Mayor Ann Lawlor's November 2025 Message

HALTON HILLS, ON – I want to highlight some important programs that are provided by the “upper tier” of our municipal government – the Region. Region of Halton services, from seniors’ housing to waste management to major infrastructure such as regional roads, water and wastewater, are vital local government services, which are supported by your property taxes. Halton Hills residents are represented on Halton Regional Council by myself (your mayor), and Councillors Fogal and Somerville.

Big Changes Coming to Blue Box Recycling

Starting January 1, 2026, recycling will get a major makeover as Circular Materials Ontario takes over residential recycling services in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville. This change is part of Ontario’s new recycling regulation, shifting responsibility from municipalities to the businesses that produce packaging and paper products. 

What does this mean for you? More items will be accepted in your Blue Box, making recycling easier and more consistent across the province. New additions include single-use straws, plastic cutlery, beverage cups, paper egg cartons, shredded paper, toothpaste tubes, chip bags, bubble wrap, foam packaging, empty aerosol containers, pizza boxes, coffee pods, and more.

However, a few items will no longer be accepted, such as books, metal pots, pans, and baking sheets.

The good news is that your collection day, contractor (Miller Waste Systems), and recycling containers remain unchanged. Halton Region will continue to provide other waste services, including garbage, bulk item, green cart, and yard waste collection.

Learn more about the program update here and get ready to recycle more than ever.

Investing in Our Residents’ Health and Wellbeing

At a recent council meeting, regional staff described the impact this year of the Halton Region Community Investment Fund. This public program supports health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives for vulnerable residents by providing grants to non-profit human service agencies. I am a big supporter of this fund since it channels public money into charitable and voluntary organizations for vital services while stretching the dollar impact. 

Funded projects that are helping Halton Hills residents include specialized in-home support for older adults with dementia by Acclaim Health; seasonal shelter and food programs by Knox Presbyterian Church in Georgetown and The Roxy Centre in Acton; a coordinated response to intimate partner violence by Thrive Counselling Services; nutritional support for cancer patients by Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, and a call diversion program for low acuity or mild symptom mental health calls by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton. Grants ranged from $15,000 to over $150,000 for the 2025 calendar year and are making life better for our families, friends and neighbours.

And to finish off, did you know that ‘Talk to a Stranger Week’ is November 24-30? Promoted by the GenWell charity, the intent is to make a difference in your own life and that of others by simply saying hello, smiling or striking up a conversation with a stranger. As mayor, I talk to strangers all the time, and it sure does work for me.

As the holiday season is now underway, I hope you enjoy sharing time with friends, family and strangers, too!