Environment and Sustainability

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Regional EV Charging Network

Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership has grown considerably in Ontario, along with opportunities for rural communities to benefit from EV tourism. The partnership of County of Wellington, County of Dufferin, County of Perth, County of Huron, Bruce County, County of Grey, City of Guelph, and Nuclear Innovation Institute want to ensure residents and businesses in their collective region are afforded the opportunity to benefit from the transition to EVs.

A regional EV charging network strategy has been developed to assess this need. By working together and across boundaries, successes are amplified and partners gain more from their resources than they can alone. Specifically, the Partners realized that when they implemented stations independently, they had an insufficient network; by collaborating, we leverage time and resources to build a cohesive charging experience that allows EV drivers to travel throughout the region.

Currently, the region has 22 Level 3 (DC Fast Charging) and 145 Level 2 EV charging stations for public use. The Regional EV Charging Network Strategy proposes new locations for Level 2 and 3 fast charging locations to facilitate travel across the region, improvements to economic development opportunities, and tourism throughout Southwestern Ontario.

With funding secured, IVY Charging Networks will begin installing the chargers over the next 12 months. The 2 new Level 3 DCFC EV Chargers will be located with the existing Level 2 EV Chargers in the parking lot of the Arena.

Trees and Forestry

Trees are one essential part of protecting our local environment, improving air quality, aesthetics, and climate change mitigation. We have many programs and bylaws that encourage tree planting in West Perth or protect trees from removal.

County Council has enacted By-law 3836-2021 for the purpose of improving the forest, soil, fish, wildlife and water resources in Perth County by conserving and improving the woodland and woodlots. This By-law prohibits the destruction or injury of any living tree located in a woodlot or woodlands within the County as defined by the By-law.

Any property owner planning to destroy or injure trees in Perth County woodlands or woodlots shall file a Notice of Intent as detailed in the By-law. Failure to do so will result in a Stop Work Order being issued and anyone who contravenes the By-law is guilty of an offence and is liable for the associated fine of up to $100,000.

Property Owners with woodlands and woodlots are encouraged to review By-law 3836-2021 to ensure that they understand the impact this By-law has on woodland and woodlot trees. Any questions in regards to By-law 3836-2021 or the destruction or injury of trees should be directed to Marvin Smith, By-law Enforcement Officer, Perth County 519-291-2236.

Cutting Trees

Notice of Intent

The County of Perth requires that a Notice of Intent form be completed in the following two scenarios as per By-law 3836-2021 – Forestry By-law:

a) Every person who intends to destroy or injure trees located in the County pursuant to section 3(1) of the By-Law shall complete and deliver or send by facsimile transmission or email to the County a legible, signed Notice of Intent containing all the information required by the form no less than 20 and no more than 180 Business Days prior to the start of the destruction or injury of trees together with a legible copy of the silvicultural prescription signed by and identifying the person who prepared the prescription.

b) Every person who intends to destroy or injure trees located in the County pursuant to Section 3(2) of this By-law shall deliver or send by facsimile transmission or email to the County a legible, signed Notice of Intent containing all the information required by the form no less than 7 and no more than 180 Business Days prior to the start of the destruction or injury of trees.

All Notices of Intent that are to be submitted to the County of Perth can be forwarded to Legislative Services.

After a Notice of Intent (NOI) is received Legislative services will provide the applicant with a receipted NOI. The individual that submitted the NOI must notify the Issuing Officer/Forestry By-law Enforcement Officer no more than 7 business days and no less than 24 hours prior to date upon which the destruction or injury is set to start.

For site specific questions please feel free to contact
Perth County Forestry By-law Enforcement Officer:
Marvin Smith
519-291-2236

Municipal Tree Concerns

To request an inspection, pruning or removal of a Municipal-owned tree use the report online button below.

Tree damage after a storm

To report fallen trees or large limbs creating obstructions to roadways/sidewalks and/or causing an immediate hazard please call OPP at 1-800-310-1122.

Municipal tree damage after a storm

After a storm, the Municipality cleans up fallen trees and branches on public property. We respond to service calls based on the potential risk to people or property.

Report Online

On your property, you are responsible for removing and disposing of dead, hazardous trees or branches.

Tree Problem on HWY 8 and HWY 23

Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO INFO)

1-800-268-4686

Tree Problem on County Road

Perth County Report Tree Concern

519-271-0531 ext. 311

Tree Planting and Grants

We encourage landowners to plant trees on their property, with a few considerations in mind:

Call before you dig: Make sure you know what's underground before digging a hole, to make sure you don't hit any services or tree roots will grow into any water pipes.
Plant native species: Plant species native to this area will be better suited to drought, will provide better habitat, and have a better chance of survival. For a full list of recommended trees, see below.
Trees can get BIG: Plant trees inside your property line with your neighbours, and prepare for conversations about trimming if branches start overhanging neighbour's property.
The Municipality doesn't sell trees: Although we don't do tree sales, we have the West Perth Healthy Forests Grant, and partnerships with local Conservation Authorities on spring and fall tree planting and tree sale programs. Local nurseries also carry wonderful ranges of trees for every application.

