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FOCUS newsletter
JUly 2022
- Canton continues recycling education
- July 4th fireworks ordinance
- Canton continues to seek public input on Master Plan
This month, all curbside recycling participants will receive a new sticker to place on their recycling cart.
The sticker will have a QR code that will take you directly to www.canton-mi.org/230. This page contains an up-to-date list of what is and is not acceptable in your curbside recycling cart. We encourage residents to scan this code often so contaminated items do not end up in your cart. The sticker is 4x6 and weather proof. Questions about Canton’s curbside program can be emailed to municipalservices@cantonmi.gov.
The Canton Police Department reminds residents of the Michigan law and Canton Township ordinance that state:
(a) The discharge of novelties, low-impact fireworks and consumer fireworks are permitted June 29 - July 4, from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.
(b) Consumer fireworks shall not be ignited or discharged on public property, school property, church property, or property of another person without that organization’s or person’s written permission to use consumer fireworks on the premises.
(c) Minors shall be prohibited from possessing, using, igniting or discharging consumer fireworks.
(d) No person shall use low-impact or consumer fireworks while under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance or both.
Unlawful use of fireworks can be reported to the Public Safety Department’s non-emergency line at 734/394-5400, at the auto attendant dial 2, then 1. Emergency situations should be called in to 911.
Violators are subject to a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of $1,000.
As part of Canton’s Master Plan Update process, a variety of public engagement events and activities have been scheduled throughout the 12-18 month process. During these events, Planning staff will have a booth set up for residents and businesses owners to stop by and submit input. Events coming up in July include:
1. Pride OUTside - July 16, at Heritage Park, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
2. Rally on Ridge –July 23, at Cherry Hill School (50440 Cherry Hill Rd), 4 – 9 p.m. Staff attendance hours may vary.
3. Comment boards are also set up at Township facilities (Administration Building, Library, Summit, BLOCK, The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, etc.).
Future public engagement events and activities can be found at www.canton-mi.org/masterplan. In the coming months, educational videos, drop-in Zoom chats, and surveys will be available. We will also be attending other community events, such as the Summer Concert Series and the Canton Farmers Market.
For those wishing to be added to our email list to receive regular updates, or if you have any questions or comments, please email masterplan@cantonmi.gov.
- A message from Supervisor Graham-Hudak
- Boards and Commissions openings
- Detention pond maintenance
- Rent and mortgage assistance
Hello Neighbors!
Summer in Canton is in full swing. Last month’s Liberty Fest was the most successful event to-date, with great weather and fun for everyone, and I loved visiting with many of you! The outdoor fun continues with the Thursday Night Concert Series in Heritage Park, as well as the Tuesdays Are Terrific concerts every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in Heritage Park. July also sees the return of Rally on Ridge, our annual food truck event in Cherry Hill Village, and the Pride OUTside event. Of course, there are always the parks, trails and golf courses to enjoy if you are looking for other outdoor activity this summer. There is something for everyone in Canton!
Unfortunately, summer also brings road construction. The good news is that with all of the beautiful weather we have been enjoying, there haven’t been any long delays on the work being done. The Canton Center reconstruction from Ford to Warren is looking great so far, and the resurfacing on Beck between Ford and Warren will be beautiful when complete. The small driving inconveniences caused by these projects will be well worth it.
If you are looking for ways to become involved with the community, I would encourage you to consider applying to one of our Boards and Commissions. Or, you may just want to participate in one of the Master Plan engagement activities and provide input into the future of our community.
Please stay safe and enjoy all that Canton has to offer this summer!
Canton is looking for residents to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee. To review information and qualifications about each board/commission, and to fill out an application, please visit www.canton-mi.org/590. Applications are being accepted through the end of July.
Proper detention pond maintenance is an important part of our stormwater management infrastructure. All maintenance and care of ponds located in subdivisions is the responsibility of private property owners and homeowner’s associations.
When properly maintained, detention ponds can provide function and beauty to your neighborhood, help reduce neighborhood flooding and protect water quality. Common problems caused by lack of proper maintenance include: flooding caused by trash, debris and/or sediment accumulation blocking the pipes; algae blooms caused by using excessive fertilizer adjacent to the pond; and costly structural repairs caused by erosion due to lack of appropriate shoreline vegetation.
To help facilitate proper maintenance, Canton is sending all HOAs a guidebook prepared by the Alliance of Rouge Communities and the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project. The guidebook provides step-by-step instructions for maintenance activities and includes an inspection checklist to help develop a maintenance plan.
For more information, please call Canton’s Division of Public Works at 734/397-1011.
