Town of Perth identifies next steps for proposed Environmental Services Shop project

Officials with the Town of Perth say more review and discussion will take place before final decisions are made on a proposed Environmental Services Garage project aimed at modernizing aging municipal infrastructure and addressing operational safety concerns.

In an update released on Thursday, May 22, 2026, the town thanked residents who attended a public open house on May 19 and shared feedback and input about the proposed project.

According to the release, the proposed facility is intended to replace and modernize the town’s current Environmental Services Garage, an approximately 9,700-square-foot building including office space, storage areas, service bays and mechanical rooms.

The garage, which was originally built in the 1960s, no longer meets the needs and standards of the growing municipality.but was not designed for current operational demands.

Town officials explain that concerns escalated in 2022 when the building’s second-storey mezzanine was deemed unsafe for occupancy due to Ontario Building Code compliance issues, forcing staff to vacate the area.

To continue operations in recent years the town has utilized temporary trailers on site to provide office, meeting and washroom space for Environmental Services staff, but this is not a sustainable long-term solution.

As part of the next phase of the modernization project, perth council and town staff outlined their ‘next steps,’ saying they will review several other outstanding issues before determining how to proceed.

According to the release, those steps will include examining alternative locations for the facility, evaluating potential land purchases, reviewing long-term infrastructure priorities through the town’s asset management plan and assessing financing options, including borrowing impacts and possible property tax implications.

Mayor Judy Brown reiterated that community feedback will continue to play an important role in the process.

“We appreciate the residents who took the time to attend the Open House and share their perspectives,” Brown said. “Council is listening carefully to the feedback received and is committed to ensuring we make informed decisions that balance operational needs, financial responsibility, and community concerns.”

A special council meeting is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks to discuss the project in greater detail and solidify next steps.