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# Township Services
Explore the various services provided by the Township of Athens to residents and visitors.
## By-Laws
## Council
## Fire Department
## Historical
## Main Office
## Public Works
## Recreation
## Taxes
## Waste Managament
## By-Laws
### Pools and Fencing
See Details
Please refer to the By-Law Regarding Pools and Fencing document that provides an outline on the regulations and penalties.
### Municipal Accessibility Plan
See Details
Please refer to the Municipal Accessibility Plan to learn about the History of Initiatives to Identify, Remove and Prevent Barriers.
### By-Laws
See Details
Click here to view a list of our by-laws available for download.
### By Law Enforcement Officer
See Details
To lodge a complaint regarding a possible by-law infraction please, contact the Municipal Office by phone or email.
If it is after hours your call will be responded to as soon as the message is retrieved.
## Council
### 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION INFORMATION
See Details
**MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE VOTERS LIST**!
Check, update or add your information to the voters list for municipal, school board and provincial elections in Ontario at the link below.
https://www.registertovoteon.ca
**2026 Voters' Guide to Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections** follow this link.
https://athenstownship.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Voters-Guide.pdf
**2026 Candidates Guide to Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections** follow this link.
https://athenstownship.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Candidates-Guide.pdf
### Athens Township Council
See Details
Back Row Left to Right - Councillors: Greg Kearney | Darin Alguire | Rob Layng | Todd Evans
Front Row Left to Right: Councillor Anne Marie Dancy | Darlene Noonan, CAO/Clerk Treasurer | Herb Scott, Mayor
Chris Fenlong, Road Superintendent | Councillor Matt Smith
### Council Contact Information
See Details
| | |
| --- | --- |
| Mayor Herb Scott | [email protected] |
| Councillor Darin Alguire | [email protected] |
| Councillor Anne Marie Dancy | [email protected] |
| Councillor Todd Evans | [email protected] |
| Councillor Greg Kearney | [email protected] |
| Councillor Rob Layng | [email protected] |
| Councillor Matt Smith | [email protected] |
### What are Minutes
See Details
Minutes are a written record of a meeting or hearing.
They often supply an overview of the structure of the meeting, beginning with a list of those present, a statement of the numerous issues before the participants, and each of their responses thereto.
**Format**
Usually, they begin with the entity name, place, date, list of people present, and the time that the chair called the meeting to order.
Minutes then record what actually occurs at a meeting, usually in the order that it actually happens, regardless of whether the encounter follows (or omits) any written agenda.
Since the principal function of minutes is to record the decisions made, any and all executive decisions must be included.
If a formal motion is made, seconded, passed, or not passed then this is registered.
**The vote tally may also be admitted**
The part of the minutes dealing with a normal motion might report merely that a particular motion was "moved by Louise, seconded by Bill, and passed unanimously."
The minutes may close with a note of the time that the session was adjourned.
If there are errors or omissions, then the minutes will be re-drafted and surrendered again at a later date. Minor alterations may be made just then, and the amended notes may be endorsed "as amended."
It is normally suitable to give a draft copy of the notes to the other personnel in advance of the meeting so that the conference need not be delayed while everyone reads and rectifies the draft.
It is not good practice to vote to approve minutes for a meeting which one did not attend.
It is also not prudent to approve minutes which one has not carefully reviewed.
Click here for a list of the Meeting Minutes.
### Public Presentations
See Details
Persons desiring to present information verbally on matters of fact or make a request of Council shall give notice to the Clerk not later than Noon on the Wednesday immediately preceding the meeting of Council.
**Please include a written brief, outlining the subject matter of the presentation.**
Such presentations shall be limited to fifteen minutes.
### Meeting Dates
See Details
Council meetings are held the second Monday of every Month at 7:00 p.m., if Monday is a holiday the meeting will be held on the second Tuesday.
Council meetings are open to all citizens.
## Fire Department
### New Rescue Vehicle
See Details
A HUGE shoutout and Thank you to Invista, Maitland Site and everyone involved for their generous donation to the Township of Athens Volunteer Fire Department. Our new rescue vehicle is now in service and is a very welcome addition to our fleet to better serve our Community. Thank you on behalf of Council, our Department and Residents.
### Message from the Fire Prevention Committee
See Details
Below are links to important information every household should have regarding fire prevention. Please take the time to read and discuss the documents below with every member of your household.
Click here to download a Fire Escape Plan.
Visit KnowFire for further Fire Prevention messages.
