- Feature Links
- FOCUS newsletter
FOCUS newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2021
- GFL Collection Update
- Picnic in the Park to feature fireworks display
- 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
- Hazardous Waste Round-Up on September 11
Last month, GFL began consolidating all residential yard waste collections to Saturday. This change will be effective through October 9. GFL made this change in an effort to remain current on residential garbage and recycling collections.
Residents are advised that curbside collection of garbage and recycling will remain the same, only yard-waste collections are moving to Saturday.
In an effort to keep phone lines open, Canton is asking residents to use its online submittal process to report all missed garbage, recycling and yard waste pick-ups. Using the online form will help Canton and GFL keep an updated spreadsheet on all missed locations. You can access the form at www.canton-mi.org/216.
Please wait 24 hours before reporting a missed pickup as GFL is currently running 1-3 days behind schedule. If your home was missed, keep all garbage, yard waste and recycling at the curb until it’s collected. Please do not take your containers in at night as GFL is working longer hours than usual.
We understand that weather and animals are a nuisance to bagged collection items. Please note, our curbside collection guidelines do allow for the use of 32-gallon containers for both yard waste and refuse.
For the most up-to-date information on collection delays, visit www.canton-mi.org/216 or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/cantongovernment.
Area residents are invited to attend Canton’s Picnic in the Park on Friday, September 24, from 5-9 p.m. in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.
Plenty of festive food choices from area restaurants and food trucks, plus live music featuring popular artists on two stages, will be available leading up to the big fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin at dusk. Spectators are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to ensure that every guest can enjoy this outdoor event.
Those expecting to see a Liberty Fest-type of festival with rides and multiple styles of entertainment will have to be patient and wait until June 2022, when Liberty Fest hopefully will be able to return to Canton.
There is no admission fee to attend. Find complete “Picnic in the Park” details at www.cantonfun.org or call 734/394-5460.
Canton Township will hold a special memorial ceremony to honor and remember victims of 9/11 on the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history. This special tribute will be held on Saturday, September 11, starting at 9 a.m. at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, located directly behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center.
This memorial ceremony will be led by Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, who will also be joined by other elected officials. In addition, this tribute will feature the Canton Fire Department Honor Guard, a musical tribute, a moment of silence, as well as remarks from area organizations that have seen a recent rise in hate crimes perpetrated against their cultures.
For additional information, please visit www.canton-mi.org.
Canton will hold its annual Hazardous Waste Round-Up on Saturday, September 11 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Canton’s Public Works Building, located at 4847 Sheldon Road, just south of Michigan Avenue. This free event is open to Canton residents only and ID will be required.
Residents should be prepared for long lines as this is expected to be a high-volume event. To obtain a detailed list of what will and will not be accepted, visit www.canton-mi.org/248.
If you can’t make the Canton collection, residents can still dispose of a limited amount of hazardous waste at Canton Clean-Up. Canton Clean-Ups are held on scheduled Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the GFL facility located at 42100 Van Born Road. There are two more dates scheduled for 2021: September 25 and October 16.
During Canton Clean-Ups, residents are limited to ONE TRIP PER HOUSEHOLD and are responsible for unloading their own items and placing them in the dumpster. GFL employees will not be able to assist. To view a list of what is and is not accepted at Canton Clean-Up, visit www.canton-mi.org/917.
- A message from Supervisor Graham-Hudak
- Did you know?
- Schools are back in session – drive safely!
- Keep sidewalks free of tree branches and shrubs
Hello Neighbors!
The 2020 Census results were recently released, and Canton gained around 8,400 residents, bringing our population to 98,659. This puts Canton in the top 10 largest communities in the state, and the second largest township behind Clinton Township. The demographic make-up of the community shows that approximately 67% of residents are White, 19% are Asian, 9% are Black, 3% are Hispanic, and 3% are two or more races. While we thought we might hit the 100,000 mark, we still have about two years of growing to do before we are built out, so we will get there eventually. The Census is much more than just a head count. It provides a picture of our nation that helps determine where schools are needed, how federal funding is distributed, and how Congressional seats are apportioned. Most importantly, it helps to show us how our community has changed over time and how we can adjust our services so that we may provide the best quality of life possible for our residents.
In other news, it may be time to start masking up again. Unfortunately, COVID cases are on the rise as the delta variant is spreading and infection rates are going up. While we are not requiring visitors to our facilities to wear masks, we are highly recommending it regardless of vaccination status.
And, lastly, we recently updated Canton’s Five-Year Roads Plan. This plan provides a summary of methodology and planning for the Canton Township Road Improvement Program, which is funded by the road millage. The plan is subject to change and will be adjusted and modified each year, due to conflicts with other projects, funding sources, and other external situations. You can find a link to it at www.canton-mi.org/1160.
