Canaan, Maine
Monday, March 24, 2026 at 6pm - Select Board Meeting will be held at the Fire Department. See full schedule.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 6:00pm - Planning Board Meeting at Canaan Town Office-Canceled. Next meeting March 25, 2026
Welcome to 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.
2026 Annual Town Meeting - March 21st & Municipal Election - March 23rd
Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st beginning at 9:00am, followed by a free meal.
Registered voters will check in with the ballot clerk at the door, receive a resident voting card. If you wish to register to vote, the clerk will have voter registration cards. Be prepared to show proof of residency and proof of identification if you are a new voter.
TOWN MEETING WILL BE HELD AT CANAAN FARMERS HALL, 296 MAIN STREET. Parking available across the street at Canaan Calvary Church.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd - Polls open 8:00am to 7:00pm
- APPLICATIONS FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT AVAILABLE NOW
- ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 23rd UNTIL MARCH 17th
- SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE BALLOTS AVAILABLE MARCH 18th, 19th & 23rd FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY
Dog Licenses
2026 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.
Dog licenses can be purchased at the Town Office during regular office hours, by telephone with a credit card OR online!
BULKY WASTE & RECYCLE CENTER!
RECYCLING IS OPEN THE 1ST AND 3RD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH FROM 8AM TO 12PM. RECYCLABLES ONLY AT THIS TIME, CARDBOARD, MIXED PAPER, AND PLASTICS. NO BULKY ITEMS. THIS IS A TEMPORARY SCHEDULE UNTIL SPRING.
GENERAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE
Our General Assistance Administrator is here by appointment
Call: (508)-545-3132
GENERAL ASSISTANCE PUBLIC NOTICE
Permits
Intent to Build Notice
If you are adding on to your existing home, building a deck, adding a shed etc...to your property, please complete an Intent to Build Form. You may print one off, complete and turn into the Town Office OR stop into the office to complete one. There is no fee.
Plumbing Permits
Interior Plumbing Permits: please provide 3 signed copies at the time of submitting applications to the Town Office for Code Enforcement/Plumbing Inspector Charlie Worcester’s approval.
Note: fees are indicated on the application as $10.00 per fixture
Click here for a copy of the plumbing application.
Please provide 3 signed copies at the time of submitting applications to the Town Office for Code Enforcement/Plumbing Inspector Charlie Worcester’s approval along with the required fees:
Septic System Design Permits
The Town Office may have septic designs on file. We would need your property's Map and Lot # in order located the design in our files. If the Town does not have a copy, you can check the State website.
- For a New Septic System, you or your contractor will need to complete an HHE-200 form which can be obtained on the State website:
Municipal Office Resources | Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Please provide 3 signed copies at the time of submitting applications to the Town Office for Code Enforcement/Plumbing Inspector Charlie Worcester’s approval along with the required fees:
New System = $265.00
Replacement System or Replacement Failure System = $250.00
Replacement System Using Existing Tank = $150.00
Replacement Tank = $150.00
Replacement System Variance = $270
Click here for a list of local site evaluators.
Vehicle & Trailer Registration
- Residents of the Town of Canaan may register their vehicle or trailer at the Town Office during regular business hours
M, T, Th 7am - 5pm W 8am - 6pm
OR Online Re-Registrations at: https://www1.maine.gov/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/
- DO YOU WANT TO KEEP THE SAME # THAT IS ON YOUR CHICKADEE PLATE? (additional fees apply)
TO RESERVE YOUR # IN THE NEW TREE/STAR OR NO TREE STYLE PLEASE VISIT Rapid Renewal | Plate Reservation Portal
Register Your Vehicle or Trailer
If you would like a reminder to register your vehicles, you may sign up for email reminders by emailing us your request or by completing a sign-up sheet at the town office. You will receive an email approximately fifteen days prior to when your registration expires. The email will tell you how much it will cost to re-register your car.
Marriage Licenses by Appointment
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)
Vital Records Requests
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
CANAAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Open Mondays 9am to 12pm
Please come in during these hours OR you may call Jeannie Dickey at 207-399-4401