Canaan, Maine

Canaan is a quiet suburban town located between Skowhegan and Pittsfield in Somerset County. The town’s makeup is a combination of residential, agricultural and small businesses with a population of around 2,300 and is rapidly growing.

There are two lakes, Sibley and Lake George, for those that enjoy Maine’s waters. We offer our residents the best of both worlds, a gateway to natural beauty and the opportunity to grow a business within a community of support.

This website contains useful information related to town operations, services, fees, meetings, points of interest, and local events. We also have links to the state, county and other relevant websites.

In response to the severe flooding caused by winter storms on December 18 & 19, 2023 the Somerset County Commissioners made funds available to municipalities to distribute to private individuals impacted and/or displaced by flood damage.

It is the intent that these funds be used to offset the following costs:

• Home repairs such as heating, electrical and cleanup costs that are covered by existing homeowners' insurance;
• Housing costs in hotels,motels, etc.
• Vehicle Repairs not covered by insurance;
• Food, personal items and heating costs for impacted residents who may not qualify for General Assistance due to income levels

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO PRINT FROM THIS WEBSITE OR YOU MAY OBTAIN ONE AT THE TOWN OFFICE.   

TOWN_OF_CANAAN_STORM_RELIEF_APPLICATION.docx

Submit your completed applications to the Canaan Town Office

There is going to be a town wide review and revaluation of the land and building values used for tax assessment purposes. Those new values will be effective for the tax billing in August of 2024.  The last revaluation was in 2006 and the town is in need of a comprehensive review.

For the tax year 2023, Maine Revenue Services certified Canaan at a ratio of 67% meaning that most properties, on average, are selling for significantly more than the assessed value.  Maine Revenue requires towns to be above a 70% ratio. The goal of the revaluation is to update assessed values to 100% and to assure that we have accurate information on all property record cards.

Revaluations can bring up a lot of concerns and questions, so below you can find some answers to questions you may have.

Common Questions Regarding Valuation Change

Revaluation Questions and Answers

NEW LOCATION DROP OFF IS ON TROPICAL FISH ROAD IN CANAAN

2024 Annual Clean up weekends dates are:

April 27 & 28 7am-5pm

September 14 &15 7am-5pm

It is your responsibility to unload materials into the dumpsters at the direction of the attendants.

Residents must have a ticket to dispose of any bulky waste!!

Here is a list of what you can bring!

Bulky_Waste_Weekend_List.pdf

Our General Assistance Administrator is here by appointment

GENERAL_ASSISTANCE_NOTICE.pdf

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN MAINE

Information you will need prior to scheduling your Marriage License appointment (plan 1/2 hr): 

• Valid picture ID – Maine Driver’s License/ID card or Passport
• Court Certified Divorce Decree of most recent divorce for each applicant (must have raised seal of originating court)
• If previous spouse is deceased, a copy of the death certificate
• Proof of Canaan residency (if not on driver’s license)
• Must be at least 18 years of age (if underage, call the Clerk's Office at 474-8682)

The Town of Canaan now offers online requests for Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates. If you are in need of one of these records and are unable to come into the office, click here and select Canaan in the Issuing Municipality drop-down menu. We will receive a notification of your request, and will process accordingly. If you have any questions, contact us at the town office. 

If you are doing historical research please submit this application either by email, mail or fax

Request for Genealogy Order Form and Information

2024 DOG TAGS AVAILABLE NOW

As required by Maine State law, every dog over 6 months of age shall be licensed by its owner in the Town/City where the dog resides within 10 days of ownership. Licenses are valid until December 31st of each year. Please bring a certificate of spay/neutering (if applicable), and a current rabies certificate. The fee for spayed/neutered dogs is $6.00 per year, and for unaltered dogs the fee is $11.00 per year.