Keeping our community safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone starts at home. This page outlines important safety practices and property guidelines to help residents maintain their homes responsibly and follow local regulations. Whether you're trimming trees, setting off fireworks, or building a fence, these tips and rules are here to support a safer, more connected neighbourhood.
Wellington North does not have a by-law regulating fences, except in the case of pool enclosures. This means there are no municipal restrictions on the structure or materials of your private fence unless it is intended to enclose a pool.
However, please keep the following in mind:
- You must ensure the fence is built on your property line and does not encroach on your neighbour’s land.
- If you are hoping to share the cost of the fence with your neighbour under the Line Fences Act, please be aware that Wellington North does not participate in the Line Fences Act process (By-Law 078-21). You will need to make private arrangements with your neighbour before any construction begins.
- The Township does not store property surveys. For information on surveys, you will need to contact your lawyer, your mortgage company, or a licensed surveyor to obtain a survey for you.
- OnLand, Ontario Land Registry Office, does not store surveys either – but they may have a reference plan for your property. A reference plan is a legally registered document that shows the boundaries and dimensions of a property, the location of easements or rights-of-way, adjacent lots or road allowances, and includes a surveyor’s certification. While it doesn’t show buildings or fence lines like a full survey, it provides the legal layout of the land and is often used in real estate transactions, severances, or to clarify property limits.
- If you are building an enclosure for a pool, you will need a building permit. You will need to refer to the Swimming Pool and Fencing By-Law and apply for a building permit online or reach out to the building department at building@wellington-north.com
The Township of Wellington North recognizes that fireworks often play an exciting role in celebrating various events. However, it is essential to prioritize public safety and demonstrate respect for those around us when handling fireworks. Fireworks should always be used in accordance with all relevant legislation and with proper planning and precautions taken to ensure a safe environment for all.
Responsible handling when transporting, setting up, firing, and cleaning up fireworks is critical to ensure risks are minimized and accidents are avoided. The requirements and best practices that follow are from the Canadian National Fireworks Association. These practices are required to be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Transportation – How to Safely Transport Consumer Fireworks
When transporting fireworks, it is important to comply with regulations outlined by Transport Canada’s Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and the Explosives Regulations, Part VI.
- Prohibited Actions:
- Smoking on or around any vehicle carrying fireworks is strictly prohibited.
- Vehicle Transportation Guidelines:
- Avoid transporting fireworks in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Instead, place them in the trunk or a dedicated, separate cargo area.
- Do not carry accelerants (such as gasoline) in the same compartment as fireworks.
- Handling Fireworks Safely at Home or Event Locations
Transporting and Storing Fireworks:
- Always transport fireworks in the trunk or back of the vehicle.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from children and heat sources.
Setting Up for Safe Firing:
- Select an open, clear area free of obstacles, such as a 30m x 30m space.
- Avoid firing in windy conditions as they pose a safety risk.
- Plan the order of the fireworks before lighting them. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a stable firing base such as a bucket, box, or wheelbarrow filled with sand or dirt.
- Bury fireworks without a stable base halfway into the earth or sand. Ensure they are set at a 10-degree angle, pointed away from people.
Lighting Fireworks Safely:
- Never attempt to hold a lit firework unless it is designed for handheld use by the manufacturer.
- Always light the fuse at the tip to prevent accidents.
- Minors (under 18) must be closely supervised by an adult at all times.
Safety Measures During Firing:
- Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
- Do not relight or try to repair any fireworks that fail to ignite. Wait at least 30 minutes before safely disposing of them.
Cleanup and Disposal of Fireworks
- Post-Firing Cleanup:
- After lighting your last firework, wait at least 30 minutes to ensure all fireworks are fully extinguished before starting the cleanup.
- Disposal:
- Ensure all used fireworks and debris are fully extinguished. Submerge them in a pail of water or soak with a hose to eliminate any remaining embers.
Important!
- Do not allow those under 18 years of age to use fireworks.
- Choose a wide, clear site away from all obstacles.
- Do not fire in windy conditions!
- Read all instructions on the fireworks. Plan the order of the firing before you begin.
- Be a good neighbour and advise those close by that you will be using fireworks.
- Use a good firing base such as a pail filled with sand.
- DO NOT hold fireworks in your hand while lighting.