### Fire Department Contact Information
See Details
**Fire Chief**
Gerry Bell, Tel: 613-924-2044 ext. 22
email: [email protected]
**Deputy Fire Chief**
Tom Fenn
email: [email protected]
### Athens Volunteer Fire Department Application
See Details
Click Here for the Application.
### Burn Permits
See Details
Online burn permits available through this link
Please ensure you call 1-888-919-1533 or go into your account each time you activate a burn (regardless of permit type) in order for our department to know when and where active burns are happening.
**ALL BURN PERMITS NEED TO BE RENEWED FOR 2025 WHEN YOU LOG IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT.**
## Historical
### Athens & Area Heritage Museum Brochure - Francais
See Details
Link Page 1
Link Page 2
### Athens & Area Heritage Museum Brochure - English
See Details
Link Page 1
Link Page 2
### Athens Heritage Committee / Athens and Area Heritage Society (AAHS)
See Details
Also known as the 'Athens and Area Heritage Society', the Athens Heritage Committee is composed of volunteer members and Township Councillors. Each member must be included in the by-law.
Current members are: Chair Kathryn Hudson, Secretary Elizabeth Earl, Wayne Brohman, Burt Hudson, Jenifer Leeder,
Councillor Rob Layng provides guidance to the Committee while Councillor Todd Evans provides support (at large).
Mandate: to preserve and promote the heritage of Athens and surrounding area.
To fulfill the mandate, the Committee:
* Operates the Athens Museum;
* Hosts / provides a variety of heritage presentations for the community;
* Directs and coordinates the creation and placement of interpretive outdoor museum signs in Athens and Charleston Lake;
* Displays items at Farmersville Exhibition; and
* Maintains the Athens and Area Heritage Museum Facebook page.
Upon mutually agreed request, the Committee will coordinate:
* Access to Museum / research materials at the Museum
* Children's programs at the Museum
* Presentations
* Special events for the Leeds Heritage Day
The committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the Museum to make decisions regarding the projects / direction of the Society and the Museum. Guests and potential new members are welcome.
To learn more about the Committee, please visit us at the Athens Museum
Contact us via email at [email protected]
Follow us on Facebook: Athens and Area Heritage Museum
### Walking Tour of Athens
See Details
The Walking Tour Map of the Village of Athens and the write up of points of interest can be found at this link.
### Athens Interpretive Heritage Signs
See Details
**Ourdoor Museum Signs**
*Created by Designer/Historian Brian Phillips,*
*of the Athens and Area Heritage Society* - pre 2020
**History of Athens**
*Located at the Township Hall*
Athens' first sign is the story of the newly named village in 1890 and includes photos of farming, the B & W Train Station, a 1930s Main St. Scene, artist Crawf Slack, historian Edna Chant, newspaperman B. Loverin, and the Model School. A scene from Turkey Fair provides the backdrop. Founder Joshua Bates and businesses like Fisher, Lamb and Earl are included.
**Model and Public School History**
*Located at the Athens Museum 12 Wellington St.* East
This sign is situated at the original site of the Public School of 1860, first high school and the Model School. It includes classroom, graduation, and play photos as well as a brief history of those schools and interesting anecdotes.
**Jeffrey Boats**
*Located on Henry Street, North of Lions Hall*
Myles Jeffrey operated a boat building business in a shop beside his home from 1883 - 1963. Both buildings remain. It includes his portrait and photos of his shop and beautifully crafted wooden boats as well as a brief explanation about their construction.
**Athens Medical History**
*Located at the Medical Centre on Wellington St.*
This sign outlines the many facets of past medicine in Athens and includes photos of important figures including caregivers Mother Barnes and Aunt Sarah Wiltse, Dr. Giles, "medicine man" Arza Sherman,
Dr. Harte, druggist J. P. Lamb, the Cornell brothers and Dr. A. K. Mainse. It tells the story of medicine from the early hospital on Sarah St. and the country doctors to the modern Athens District Health Service Centre.
**Athens Educational History**
*Located at the Athens High School on Church St.*
This sign highlights Athens' history of commitment to education since its founding in 1836, and the establishment of a variety of schools resulting in a name change from Farmersville. Town fathers Bates and the Parishes had important roles. The High School's parliamentary system is highlighted as is famed alumni Louise McKinney. There is a brief mention of one room schools, as well as panoramic class photos. Original High School, Drama, WWI Cadets, and hockey photos are included as well.