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Canton received funds that can be used to provide rental assistance and help towards mortgage payments for those residents who qualify. While the additional Canton funds are only to be used for rent and mortgage assistance, Wayne Metro Community Action Agency is administering a variety of other CARES Relief and Recovery services. For more information, visit www.waynemetro.org/CARES or call Wayne Metro at 313/388-9799.
- Pollworkers and election volunteers needed
- Absentee ballots mailed for August Primary
- Polling location changes
- Treasurer Slavens' Corner
Canton Township has begun gathering interest from those who want to work the August Primary or November General Election. One training session and some online reading are required. Interested residents can visit the Clerk’s page at www.canton-mi.org and complete the online interest form or call 734/394-5120.
Ballots for the August Primary have been mailed to all voters who requested them prior to June 24. They should have arrived in your mailbox by the end of the first week in July.
Please remember that all ballots must be signed by the voter in order to be counted on election day. Only a registered voter can sign their own ballot. Power of Attorney does not apply to voting. Please sign and return to the Clerk’s Office, either by mail, or in one of our numerous Drop Boxes.
Voters on the Automatic List who haven’t returned an application for an Absentee Ballot, and wish to vote by mail, must please return their application ASAP.
Due to redistricting, your polling location has changed. To find your new voting location, please visit www.canton-mi.org/vote to view our interactive map. Please note: all voters will receive a new Voter Information Card in the mail letting them know where their new location is. This does not impact voters who choose to vote an Absentee Ballot, by mail.
Summer is upon us and your summer tax bill should arrive in early July. If you have not received your bill by July 15, please contact my office. Summer tax payments can be paid July 1 - September 14. After that, an interest charge of 1% will be added per month.
There are a variety of ways to pay:
24-hour drop box: Located outside the main entrance of Canton Administration Building. Please include the bill number or the property tax ID number on your check. Please do not submit cash in the drop box.
The Treasurer’s window, Monday - Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: We accept cash, personal checks, bank checks, MasterCard, Discover and Visa. The banks levy a $3.95 charge for debit/credit card use under $160 and a 2.5% charge for credit card payments over $160.
Online: www.canton-mi.org/296.
By mail: send check or money order to Canton Treasurer; P.O Box 87010; Canton MI, 48187.
By phone with Interactive Voice Response: 1-833-679-1710.
If you meet the following conditions, you may defer your property taxes, penalty-free, until February 14, 2023.
1. Age 62 or older (or the unmarried surviving spouse of a person who was 62 years of age or older at the time of death) eligible serviceperson, eligible veteran, or eligible widow or widower of a veteran or serviceperson; permanently disabled, blind, paraplegic, quadriplegic, or hemiplegic; AND total household income in the prior taxable year did not exceed $40,000.
2. Property classified or used as agricultural property can also be eligible for deferment under specific conditions.
Please stop by the Treasurer’s Office if you meet any of these conditions, and we will prepare the deferment form. You must bring proof of your household income from 2021 (typically your 1040 form). Forms must be submitted to the Treasurer’s Office no later than September 14.
Please enjoy our Michigan summer, celebrate Independence Day, recognize Glaucoma Awareness month, and have a safe and enjoyable July!
- Thursday night live concerts
- Historical Society Museum
- Family Camp-out and movie night
- Village Theater call for artists
- In the CLS Spotlight: Become a junior park pro
Area residents are invited to experience another summer of free music at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, featuring a weekly dose of fresh air and family-friendly fun! This year’s Thursday Night Live Concert Series, generously sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union, includes a variety of weekly food vendors, plus a Beer and Wine Garden.
These free concerts will begin at 7 p.m., with cultural pre-entertainment scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs to relax and enjoy the music on the Amphitheater lawn. No concert will be held on July 7.Visit cantonfun.org for more information.
The Canton Historical Society Museum is now open for the season on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 - 4 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 1022 S. Canton Center Road. Come explore a special display of one-room schoolhouse setups that were present when the township was a farming community. Canton residents visiting the museum can now locate the original farm you now live on, as well as learn about which school you would have attended.
For more information, call 734/391-9352 or visit www.cantonhistoricalsociety.org.
On Friday, July 15, families are invited to “camp out” overnight in Independence Park and take in a movie under the stars, featuring “The Croods: A New Age” (Rated PG) at dusk. Plenty of fun activities will be available before the movie including games and entertainment for the entire family beginning at 6 p.m.
To participate in this overnight activity, a $25 per tent fee can be paid in advance online at www.cantonfun.org, or onsite--cash only.. Set up begins on Friday, July 15 at 4 p.m. Tents and RV’s are both welcome. Please note, no electricity or RV hookups will be available. For those not staying the night, there is a $7 per person wristband fee to take part in the evening’s activities. Dinner and concession items will be sold Friday evening, as well as breakfast items on Saturday morning.
