes or ‘water” and be sure to use all 19 digits of the roll number without spaces or punctuation.

How can I set up pre-authorized tax payments?

• Click here to download the application form and instructions.

How can I appeal my property assessment?

• If you believe your property assessment is too high in comparison to similar properties in your area, you have the option to appeal the assessment. The first step in any appeal is to make an informal Request for Reconsideration to discuss your concern with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation at 1-866-296-6722. If an agreement cannot be reached, a formal appeal must be filed by the property owner with the Assessment Review Board of Ontario (ARB). The deadline for filing a formal complaint about your current value assessment and submitting the required fee with the Assessment Review Board is March 31st, the current year. The notice of complaint form, fee schedule and general information about how to file a complaint are provided in the tax department or the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

How is the amount of my tax bill determined?

• Your tax bill is determined by multiplying your property's assessed value by the tax rate for your property class. Your tax bill identifies your property class and its assessed value. MPAC determines your property's assessed value and your Municipal Council approves the tax rates. On your tax bill, the tax rates are broken down into Upper Tier (County), Lower Tier (Township), and Education rates.

I am a Pre-Authorized Payment customer. What if my banking details change?

• Send us a new void cheque. This information must be received in a timely manner in order to process the change before the next payment period.

I have a farm property, but the assessment shows as residential, not farm?

• To be eligible for the reduced tax rate, the property must be used for farming purposes. Eligibility for the reduced rate is determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs who may be reached at 1-800-469-2285.

My mortgage company pays my taxes, why did I receive a tax bill?

• Tax bills have been sent to all property owners. If the mortgage company is responsible for payment and it is not indicated on our records, please forward the tax bill directly to your mortgage company for payment.

I recently purchased a property, am I responsible for past due taxes?

• Under the current legislation, it is the property and not the individual owner that is taxed. As such, the current owner is responsible for any outstanding taxes, including pre-ownership taxes resulting from legislated retroactive adjustments. Please contact your lawyer to resolve discrepancies in your purchase transaction.

When will I receive my tax bill?

• Tax bills are mailed out twice a year. An interim billing that is based on 50% of the previous year’s taxes with two installment dates, and a final billing with two installments. Please check our website or contact the municipal office for exact due dates as they are subject to change each year.

How do I change or update my mailing address?

• In order to change or update your mailing address, we require the property owner to advise the tax department in writing of the change. The tax department will then forward the amended address to MPAC. Please either mail your change to Township of Guelph/Eramosa 8348 Wellington Road 124, Box 700, Rockwood (at Brucedale), ON N0B 2K0 or email Mary Keleher or Laura Smith.

Who can help me if my question about my taxes is not listed here?

• Staff in the Tax Department will be pleased to answer any further questions you may have. Please quote your roll number when making inquiries. We can be reached at (519) 856-9596 extensions 102 or 104 for more information. 

Parks & Recreation Department  

If I’m interested in renting a Picnic Pavilion in the Township who do I call?

Please contact Vicki Hafner by calling (519) 856-9596 extension 113 or fax (519) 856-2240.  For your convenience, our fees and associated charges are available online.

If I’m interested in renting a Sports Field in the Township who do I call?

Please contact Vicki Hafner by calling (519) 856-9596 extension 113 or fax (519) 856-2240.

Who is responsible for the Rockwood Conservation and Guelph Lake Conservation Areas?

Rockwood and Guelph Lake Conservation Areas are under the jurisdiction of the Grand River Conservation Authority.
Head Office Phone: (519) 621-2761
Park Office Phone: (519) 824 -5061 Fax: (519) 824-6510
visit their web site at www.grandriver.ca.

Who is responsible for Guelph Lake Sports Fields?

City of Guelph
Parks Department (519) 837-5626 (519) 767-2871 parks@guelph.ca
Recreation Department (519) 837-5618 (519) 763-9240 rec@guelph.ca

How do I address a complaint relating to Parks & Recreation?

Phone: (519) 856-9596 extension 113.

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Public Works

Who looks after Waste and Recycling collection?

• The County of Wellington, Solid Waste Services Division looks after collections. They can be contacted at (519) 837-2601 or 1-800-663-0750 extension 220 or visit their web site at www.wellington.on.ca.

How do I get a blue box?

• Pick up a blue box at the Township municipal office located at 8348 Wellington Road 124.

Who looks after trees along the road allowance?