**History of Charleston Lake**
*Located at the Main Dock in Charleston Village*
Over the years since 1853 Charleston has at times been the site of a post office, stores, tannery, inn, sawmill, boat liveries, restaurants, a school, the Harbour View Hotel, the Cedar Park Inn, Camp Vegas, many regattas and the incredible story of the Heroine of Charleston Lake. J. Lamb's photos captured this time of charm and enormous catches of fish in the early 1900s. It tells of many fishing guides and oarsmen whose names are titles for the Lake's features. Since 1890 The Charleston Lake Association has cared for this natural treasure.
****Athens Station of the B&W Railway Line*****Located on Henry Street just before the entry to Centennial Park and Centre '76*
Installed April 13th 2025
Facing towards the former site of the Athens Station, the sign provides snapshots in time of the original station from circa 1912 and 1916 as well as the replacement station circa 1952. The museum board was a group effort led by Elizabeth Earl and Dustin Bulloch of the Athens and Area Heritage Society in coordination with the Athens Township Council. Glen Russell of the Elgin and Area Heritage Society enabled the images to be the correct resolution / clarity to be printed on an outdoor board. Summer students of 2024 provided their input to aid in the design and provide their perspective. Funding was provided by a grant from Burnbrae farms, a personal donation from Kevin Tackaberry, and donations from the community.
The stone upon which the sign is mounted was donated by Scott Farms.
### Athens Heritage Museum
See Details
Also referred to as the 'Athens Heritage Museum', the Athens Museum is perfectly situated in a former school re-built in 1905. Several of our local residents have vivid memories of attending school here before Pineview was built in the late 60's! Over the course of the last 120 years, the building, like our residents, has a lot of history.
#### Visit
Location: 12 Wellington St. East, 1st floor
The Museum is open Saturdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm throughout the year and typically open 5 days a week throughout July and August.
Hours may differ as we close when hosting a presentation elsewhere. Please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AthensMuseum to be informed of closures.
View paintings by Crawford Slack, hand held woodworking tools, and more!
Ongoing Exhibits / Displays include:
* Athens War Veterans - poster boards of some who served in WWI and / or WWII
* British Home Children - trunks and clothing
* Brockville Westport (B&W) Railway
* Crawford Slack - paintings plus a stage backdrop from 1924!
* Dr. Lenora Howard King
* Dutch Immigration to the Area
* Education in Athens and Area - boards / photos of different schools in the area including the Athens Model School
* History of Charleston Lake
* Medical History of the Area
* Mother Barnes - her kitchen table and other artefacts
During your visit, check out the tin ceilings throughout the Museum!
#### Research Materials
The Museum has several books and binders of information available for researching local family / events history. Access is available under the supervision of Museum staff.
#### Staffing / Appointments
Depending on grants received, the Museum is staffed by 2 high school students in the summer months. Otherwise, the staffing is by the members of the Athens and Area Heritage Society (AAHS) on Saturdays throughout the year.
Appointments may be made at a mutually available time and are hosted by members of the AAHS. If you are an educator at a school in Athens and would like to arrange a class visit, please email us at [email protected] for appointments outside of open hours.
We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthensMuseum
Contact Us: [email protected]
## Main Office
### Request for Action
See Details
If you have something you would like the Township to address i.e. dogs barking or running at large, road conditions etc., please complete and sign the Request for Action form and return it to the Municipal Office.
Click here for the Request for Action Form.
### Township Information for Residents
See Details
Download Document.
### Mailing Address Updates
See Details
Update your mailing address with the muncipality by emailing [email protected].
**Update your mailing address online with MPAC**
As a property owner, you will receive notices from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) about your property's assessed value. If you own a property in Township of Athens but want to receive all your notices at a different mailing address, you can easily update your information with MPAC. Visit mpac.ca to change your mailing address online.
### Hours of Operation
See Details
**Hours of Operation**
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Statutory Holidays
### Emergency Management Plan
See Details
Download the Plan.
### Contact Information
See Details
**Mailing Address:**
Township of Athens,
1 Main St. W.,
P.O. Box 189,
Athens ON K0E 1B0
Phone: 613 924 2044
Fax: 613 924 2091
**Office E-mail**
Darlene Noonan, CAO/Clerk-Treasurer - [email protected]
Michele Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant - [email protected]
Chris Fenlong, Director of Public Works/Road Superintendent - [email protected]
Gerry Bell, Chief Building Official - [email protected]
Gerry Bell, Fire Chief - [email protected]
### Civil Marriage Solemnization
See Details
Please contact the Clerk's office during regular office hours at 613-924-2044 or email Darlene @ [email protected] for more information regarding obtaining a marriage license and/or the service of civil marriage Solemnization. Photo ID and copy of divorce decrees required if applicable.
