Environment and Sustainability

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ERTH Corporation x Municipality of West Perth Partnership

ERTH Corporation and the Municipality of West Perth have long had partnerships to adapt to the growing needs of our communities. Through this partnership, Mitchell had the first Level 2 EV Charger installed in the downtown core in 2020/2021. This charger was placed in this location to encourage West Perthians and visitors to the town of Mitchell to drive their EV to our communities and visit businesses in the Mitchell BIA district. The Mitchell Level 2 charger is located on Ontario Road west of St. David Street (see photo below).

The Municipality of West Perth is dedicated to continuing to assess new areas across the Municipality to install EV Chargers to encourage the use of EV's and cater to visitors to our flourishing communities. If you have an idea for a location for EV's in West Perth, we would love to hear from you! Email us at clerk@westperth.com.

EV charging pedestal in Mitchell Ontario

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.

Under this partnership, West Perth anticipates the installation of a Level 3 DC Fast Charger to be implemented in Mitchell, close to the two major transportation corridors of HWY 8 and HWY 23. This exciting project does not have a predicted installation date at this time (we hope 2024!). More information will be provided when possible.

Trees & 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.

Keterson Park Tree Damage

Damage to Keterson Trees

In May 2023, Two 80 year old maple trees in Keterson Park were senselessly damaged by 3 unknown individuals, where bark was stripped around the entire tree, causing significant damage and putting the lives of these trees at risk. The damage to these trees has a technical term, called girdling. "Girdling is the complete removal of bark from around the entire circumference of either a branch or trunk of a woody plant. Girdling results in the death of the area above the girdle over time". The damage was assessed at approximately $25,000.

The mature trees at Keterson Park were strategically saved throughout the 2023 Pavilion re-build because they contribute to a lovely shaded area in the heart of the park. Municipal Staff have gone to great lengths to save these trees. With the help and advice of neighbours far and wide, the strategy to save them includes applying a 'band-aid' to the damaged area for ONE year. Thank you to those individuals who reached out and suggested treatment options and offered to donate trees.

We ask the public and our community to not remove the 'band-aids' or tamper with the treatment.

If you or someone you know has information on how the damage to these trees occurred, we ask you call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Andy Bader at the Mitchell Advocate's Article regarding the damage can be accessed here.

If you visit the trees, you will see these signs below:

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.

West Perth Healthy Forest Grant

The Municipality of West Perth's Environment, Forestry and Trails Committee decided to reinvigorate the commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and improving water quality and habitat for local and migratory species by enacting the West Perth Healthy Forests Grant in 2020.

This grant is intended to provide a financial incentive to landowners within the Municipality to encourage urban tree planting and rural forest restoration across our community. The grant is provided to landowners through tree orders placed through Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. This grant launched spring 2021 and is set to continue into spring and fall 2022.

West Perth Healthy Forests Grant provides West Perth landowners with $5.00 subsidy for large stock trees, and $0.50 subsidy for seedling trees. In some cases, this covers 30% of the cost of the tree!

The image below outlines how many trees were purchased for Spring 2023 subsidized by the Healthy Forests Grant, and the number of landowners who participated. Thank you to the 44 landowners who have taken advantage of this grant since 2021!

West Perth Healthy Forests Grant. 1,544 trees planted in 2023

This grant was provided in partnership with ERTH Corporation during the 2022 season. Thank you to ERTH for their generous sponsorship of the West Perth Healthy Forests Grant.

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

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 Geoff King at 519-335-3557 ext. 235 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 2019-2024 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 2014-2019

Noxious Weeds Control

To contact a Weed Inspector, or if you require more information, please contact Marvin Smith, County Weed & 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 Operations Manager.

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.

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 Conservataion Authority
(519) 451-2800 x 281
www.thamesriver.on.ca

Japanese Knotweed Management 2023

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 June 5th and 16th, 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

Massive Removal of Invasive Species in Mitchell - UTRCA - 5 Sep 2019

Japanese Knotweed - Ontario's Invading Species Awareness program

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.

Phragmites Control

On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC) conducted work in West Perth Wetlands to control an outbreak of Phragmites australis, Canada’s worst invasive plant. The IPCC is the only organization operating in Ontario that can provide the expertise and services needed to undertake all aspects of a control program of phragmites.

IPCC is continuing the work that was conducted in 2020 to manage Phragmites in the West Perth Wetlands. They are returning to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment in 2020 and follow-up with touch-up treatment. They will be using backpack herbicide sprayers and will be supported by a track vehicle. In addition, they treated an affected area that was inaccessible in 2020. IPCC will bring an industrial off-road vehicle this year to tackle this inaccessible area. The vehicle comes equipped with a spray system and tank. The machine has tires that are adjustable depending on terrain and enables the crew to tread lightly on surfaces and it is also amphibious. Treatment of larger areas is made possible by this machine.

Signs will be posted 24 hours in advance of any herbicide spraying in the area. Phragmites will be being treated along the shoreline of the wetland and possibly adjacent to the walking paths. The area does not need to be avoided by the public, but it is cautioned to not veer away from the walking paths.

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.