Township Services
By-Laws
Council
Fire Department
Historical
Main Office
Public Works
Recreation
Taxes
Waste Managament
By-Laws
Pools and Fencing
Please refer to the By-Law Regarding Pools and Fencing document that provides an outline on the regulations and penalties.
Municipal Accessibility Plan
Please refer to the Municipal Accessibility Plan to learn about the History of Initiatives to Identify, Remove and Prevent Barriers.
By Law Enforcement Officer
Frontenac Municipal By-Law Enforcement
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
Athens Township Council
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
| Mayor Herb Scott | athenshs@myhighspeed.ca |
| Councillor Darin Alguire | athensda@myhighspeed.ca |
| Councillor Anne Marie Dancy | athensad@myhighspeed.ca |
| Councillor Todd Evans | athenste@myhighspeed.ca |
| Councillor Greg Kearney | athensgk@myhighspeed.ca |
| Councillor Rob Layng | athensrl@myhighspeed.ca |
| Councillor Matt Smith | athensms@myhighspeed.ca |
What are Minutes
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.
Public Presentations
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
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
Message from the Fire Prevention Committee
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
Fire Chief
Gerry Bell
email: gerrybellfirechiefafd@gmail.com
Deputy Fire Chief
Tom Fenn
email: athensdeputychieftf@gmail.com
Athens Volunteer Fire Department Application
Burn Permits
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
Athens & Area Heritage Museum Brochure – English
Athens and Area Heritage Society & Museum Information
Preserving and promoting the heritage of Athens Township is the mandate of the Athens and Area Heritage Society. AAHS is a committee of the municipality that maintains a one room museum in the Athens Lions Hall at the corner of Henry and Wellington St. and has regular hours in the summer months or by appointment. It is a member of the Leeds and Grenville Heritage Network. There are permanent and new exhibits with a variety of themes in the Athens Museum which opens in May each year. AAHS also maintains an archives of information, photos and some artefacts. The Museum has a variety of resources for researching local history and some of those same resources are available in the Athens Library. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the Museum and new members are always welcome. Donations or copies of local history are much appreciated.
Permanent Displays:
Dr. Lenora Howard King
Crawford Slack
Jennie Lamb
Home Children
Mother Barnes
British Home Children
Past displays which are now in our archives include:
The History of Education in Athens and Area
The History of Charleston Lake
Dutch Immigration to the Area
The Golden Age of Athens
The History of Winter Sports in Athens
Medical History of the Area
Early Settlers and the Loyalists in the Area
Athens War Veterans
British Home Children in Athens
Athens’ 125th Anniversary and The Heroine of Charleston Lake
AAHS also provides a variety of heritage presentations which are open to the community throughout the year. Children’s programs are also available. The group provides presentations to local senior facilities as well.
The group has been involved in the creation of six interpretive signs to help make local history more available. Posters of these signs are available for sale in two sizes.
Visit our Facebook page: Athens and Area Heritage Museum
Athens Museum Brochure
Athens Interpretive Heritage Signs
Athens Interpretive History Signs
Created by Designer/Historian Brian Phillips,
in co-operation with the Athens and Area Heritage Society
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 Lions Hall Wellington St.
This sign is placed at the Athens Museum now housed in the Lions Hall, the original site of the Public School of 1860, first high school and the Farmersville 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 an 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 Heritage Museum
The Athens Museum located at 12 Wellington St. E. is open most days 9:00 am – 4:00 pm until the end of August or by appointment 613-924-2644. Come visit our local history displays and archives.
Main Office
Request for Action
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
Mailing Address Updates
Update your mailing address with the muncipality by emailing athensmh@myhighspeed.ca.
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
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
Contact Information
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 – athens@myhighspeed.ca
Michele Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant – athensmh@myhighspeed.ca
Chris Fenlong, Road Superintendent – athenscf@myhighspeed.ca
Civil Marriage Solemnization
Please contact the Clerk’s office during regular office hours at 613-924-2044 or email Darlene @ athens@myhighspeed.ca 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.
Fee
Township of Athens resident – $75.00
Non-resident – $125.00
Building Permits, Fees & Regulations
Contact Information for Building Inspectors
The Township of Rideau Lakes is responsible for issuing all building permits for the Township of Athens. Any questions or concerns regarding building issues can be directed to:
Township of Rideau Lakes
1439 County Rd 8, Delta ON K0E 1G0
Phone: 613-928-2251
Toll Free: 1-800-928-2250
Brett Cavanagh, Chief Building Official – Ext 225 email: bcavanagh@rideaulakes.ca
Brett Moreland, Building Official – Ext 280 email: bmoreland@rideaulakes.ca
Development Services Analyst – Ext 290 email: building@rideaulakes.ca
Documents Relating to Building Issues
Click Here to download the Building Fees.
Click here to download the Building Permit Application.
Applications are also available at the Municipal Office in Athens.
Septic system permits are issued by The Township of Rideau Lakes
Asset Management Plan
Public Works
Winter Parking
No person shall park a vehicle on any Village street between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m., from the first day of December until the 31st day of March, to assist in the plowing and proper removal of snow.
Any vehicle found parked on the street, during these hours, will be removed at the owner’s expense and shall be subject to a fine.
Road Department – Public Works
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
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
***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 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 is 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.
Centre ’76 Arena
Centre ’76 Arena Calendar
Contact for arena bookings: Darlene Noonan
Email – athens@myhighspeed.ca
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 5th 2024.
Centennial Park Soccer and Baseball Field
To book the ball field or soccer field or to check availability please contact the Municipal Office.
Through the winter months any bookings will be found on the main website Calendar area hi-lighted as recreation
Lease agreement/Hold Harmless – must be completed when reserving the parks.
Taxes
Payment Options
Payments will be accepted 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. 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
Transfer Station Fees & Directions
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 – dates to be determined
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), Aluminum and Steel Cans.
Items such as recyclables, stone, concrete, ash, metal and white goods are accepted at no charge.
Transfer Site Hours
Regular Hours: Wednesday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Additional Summer Hours: Monday 8:00 a.m. – noon from June 10, 2024 to September 9, 2024.
Excluding Statutory holidays – July 1st, August 7th & September 4th.
Transfer Site Fees
Curbside Waste and Recycling Pickup
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
( click here for complete schedule )
Must be at the curb by 7:00 AM
Recycling is on a 2 week cycle.
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 etc
IMPORTANT – link to items not recyclable: Do not put these items out for collection.
If you have any questions please contact the office at 613.924.2044 or Limerick Environmental Services at 613.345.1891.