Recommended Tree Species

We encourage landowners to plant native species of trees and other vegetation.

Planting native species helps to re-establish ecosystems that existed before the development of the land (in our case, we are deciduous mixed forests, or Carolinian species). Pockets of native habitats in urban areas, and increasing areas of natural areas in rural West Perth provide natural links for species across the landscape.

Native species are specifically adapted to our region's weather and climate patterns, meaning they require less water and fertilizer than non-native species and have a higher survival rate during periods of drought or extremely harsh winters. Native species are also more resistant to pests and fungal infections, as they will be heartier than non-native species.

SO.... What should you plant?

Acer x freemanii (Freemans Maple)
Acer nigrum ‘Green Column’ (Green Column Black Maple)
Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
Amelanchier canadensis Std. (Serviceberry Tree)
Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)
Cornus racemosa Std. (Gray Dogwood Tree)
Cherry Sp. (Pin Cherry and Chokecherry)
Cornus alternifolia (Alternate Leafed Dogwood)
Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
Gymnoclaudus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree)
Hamamelis virginiana (Witch-hazel)
Liriodendrop tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
Picea glauca (White Spruce)
Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)
Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore)
Thuga occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar)
Tilia Americana (Basswood)
Quercus macrocapia (Bur Oak)
Quercus rubra (Red Oak)

For information on shrub and groundcover/garden plants, check out the Grow Me Instead Guide from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

Each year, Ausable Bayfield Conservation, landowners and municipalities plant tens of thousands of trees to improve forest conditions within the watershed. Landowners who reside in the Ausable Bayfield watershed may be eligible to participate in the tree planting program and receive funding.

For pricing and availability, please contact Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist, at 519-235-2610, or visit their website at www.abca.ca

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Landowners who reside in the Upper Thames River watershed and own a minimum of 1 hectare (2.5 acres) are eligible to participate in the Tree Planting on Private Lands program of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Trees purchased through this program may be planted by the landowner or through the UTRCA’s full planting service.

For pricing and availability, please contact Brenda Gallagher, Forestry Technician at 519-451-2800 x260 or visit their website at www.thamesriver.on.ca

Perth County Stewardship Program

The Perth County Stewardship Program is back for a second year to support tree planting projects and forest management plans across the region. Following the success of the inaugural year, the County has pledged $100,000 to the 2025 program intake.

The fall application intake is now open!

The 2025 Stewardship Program Grant Guide details the grant streams offered for 2025, as well as eligibility criteria and details on how to apply. Eligible applicants including private landowners and community groups, can apply for grant funding for tree planting projects and forest management plans, on this webpage.

Tree planting links existing natural habitats, supports native species migrations, protects agricultural lands, and provides ecosystem services to rural communities. Tree planting initiatives can help adapt to changes in weather patterns and climactic shifts by sequestering carbon, and adding to the resiliency of our landscape to extreme weather events.

In agricultural lands, windbreaks and treed buffers reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and slow water down before entering creeks and rivers. Surrounding rural communities, trees reduce the impact of noise pollution and wind damage, and improve the aesthetic value of the area. The Perth County Stewardship Program aims to grow and adapt to the needs of Perth County’s residents and environments.

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has planted more than 1,350,000 trees since 1951! Landowners who reside in the Maitland Valley watershed may be eligible to participate in the tree planting program and receive funding.

For pricing and availability, please contact Karlene Zurbrigg at 519-335-3557 ext. 250 or visit their website at www.mvca.on.ca

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.

The Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2024-2029 is the municipality's plan for reducing our carbon footprint and overall energy consumption.

The goals of the Energy Plan are:

To create a culture of conservation
To improve the energy efficiency of our facilities by utilizing best practices to reduce our operating costs, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
To maximize fiscal resources through direct and indirect energy savings

View the previous version here: Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2019-2024

Noxious Weeds Control

To contact a Weed Inspector, or if you require more information, please contact Marvin Smith, County Weed and Tree Inspector at 519-291-2236.

Noxious Weeds in Ontario

In accordance with the Weed Control Act, R.S.O., property owners are responsible for spraying and removing noxious weeds on their property.

The Municipality does not spray or pay for the spraying of noxious weeds on private property or private roads.

The County Weed Inspector shall perform all duties required by the Weed Control Act and regulations.

If you have questions related to pesticide use please contact the Ministry of Environment at 1-800-565-4923 or visit the Ministry of Environment website.

Roadside Spraying

Vegetation control along the County roadsides is an important part of road maintenance. It ensures clear sight lines for signs, intersections and roadside wildlife, promotes drainage and drying and prevents the establishment of trees and brush in the right of way.

Roadside herbicide spraying will be completed yearly in the months of May and June. The herbicide will selectively kill weeds but not the grasses and is approved for use on roadsides under the public works exemption of the cosmetic pesticide ban. Spraying of the herbicide will be completed by a qualified contractor licensed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change under requirements of the Pesticides Act.

A public notice of this pesticide use will be advertised in the local paper, and on the municipal website.

Property owners who do not want the unmaintained ditch in front of their property sprayed can contact the Director of Operations.

Property owners who do not want the unmaintained ditch in front of their property sprayed can post “No Spray” signs at the start and finish of their property. These signs must be at least 30cm x 60cm (1 ft x 2 ft) and be easily read from the shoulder of the road.

Hogweed Spraying Program

The Municipality is undertaking hogweed spraying to control the spread of Giant Hogweed, an invasive plant that poses serious health risks to humans and can damage native ecosystems. Spraying is being conducted in identified locations where hogweed has been reported or confirmed.

Giant Hogweed sap can cause severe skin irritation, burns, and blistering when exposed to sunlight. For safety reasons, residents are advised to avoid touching or disturbing the plant. Signage will be posted in areas where spraying is taking place.

Japanese Knotweed Management

Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) "is an aggressive semi-woody perennial plant that is native to eastern Asia. In the 1800’s it was introduced to North America as an ornamental species and also planted for erosion control. It has since spread throughout the United States and Canada"

Japanese knotweed is especially persistent due to its vigorous root system, which can spread nearly 10 metres from the parent stem and grow through concrete and asphalt. This invader is very persistent and once it becomes established, is incredibly difficult to control" (invadingspecies.com).

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species that has been found in various locations in the flood plain and along the trails in Mitchell. The Municipality and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) are working together to control and remove the Japanese Knotweed.

If you have questions concerning Japanese Knotweed contact:
Greg Urquhart
Forestry and Restoration Technician
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
(519) 451-2800 x 281
www.thamesriver.on.ca

Japanese Knotweed Management 2024

The Municipality of West Perth and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority continue to work together to control Japanese Knotweed. The estimated treatment timeline of this invasive species is 10-years. Work continues to spot-treat infestations along the Thames River in Mitchell between May 27th to June 7th, 2024.

Media Release

Map

Japanese Knotweed Management 2023

Media Release

Japanese Knotweed Management 2022

The Municipality of West Perth and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority continue to work together to control Japanese Knotweed. The next phase of removal begins Wednesday June 29th, 2022.

Japanese Knotweed Map along Thames River

Japanese Knotweed Management 2021

The Municipality of West Perth and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority continued to work together to control Japanese Knotweed along the Thames River in Mitchell. Removal began August 24, 2021.

Japanese Knotweed Management 2020

The Municipality of West Perth and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority continue to work together to control Japanese Knotweed in West Perth. As part of the Japanese Knotweed Management Plan, the next phase of removal continued in September 2020.

View the maps outlining the Japanese Knotweed areas to be removed.

Learn more about Japanese Knotweed and West Perth's management of Japanese Knotweed below.

Removing Japanese Knotweed - UTRCA - 16 Sep 2019

Mitchell Dam and Reservoir

photo of the Mitchell Dam

Detailed information regarding the Mitchell Dam and Reservoir can be obtained from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority here.

Gypsy Moth

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is raising awareness of a potential Gypsy Moth caterpillar infestation and actions homeowners can take to reduce its impact.

Landowner Guide to Gypsy Moth Management

Learn more about the Gypsy Moth on the ABCA Gypsy Moth webpage.

Climate Change Report

Climate is something that impacts our day to day lives. Locally, each municipality has faced the impacts of severe weather, flooding, and increased hot and cold days. The world is on its way to reaching and surpassing the 1.5°C threshold that has been identified as the upper limit of global temperature increase to keep us within a safe range of climate change impacts. The world has to stay below this threshold and lower emissions 40% to 50% by 2030, or effects will be long lasting or irreversible.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan

Perth County, North Perth, Perth East, Perth South, West Perth, and Stratford and St. Marys have partnered to address the risks and take action on climate change within the communities. Each municipal action impacts one another, so it is important to work together to address the greater impacts that climate change will bring. This plan identifies various actions and strategies to move forward on increasing adaptability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the community.

Our vision is to mitigate climate change risks by ambitiously reducing local greenhouse gas emissions, and will ensure a more resilient and healthy future for our communities.

The Council of the Municipality of West Perth has adopted Green House Reduction Plan at its Regular Council Meeting on February 22, 2022. View the full Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.