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Newcomers
Welcome to the neighbourhood!
Welcome to the Township of West Lincoln - we're thrilled that you've made the move. Our community is a great place to live, work and play, with a unique blend of urban and rural, modern and historic. Located at the heart of the Niagara Region, West Lincoln is a growing and blended community. Take in the beautiful natural spaces, experience unique events, and take advantage of a variety of community services. There's something for everyone!
To stay up to date with all the municipal announcements from staff and council, be sure to subscribe to all news and updates. Want to contact staff or council? Find your point of contact within our staff directory.
A Message from the Mayor
On behalf of Council, staff and all our residents, welcome to your new home in beautiful West Lincoln. We’re so glad that you’ve decided to live here.
Our Municipality is situated on treaty land. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are an inclusive, friendly, and healthy community with a unique mix of urban flair and rural charm.
Whether you have chosen to live in the rural hamlets of St. Ann's, Silverdale, Bismark, Caistorville, Fulton, Grassie or Wellandport, or in the urban area of Smithville, you will find an ideal quality of life here. We have a variety of wonderful amenities and excellent services, a distinctively preserved downtown, locally owned and operated businesses, rolling hills and farmland to explore and so much more. We value and invest in our heritage and culture, and we hope you will as well.
Our residents are known to be caring, thoughtful and dedicated to their community. Please take some time to read our Strategic Plan and learn how you can get involved. It's a great way to meet new people and stay in touch with what is happening in your new community. And, when you have a chance - don’t be shy, come down to Town Hall and say hello!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Ganann
Mayor, Township of West Lincoln
Mayor Cheryl Ganann
Get to know your new hometown
We're here to help! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from new residents.
What do I need to know about property taxes?
Property tax bills are issued four times a year. Taxes provide for your local services such as local road repair, snow clearing, fire services, and much more.
What do I need to know about Municipal water?
Learn how you can pay your water bill and the payment options we have for you. You can also learn more about reading your water meter and finding a water leak.
What utility providers are available?
You will need to hook up utilities for your property. We have different providers for the urban and rural areas.
When is garbage day?
Niagara Region provides our community with garbage and organics collection. Miller Waste Systems is responsible for residential recycling.
Is public transit available?
Niagara Region Transit offers Microtransit to West Lincoln residents, businesses and visitors.
When does the snow get plowed?
The Public Works Department maintains municipal roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks through our winter control program. The Niagara Region maintains regional roadways.
Where are the playgrounds, parks and trails?
West Lincoln has many parks and trails for you to explore. Enjoy serene and tranquil settings where you can enjoy recreational activities along with a variety of recreational facilities.
What recreation programming is available?
We have modern recreation facilities to meet the needs of everyone. Programming includes fitness classes, drop-in activities, skating and shinny, interest and hobby groups, older adult workshops and more!
Where is the public library?
The West Lincoln Public Library has three branches: the Smithville Branch inside the West Lincoln Community Centre and the Wellandport and Caistorville Branches, with programming that serves the whole community.
Even more resources and questions
We know you have questions - we have answers below! If you have a question you don't see here, feel free to contact us.
What health care options are nearby?
Find a health care provider or learn about the health care and mental health services available near you.
Familiarize yourself with the West Lincoln Fire Department services in the area.
I want to have a bonfire on my property; how do I get a burn permit?
The Township of West Lincoln prohibits open-air burning unless you obtain a burn permit, as per the Town's Open-Air Fire By-law. An "open-air fire" is defined as a fire in any open place, yard, field or area which is not contained or enclosed by a building or structure, and includes agricultural fires, chimineys, bonfires, and campfires.
Gas fired appliances, fire tables and bowls are allowed and do not require a burn permit.
Burn Permits:
- Permits are available online - apply from the safety and convenience of your own home
- There is no fee for farm burn permits on lands zoned for agricultural purposes used for bona fide farming operations
- Burn permits are valid for the calendar year, and expire on December 31 of each year
Apply for your burn permit online
The Niagara Regional Police Service provides our community with police services.
I want to build on my property; how do I get started?
Learn how to apply for permits if you are undertaking a building project in your home.
I have a dog; do I need a licence?
If you own a dog in the Township of West Lincoln, you need to license them each year. Licence your dog online.
I'm a newcomer to Canada; what support is available?
There are a variety of newcomer support services available in Niagara. View the following resources for newcomer supports: