Township of Severn has a variety of committees and boards that advise Council on certain matters. Review each committee to learn what they're doing and find out how to get involved. You can view a list of our committees and boards and access agendas and minutes on our portal. 

Appear as a delegation

If you'd like to present at a committee or board meeting, you need to request a delegation.

Our committees and boards

The following committees and boards operate in Severn. 

Coldwater Business Improvement Area (BIA)

The Coldwater BIA promotes the downtown business area located in Coldwater. The BIA consists of five members including one member of Council, and four members of the BIA. Learn more about the Coldwater BIA and its meetings and programs.

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment reviews and makes decisions on minor variances and applications for consent under the Planning Act. Learn about upcoming in-person meetings and review the appeal process. Meetings are held in a hybrid format (with members, public meeting participants, and/or delegations appearing online via Zoom or in-person in Council Chambers. Meetings can be watched via our live stream or on our YouTube channel. The Committee of Adjustment also acts as the Township’s Property Standards Committee. 

Community Emergency Management Committee

The Community Emergency Management Committee works to develop plans and protocols for the Township of Severn in the case of an emergency, such as an extreme weather event. View the Emergency Response Plan to learn more.

Corporate Services Committee

Review the responsibilities and minutes of the Corporate Services Committee. Meetings are held in-person at our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane) on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The public can attend in-person or the meeting can be watched via our live stream or on our YouTube channel.  

Couchiching O.P.P Detachment Board

This independent Civilian Oversight Board as outlined in the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) is committed to ensuring adequate and effective policing in the City of Orillia and the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara, and Severn. Meetings are held four times a year on the first Wednesday of the month. Learn more on our Couchiching OPP Detachment Board page. 

Culture and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Culture and Recreation Advisory Committee advises Council about culture and recreational programming. Meetings are held virtually six times a year on the second Tuesday of the month. Recordings of the meeting are available on our YouTube channel. 

Economic Development Advisory Committee

Severn is seeking five individuals to join the newly formed Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). The EDAC will advise Council on matters related to economic development. 

Recruitment

Severn is seeking the following positions for the committee:

  • one staff representative from a business support agency
  • one representative from the tourism, arts/culture, hospitality, and/or retail sector
  • one representative from the construction sector
  • one representative from the agriculture sector
  • one at-large representative, who is a business owner within the Township of Severn

How to apply

If you are interested in joining the EDAC and can offer your expertise and leadership on current business issues please complete the application form before January 1, 2025.

Join the Economic Development Advisory Committee 

Selection process

Council will consider all complete applications at the January 2025 Corporate Services Committee meeting with the appointments to be finalized by by-law at the February Council Meeting.

EDAC meetings

Meetings will be held six times a year on the third Thursday of the month in a hybrid format (with members, public meeting participants, and/or delegations appearing online via Zoom or in-person in Council Chambers) from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Meetings can be watched via our live stream or on our YouTube channel.  

The first meeting of the EDAC will be on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. at our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane) in Council Chambers. 

Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
Learn about the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and find out about upcoming meetings, members and review their responsibility and mandate. Meetings are held virtually twice per year or at the call of the committee chair. 

Joint Compliance Audit Committee

Township of Severn is a member of the County of Simcoe Joint Compliance Audit Committee (Joint CAC) that serves all the County’s sixteen lower tier municipalities and the City of Orillia. Learn more about the committee and how to submit an application for a compliance audit.

Livestock Valuers

Livestock Valuers will assess the value of any livestock that are killed by wildlife in Severn. Learn how to report damaged livestock.

Planning and Development Committee

The Planning and Development Committee reviews and advises on new planning and development projects in Severn. Review the committee meetings, minutes and responsibilities. Meetings are held in a hybrid format (with members, public meeting participants, and/or delegations appearing online via Zoom or in-person in Council Chambers) on the third Wednesday of each month and can be watched via our live stream or on our YouTube channel. 

Poundkeepers

Township of Severn Poundkeepers house and secure all livestock that are found at large in Severn. Please file a report if you find an animal at large.

Property Standards Committee

The Property Standards Committee reviews property standards complaints. Learn more about the complaint process. Meetings are held in-person and can be watched via our live stream or on our YouTube channel.

Public Library Board

The Public Library Board runs and operates the Severn Township Public Library. Learn more about the in-person committee meetings and membership. 

Committee procedures

Review the Council and Committee Procedures to learn about the rules and regulations that govern all committee and Council meetings.

 

Council committee appointments to outside agencies

Township of Severn also appoints members of Council to sit on a variety of outside agencies and committees. 

Privacy statement

Information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act. Information collected will be used and managed by the Township of Severn in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you require additional information, please view our Freedom of Information and Routine Disclosure Policy.