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With the holiday season upon us, the Municipality of Central Elgin is reminding residents of services and programs that will be open and available over the holidays and sharing tips to help make the most of this winter break.

Residents are reminded that the Municipal Office at 450 Sunset Drive will be closed beginning Tuesday, December 24 at 12:00 p.m. and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Services available during the holidays:

Garbage and Recycling Collection

Garbage and Recycling will continue to be collected during the holidays, however there will be no collection on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, or New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1. Garbage and recycling collection day will shift a day ahead of the regular schedule. Residents can find their collection schedule on our website.

Central Elgin residents can also use the St. Thomas Community Recycling Centre, located at 330 South Edgeware Road in St. Thomas, to dispose of various waste. Please call 519-631-1680 or visit their website for more details about accepted materials.

Public Skating in Belmont and Port Stanley

Residents looking to stay active over the holidays while having fun with family and friends are invited to lace up the skates and hit the ice!

Belmont Arena and Community Centre

The Belmont Arena and Community Centre will be open for public skating on the following days and times:

  • Sunday, December 22, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Friday, December 27, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. – Free Skate sponsored by The Belmont Swans
  • Sunday, December 29, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Monday, December 30, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.– Free Skate sponsored by The Belmont Swans
  • Sunday, January 5, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Port Stanley Arena and Community Centre

The Port Stanley Arena and Community Centre will be open for public skating on the following days and times:

  • Sunday, December 22, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Free Skate sponsored by ETBO Tool & Die Inc.
  • Friday, December 27, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. – Free Skate sponsored by Dallas Posthumus Broker RE/MAX Centre City Realty Inc., Brokerage
  • Saturday, December 28, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. – Free Skate sponsored by Dallas Posthumus Broker RE/MAX Centre City Realty Inc., Brokerage
  • Sunday, December 29, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. – Free Skate sponsored by Dallas Posthumus Broker RE/MAX Centre City Realty Inc., Brokerage
  • Monday, December 30, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. – Free Skate sponsored by Dallas Posthumus Broker RE/MAX Centre City Realty Inc., Brokerage
  • Thursday, January 2, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. – Free Skate sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Port Stanley
  • Sunday, January 5, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Free Skate sponsored by ETBO Tool & Die Inc.

Skaters under 17 years of age are required to wear a protective helmet. Please visit our website to view all public skating rules and more information. 

Christmas Tree Recycling

Households looking to dispose of their natural Christmas tree after the holidays can drop them off at one of three depot locations in Central Elgin. Trees collected will be turned into mulch for reuse.

Trees can be dropped off between December 27 and January 13 at:

  • Belmont Arena (14020 Belmont Road)
  • Port Stanley Arena (332 Carlow Road)
  • White Station Building (42343 Fruit Ridge Line)

Please remember to remove all decorations, wiring, lights and plastic. If your tree is longer than 3m (or 10 feet), please cut it in half. 

Central Elgin’s 2024 Holiday Lights Tour

Residents looking to visit some dazzling holiday displays across Central Elgin can check out our 2024 Holiday Lights Tour Map to explore the festive lights nearby.

If you have a festive display you would like to include on the map, it’s not too late to submit your location and display details.

The Municipality of Central Elgin wishes all residents a safe and joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!