Did you know that Canton’s website has a Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords, as well as Rental Inspection Information for Tenants?
These documents, as well as rental inspection ordinances and applications, and more can be found on our Building and Inspection Services page at www.canton-mi.org/190.
If you have specific questions about Canton’s Rental Program, please call 734/394-5153.
The Canton Police Department reminds motorists to use caution on the roads as schools are back in session this month.
“A lot of children in our community walk and ride bikes to school, especially during the warmer months,” says Community Relations Officer Patty Esselink. “Drivers need to be alert and drive with caution, especially around subdivisions and schools.”
Police officers will be focusing on traffic laws pertaining to school buses, school crosswalks and reduced speed limits in school zones. When approaching school crosswalks, vehicles are required to stop as soon as a crossing guard steps onto the roadway. Drivers are required to stop for flashing lights on a school bus, regardless of the number of lanes on the road. The only exception is a divided boulevard-type highway, such as Michigan Avenue.
To report on-going driver violations at a bus stop or crosswalk, call the Police Department at 734/394-5400.
Keeping our neighborhoods safe and beautiful is the responsibility of all Canton residents, especially home and property owners. A well-kept property makes the home more inviting, enhances the neighborhood and increases property values.
Canton’s ordinance states that all trees and shrubs must be kept trimmed so as not to encroach upon any public sidewalk or pathway. All trees on your property must have seven feet of clearance above any public walkway. Grass must also be kept under five inches.
To report a violation in your area, call 734/394-5400, (at the auto attendant press 2 and then 1 for dispatch).
To speak with an Ordinance Officer regarding an active complaint, please call 734/394-5335.
- Treasurer Slavens' Corner
- 11th annual brew, brats and bands and the barn
- Canton Goodfellows “No Child Without a Christmas" Campaign
- Canton Leisure Services Master Plan
I hope you have had a wonderful summer! It is hard to believe that September is here and school is back in session. A quick reminder, your summer taxes are due by Tuesday; September 14, by the close of our business day. After this date an interest charge of 1% per month will be added.
Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. If you are unable to stop by our office, you can pay by mail, sign up for autopay, use our 24-hour drop box, pay online at www.canton-mi.org/304, or by phone (IVR) 833-697-1711.
With the challenges of COVID and the mail service, many of our residents have opted to use autopay and the drop box as a way to pay their water bill as well as their taxes. If you would like a receipt when using the drop box, please include a self-addressed and stamped envelope with your payment and we will mail you a receipt.
COVID continues to bring challenges to some of our residents. It is always important to pay your water/sewer bills. Last month we began to look over any water/sewer balances that are six months in arrears. Since the Township pays the water/sewer cost up front, we must place any arrears owed on your winter property tax. This is one of the many ways to keep our water/sewer rates down. Residents who have arrears have been notified which will give them time to pay off their debt before the winter taxes go to print.
As we move into September let us recognize and honor all the hard-working laborers this Labor Day, September 6. September has been designated National Suicide Prevention Month, you can find out more information on the NAMI website: nami.org
If you ever have questions please call my office at 734/394-5130.
Tickets are still available, but may sell out soon, for this popular fall event, which will take place at Preservation Park on Saturday, September 11, from 6 - 9 p.m. Ages 21 and over are encouraged to attend this special fundraiser that will benefit the Canton Historical Society.
The admission price to this unique beer tasting event includes seven beer-tasting tickets for a wide variety of specialty craft beers, brats with fixings, and live entertainment.
Tickets are $30 if purchased online at events.beerfests.com by September 10, or $40 at the door (if available). Sponsors include: Canton Leisure Services, Holiday Market, Liberty Street Brewing Company, Alphagraphics, Choice Insurance Agency, Edward Jones Investments, Kennedy Nemier Insurance Agency, Inc and Beefests.com.
In addition, designated driver tickets are available for just $10. Must be 21 and over to attend. For additional details, call 734/394-5310.
The Canton Goodfellows are excited to return to their traditional program this holiday season, through community member sponsorships and purchasing gifts for children of families in need. Applications for those wishing to receive assistance will be made available beginning Friday, September 17 at cantongoodfellows.org, or by visiting the Canton Township Clerk’s Office and Canton Public Library.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday, October 15 to be considered. For more information please visit cantongoodfellows.org or email cantongoodfellows@gmail.com.
Canton residents are invited to comment on the draft of the 2022 Five-Year Park and Recreation Master Plan that will be available for public review later this month online at www.canton-mi.org/498. The Master Plan, which must be updated and adopted every five years, outlines the acquisition, development, preservation and capital improvements to be made to Canton’s public parkland. All comments may be submitted via email to leisure@canton-mi.org. For more information, call 734/394-5360.
