Residents can place their dog’s bagged waste into the slot on the container and special bags are not required. Please do not place anything other than dog waste into the container.
Parks, Playgrounds & Trails
Suttera Dog Waste Containers
Exciting news! 🎉
Pelham dog owners can dispose of dog waste through the Niagara Region’s Waste Management Green Bin Organics program however, many utilize municipal waste receptacles for dog waste while enjoying the Town’s parks and trail systems. Town of Pelham Council approved a pilot program in October 2025, to install three in ground dog waste receptacles at three locations in Pelham with the goal of diverting dog waste out of regular waste and recycling bins. By weight, this program is anticipated to have an positive impact on waste diversion.
The new units, with proper usage, are expected to improve the park experience through the reduction of;
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odour from pet waste
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contamination of park recycling
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amount of organic waste being sent to landfills
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garbage bins overflowing with pet waste
In April 2026, the dog waste receptacles were installed at Woodstream Park, Pelham Corners Park, and the Steve Bauer Trail Head. By weight, this program will have a positive impact on waste diversion. The Town will do an evaluation of the project in late fall of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Waste Containers
How were locations for dog waste receptacles selected for the pilot project?
For four weeks in August and July of 2025, staff audited the use of garbage receptacles in public spaces. Of the locations audited, Woodstream Park, Pelham Corners Park, and the Steve Bauer Trail Head had the largest volume of dog waste in regular trash and recycling bins and were selected for the pilot program.
Why not use regular garbage bins?
Disposal of dog feces in waste bins leads to organic waste being added to landfill and numerous resident complaints regarding the smell. Due to the volume of waste, even with regular maintenance the garbage bins cannot keep up to the amount of dog waste deposited.
How will this impact other trash and recycling disposal containers in municipal parks?
During a 2025 audit of trash and recycling containers, staff found that 98% of both recycling and garbage bins contained dog waste. In addition, around 80% of the trash weight in containers (1084 lbs) was dog waste. All contaminated recyclable materials collected from municipal receptacles are sent to a landfill for disposal. Using a dedicated dog waste bin will prevent contamination of recycling materials and should reduce the number of times regular trash bins overflow by providing an additional disposal option for dog waste.
What will happen with the dog waste?
The dog waste containers have been installed by Sutera In-Ground, who provide dog waste receptacles and disposal services to several municipalities across Southern Ontario. The dog waste that is disposed in the unit remain cooler beneath the earth’s surface, out of the direct sunlight, reducing odour, and will not leak into the surrounding soils. Dog waste is collected by Sutera and sent to a waste-to-energy facility where it is used in the production of electricity, while being diverted from landfill.
How often will the containers need to be emptied?
Each in-ground dog waste receptacle has a capacity of 543litres or 265kgs of dog waste. A park or trail that sees between 50 to 100 dogs per day will require service every 4 to 6 weeks for the dog waste containers. In comparison, trash and recycling bins used for dog waste must be emptied by staff up to five times a week during peak usage and still become overfilled.
Where do I find the locations that have these waste bins?
Within the Town of Pelham there are three locations that include Woodstream Park, Pelham Corners Park, and the Steve Bauer Trail Head. The company that has installed the receptacles also has an interactive map for users where they can find locations throughout Ontario. The app is available for download at: https://www.sutera-inground.com/technology and the Pelham locations are in the process of being added.
What does the pilot project cost?
The cost to supply and install three units at the three locations is $35,000 which was approved as part of the 2026 capital budget. Servicing the three units on a monthly schedule, has a total annual cost of $8500 which is included in the operating budget. The pilot program is expected to reduce overall labour costs that result from service needs at the three high volume locations.
The Town of Pelham has numerous parks, playgrounds and trails for children, sports enthusiasts, hikers, runners and cyclists alike.
Pelham also has two splash pads and a public swimming pool. Learn more at www.pelham.ca/pool
| Municipal Parks | Address |
| Centennial Park | 989 Church Street, Fenwick |
| Cherry Ridge Park | 90 Sandra Drive, Fenwick |
| Marlene Stewart Streit Park | 55 Park Lane, Fonthill |
| Harold Black Park | 953 Haist Street, Fonthill |
| Hillcrest Park | 199 Pancake Lane, Fonthill |
| Hurleston Community Park | 23 Shorthill Place, Fonthill |
| Lookout Park | 16 Marlene Stewart Drive, Fonthill |
| North Pelham Park | 1780 Cream Street, Fenwick |
| Pelham Corners Park | 1077 Edward Avenue, Fonthill |
| Peace Park | 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill |
| Woodstream Park | 79 Spruceside Crescent, Fonthill |
| Rolling Meadows Park | 23 Meadowvale Drive, Fonthill |
| Harold S. Bradshaw Memorial Park | 520 Chantler Road, Fenwick |
| Weiland Heights Park | 55 Abbott Place, Fonthill |
| River Estates Park | 30 Bergenstein Crescent, Fonthill |
| Other Non-Municipal Parks | Address |
| Gordon L. Klager Park | 103 Hurricane Road, Fonthill |
| E.C Brown Conservation Area | 536 River Rd, Fenwick |
| St. John's Conservation Area | 3101 Barron Rd, Fonthill |
| Short Hills Provincial Park | Pelham Road, Thorold |
| Niagara Region Leash Free Dog Park | 1671 Centre Street, Ridgeville |
Through the Town of Pelham Community Dedication Program, you can recognize a loved one, honour a particular group, or mark a milestone.