• If trees are located along the road allowance, they are the responsibility of the Public Works Department. We use one of the local tree services to remove dead trees, and trim back overhanging branches. The Roads Manager will look for the survey stakes of the property to determine whether the tree belongs to the Township, or is on private property. If the tree is on private property, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain it. However, if the branches are overhanging Township property (i.e. the sidewalks or roadway) Public Works does have the right to remove them in the interest of public safety.

Who looks after street signs?

• Street signs, including stop signs and street name signs, for example, are maintained by the Public Works Department. Should you notice one missing or damaged, please notify the Public Works Department at (519) 856-9596 extension 120 and it will be taken care of as soon as possible.

How do I report litter or illegal dumping?

• Litter and debris is not only an eyesore for the community but is expensive for the municipality to pick up and dispose of. Illegal dumping is a major concern for the Public Works Department. We are asking for the public's assistance in helping us keep the Township clean. Anyone witnessing illegal dumping activities should note the licence plate number and report this information to the Public Works Department (519) 856-9596 extension 109. Citizens should not attempt to stop this dumping themselves. If you notice items in ditches or illegally dumped elsewhere on municipal property, we ask that you call us with your concern. Staff will attempt to pickup the items at their earliest convenience.

Are the piled wood chips in the Public Works yard available to the Township residents?

• Yes, they are available to Township residents on a first come first served basis. Residents taking the wood chips are encouraged to bring shovels as they must do the work themselves.

Who removes dead animals on the roadways?

• On a Township road please call the Township office at (519)856-9596 ext 120. If it is on a County Road, please call the County of Wellington at (519)837-2601. If it is on a Provincial Highway (Hwy 6 or Hwy 7) please call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-265-6072.

How do I report sod damage caused by the snow plow?

• Following the winter season, the Public Works Department ask your co-operation in notifying us of any sod damage caused by a wing or plow digging into lawns or boulevards. Minimal damage should be repaired by the homeowner; however, Township staff will topsoil and seed those areas where the winter control equipment has caused considerable damage. Again it is the homeowner's responsibility to care for the newly planted seed by ensuring that it is adequately watered. Markers indicating where extended curbs, sidewalks and driveways are located would be helpful for staff in winter and could prevent unnecessary repairs. The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is not responsible for any items that encroach onto Town property. Homeowners should be aware that boulevards are designed for the storage of snow during the winter season. For information or to request sod repairs please contact the Public Works Department at 856-9596, extension 120.  

 Water/Wastewater

What are watermains?

• Watermains are underground pipes that carry water from the pumping stations to your street and the service pipes connceted to your house.

Where does discoloured water come from?

• Discoloured water results when minerals naturally present in Rockwood's groundwater, combine with chlorine to form small rust particles or flakes. These particles generally settle on the bottom of the town's watermain piping; however, they mix with flowing water to cause discoloured water during system maintenance, when water is drawn from hydrants for fire fighting and during times of high water use.

What is water main flushing?

• The Township of Guelph/Eramosa uses "uni-directional" flushing. This means the valves in the pipe network are closed in sequence, drawing water from previously flushed pipes through the pipe that is to be cleaned. This ensures that all piping is refreshed and that minor sediment within the pipe is removed. The water is de-clorinated as it is flushing from the hydrants and flows into the storm drains.

Can I drink the water?

• In compliance with Provincial regulations and to ensure customer safety, the waterworks continuously maintains a disinfectant residual in all water supplied. While drinking small quantities of discoloured water is not likely to cause health risk, it is recommended that residents wait until water clarity returns to normal before consuming water. Please contact Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 519-846-2715 if you require further clarification on this issue.

Is flushing my pipes to remove discoloured water costing me money?

• No, the watermain cleaning program is provided as part of our comprehensive water management program and will not affect the current water and sewer rates.

How do I know if my well water is safe to drink?

• If you are on a well, the Township can provide you with water testing bottles to sample the quality of your water. A sample should be obtained and then dropped off at the local Health Unit in the morning. Please be sure to call ahead to the health unit to check which days Water samples are being analyzed. Water samples of this type have a very short holding time so in order to have your efforts be successful you must check the schedule and follow the sample instructions provided. All results are mailed directly to the sampler.

      Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health - 600 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON

      1-800-265-7293

      Tel: (519) 846-2715    Fax:  (519) 836-7215

Where do I obtain records on Wells?

• Please call the Well Records Information line at 1-888-396-9355.

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