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1. Is there a leash law?

Yes. There is a Leash Law which states that dogs must be restrained by a chain or lead that is suitable for the size and strength of the dog and be attended by a person of adequate age and ability to control the dog.

2. Can the Animal Control Department remove wildlife?

According to state laws, no wild animal can be removed unless it is sick or injured.

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1. Does the Social Host Law apply to my child, who is not yet 21 years old?

Yes. The law state "whoever" furnishes alcohol to person under 21, and that "whoever" applies to everyone.

2. If my child hosts a party while I am away, can I still be held liable?

Yes. If you have reason to believe that minors will be consuming alcohol in your home even when you are not there, you may be charged criminally or held liable civilly.

3. Can I avoid liability by renting a hotel room for my son/daughter's graduation?

No. Since you rented the room, you control the room. The law applies to the person(s) in control of the premises or property.

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1. Does my project need a permit from the Canton Conservation Commission?

Any work that is done within 100 feet of a wetland, 200 feet of a river, or that disturbs more than 20,000 square feet of soil requires a permit from the Canton Conservation Commission. This includes landscaping projects such as removing trees. Please note that a wetland boundary is sometimes determined by the type of soil and plants found, and not always by the presence of standing water - so if you are not sure, please ask us if you need a permit. Violations of the wetland or stormwater laws can be fined with as much as $300 per day of violation. Please download the Permit Inquiry Form and submit it to the Canton Conservation Department to inquiry about your project. 

Canton Conservation Commission Permit Inquiry Form

2. May I walk my dog on Conservation Commission properties?

Many people come to Commission properties such as Pequitside Farm or Windsor Woods to walk their dogs. It is Town Law that dogs must be leashed in Canton at all times on all town-owned properties. For the safety of all residents who wish to use this property, including those dogs who do not get along with other dogs, seniors, and families with small children, we are enforcing this town bylaw with fines starting at $25 per offense. If you see someone violating the Town of Canton Leash Law please contact Animal Control via Canton Police immediately at 781-821-5090.

We also require owners to pick up all dog waste and properly dispose of it in a trash receptacle.  While you may think that dog waste is ‘natural’, we have over 1,600 registered dogs in Canton and the volume of waste created by them is significant. Dog waste contributes to pollution of waterways and can risk public health. Many children use these properties for play, including our Summer Camp.

We thank you for pitching in to ensure Conservation properties are safe and clean for all who wish to use them! It really makes a difference. 

3. How do I reserve use of the fire pit at Pequitside Farm?

Open fires are prohibited on all Conservation Commission properties with the one exception of the designated fire pit at Pequitside Farm. 

In order to have a fire in the Pequitside fire pit you must first do the following:

1.    Contact the Conservation Department at 781-821-5035 to reserve the time slot for which you wish to use the fire pit. You must provide us with the name and contact information of the responsible party, and number of people who will be in the group.     

2.    Complete a fire permit application (FP-6).  You must submit the permit application to fire prevention office by email to Tnorton@town.canton.ma.us or by mail to the Fire Prevention Division,  99 Revere St., Canton MA 02021.  

The fire pit must be attended a responsible adult at all times, and the fire must be fully extinguished with water before leaving the fire pit unattended.  

Any person who knowingly violates any rule or regulation made by the MA Board of Fire Prevention Regulations shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars.  

Residents do not need to get a permit for use of a grill at Pequitside. These are first-come, first serve. All grill fires must be fully extinguished after use.  

4. May I dedicate a bench at Pequitside Farm in memory of a loved one?

We have received requests over the years to honor loved ones with a memorial bench at Pequitside Farm and have developed a program to make this possible. Please download and complete the form and send to the Conservation office at 79 Pleasant Street with a check made out to "Town of Canton". 

https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10112/Bench-Adoption-Program-Form

5. Is Pequitside Farm available for private rentals?

Pequitside Farm is no longer available for new private event rentals. The Conservation Commission suspended new private rentals in 2019. 

Community groups may use the inside of the Lynch House for free as meeting space (garden club, girl and boy scouts, AA, etc.) during the week with an advance reservation. Please contact the Conservation office to schedule a community group meeting. 

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1. What does the Commission do?

We are very active cataloging and researching historic homes and structures in order to get a better sense of the range of assets that are within the Town of Canton. In addition, for the past several years we have been working closely with the Department of Public Works to preserve the ancient gravestones at the town owned Canton Corner Cemetery. Also, we oversee the Demolition Delay Bylaw which allows for a six-month waiting period before privately owned buildings can be demolished if they have been determined to be architecturally and/or historically significant. Finally, we assist the Community Preservation Committee in reviewing projects that fall into the historical project category for grant applications. We also work to educate the public on historic and archeological sites within the Town of Canton.

