Alternate Formats
Alternate formats and communication supports are available upon request.
Animal Control Officer Contact Information
Paul Methner: 705-795-0229
Download Dog Tag Registration Form
Dog Registration Fees:
- Dog License – $20.00
- Annual Renewal – $10.00
- Renewals of Dog License after March 31st – $15.00
- Seeing eye dog – No Charge
- Hearing eye dog – No Charge
- Replacement tag – $20.00
- Dog Redemption Impound – $20.00
- Per Diem Animal Care Fee – $10.00
- Animal Surrender Fee – $20.00
How To Register a New Dog or Renew a Tag
- Fill out the registration form, bring it to the office, at your scheduled appointment time, with payment and pick up your tag.
OR
- Fill out the registration form, email it back. Go online to the website with the LINK and create an account for you, your dog as a “child” and register them in the “Dog Tag Course” found under the Courses landing page in the top banner, select one of the registration types and remit the associated fee online. Crystal, our Administrative Assistant, will then mail the tag to the address in the registration.
OR
- Fill out the registration form, email it back and advise that you will make a payment in the amount of $$ with your tax or utility account. We will then mail the tag to the address in the registration when we receive the proof of funds transmission from your bank.
For more information on registering your dog, please call the Township Office at 705-859-3196.
Municipality of Assiginack Family Health Team
Please check the Assiginack Family Health website for up-to-date information. They now have a blog and a Facebook page.
Since 2005, the Ontario Government has been creating Family Health Teams to help people get health care in their community. Our Family Health Team is made up of different health care workers.
Contact Information & Location
- Phone: 705-370-0013
- Fax: 705-859-2212
- Email: manfht@amtelecom.net
- Website
- Address: 23 Spragge Street, Manitowaning, Ontario P0P 1N0
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
If you're planning a construction or renovation project in Assiginack Township, the Chief Building Official (CBO) is your go-to resource. The CBO oversees the Building Department and ensures that all building activities meet the standards of the Ontario Building Code (O.B.C.) and our Comprehensive Zoning By-law #2024-10.
Before you start construction, be sure to ask any questions you may have so that when you plan your project, you are designing or having it designed to meet appropriate parameters. Once you are ready, you will submit your application through our online application program and the CBO will review your plans to make sure your project fits the permitted uses and zoning rules for your property. The CBO or staff will request any further documentation that is required for your project to meet various standards before the permit is issued, and any work begins. Construction shall commence only at the time of the issuance of the permit. For more information about the various aspects of planning for a permit or the permit process, please see below.
What Is It?
Assiginack Building By-law #2021-04
A municipal by-law that governs building construction, demolition, change of use permits, inspections, and associated fees within the Township of Assiginack. It ensures compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), and the Township's Zoning By-law 2024-10 and other applicable law.
Key Components
Construction & Demolition Permits
Outlines the process and requirements for obtaining permits for new construction or demolition projects.
Change of Use Permits
Specifies the conditions under which a property can change its designated use, ensuring it aligns with zoning regulations.
Inspections
Details the mandatory inspections required at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Fees
Lists the fees associated with permits and inspections, which are determined based on the scope and nature of the project.
Trailer Required?
Building Permit Application Process
The building permit application process is now being handled by Cloudpermit. This is an online platform that allows individuals and contractors to connect with the building department, upload files, pictures, and schedule inspections. This will also allow you to receive notifications from inspections completed and inspection certificates such as an Occupancy Permit immediately following the inspection sign-off by email.
Prepare Required Documents
Once you have your project questions answered by the building department, you can start to prepare your design for the project. Your designer shall email you your file. This will allow you to attach your digital files to the application and ensure all basic documents are there prior to it being submitted to the CBO. This can include the following:
- Project drawings with BCIN-qualified certification stamp or identification.
- Septic approval from Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD), if applicable.
- Site plan showing proposed structure(s) in relation to lot lines and required setbacks.
Complete the Building Permit Application
Fill out the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish online through Cloudpermit.ca. You will create a simple account as “Property Owner” and “Applicant”. Once the application is complete it will be reviewed and a permit issued by CBO.
Submit a Building Permit ApplicationApplication
Submit the completed application and documents to the Chief Building Official for review online through your account at Cloudpermit.ca. This application will be reviewed by the CBO, notes will be made and you will receive notification of either missing documents or your Official Building Permit within 3-5 business days for most applications.
Pay Permit Fee
Upon review, you'll be notified of the permit fee, which must be paid before the permit is issued. You will receive an invoice by email from Cloudpermit. You can remit the payment by utilizing your banking app or online through Paymentus. You will use your roll number as the account number and send an email to building@assiginack.ca when you have completed the payment identifying the amount and how you made it.
