Township Newsletter – July 2026

The Corporation of the Township of Laird

Newsletter

July 2026

Hiring Opportunity: Temporary Senior Machine Operator

Temporary Senior Machine Operator position available for 3 – 6 month term with potential extension. This role supports municipal road maintenance and construction, including operating graders, backhoes, and plow trucks under the direction of the Road Superintendent. Candidates should have Grade 12, at least three years of related experience, a valid DZ licence, chainsaw certification, and strong equipment-operation skills.

Applications (resume, cover letter, and Application for Employment) are due Friday, July 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Full details, job description, and the Application for Employment are available at lairdtownship.ca.

2026 Municipal & School Board Election Information

Make sure you are on the voters’ list for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 26, 2026.

Check or update your voter information at RegisterToVoteON.ca.

Interested in running for office?

Nomination Packages are available at the Municipal Office. Council positions include 1 Head of Council (Mayor) and 4 Councillors.

The nomination and registration period is open until Nomination Day, August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.

For more information about the 2026 Municipal Election, visit lairdtownship.ca.

2026 Budget

Council passed the 2026 Budget on April 16, 2026, which includes a 3.5% municipal levy increase. The budget outlines planned operating and capital work across all departments, including road maintenance and surface treatment projects, recreation facility upkeep, fairgrounds improvements, waste management operations, and ongoing support for community programs and services.

Residents can review the full 2026 Final Budget on the Township website under Township Government → Transparency → Budget Process → 2026 Final Budget. The Treasurer provides quarterly budget reports to Council. Amendments may occur throughout the year when unexpected situations arise—such as emergency repairs, unplanned maintenance, or projects that come in above estimated costs.

Official Plan Public Open House

Residents are invited to a Public Open House for the new Desbarats to Echo Bay Official Plan on July 7, 2026, with sessions in Echo Bay at Echo Bay Community Hall (4 – 6 p.m.) and Desbarats at the Johnson Township Council Chambers (7 – 9 p.m.). Come learn about the draft plan and share your input on how land use and growth will be managed in the planning area.

For full details and to review the draft Official Plan, visit https://tarbutt.ca/planning-board/

By-law Reminders Laird Township reminds residents of several important by-laws currently in effect:

• Dogs Running at Large — Under By-law 2040-25 (Control of Dogs), dogs are not permitted to run at large, and all dogs must have a Township dog tag. Tags are free and can be requested through our website.
• Trailer Use — Living in a trailer is not permitted under Zoning By-law 531-80. Temporary trailer use is regulated through By-law 2034-24 (Trailer Permit Policy), which outlines several requirements, including having an active building permit. Please review the full policy on our website. The Township actively enforces this regulation.
• Sea Cans / Storage Containers — By-law 992-18, which amends Zoning By-law 531-80, prohibits the placement of Sea Cans, C-cans, and freight containers, including a full prohibition in the Summer Cottage and Hamlet Zones.

For full by-law details, visit lairdtownship.ca under Township Government → By-laws.

FREE OPEN ARENA HORSE NIGHTS — Summer 2026 Enjoy free, weekly drop-in riding every Wednesday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Laird Fairgrounds Horse Arena (127 Lake George Road East). All ages are welcome, and riders must have a waiver and proof of equestrian liability insurance before participating. For full details, including the Waiver, Rules & Guidelines, and Horse Arena Code of Conduct, visit lairdtownship.ca.

Supervision on site: Noah Crozier — 705-255-4603 | Ashlee Boychuk — 705-542-4618

Come Meet your Neighbours at the Wharf!

On Sunday, August 23, 2026 the Laird Township Finns’ Bay Wharf sub-committee will host their second biannual Meet and Greet. The Meet and Greet will be at the Wharf (455 Finns’ Bay Road North) from 1-4:00 p.m. Weather Permitting; no rain date.

A complementary BBQ will begin at 1:30 p.m., featuring hot dogs, bottled water and individual bags of potato chips. Please bring a lawn chair, dress accordingly to the weather and bring bug repellent. If you desire, bring your own additional beverages and snacks.

5th Annual LAIRD PUMPKIN FEST—SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

We handed out GIANT PUMPKIN seeds this spring, and we can’t wait to see the massive pumpkins our community grows! If you haven’t started yet, GIANT PUMPKIN seeds are still available at the Township Office – pick some up while supplies last.

Mark your calendars for September 26, 2026, as we celebrate the 5th Annual PUMPKIN FEST!

Expect fun, community spirit, and great prizes for:

• Biggest pumpkin
• Best-caved pumpkin
• And much more!

We’re also looking for volunteers to help plan the event and assist on Pumpkin Fest day. If you’d like to help, please call (705) 248-2395.