2. How are members chosen for the Commission?

There are seven members of the Canton Historical Commission and they are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a period of three year terms. Anyone can apply for a seat on the Commission, and there are two alternate positions that help ensure a quorum and additional participation. Anyone with a passion for local history should consider applying to be on the Commission.

3. What is the difference between the Historical Commission and the Historical Society?

The Canton Historical Commission is a local governmental body established by statute and town bylaw that has the authority to protect, preserve, and document the historic assets of the town. The Canton Historical Society is a private non-profit corporation dedicated to collecting, preserving, and educating its members and the public about Canton's unique and tremendous history. Think of the Society as a museum and educational institution, and the Commission as a regulatory and governmental entity.

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1. How do I apply for a job?

Select this link: http://town.canton.ma.us/Jobs.aspx

2. What is an EAP?

EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program.  Your EAP is a free confidential counseling, assessment, coaching and referral program designed to help you deal with issues you face in your personal and work life.  EAP services are available to both you and members of your immediate family.  Click here for more information!

3. How do I change my federal and state withholdings?

Print off the W4 and/or M-4 forms and drop off to HR or the payroll personnel in your department.

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1. What is the Canton Master Plan?

The Canton Master Plan is a community-driven plan that articulates our shared, long-range vision for the town’s future and lays out the steps to reach that vision. It is comprehensive, addressing all aspects of life in Canton – our neighborhoods, where we shop, parks and playgrounds, public services, historic sites and buildings, local employers, and even how we get around town. It talks about where we are as a community, where we want to go, and how we’re going to get there. Through the Master Plan, we recognize and anticipate changes in the future and respond through a clear and direct action agenda.

2. Why is it important?

The Canton Master Plan is important because it is used by local officials to guide their decisions, which impact our quality of life. Through the Master Plan, we clearly state what we love about living in Canton, what needs more support to strengthen its vitality and longevity, and what should be transformed to meet our needs as a community. A master plan is important because it affects your everyday life now and for years to come.

3. Do we have a Master Plan, and why does it need updating?

In 2004, the Town of Canton adopted its current Master Plan. Once used by decision-makers to develop local policies and make local investments, several goals and objectives are outdated and no longer express current needs around capital and infrastructure improvements. Over the past 13 years, the Town has been successfully implementing many of the recommendations within the 2004 Master Plan, however, baseline data within the plan need to be updated to reflect current conditions and circumstances in and around Canton. Further, a lot of development has occurred since 2004, including new large-scale development in Westwood (University Station) and the approval of the Paul Revere Heritage Site (Plymouth Rubber site). These developments need to be factored into Canton’s future. The Town has also completed and is currently undertaking several studies  and initiatives that are impacting local policies not reflected in the 2004 plan. These include the Housing Action Plan (2015), Open Space and Recreation Plan (completed in 2019), and Complete Streets Prioritization Plan (2018). The 2004 Master Plan also lacks direction for emerging issues such as climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the link between community planning and public health, which have town-wide implications.

4. Did the Town complete any of the actions in the 2004 Master Plan?

Yes, a report card was prepared of the Implementation Schedule in the 2004 Master Plan. More than half of the actions the Town outlined to do over the 10-year period were completed, are still ongoing, or are not longer applicable today. The remaining actions will be revisited as part of the update process.

5. How will the 2004 Canton Master Plan be updated?

The overall update process will involve:

1. Updating baseline data, facts, and figures to understand where we are, who we are, and where we’ve been.
2. Hearing from the community to create a shared community vision of Canton’s future to understand where we want to go.
3. Identifying the most important issues that will shape how we reach our vision.
4. Developing specific policies and actions to overcome barriers, strengthen assets, and build capacity to meet the community’s vision.

The Canton Master Plan is a community-driven plan and public participation is critical to its success. Everyone is invited to participate and have their voices heard through an open and transparent process. The Town and the Master Plan Steering Committee (See “Who is on the Canton Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC)  and what are their responsibilities?”) will use different ways to reach out to the public to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to talk about the issues that are important to them (See “How do I get involved?”). We want to hear from you what should be preserved and enhanced in our town, and what can and should change over time to meet evolving needs and improve the quality of life for residents.

6. How long will this Master Planning process take?

The planning process will last approximately 18 months with a final plan scheduled for completion in early 2020.