Important Notes
Inspection Responsibility
It's the applicant's responsibility to contact the Chief Building Official to schedule required inspections at the appropriate stages of construction. Inspection requests can be made through the Cloudpermit.ca portal.
Permit Expiry
Permits may expire six months from the date of issue or one year from the last inspection if no communication is given as to the status or delay in completing that stage.
Permit Renewal: Permits may be renewed at fee based on the schedule of fees if the permit is to expire due to delays for completion at various stages.
What Is It?
Assiginack Zoning By-law 2024-10
A municipal by-law that regulates land use, building locations, and construction standards across the entire Township of Assiginack.
Where Does It Apply?
The by-law applies to all lands within the Township, including both rural areas and the village of Manitowaning.
What Does It Cover?
Land Use Zones
Defines areas for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other uses.
Permitted Uses
Specifies what activities are allowed in each zone.
Setbacks & Lot Sizes
Establishes minimum and maximum dimensions for properties and structures.
Building Heights & Coverage
Regulates how tall buildings can be and how much land they can cover.
Parking & Access
Sets requirements for parking spaces and driveway access under various types of applications.
Special Exceptions
Includes special provisions or rules granted for specific uses like home-based businesses, accessory buildings, and more under a zone that would normally not allow it.
Key Documents to Know
- By-law #2024-10: The full text of the new zoning regulations.
- Mapping Schedule A-1: Zoning map for rural Assiginack.
- Mapping Schedule A-2: Zoning map for Manitowaning.
Questions may be directed to Gerry Strong, Chief Building Officer, or Crystal Lentir, Administrative Assistant.
Hilly Grove Cemetery
The Township of Assiginack operates the Hilly Grove Cemetery. Hilly Grove Cemetery is located on Highway 6 south in the Township of Assiginack and is the only active licensed cemetery in Assiginack.
Hilly Grove Cemetery Columbariums
Hilly Grove Cemetery has recently installed two handsome granite Columbariums, proudly made in Ontario by Nelson Granite with granite sourced from their own quarry, to provide an alternative to the current inground interments of cremation urns. Each Columbarium has 48 niches available (2 urns per niche).
A niche provides significant cost savings compared to the traditional inground interment when the cost of interment rights, care and maintenance fees, opening and closing fees, the cost of a monument or marker(s), and the monument or marker care and maintenance fees are all considered.
The price of a niche includes the cost of the interment rights, care and maintenance fees, opening and closing fees for two standard size urns, bronze name plaque, and the final date plaques. There are no care and maintenance fees for the bronze name plaque.
A memorial wall is available as well to order a bronze plaque to have a gathering place for a loved one.
Please see the attachment below for more information; included is the updated Cemetery By-law, which includes the Cemetery Policies, Interment Rights Contract, Price List, and Interment Rights Transfer Request Form.
Please contact Freda Bond at the Township of Assiginack, 705-859-3196, for more information or with any questions, or email fbond@assiginack.ca.
- Transfer of Interment Rights Form
- Hilly Grove Cemetery Price List
- Township Cemetery By-Law
- Terms of Reference Cemetery Advisory Committee
History of Hilly Grove Cemetery
Hilly Grove Cemetery is located on Highway 6 south in the Township of Assiginack and is the only active licensed cemetery in Assiginack Township.
John Rutledge donated a two-acre parcel of land in 1884 to establish the cemetery. A further 4 1/7 acres were granted to the cemetery from John Rutledge in 1899.
The cemetery was administered by a Board of Trustees and/or their successors as set out and named in a grant document dated October 10, 1899. The successors to the original Trustees were appointed from the Township of Assiginack. The original Trustees were John Thomas Rutledge, Alexander Leask, Alexander (Sandy) Cowan, Robert Neilson, and William John Tucker.
In 1903, a 1/4-acre parcel of land adjoining the cemetery was donated by Donald McDonald to the Trustees of Hilly Grove Presbyterian Church for the establishment of a Church. The Trustees named were John Thomas Rutledge, William Viney, and John McKenzie. The Church was built in the same year.
The Church was closed in the early 1960s and later renovated in the 1970s for a cemetery chapel. A mortuary was added to the Chapel in 1973.
In the 1960s, an additional acre of land was purchased from Stewart McPhee.
Austin Beall donated land to the Cemetery Board in 1969, and in 1985 donated a further parcel of land to be used as a carriageway.
In 1987, the John Maguire family donated a parcel of land to the Cemetery Board for expansion of the cemetery in loving memory of George F. Maguire (1893 – 1986).