Marriage License Application
**Fee**
Township of Athens resident - $75.00
Non-resident - $125.00
### Building Permits, Fees & Regulations
See Details
**Contact Information for Building Inspector**
Township of Athens Building Department
1 Main Street West, Athens ON K0E 1B0
Phone: 613-924-2044 Fax: 613-924-2091
Gerry Bell, Chief Building Official - Ext 22 email: [email protected]
Administrative Assistant - Ext 21 email: [email protected]
**Documents Relating to Building Issues**
Click Here to download the Building Fees.
Click here to download the Building Permit Application.
Click Here to download the Septic System Application
Paper copies of Applications are available at the Athens Municipal Office.
### Asset Management Plan
See Details
Link to view the Asset Management Plan
## Public Works
### Road Department - Public Works
See Details
The Township of Athens Public Works Department provides many of the basic services that affect the daily lives of everyone who lives and works in the Athens area.
The Department of Public Works is responsible for construction, renovation and the operation of Township facilities and infrastructure.
The Department maintains the Township streets and roads, maintains storm drains as well as public buildings and service facilities.
Throughout its history, the Department of Public Works has been responsible for construction, renovation and improvement programs with public facilities and systems throughout the Township of Athens.
## Recreation
### Pop-up Play
See Details
A FREE drop-in program for dads, moms, grandparents and caregivers with their children from birth to six years. This program is offered in outreach locations across Leeds and Grenville, in Athens on Fridays @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am in the municipal building, 1 Main St. W..
Children have the opportunity to engage in various experiences that promote inquiry and play-based learning in a simplified early learning environment. Children are encouraged to explore, create and play.
Community guests visit the program. Community information is available.
### Joshua Bates Centre Information
See Details
**\*\*\*Effective September 15, 2022, we require all renters holding events with alcohol being served to provide proof of Third Party Liability Insurance Coverage of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence with an aggregate of not less than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) with "THE TOWNSHIP OF ATHENS" named as the Additional Insured. See the the Lease Agreement (link below) for further requirements.**
The Joshua Bates Centre is rented for $25.00 per hour plus HST to a max of $250.00 per day plus taxes.
Use of the kitchen is an additional $10.00 plus HST. Sound equipment and extra lighting are available to rent from the Joshua Bates Performing Arts Committee.
The municipality is now providing low cost liability insurance for low-risk, non-alcohol events being held in the JBC. Details in the Lease Agreement (link below).
The calendar on this website (click here) has all dates the JBC is booked indicated with a blue bar on the event. If you are considering a few dates this is the place to look.
For booking information and confirmation of availability of the hall, please phone 613-924-2044 or email
The Joshua Bates Centre has air conditioning thanks to a grant from The Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Click here to download the Facility User and Hold Harmless Agreement.
Click here to download the JBC Performing Arts Committee Equipment Rental.
Click here to download the Joshua Bates Centre Seating Capacity.
### Athens Sports
See Details
Link to Minor Hockey, Figure Skating, and other sports associations.
### Centre '76 Arena
See Details
**Centre '76 Arena Calendar**
Contact for arena bookings: Darlene Noonan
Email - [email protected]
**Centre 76 Arena Public Skating**
Public Skating Schedule: Saturday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. & Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fees: $2.00 Adults & $ 1.00 Kids Public Skating will begin October 2025.
### Centennial Park Soccer and Baseball Field
See Details
To book the ball field or soccer field or to check availability please contact the Municipal Office.
Lease agreement/Hold Harmless - must be completed when reserving the parks.
Web Links to soccer and baseball associations.
## Taxes
### Tax Rates
See Details
Click here to view the 2025 Tax Rate Table.
### Payment Options
See Details
Payments will be accepted by cheque or cash at the office during regular office hours or they can be left in the mail slot to the left of the office door to be processed the next business day. Taxes are also payable (by the due date) at the Bank of Montreal in Athens for BMO customers. Taxes can be paid through your financial institution by internet and phone.(Athens Township Taxes). Please ensure that you allow at least 5 business days when paying taxes online to ensure payment reaches the office before the due date. Post-dated cheques are accepted.
As well, we have a debit/credit transaction machine in office for payments with debit cards and credit cards (3% additional fee applies to credit card transactions only). Effective January 1, 2025 we will no longer accept payments over the phone. E-transfers are not accepted for tax payments.