7. Who is on the Canton Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC) and what are their responsibilities?

The Planning Board is charged under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 81D to lead the master plan effort. The Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board appointed a Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC) to oversee the development of the Master Plan update. The MPSC works directly with a consultant to conduct, guide, and document the master plan effort. The MPSC is composed of various elected and appointed members of town boards and select citizen stakeholders. This committee meets under the direct oversight of the Planning Board.

All MPSC members are residents of Canton and appointed to a two (2) year term. The MPSC meets monthly at a regularly scheduled time. It consists of nine members: representatives from the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission, Economic Development Committee, Housing Authority, and Planning Board, as well as four at-large citizen stakeholders:

David McCarthy: Planning Board Member

Thomas Theodore: Board of Selectmen Member

Gerald Carmichael: Conservation Commission Member

Emilio Mauro, Jr.: Economic Development Committee Member

John McSweeney: Housing Authority Member

Sonja Grauds: Citizen-at-Large

Meredith McLoughlin: Citizen-at-Large

Michael McMahon: Citizen-at-Large

Tonja Mettlach: Citizen-at-Large

Staff: Laura Smead, Town Planner

8. How can I get involved?

We want to hear from as many residents, business owners, workers, and visitors of Canton as possible. Public events will be scheduled throughout the update process, either as formal public workshops or informal drop-in “open houses.” We’ll also be asking the public to respond to surveys, asking questions about what in Canton should be protected, what should be strengthened, and what should be transformed to meet the needs of current residents and those of future generations.

Here’s how to stay informed:

• Sign up for the Planning Department News Flashes via the Town’s Notify Me service. You’ll receive emails about project updates, public event announcements, and links to topics of interest related to the development of a community master plan.
• Look for event announcements and other updates on the Town of Canton and Canton Planning Department Facebook and Twitter feeds.
• Visit the Canton Master Plan website regularly. The website is the central hub for project updates, public input opportunities, resources, project contacts, and other information related to the Canton Master Plan update process.
• Participate in public events sponsored by the Town and the MPSC. These are opportunities to talk with your neighbors about the issues important to you and how you see Canton’s future. Upcoming events can be found on the Canton Master Plan website.
• Attend MPSC meetings. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town’s website. Listen in and offer your personal experiences to the MPSC on the spectrum of issues and topics covered by the Master Plan. Upcoming MPSC meeting schedules can be on the Town of Canton meeting calendar.

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1. When are Planning Board Meetings Held

The Planning Board meets on the First and Third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Salah Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Memorial Hall, 801 Washington Street. Some meetings may be added or changed to accommodate different circumstances.

2. Can I watch the meetings on Cable TV

All meetings are televised by Canton Community Television and prior meetings can be viewed on the Canton Community Television Website.

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1. How can I dispose of my old TV and my old computer monitor?

You can bring your old TV and or your old computer monitor to 99 Pine St between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday.  

2. Where can I bring my trash that will not fit inside my barrel?

Canton has two dumpsters located at 99 Pine Street for trash overflow. If you have a valid drivers license you can bring your extra trash to 99 Pine Street Wednesday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

3. Does my recycling get picked up on red week or blue week?

You can find out on the town's website if your recycling gets picked up on the red week or the blue week. Street Listing

4. Can I put my couch out with my regular trash?

Those items are considered bulk items. Residents are allowed to put out one bulk item each week.
A reservation call is required 72 hours in advance. Please call (800) 222-5158. Please set items 3ft. apart from trash or recycling carts.

5. Where can I dispose of my yard waste?

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, shrub trimmings, plant cuttings, as well as wood waste from bushes and trees (less than 1 inch in diameter). Non-acceptable items are dirt, bamboo, sand, rocks, stumps or trunks. . Residents can bring their yard waste to the Yard Waste Recycling Facility located at 99 Pine Street and must purchase a Yard Waste Recycling Sticker for $10.00 either at the Yard Waste Recycling Facility or at the Town Hall at the DPW office.   Yard Waste Recycling Facility Information

6. How do I get an additional recycling or trash barrel?

For residents seeking an additional recycle or trash cart, complete the attached application and submit to the Board of Selectmen’s office , 801Washington Street, Canton, with the appropriate fee ($75 for a recycle cart and $65 for a trash cart). A recycle cart will be delivered to the resident by Republic Service. The application for an additional trash cart will be reviewed prior to approval.