On April 24, 1984, the Hilly Grove Cemetery Board of Trustees passed a resolution requesting that the Corporation of the Township of Assiginack assume Hilly Grove Cemetery and all its assets. A final resolution was passed at said meeting dissolving the Board of Trustees.
Cemetery operations are presently supported annually by the Township of Assiginack, Tehkummah Township and Ward Three of the Township of Central Manitoulin, on behalf of citizens who share interests in the cemetery. A Board appointed by participating Municipal Councils currently manages ongoing cemetery operations.
In 2003, the Board assumed responsibility for the care and maintenance of the Lockyer Cemetery on Bidwell Road, Bidwell Cemetery at Bass Creek, and the Hughson Cemetery on Springer Brook Road. Any expenses associated with these cemeteries are administered under a separate budget with the Township of Assiginack.
The Commissioners for Taking Oaths and Affidavits Act (issued by the Province) allows Municipal Clerks and other officials to take various types of declarations and to administer oaths. A Commissioner's stamp is affixed to the documents once the oath has been taken and signatures have been witnessed. Fees: $50.00 as of July 2nd, 2025.
Documents that can be commissioned:
- Application to amend birth registrations
- Consent letters for children travelling out of country
- Construction Act documents for progress and/or completion
- Common law or single status affidavits
- Declaration affirming parentage
- Declaration for a change of gender designation
- Delayed birth registrations
- Election to change name of child under the age of 12 (Service Ontario form)
- Legal name change application
- Lost passport
- Pension purposes – attestations a person is alive and confirming residency
- Planning applications
- Statement of conscience or religious belief – Immunization of School Pupils Act
- Vehicle ownership transfers – family gift of vehicle, and sworn statement for a transfer of a used vehicle in the Province of Ontario
The Commissioner is not responsible for any content of the document and does not provide legal advice, preparation or editing of affidavits, assistance, counselling or interpretation services to the testifier when completing their documents and shall not documents that are in any other language(s) other than English, as the information being sworn cannot be validated.
Any questions or needed assistance in completing the affidavit document should be directed to the agency or party that has requested the form(s).
It is at the discretion of the individual Commissioner whether or not they choose to sign the document. If a Commissioner is uncomfortable about the identity of the person requesting the service or the content of the documents for any reason, the Commissioner may refuse to sign the document.
About Our Fire Department
The Assiginack Fire Department operates from a single Fire Station, with a crew of 15 Volunteer Firefighters and Officers. The women and men of our Fire Department are the very best our community has to offer and are proud to serve you with distinction and dedication. You will find information on Fire Safety and Fire Prevention planning in this section of the website.
Recruitment
We’re always looking for a few good people to join our ranks. The department trains every Tuesday evening and members respond to alarms as they occur. All that is required is to be a minimum of 18 years of age, in good physical health with a current medical exam, have 24 hour transportation available and have a willingness to learn. All the training you require, from CPR and First Aid through your Class DZ driver’s license will be provided by the department. General recruitment starts with a meeting with the Fire Chief.
Our firefighters are covered under Workman’s Compensation from the Workers Safety and Insurance Board and receive a comprehensive On Duty Accident and Sickness Benefit coverage from Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services (VFIS). Our Volunteer Firefighters are compensated for their training and emergency responses based on the current fire fighters compensation chart with Corporation of the Township of Assiginack.
As the Fire Chief, you have my word that becoming an Assiginack Volunteer Firefighter will be the hardest but most satisfying lifestyle choice you will ever embark upon. Please ensure that both you and your family are committed to this adventure.
Emergency Preparedness
Every municipality, regardless of size and location, can be seriously disrupted by an emergency. This could take the form of a severe storm, flood, fire, train derailment, or similar disaster. The Township of Assiginack is part of the Manitoulin Sector of Emergency Management Ontario.
The Township of Assiginack has been working diligently to implement and maintain its Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The ERP is approved by the Municipal Council and has been reviewed by the Province of Ontario; it is reviewed and updated annually.
Check out the brochures in the links below to read up on valuable information to help prepare for any disaster or situation.
- Emergency Preparedness Pocket Brochure
- Senior’s Emergency Preparedness Guide
- Pets & Emergencies Brochure
The following information is from the Canadian Red Cross
Public Education
Lotteries, Draws or Raffles
Eligible charitable and religious organizations may raise funds through provincially or municipally licensed lottery events.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) administers the lottery licensing program in the province. Municipalities are partners in issuing lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations.
Types of events that require a lottery licence include:
- bingo events, with prize boards of up to $5,500
- media bingo events
- merchandise bingo events
- break open tickets for local organizations where they are not to be sold in conjunction with another gaming event
- raffle lotteries for total prizes up to $50,000
- bazaar lotteries which include wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2.00
- blanket raffle lotteries
- social gaming events held by charitable or religious organizations.
Licensed charitable or religious organizations must:
- conduct and manage their events according to licensing policies and terms and conditions,
- complete all necessary reports.
Applying
- Raffle application requirements for lottery licences issued by the registrar
- Application to manage and conduct a raffle lottery
- Application to manage and conduct a blanket raffle lottery
- Application to manage and conduct a bingo lottery
- Break open ticket licence application
- Reporting
- Lottery report
- Blanket raffle lottery report
- Catch the Ace raffle report
- Break open ticket lottery report
- Bingo lottery report
For more information on getting a Lottery Licence (such as Bingo, Nevada, Raffle, Bazaar) contact: Stasia Carr, Clerk
Manitoulin East Municipal Airport
The Manitoulin East Municipal Airport is located at 12917 Hwy 6 between Sheguiandah and Manitowaning.
- Latitude: N45 50 39
- Longitude: W81 51 29
- Elevation: 869
Contact Information:
- Phone: (705) 859-3009
- Manager: Mike Whatling
- Email: meairport2@eastlink.ca
The Manitoulin East Municipal Airport serves air traffic to Manitoulin Island.
Facilities
- A 3500’x100’ paved runway with runway lighting
- ARCAL Lighting 123.2 Mhz; APAPI; EL; REILs
- Aircraft radio communications: 122.8 Mhz
- Ample aircraft parking
- Aircraft hangar rentals
- Year-round access
- Handicapped facilities
- NDB/388
- Aviation fuels: Avgas 100LL & Jet A-1
The Manitoulin East Municipal Airport has opportunities in their industrial park area for further expansion and development. For more information, please contact the Airport at (705) 859-3009 or email Mike at meairport2@eastlink.ca.
Assiginack Township Welcomes Boaters!
About River Road Marina (*Formerly Bay Street Marina)
Often characterized as a safe haven for boaters during inclement weather conditions with natural deep-water accessibility, this destination features a full-service marina and 23 docking slips that can accommodate vessels to a maximum length of 80’. Shore power is available, as is gas, pump-outs, washrooms, and shower facilities.
After docking at River Road Marina, you may wish to tour the Assiginack Museum Heritage Complex, a pleasant stroll from the marina up to our downtown core.
Additional attractions include: A historic lighthouse; St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest church in Northern Ontario. Other services available include ATM banking, liquor/beer store, pharmacy, grocery store, medical clinic, and lodging.
Our Community is pleased to offer visitors exciting activities such as local theatre, swimming, tennis, fishing, hiking, and golfing. The Rainbow Ridge Golf Course features 18 holes of golfing enjoyment, with a full-service Club House Restaurant open to the public.
Weather Information
Contact Information
Phone: (705) 859-3700 (Marina Office)
Fax: (705) 859-3010
VHF Channel: 68
Latitude: 45° 44.70 / Longitude: 81° 48.48
Marina Rates 2024 (2025 TBD)
| Dockage | Price |
|---|---|
| Daily Commercial Vessel with or without Hydro | Contact Marina Operator |
| Weekly with Hydro | $7.50/ft |
| Weekly without Hydro | $5.50/ft |
| Monthly with Hydro | $22.50/ft |
| Monthly without Hydro | $16/ft |
| Seasonal with Hydro | $27/ft |
| Seasonal without Hydro | $21.50/ft |
| Pump Outs | |
| Single | $12 |
| Double | $17 |
High Test Gas available, contact Marina Operator for current fuel prices.
NOTE: HST is included in all Marina Rates.
You must have a marriage licence before you can be legally married in the Province of Ontario. Marriage licences are vaild for 90 days. You can apply for a marriage licence or civil marriage solemnization at the Municipal Office. 2 sections for accordian licence and solemnization. At least one of the applicants must be present in order to obtain the marriage licence.
You must bring:
- the original application;
- the fee (cash, cheque or debit) $125
- 2 pieces of government issued identification for each applicant.
- One piece of identification must include your photo. Examples of government issued identification are:
- government issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates;
- valid passport;
- record of immigrant landing;
- Canadian Citizenship Card;
- valid Driver's Licence.
- We are unable to accept a Health Card as identification in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act.
- One piece of identification must include your photo. Examples of government issued identification are:
If either applicant is divorced, proof must be presented to the Clerk. This must be the original or court-certified copy of one of three documents:
- the final decree;
- the final judgement;
- a certificate of divorce.