- Light carefully! Light fuse at the tip
- ALWAYS keep water near by. Dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water.
- WAIT at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off.
- Keep fireworks out of the reach of children. Store in a well ventilated, cool, dry area.
- Wear safety glasses.
For more information, please visit Canadian National Fireworks Association
- Prohibited Actions:
The Township of Wellington North is committed to protecting and maintaining our municipal trees. Trees offer environmental benefits and enhance the aesthetic appeal of parks, cemeteries, and roadsides. The Township of Wellington North owns and is responsible for trees located on municipal property.
Tree Reporting Form
The Township of Wellington North owns and is responsible for trees located on public property.
If you have a concern with a tree on public property - it is dead, a downed limb, etc. - we invite you to fill out all of the information below and Municipal Staff will follow up as necessary.
Required fields are marked with asterisks (*).
Private Tree Trimming
The Township of Wellington North does not regulate the trimming of trees on private property.
If the tree in question is dead/dying or has dead branches that could be hazardous, a Forestry expert and or Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may investigate and order the tree removed at the owner’s expense.
Where a tree on a private property is protected under the provisions of a county by-law or is located within a tree preservation protection area, pruning of the tree is permitted provided the pruning is in accordance with good arboricultural standards and does not damage the health of the tree.
Why Tree Trimming is Important
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches
- Promote healthy growth and vitality
- Prevent safety hazards such as falling branches or interference with power lines
- Improve the aesthetic appearance of your property
Safety First: Hire a Professional
While trimming trees on your property can seem straightforward, it is always strongly recommended to hire a certified professional arborist. Tree trimming, especially when it involves large or hazardous trees, can be dangerous and requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Certified arborists are trained to handle tree care safely and effectively.
Legal Considerations:
- Property Line Trees: If your tree is near a neighbour’s property line, trimming should be done with care. Always consult your neighbour and hire a professional to avoid disputes.
- Trees Near Public Property: Trees near roads, sidewalks, or other public property may require consultation with municipal staff, please use our Tree Reporting Form to inquire.
The Township of Wellington North recommends that you discuss this with your neighbour and if an agreement cannot be reached, to consult with a lawyer before undertaking any works.
There are three main points to remember when dealing with trees on adjacent private property:
- You cannot enter (trespass) onto your neighbour's property without consent.
- You cannot damage your neighbour's property (in this case a tree).
- You have the right to maintain your property in a safe condition.
It is therefore best for property owners to come to an agreement between themselves with respect to trees overhanging property lines.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your neighbour and want to determine your legal rights, you should contact a lawyer.
The act of pruning trees on neighbouring private property affects private property rights and is a civil issue between private property owners.
Where a tree on a private property is protected under the provisions of a county by-law or is located within a tree preservation protection area, pruning of the tree is permitted provided the pruning is in accordance with good arboricultural standards and does not damage the health of the tree.
A qualified tree expert should always be retained to carry out tree pruning.
Mailbox Placement and Care
To help keep your mail delivery running smoothly, especially during the winter months, please make sure your mailbox is properly placed, built, and maintained.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Snow from plow trucks can sometimes shift or damage mailboxes. While our crews do their best to avoid this, the Township is not responsible for damage caused by snow displacement. Mailboxes will not be repaired or replaced in these cases.
Mailbox Setup Tips:
- Use a cedar post no larger than 15.2 cm (6 inches) in diameter.
- Make sure your mailbox is upright and securely attached to the post.
- The bottom of the mailbox should be 1.07 metres (42 inches) above the ground.
Posts and placement should follow: Canada Post’s rural mailbox guidelines.
Water Wisely: Help Us Avoid a Total Watering Ban
To help conserve water and avoid the need for a full watering ban, we’re asking all residents to limit non-essential water use—especially when it comes to lawn and garden watering, washing vehicles, or filling swimming pools.
Please follow the schedule below:
- Even-Numbered Addresses:
Watering is allowed on even-numbered calendar days - Odd-Numbered Addresses:
Watering is allowed on odd-numbered calendar days
Permitted Watering Times:
Only between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM – 10:00 PMIn the event of an extreme water shortage, the Township may implement a full ban on non-essential water use.
Tip: Rain barrels are a great way to collect and reuse water for your garden and lawn - especially during dry spells!
- Even-Numbered Addresses: