Environment and Sustainability

Environment and Sustainability

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Energy Conservation

Under the Green Energy Act, 2009 and as a public agency, we prepare, publish, make available to the public and implement energy conservation and management plans.

We have updated the Conservation & Demand Management Plan for 2024-2029. If you would like a paper copy you can contact the Township office to request a copy.

Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission reports are available here.

Garbage, Recycling and Waste

In Perth South we have contracted Bluewater Recycling Association for the co-collection of recyclables and garbage throughout the township. Collection is on a bi-weekly basis for both recyclables and garbage. Acceptable recycling material is collected at no charge. Residents are reminded that there is a weight restriction, as any container over 20kg (45 lbs) or over 30 gallons will not be collected because it unsafe for collection drivers.

As of October 31, 2016, we have an automated collection service. Bluewater Recycling Association now uses the "wheelie bin" for both recycling and garbage. Here is the latest recycling and waste container option chart rates.

Here is the 2026 and 2027 Waste and Recycling Schedule with a map identifying Blanshard and Downie pickup areas.

The "My Waste" mobile application can also be downloaded on Android and Apple devices to help keep track of your waste and recycling schedule. Here are frequently asked questions about the mobile application.

For more information about the Bluewater Recycling Association, please visit their website or call 1-800-265-9799.

We are now offering battery recycling drop-off at the Township Office. These batteries are eligible for recycling. Please note that small sealed lead (Pb) batteries are subject to a maximum individual weight of one kilogram or two pounds. You can find more information about battery recycling on the Call2Recycle website.

Here is the accepted e-waste at our landfill site for recycling.

We encourage you to participate in the green cone digester program. You can submit a completed grant form to claim a rebate of 50% of the purchase price with a maximum of one unit per household.

Trees

This is the Perth County Forest Conservation by-law.

Additional information on how to select appropriate trees for planting in potentially hazardous areas (e.g. near hydro lines) is available. Also see this diagram for reference.

We ask that you do not plant trees or place other objects such as rocks on the road property. Most Township road allowances are 20 metres (66 feet) or 10 metres (33 feet) from the center line of the road. In the event that you wish to plant vegetation or install a fence along the road, please contact the Township Office and we will gladly meet with you.

If you notice a tree on Township property that requires trimming, contact the Township office. Residents should contact local utilities providers if trees on private property are interfering with overhead wires. The Township is not responsible for trimming trees on private property.

Source Water Protection

In the Thames-Sydenham and Region, our municipal drinking water comes from the great lakes (Lake Huron and Lake Erie), the connecting channels (St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair) or underground sources (aquifers) drawn from wells and wellfields located across the region. All of these sources of water are linked in a watershed through the water cycle. Drinking water sources can be easily contaminated. Long-term problems can develop that are costly or even impossible to correct.

Through the Clean Water Act, a local committee has been established to guide the process to develop a Source Protection Plan to protect municipal sources of drinking water. The Source Protection Plan determines areas that are vulnerable, identifies potential threats and develops plans to deal with the threats to our drinking water sources.

For more information, see the source water protection committee, Source Water Protection Plan and the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan Approval by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

You may also be interested in the following links for more information about source water protection:

• Green Communities
• Well Aware
• Perth County Ground Water Study
• Clean Water Program
• OFA Rural Water Testing Program
• Ontario Ground Water Association
• Ministry of the Environment

Water Conservation

The Ontario Clean Water Agency (O.C.W.A) operates all of the municipal water systems in Perth South. This is a continuous twenty-four hours, seven days a week service.

For all inquiries related to the Black Creek Water System and St. Pauls Water System, please call the Municipal Office during regular office hours or contact the O.C.W.A. directly at 519-274-1637. For after-hours emergencies, call the 24 hour O.C.W.A. emergency pager at 519-274-7350.

Black Creek Water System

• Annual Reports
• Summary Reports
• Ministry of Environment Inspection Reports

St. Pauls Water System

• Annual Reports
• Summary Reports
• Ministry of Environment Inspection Reports

Township of Perth South Financial Plan and Final Rate Report

We have prepared a Financial Plan in accordance with the Financial Plan regulation (O. Reg. 453/07) made under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

• 2016-2021 Water Systems Financial Plan- Approved October 20, 2015
• Drinking Water Systems Financial Plan- Prepared September 22, 2010

Our Final Rate Report estimates the operating expenses and capital costs from 2010 to 2039 in an operating plan with a mandatory review every six years. Revenue needed to support the operating plan is laid out in a funding plan that relies on user fees along with government grants. User fees are set so that adequate reserves are developed in order to fund capital expenditures.

• Final Rate Report- Prepared September 22, 2010