If you were divorced outside of Canada, you will need to provide certain documents to prove that you are no longer married. The government needs to validate these documents. This process can take up to 4 weeks. Please visit Service Ontario for details on what is required.
Issuance of Licence
The marriage licence will be issued at the appointment, provided all documentation is complete.
You will be required to certify information under oath. If you do not understand or are not able to read English, you must bring an interpreter to assist you.
The marriage licence is valid only in the Province of Ontario and for a period of three months (90) days from the date of issue.
The issuer of the licence is responsible to ensure all requirements of the Marriage Act are fulfilled and has the authority to not issue a licence if warranted.
Getting Married
We offer Civil Ceremonies for couples wishing to marry in a non-religious ceremony. Our Marriage Commissioners are delighted to perform your wedding ceremony. Together with you, they will design a ceremony that will make your special day one to remember.
MFIPPA is a provincial law that provides two key rights to the public:
- Access to municipal records (with limited exceptions)
- Protection of personal privacy held by municipalities and local boards
This Act applies to all Ontario municipalities, police services boards, public health units, school boards, and other local institutions.
Learn more from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC)
To request access to municipal records:
- Complete a written request using a standard FOI request form.
- Include a $5 application fee, payable to the municipality.
- Submit the form to the Clerk.
Additional fees may apply for searching, preparing, and copying records. You will be contacted if this applies.
Click the button below to find the FOI Request Form.
Municipal institutions must follow strict rules when collecting, using, storing, and disclosing personal information. MFIPPA requires:
- Information to be collected only when necessary
- Clear purpose statements
- Secure storage and limited sharing of data
You have the right to:
- Know how your information is used
- Access your personal information
- Request corrections if the information is inaccurate
Please send completed Freedom of Information forms to Stasia Carr, Clerk.
The Township of Assiginack Water and Wastewater Facilities
The Township of Assiginack maintains two water treatment plants, one in the community of Manitowaning and one in the Sunsite Estates subdivision. Wastewater treatment facilities service the community of Manitowaning. Sewage is collected into the sewer system and pumped to the wastewater treatment plant. The sewage system is equipped with two pumps and a 6″ force main, which discharges to two waste stabilization ponds. The treated effluent from the waste stabilization ponds is semi-annually discharged to Manitowaning Bay.
Financial Plan
Click here to view the 2016 Water System Financial Plan.
Operational Management
The Township of Assiginack retained the services of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) to operate these facilities.
Contact Information
- Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)
- Espanola Hub, Northern Region
- 86 Centre Street
- Espanola, ON
- P5E 1S4
- www.ocwa.com
McLean’s Park
Donated to the Municipality by Don McLean, this beautiful wooded park is home to 4 trails, 3 of varying distance for walking, running, hiking, or snowshoeing, and 1 trail reserved for bicycle trail riding. There is parking available off of New England Road and a covered pavilion in case of rain or for a picnic.
Located south of Manitowaning on Highway 6, turn down New England Road, signage for the park is on the right-hand side.
In the winter months, the parking lot is open, the trails are groomed, and you can borrow snowshoes from the municipal office at no cost. (156 Arthur Street, Manitowaning ON)
Best Activities for this trail: walking, hiking, bicycling in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.
Manitowaning Beach
The beach in Manitowaning is located right in town on Bay Street. There are public washrooms available as well as free Wi-Fi from the Marina. The beach has a playground for children, a pavilion to escape the hot summer sun, picnic tables, and beautiful sand beach and warm water. Swimming lessons are conducted here each summer, see the Summer Recreation Guide for more details closer to July.
Boat Launches
There are a number of Public Boat Launches in Assiginack. If you are looking to head into the big water (Manitowaning Bay, Lake Huron), the Bay Street Marina in Manitowaning will get you there. Lake Manitou can be accessed by the boat launch at Manitoulin Resort on the Bidwell Road.
Team Sports
The Township of Assiginack has a number of opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in team sports. There is a baseball field and two tennis courts located on the Arena grounds (59 Vankoughnet St). And there is a beach volleyball court at the beach on Bay Street.
Other Recreation
- Queen’s Park – located at the corner of Queen and Arthur Streets. Ideal for sitting, talking, and enjoying the company of your friends and family.
- Assiginack Amphitheatre – located behind the Municipal Office, overlooking Manitowaning Bay. A beautiful location to let your artistic creativity take over, paint a picture, or make some music in this cozy spot.
- Assiginack Arena/Fairgrounds – 59 Vankoughnet St.