18 August 2026
Welcome to the Township of Tarbutt
Gateway to the North Channel
The many islands and shoreline with its jagged white rocks and pine trees, have inspired many a folklorist, artist, and poet over the years.
The many islands and shoreline with its jagged white rocks and pine trees, have inspired many a folklorist, artist, and poet over the years.
The residents of The Township of Tarbutt enjoy a good quality of life and consider the maintenance of the status quo to be an important aspect in protecting this quality of life over the long term. In the Township there are certain aspects and characteristics that contribute to the high quality rural lifestyle including the natural environment, the people, the agricultural and rural areas, the open scenic countryside, wooded areas, and the shoreline of the North Channel on Lake Huron. The Township of Tarbutt also is distinguished by its unique landforms and rich history that in part is founded upon agriculture and resource industries. These are the qualities that, taken together, create an identity that is highly valued by the residents.
Public Service Announcement For Immediate Release August 5, 2026 Blue Green Algae Blooms Algoma Public Health (APH) is reminding residents and visitors of Algoma that blue-green algae blooms are more common at this time of year when water is warm, shallow and slow moving. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally found in fresh water. They are often present in low numbers and barley visible, but when conditions are right, they can increase in numbers to form a scum called a bloom. Not all blooms are harmful, but some types of blue-green algae produce toxins that can make humans and animals sick when breathed-in, swallowed or touched. Symptoms may include headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps if swallowed, or itchy and irritated skin, eyes, nose and throat through direct contact or if inhaled. Drinking large quantities of contaminated water over a long period of time may lead to more serious health effects including damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. As a precautionary measure, APH recommends the following if a bloom is observed: · Do not use the water for recreational activities such as swimming or water skiing · Do not drink the water or use it for food preparation · Use an alternative safe water source such as bottled or municipally treated water. Residential water treatment devices cannot remove the toxins. Boiling or adding bleach to the water increases the amount of toxins and does not make the water safe to use. · Do not bath or shower in the water · Do not let pets or livestock use the water for drinking or wading · Do not eat the liver, kidneys or other organs of fish caught in the water For more information, including a list of bodies of water historically impacted by blue-green algae, visit APH’s blue-green algae webpage.
Click here to view the latest Newsletter from the Trefry Centre. Click here to view Seniors and Persons with a Disability webpage.
The Fire Ban in Johnson has been lifted as of August 4th, 2026. The landfill will now accept clean wood and brush in the appropriate location.
The Township of Tarbutt Office will be closed for the Civic Holiday on Monday, August 3, 2026. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Payments can still be made in the drop-box at the Township Office located at 27 Barr Road South, Desbarats, ON.
Click here to view Tarbutt Times 2026 Summer Newsletter
Air Quality and Heat Warning Click here to view Algoma Public Health’s Air quality and Health: Wildfire Smoke Click Here to view Guidance for Cleaner Air Spaces during Wildfire Smoke Events – Canada.ca