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A guide for new residents in South HUron

Welcome to the Neighbourhood

A guide for new residents in South HUron

New to South Huron

Welcome to South Huron

Municipality of South Huron is situated on Treaty 29 land that is steeped in rich indigenous history and home to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people today.

South Huron is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant community that blends small-town charm with natural beauty and rural character.

Whether you’ve settled in one of our friendly towns like Exeter, Dashwood, Kirkton or Crediton, or in the surrounding countryside, you’ll find a high quality of life, strong community spirit, and access to great amenities and services. Enjoy our historic downtown, explore scenic trails and farmland, and support a wide range of locally owned businesses and events that make South Huron unique.

Our community values heritage, culture, and connection. We invite you to explore our Strategic Priorities to learn more about South Huron’s vision for the future and how you can get involved.

How to use this guide

This guide was created to help make your move to South Huron a little easier. We’ve summarized key information new residents often look for and included helpful links to take you directly to online resources. Wherever possible, we’ve also listed the municipal department responsible for each service or program, or external contact, so you know exactly who to contact if you have questions.

You've made a great choice

South Huron is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. From scenic natural areas and charming small towns to a strong sense of community, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

How to stay informed in your new community

There is always something happening in South Huron and staying connected is a great way to feel at home, get involved, and stay up to date on local initiatives. Whether you are interested in community events, municipal decisions, or upcoming projects, there are several ways to stay in the loop.


Attend or watch Council Meetings to learn more about local decision-making and priorities. Meetings are open to the public and streamed online for convenience.


Sign up for the South Huron Hub Newsletter to receive regular updates straight to your inbox on community news, events, and municipal programs.


Visit our Strategic Projects and Plans Page to track current initiatives and developments happening across South Huron, from infrastructure improvements to parks and recreation projects.

Safety & Community Involvement

Keep our Rural Roots Safe

South Huron is proud of its strong agricultural roots, and farm safety is an important part of protecting our community. Whether you're working on a farm or just driving through the countryside, it's essential to stay alert.

Slow-moving farm equipment often shares the road, so be patient and give plenty of space when passing. On the farm, children should always have a safe, supervised area to play, well away from machinery or livestock.

Green Flashing Lights: Help our local heroes respond safely

In South Huron, volunteer firefighters may use a green flashing light on their personal vehicles when responding to an emergency call.

While these lights do not grant any legal right-of-way, they are a courtesy signal asking other drivers to yield when it’s safe.

By pulling over or allowing these vehicles to pass, you're helping our firefighters respond more quickly to emergencies that could involve your neighbours, friends, or loved ones. 

Thank you for showing support and respect for those who serve our community.

Get Involved: Volunteer in your community

 

 

 

South Huron is built on community spirit, and volunteers play a vital role in making it a great place to live. Whether you have a few hours a week or just want to help at special events, there are many ways to get involved.

You can volunteer with local service groups, join a municipal committee, or lend a hand at festivals, fairs, and neighbourhood clean-ups. There are also opportunities to support local food banks, assist seniors, or get involved in youth programs.

If you're looking for a more active role, consider becoming a volunteer firefighter. It's a meaningful way to serve your community, and all training and equipment are provided.

What you need to know about:

Property Taxes

Responsible Department
Financial Services

Each year, the Municipality of South Huron adopts the annual budget to levy and collect taxes. South Huron establishes tax rates for local municipal services and also collects taxes for the upper tier County of Huron and the four local school boards.

The interim tax bill due dates are March 15 and June 15. The interim tax bill is based on 50% of the prior year's taxes. Interim tax bills are mailed out in the latter part of February. The final tax bill due dates are September 15 and November 15. Final tax bills are mailed out in the latter part of August. Final taxes are calculated using your property assessment multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the class of property as shown on the tax billing, less what was levied on the interim billing.

Utility Billing

Responsible Department
Financial Services

Residential customers and the majority of commercial customers are billed quarterly for all usage of water, wastewater, and waste collection incurred during that billing period. Some larger commercial customers are billed on a monthly basis. There are two billing cycles in the Municipality, Stephen and Exeter:

  • Stephen quarterly billings (includes Centralia, Crediton, Dashwood, Grand Cove, and Huron Park): Due dates for these areas are the last day of April, July, October and January.
  • Exeter quarterly billings: Due dates for this area are the last day of May, August, November and February.