Please fill out the form.

http://ma-canton.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3413

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1. How do I obtain a sticker to park on Greenlodge Street

Green Lodge Street parking stickers are available for purchase at the Town of Canton Finance Department (C/O Treasurer's Division) located on the first level of Memorial Hall, 801 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021 on a first-come first-served basis.  Stickers are available for the following duration periods and costs: (3) three months at $130.00, (6) six months at $230.00 and (12) twelve months at $400.00. Parking will remain free on weekends and holidays ONLY for those vehicles which display a valid windshield parking sticker. All other vehicles will be subject to ticketing and towing at owner's sole expense. Seasonal parking restrictions apply and are designed to assist with snow removal as posted in the parking area. The Town takes no responsibility for any personal injury or loss of any type related to the use of this area. Applications for purchasing stickers can be obtained at the Treasurer's Office. As part of the sticker application process, a current driver's license along with a copy of a valid motor vehicle registration must be provided and a release of claims waiver form must be completed and returned with the application. The Collector/Treasurer's office will check for any past due motor vehicle excise tax bills and outstanding parking tickets before issuing these parking stickers. No proration of any amount for sticker purchases will be allowed. Sticker payments will be accepted in cash, money order, or personal check. No online sticker purchase is available at this time. Any returned check(s) will incur a $25.00 processing fee. Stickers must be displayed on driver's side windshield to assist the Canton Police in ensuring sticker compliance. Replacement stickers are available should your vehicle sustain windshield damage, vehicle is replaced or some other reasonable situation warrants. In these cases, stickers should, to the extent reasonably possible, be scraped off and presented to Finance Department staff when making a request for a sticker replacement.

Application

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1. When did the town acquire the property and what was the cost

The Town purchased the property from the Archdiocese in April of 2022 at a cost of $3,225,000

2. How large is the St Gerard's property

The current property consists of 9.1 acres of land and has 2 structures on the property

3. Where is the property located

The property is located at 1860 Washington Street and the map and lot is 064-037.

Additional assessment information can be found in the Assessing Online database : Property Search

4. Are there any plans for the property

The Select Board created a committee to gather public input and report back the top 3 to 5 potential uses for the property.  this process is expected to last thru the fall of 2023

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1. How do I register to vote in the Town of Canton?

You may register in person at the Town Clerk’s Office or by mail. You may request a voter registration form be mailed to you or you can pick one up at any Massachusetts Clerk’s Office. You must register to vote at least 20 days prior to an election. Special voter registration sessions are held on the last day to register in the Town Clerk’s office from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2. How may I obtain a birth, death or marriage record?

You may write or appear in person in the Town Clerk’s office to obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate. There is a $10 fee for each certified copy payable in cash or by check made payable to "Town of Canton". You may be asked to produce identification. Please have your driver’s license or some other form of identification available.

3. When are dog licenses due and how much do they cost?

All dogs 6 months or older are required to be licensed. 

All Dog licenses expire on APRIL 1st of each year.  

Licenses are available for renewal on January 1st each year. Proof of a valid rabies inoculation must be provided by the owner or keeper of the dog at the time the license is purchased.

Dog licenses cost $15 for dogs that have been spayed / neutered and $20 for those not spayed / neutered. Proof of spay / neuter must be provided the first time the dog is licensed.

To purchase a dog license you may appear in person at the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall or drop your payment in the payment box in front of Town Hall or mail your payment to the Town Clerk's Office at 801 Washington Street.

4. What time do the polls open?

The polls are open for all elections from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5. Dog license late fee

In addition to the license fee as otherwise required by this section the owner of any dog which has not been licensed on or before May 30th in any year shall be subject to a late fee to be paid to the Town Clerk at the time such dog is licensed, said fee to be in addition to the license fee for all dogs licensed on or after May 30th of any year.

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1. How much water do I use?

Each person uses an average of 70 gallons of water each day – 75% of all water is used in the bathroom. A single dripping faucet, leaking pipe, or running toilet could dramatically increase your daily water use.

2. Is Canton’s water safe to drink?

Yes, the water in the Town of Canton meets or exceeds all Department of Environmental Protection DEP and EPA standards.

3. Why does my water look yellow and there is a brown stain in my toilet bowl?

There is a small amount of iron in the water and it becomes noticeable as it comes in contact with the air. Although these discolorations are aesthetically displeasing, they pose no immediate health risks. If you are concerned about iron levels, please contact your physician.

4. Why is my water white and milky looking?

The water contains air that is either in your plumbing or in the water mains, usually occurring after a water main break. Run your tap water from each faucet in your home and it will clear up. For more information visit the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website.