- Halloween Happenings
- Last Bites for the Barn of the season
- Canton Club 55+ golf outing
- Hike with a naturalist
With Halloween right around the corner, it’s time to pick out this year’s costume and plan on attending these special events hosted by Canton Leisure Services.
On Saturday, October 2, Howl at the Moon will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Canton Dog Park, located on Denton Road north of Cherry Hill Road. Dog owners along with their four-legged friends can enjoy live entertainment, purchase merchandise, and receive free giveaways from local pet supply and service vendors. Make sure to dress up with your pup to enter our costume contest with prizes! Both members of the Dog Park and non-members are invited to let their dogs experience this off-leash dog park during this FREE event. All non-dog park members must show proof of up-to-date vaccination for rabies and DHLPP, signed by an accredited veterinarian to attend. No pre-registration is required.
Trick or Treat Story Trail returns on Thursday, October 7. Dress up in your costumes and join Canton Leisure Services, the Canton Public Library, and Canton Public Safety in Heritage Park for Trick or Treating along our story trail from 4 - 7:30 p.m. Participants of all ages will enjoy our featured story. Pre-registration is required for all children regardless of age. Registration will be available September 15-30 at www.cantonfun.org/register. Per person fees are $5 for Canton residents and $6 for non-residents. For additional information about these special events, visit www.cantonfun.org
Area residents are invited to attend the last al fresco community dinner of the summer as Canton Leisure Services hosts “Bites for the Barn” on Tuesday, September 14, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge.
During this special outdoor event, participants will be able to gather around the table with their friends and neighbors to enjoy delicious small plate eats from local chefs and food trucks, as well as quench their thirst with several beer and wine options.
The per person fee to attend is $35 for Canton residents and $46 for non-residents. Tickets are on sale through September 10 online at www.cantonfun.org and will include 4-5 small plates; beer and wine will be sold separately. Please note: tables will be configured for eight individuals and to be seated at the same table, participants must register together on the same transaction. Seating assignments and priority seating is determined by registration date on a first-come, first-served basis.
The last Bites for the Barn will have a “Tailgating Theme,” featuring: Mr. Pit Master BBQ - Beef Tips, Grace Savory and Sweet – Buffalo Chicken Salad, PizzaPazza – Margarita wood-fired pizza, The Mean Weenie – Detroiter Dog (Bratwurst with Beer Cheese, Bacon, & Pretzel Crumbles), and Meltdown Creamery – Ice Cream. Musical entertainment will be provided by Northville Folk. All proceeds from this “Bites for the Barn” event will benefit the future development of Preservation Park, home to the Canton Farmers Market. For more information, visit www.cantonfun.org.
Area seniors are invited to hit the links on Thursday, September 23 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. during our Annual Co-Ed Golf Outing at Fellows Creek Golf Club, 2936 S. Lotz Road. Join us for 18 rounds of golf, various competitions, lunch, and an awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams for the Men’s, Co-Ed, and Women’s categories. Fees are $44 for Canton residents and $49 for non-residents. Current Fellows Creek members can receive a $14 discount. Participants may sign up as a team (foursome), threesome, pair, or individual. Note: When registering, please include the names of your teammates during the checkout process. Register today at www.cantonfun.org. For more information, call 734/394-5485.
Join us on Saturday, September 25 at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.., for a fall nature hike in one of Canton’s hidden gems, Fellows Creek Wetland Nature Trail at Flodin Park, which is located at Saltz and Morton Taylor Roads.
This tour, which will be guided by a Huron-Clinton Metroparks naturalist, will include a photo scavenger hunt and an opportunity to ask questions about the wetland ecosystem and recycling. Fees are $5 per family (up to six people) Preregistration is required at www.cantonfun.org.
Make the Summit on the Park your fitness and recreation destination! From September 15-30, sign up for an Annual Membership and save 15%! This special offer includes Annual Individual, Couples, and Family memberships (excluding payment plans) and is available online (excluding Family Memberships) at www.summitonthepark.org with our special discount code: SCHOOL15 or at the Summit front desk.
For more information, please visit our website or call 734/394-5460.
Start your fall off with a splash by enrolling for swim lessons at the Summit on the Park, which offers year-round lessons for all ages. Registration for Fall Session 1 (September 13-October 30) and Fall Session 2 (November 1-December 18) starts September 1. Our aquatic programs are designed to teach basic water safety skills to individuals ages 6 months to adults. Private lessons, youth, and teen/adult courses will be offered in a limited capacity.
Register at www.summitonthepark.org or call 734/394-5460 to get started.