Drinking water & wastewater

Responsible Department
Environmental Services (Infrastructure and Development)

We are proud to deliver tap water to our customers’ homes and businesses that exceeds Ontario's Drinking Water Quality Standards. We maintain a modern, sophisticated water system to ensure that all residents and businesses can rely on the water supply. Clean, safe drinking water plays a fundamental role in helping to maintain the quality of our lives.

South Huron's wastewater collection system is designed to collect and direct wastewater to a wastewater treatment facility. Wastewater is treated in order to make it acceptable to be introduced back into the environment. To protect the health of our residents and the safety of the environment, we use modern technology at our sewage treatment facilities. 

Water and sewer rates are approved by South Huron Council.

Garbage & Recycling

External Provider: Curbside garbage & recycling collection completed by Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) 

The municipality's waste (garbage and recycling) collection and processing provider is the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) BRA is a rural non-profit organization that develops and maintains facilities on behalf of the municipal sector. Waste collection bin fees are charged quarterly on utility bills.

We offer weekly curbside waste collection for residents based on where they live.

  • Tuesday pickup includes Corbett, Dashwood, Greenway, Shipka, Mt. Carmel and Lakeshore area
  • Friday pickup includes Exeter, Centralia, Crediton, Huron Park, Kirkton, Woodham and area

Roads & Snow Removal

Responsible DepartmentTransportation Services (Infrastructure and Development)

South Huron maintains 350 km of roads, 48 km of sidewalks, 32 bridges, 57 culverts and 16 traffic signals. Our experienced staff is on the front line of safety as well as customer service in any given season. This includes summer construction projects and winter salt, sanding and plowing activities.

The Municipality has a 24/7 response team that maintains all South Huron’s roads and sidewalks using various equipment such as graders, plow trucks and sidewalk plows.

After a snow or ice event ends, our winter operators prioritize what roads they clear first according to the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, O. Reg. 239/02. A larger snow or ice event may extend the time it takes for operators to clear local streets and residential areas. Please be patient, roads will be cleared by the winter operators as soon as possible. 

Quick Links

Public Transit

Huron Shores Area Transit - Home External Provider: Huron Shores Area Transit

The Municipality of South Huron is serviced by Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) – an inter-community public transit service that connects key partners across the region. HSAT has three routes serving Lambton Shores, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, South Huron, Bluewater and Plympton-Wyoming with connections to Sarnia, London and Goderich.

There are a few private taxi companies that also serve the South Huron Area and can be found on Google.

Where to find information about:

Community Facilities

Responsible Department:
Community Services

Facilities and public spaces provide important gathering spots within our community for public or private rental functions. In South Huron, you’ll find:

  • Arenas: The South Huron Recreation Centre and Stephen Arena offer ice sports, rentals, and year-round skating programs
  • Community Centres & Halls: Venues like those in Crediton, Dashwood, Kirkton, and Exeter are bright, accessible, and available for public or private events
  • Libraries: Convenient locations offering a variety of programs and services to engage all ages
  • Parks, Playgrounds & Trails: Enjoy natural spaces across South Huron, from playgrounds to scenic trail systems, all designed to promote outdoor activity
  • Pools & Splash Pad: Cool off at the Exeter or Kirkton Pools, or enjoy family fun at the Victoria Park Wading Pool in Exeter
  •  Outdoor Sports Fields: Well-maintained fields for baseball, soccer, lawn bowling, multipurpose courts, and more, ideal for seasonal play

Public Libraries

External Provider:
Huron County Library

The Huron County Library offers two convenient branches in South Huron: Exeter and Kirkton. The Exeter Branch is a vibrant community hub located downtown, offering a wide selection of books, digital resources, public computers, and programs for all ages. The Kirkton Branch, located in the Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre, provides a cozy, rural library experience with essential services and a welcoming atmosphere.

Both branches are great places to learn, connect, and explore.

Programs & Recreational Opportunities

Responsible Department:
Community Services

South Huron offers a variety of recreational programs and activities for all ages and interests—whether you are looking to stay active, get creative, or connect with others in the community. From sports and fitness to arts, culture, and seasonal events, there is always something happening.