By purchasing one of the donation items, your gift beautifies the Town and provides a lasting remembrance in honour of a loved one, individual, or group. The Town of Pelham is responsible for the installation of all elements. Specific selection and placement of elements are at the sole discretion of The Town of Pelham. Still, collaboration with the donor to determine a general location is part of the process.
There may be an extended lead time to acquire items or in the installation process. Installation typically happens annually. An email will be sent to the individual after installation is complete. The Town of Pelham thanks you for considering this heartfelt gift.
Please contact the Recreation, Culture and Wellness Administrative Assistant to discuss your requests.
905-732-7889
Adopt-a-Garden
Opportunity for individuals or groups to adopt a Municipal garden or flower.
The cost is highly dependent on the area of the garden and the bed design.
Staff will work with the donor to develop a design and plant list.
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Tree DedicationTree Dedication (Park or Boulevard). Includes a tree and commemorative paver. Locations to be determined in conjunction with Beautification staff. The donation required for this item is $750 Tree Dedication (Centre Median of Summerside Boulevard). Opportunity for thirty feature trees to be planted with a commemorative paver. Seven species have been specifically selected to provide interest throughout the growing season and placed according to a staff developed horticultural design. The donation required for this item is $750 |
Community Activity Tables
Concrete Ping Pong Table
Two piece pre-cast and polished concrete table with powder coated steel, installed on a concrete pad, includes a stainless steel plaque.
The donation required for this item is $10,500
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Games Table (Chess/Checkers). Powder coated steel construction, installed on concrete pad, includes a stainless steel plaque. The donation required for this item is $4,000 |
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Bike Repair StationPowder coated steel construction, complete with tire pump and repair tools, installed on a concrete pad, includes a stainless steel plaque. The donation required for this item is $4,500 |
Bike RackPowder coated steel, includes a commemorative paver. The donation required for this item is $1,000 |
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Bench Dedication
The Bench Dedication Program allows individuals, families or groups to dedicate benches on or in Town’s trails or parks. Individuals, families or groups can choose an already existing bench location and dedicate the bench with a plaque or choose to install a new bench.
Cost:
- Bench at Town Parks or Trails $3000
Cost includes bench (6ft bench made from a powder-coated steel frame & composite seating material), small plaque, installation of concrete pad and ongoing maintenance.
Program Details:
The Town of Pelham is responsible for the installation of memorial benches. Specific selection and placement of benches are at the sole discretion of The Town of Pelham, but the general location will be determined in collaboration with the donor.
- All donated benches become the property of the Town of Pelham and are subject to removal or relocation
There may be an extended lead time in order to acquire benches or in the installation process.
An email will be sent to the donor after installation is complete. A charitable tax receipt will be issued at the end of the donation year.
Benches are available as a Standard Bench as shown below:
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Pride or solid coloured bench as shown here. |
Picnic TableWheel Chair Accessible Picnic Table. Powder coated steel and composite construction, installed on a concrete pad, and includes a stainless steel plaque. The donation required for this item is $4,000. |
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Pelham Area Business Directory
Check out the Welland/Pelham Chamber of Commerce and learn more about the businesses in the area. View their directory here.
Visit My Pelham for more information about local businesses in Pelham. View their directory here.
To report an issue regarding playing fields, vandalism or playground areas, please contact the Public Works Department at 905-892-2607 x 332
Pets; Our parks welcome you and your pet. Please keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. Children who play in our parks thank you!
Littering; is Illegal Garbage containers are located throughout the park for your use. Please dispose of any wrappers or leftovers properly.
Safety and Hazard Elimination; Playground equipment and park trees are checked frequently by Town Staff, however, if you notice playground equipment which may be hazardous or jeopardizes safety of children, and/or if you see dead, diseased, dying or dangerous trees on parks property, call 905-892-2607 ext. 332
Vandalism; Unlawful behaviour and vandalism will not be tolerated in our parks. All vandalism will be dealt with appropriately. To report vandalism to Town property, call 905-892-2607 ext. 332.
Vehicles/Alcohol; The Town does not permit motorized vehicles or alcohol in the parks except with the written permission of the Town.
No Smoking; Niagara Region Smoking By-law Applies to any property owned, leased or controlled by the Niagara Region or any area municipality, whether or not a “No Smoking” sign is posted. NO SMOKING: parks; playgrounds; sport fields; arenas; recreational centres; bus shelters; splash pads; pools; and 9-metres within an entrance/exit.
View a PDF map of parks and trails in Pelham.
Contact Us
Town of Pelham
20 Pelham Town Square
P.O. Box 400
Fonthill ON L0S 1E0
905-892-2607
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