The Township is not responsible for non-delivery or late delivery by mail, it is the owner's responsibilty to ensure tax payments are received in office on or before the due date to avoid penalty.
## Waste Management
### Household Hazardous Waste Days
See Details
### New Recycling Guidelines as of January 1, 2026
See Details
Follow this link to see all new guidelines for Recycling in the Township of Athens. https://www.circularmaterials.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Athens-ON-2026-Recycle-guide-and-calendar-template.pdf
**As always, be recycle ready**. - give containers a quick rinse before putting in your recycling. - place materials clean, dry and loose in your recycling. - flatten and bundle cardboard to save space. - lids and labels can remain on containers. - have your recycling to the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day. - hazardous materials, like batteries and sharps do not belong in your recycling. Take them to a designated drop-off location for safe handling.
**All residents with curbside collection** inquiries are to contact **Emterra** (the contractor) for recycling related question.
email: **[email protected]** or phone **1-888-597-1541**.
Recycling information for the community as well as customer service information for the contractor can be found at www.circularmaterials.ca/athens.
There will be no change to curbside garbage collection.
### Transfer Station Fees & Directions
See Details
The Transfer Site is located on Montgomery Road. From Athens take County Rd 40 (Charleston Lake Rd) towards Charleston Village until you reach County Park Road, turn left, Montgomery Road is the next left, the transfer station is on the right, 33 Montgomery Rd.
Hours of Operation
January - December
Wednesday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Additional Summer Hours - June 15 - September 14
Mondays 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Excluding Statutory holidays.
Tickets, Tags & Prices
Landfill Site Tickets and Garbage Bag Tags are available at D. G. Blanchards Garage, Municipal Office and Lake Line Lodge (May-Oct).
Garbage Bag Tags Only: Athens Fresh Market, Athens Ace Hardware, The Village Store.
Bag Tags $ 2.00 each (available in sheets of 5 and 10) for bags sized 26″ x 36″. Oversized bags require 2 tags. No bags over 50 lbs.
One (1) Dry Good $10.00 - couch, chair, mattresses, box spring, toilet, etc. Any Large and/or Bulky Items can not be included in truck loads.
Refrigerators, Freezers , Air Conditioners - accepted free of charge if CFC's/Freon has been removed and item tagged. We will no longer accept these items if not tagged by a professional technician.
Tires - No Charge, Ticket Required with # of Tires
Brush & Yard Waste $5.00 - Any size load
Building Material / Renovation / Wood
$45 - 1/2 Ton truck
$45 - Trailer up to 8 feet
$90 - 1/2 Ton Truck & Trailer up to 8 feet
$90 - Trailer over 8 feet
$135 - 1/2 Ton Truck & Trailer over 8 feet
Shingles
- available ONLY at the Municipal Office by property owner
$100- 1/2 Ton Truck
$100 - Trailer up to 8′
$125 - Trailer over 8′
$200 - 1/2 Ton Truck & Trailer up to 8′
$225 - 1/2 Ton Truck & Trailer over 8′
The following items are accepted at no charge at the depot
Cardboard, Mixed Household Paper, Plastic (see recycling guidelines), Glass, Aluminum and Steel Cans.
Items such as recyclables, stone, concrete, ash, metal and white goods are accepted at no charge.
### Transfer Site Hours
See Details
Regular Hours: Wednesday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Additional Summer Hours: Monday 8:00 a.m. - noon from June 15th to September 14th, 2026.
Excluding Statutory holidays - August 3rd & September 7th.
### Transfer Site Fees
See Details
Link to picture guide.
### Curbside Waste and Recycling Pickup
See Details
Residents within the limits of the Village of Athens are provided with curbside pick-up of refuse and recyclables.
Refuse - Every Thursday
must be at the curb by 7:00 AM
all bags of refuse must have a Township of Athens garbage bag tag securely affixed to the 26″ x 36″ bag and weigh no more than 50lbs
oversized bags require more than one tag
Recycling - Every Thursday on a two week schedule. The 2026 Recycling Schedule can be found at this link - https://www.circularmaterials.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Athens-ON-2026-Recycle-guide-and-calendar-template.pdf
One week fibres will be collected. Fibres consist of paper, cardboard, box board etc.. Milk Cartons and anything with wax coating is not recyclable and will not be picked up.
The next week is plastic, aluminum, clear and coloured glass.
If you have any questions concerning your blue box collection, call Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or email [email protected]. They can be contacted for replacement bins, missed collections and other recycling questions.