As weather conditions continue to pose ground-condition challenges, please watch for any updates on the location of the Family Movie Camp Out at www.cantonfun.org.
The Gallery at Cherry Hill is now accepting entries for the 28th Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition, which will be on display October 4-30. Entries for this distinguished exhibition are currently being accepted through August 31. Michigan artists are encouraged to enter online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org.
For more information about the exhibition, please visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call 734/394-5300.
Back By Popular Demand! Canton Leisure Services is once again inviting area children to become an official Canton Junior Park Pro this summer just by touring 10 local parks, snapping a fun action photo, and sharing their experiences with us. Participants are encouraged to explore Canton’s neighborhood parks now through August 31, to earn a customized pin for each location visited.
Becoming a Junior Park Pro is as easy as one, two, three! 1) Visit a Canton Park. 2) Take a picture by any park amenity. 3) Email the fun photo, along with the participant’s address to laura.mortier@cantonmi.gov to earn a pin! All ages are welcome to participate in this free park program. After you visit each park and submit your photo, a customized park pin will be mailed to you. Visit five parks and earn a Canton Lanyard to collect your pins on. Visit all 10 and receive Junior Park Pro status with a certificate and special pin to complete your collection. For more information on becoming a Junior Park Pro, please visit www.cantonfun.org or call 734/394-5460.
- the DIA inside/out reproductions now on display
- Michigan Shakespeare festival
- 8th annual rally on ridge
- Canton's pride OUTside event
- Tuesdays are terrific concert series
The Detroit Institute of Art’s Inside|Out program returns to Canton with a unique exhibit of five high-quality reproductions of great masterpieces on display throughout our community now through the end of November.
These reproductions featured throughout the Canton community include well-known pieces such as:
“Love Flight of a Pink Candy Heart” by Florine Stettheimer on display at The Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road;
“Violinist and Young Women” by Edgar Degas on display at the Summit on the Park Community Recreation Center, 46000 Summit Parkway;
“A Day in June” by George Wesley Bellows on display at the Canton Public Library, 1200 S. Canton Center Road;
“Talking Oak” by William Maw Egley on display at the Cherry Hill Fountain Square, at the intersection of Cherry Hill Road and Independence Road; and
“Rounded Flower Bed” by Claude Monet on display at Preservation Park, 500 N Ridge.
Find additional information, including a map of locations, at www.cantonvillagetheater.org.
The Michigan Shakespeare Festival will kick off its season at Canton’s Village Theater on July 19, which will run through August 21. The three featured mainstage shows will include: the heroic and epic drama “Henry V,” featuring Ann Arbor native Sam Hubbard as the king; the bubbly bright comedy “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” directed by award-winning Artistic Associate Robert Kauzlaric; and the silly farce “Charley’s Aunt,” by Brandon Thomas featuring Edmund Alyn Jones.
Celebrate the return of the Festival and don’t miss a moment of this exciting season! Tickets are $20 - $50 and can be purchased at the door (if still available) or in advance at www.cantonvillagetheater.org, by phone at 734/394-5300.
Enjoy plenty of local eats and music at the 8th Annual Rally on Ridge event, which will be held on Saturday, July 23, from 4 – 9 p.m. as food trucks will line Ridge Road between Uptown Avenue and Cherry Hill Road. All ages are encouraged to join us for this special fundraiser that will benefit the Canton Farmers Market. The evening will feature several popular gourmet food trucks, live music performed by the Cancel Monday band, and a Beer Garden area. Come out for a great night with great food to support the Canton Farmers Market! For all the details, visit www.canton-mi.org/496.
Canton will host a special LGBTQ+ Pride event on Saturday, July 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building. All ages are welcome at this FREE inclusive event that is sponsored by: Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea of Canton. Program features include keynote speaker George Belvitch, Plymouth-Canton PFLAG and music provided by Boylesque. In addition, dinner and snack options will available for purchase from: Great Lakes Confections, Little Kahuna, Bobcat Bonnies, Maraschino’s Pub, and more. Make sure to show your rainbow pride! For more information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call 734/394-5460.
This summer, come rock out at these FREE concerts, generously sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union, that are geared toward preschool and elementary-aged children. Enjoy an afternoon of music, food and fun at the Heritage Park Amphitheater from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from July 12 – August 9. The July lineup will include: July 12 - Anishnabe Song and Dance; July 19 - Deep Fried Pickle Project Jug Band; July 26 - School of Rock.
All ages welcome to attend and no pre-registration is required. Additional support provided by these generous partners: Canton Public Library and Busch’s Fresh Food Market. Cool treats will also be available for purchase on site. All concerts are weather dependent. For additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org/722 for the full concert schedule or call 734/394-5460.