We’ve enhanced our Community Events Calendar , where you can explore upcoming programs, activities, workshops, and local happenings. It’s a great way to stay connected and discover exciting events to attend throughout the month.

By-laws in South Huron

Responsible Department:
Corporate Services (Clerk)

The Municipality of South Huron strives to make our community safe, healthy and enjoyable for everyone. They are created to protect the environment, public health, safety and to maintain a pleasant community for everyone. We have several by-laws in place that are important for you to know about if you are new to South Huron:

  • Animal Control: regulates the control, licensing, and registration of domestic animals (pets). 
  • Fenceregulates residential fences in settlement areas.
  • Fireworksregulate the display and discharge of fireworks.
  • Noise: controls noise and vibration.
  • Parking: regulates parking on municipal roads.
  • Property Standardprescribes the standards for the maintenance and occupancy of property.
  • Zoningregulates the control over all forms of land use and the erection, location and use of buildings and structures.

Quick Links

You want to:

Build on your property

Responsible Department:
Building and Planning Services

Before starting a new construction project, either indoors or outdoors, you must determine whether you need a building permit. Building permits are in place for your safety and the safety of those around you, ensuring your construction project is protected from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock and other health risks.

Get rid of leaf and yard waste

Responsible Department:
Transportation Services (Curbside collection) &

Environmental Services (South Huron Landfill)

The municipality currently offers leaf and brush curbside collection in the spring and fall (during a dedicated collection period). If you miss the collection, you may take your leaf and yard waste to the South Huron Landfill during operating hours, which is free of charge at any time for South Huron residents.

Quick Links

Get rid of hazardous waste

External Provider: 
County of Huron

Hazardous materials can be dangerous to people as well as the environment. Be sure to bring your hazardous waste products to the proper depot! 

The County of Huron operates the Household Hazardous Waste Program, which offers disposal hazardous waste disposal services at the Mid-Huron Recycling Centre free of charge to residents of Huron County.

Have a cooking fire or controlled burn

Responsible Department:
Fire and Emergency Services

The rules governing controlled burning are outlined in Municipal Burning By-law, which is in place to promote safe practices and prevent the spreading of fires.

Before having a controlled burn, you must notify the Fire Chief at least one hour before. The Fire Chief may permit the fire based on a number of conditions.

Report a problem (with municipal services)

Responsible Department:
Corporate Services (Clerk)

We’re committed to ensuring that our community remains a great place to live, work, and play - your feedback helps us address problems quickly and efficiently. The municipality has a Report a Problem submission form where you can report issues, violations and complaints related to municipal services, infrastructure, and public spaces.

Report a crime (Huron OPP)

External Provider:
Huron OPP 

The Huron OPP detachment plays a crucial role in crime prevention, detection, and apprehension within Huron County. They work to maintain community safety and well-being through various initiatives, including focused patrols, crime prevention programs, and community engagement.

Quick Links

You need support:

If you or someone you know needs assistance, there are many local service providers ready to help.

211 Ontario

A helpline that easily connects people to the social services, programs and community support they need.

Call: 2-1-1

Text: 2-1-1

Website: www.211ontario.ca

Exeter and Area Community Foodbank

249 Andrew St., Exeter (entrance off Baldwin St.)

Provides food and essential supplies to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Call: 519-860-4104

Email: exeterfoodbank1@gmail.com

Huron County Social & Property Services

Provides support related to housing and homelessness, Ontario Works, Children’s Services and Property Services.

Call: 519-482-8505

Website: www.huroncounty.ca/social-services

Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team (24/7 helpline)

24/7 helpline that provides support to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

Call: 1-888-829-7484

Website: www.hpha.ca/crisis

Southern Huron Connection Centre

70670 London Road, Exeter

A welcoming place offering basic needs such as light meals, a shower, washroom and laundry facilities and connection to supports and services.

Call: 519-235-2991

Email: eptcan.noahsark@gmail.com

Contact Us

The Municipality of South Huron
322 Main Street South, P.O. Box 759
Exeter, ON N0M 1S6
Phone: 519-235-0310

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