Ramara, ON

Council Information Package

Economic Development Committee

The Ramara Economic Development Committee is meeting to receive updates and information items, including a presentation from Vitality Planning on the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), a verbal update on the 2027 budget submission, a draft news release for the new Giraffe Awards, and updates from the County of Simcoe and Chamber of Commerce. The agenda is largely informational, with no decisions or votes scheduled beyond adopting the agenda and minutes.

• Community Improvement Plan (CIP) presentation by Vitality Planning
• 2027 Budget Submission verbal update
• Draft news release for Giraffe Awards community recognition program
• County of Simcoe Economic Development Office update
• Chamber of Commerce verbal update

Council Information Package

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

Economic Development Committee

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

Economic Development Committee

Regular Council

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

Special Council re Proposed Pre-Motion Resolution Framework - Bertrand et al v. Township of Ramara et al 2026 ONSC 1662, HRTO File No.: 2026-67479-I Notice of Application, and Appointment of Interim Treasurer

This special council meeting is to discuss a proposed pre-motion resolution framework for the legal matter Bertrand et al v. Township of Ramara et al 2026 ONSC 1662, review the Notice of Application for HRTO File No. 2026-67479-I, and appoint an interim treasurer before the restricted acts period. The agenda includes a closed session for litigation, solicitor-client privilege, and negotiation matters. The public portion is largely procedural, with substantive discussion occurring behind closed doors.

• Discuss proposed pre-motion resolution framework for Bertrand et al v. Township of Ramara et al 2026 ONSC 1662
• Discuss HRTO File No. 2026-67479-I Notice of Application
• Appoint interim treasurer prior to restricted acts period
• Closed session under Municipal Act sections 239(2)(e), (f), (k)

Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee will receive an update on the Township of Ramara's 2027-2031 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and provide feedback on the draft community survey (Schedule A). The committee will also adopt minutes from the May 29, 2026 meeting. The agenda includes no other substantive items.

• Adoption of May 29, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on 2027-2031 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
• Draft community survey for public input on accessibility barriers
• Feedback requested on draft survey and plan priorities

Council Information Package

This is a Council Information Package for the August 14, 2026 meeting, containing correspondence and draft minutes for council's information. The most substantive item is the Compliance Manager's draft Township comments on the proposed Ramara Quarry (Licence #626728). Other items include a response from the Minister of Transport regarding a safety review of the Lake Country Airways Water Aerodrome, and various correspondence from other municipalities and associations.

• Draft Township comments on Proposed Ramara Quarry (Licence #626728)
• Minister of Transport response on Operational Safety Review of Lake Country Airways Water Aerodrome
• Committee of Adjustment draft meeting minutes dated August 11, 2026
• AMO Policy Update and Watchfile correspondence
• Support for resolutions on heritage property designation deadline and vacant commercial storefront tax

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission is meeting to consider its draft 2027 operating and capital budgets, receive updates on the water mover noise study and canal maintenance, and discuss scheduling for October 2026. The agenda also includes routine items like adopting minutes and receiving financial reports, plus requests from Commissioner Hart on footbridge lighting, private beach security, and goose management.

• Draft 2027 operating and capital budgets (Report LC-13-26) to be presented to Council
• Water Mover Noise Study Update (Report LC-14-26) with direction on operation and timing
• Operations Update for Canal Maintenance (Report LC-15-26)
• Accounts Voucher and Budget to Actual Report dated July 31, 2026
• South Footbridge Lighting review request and status updates on beach security and goose management

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is deciding on a consent application to sever a new lot at 8149 Rama Road, along with a minor variance for reduced lot frontage on the retained lands. The application was deferred from July 9, 2026, at the owner's request for further review of development charge conditions. The committee will also consider boundary adjustments between lots at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12.

• Consent File B-2/26 & Minor Variance File A-6/26: request to sever a new lot and reduce minimum lot frontage at 8149 Rama Road (Khehra)
• Consent Applications B-3/26 & B-4/26: boundary adjustments between lots at 5089 Hwy 12 and 5037 Hwy 12
• Staff recommends approval of both applications subject to conditions, including payment of development charges and cash-in-lieu of parkland ($1,700 per lot for waterfront lots)
• Adoption of draft minutes from the June 9, 2026 Committee of Adjustment meeting

Property Standards Committee

The Property Standards Committee will hear two property standards appeals: file #2026-001 for 1162 Monck Road and file #2025-03 for 1427 Canal Road. The committee will also adopt the agenda and minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting, and may enter closed session to discuss a personal matter. The Monck Road appeal concerns an order to cease occupancy and remove rubbish from a collapsed dwelling, with compliance originally due July 7, 2026.

• Appeal file #2026-001: 1162 Monck Road, Ramara — order to cease occupancy and remove rubbish/debris from collapsed dwelling (Order #2026-020P, issued June 15, 2026)
• Appeal file #2025-03: 1427 Canal Road, Brechin
• Closed session to discuss a personal matter under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act
• Adoption of minutes from October 7, 2025 meeting

Regular Council

Ramara Council is meeting to decide on several items, including allocating up to $950,000 to repurchase lands in the Township's Industrial Park, receiving a mid-year financial update, and considering a site alteration bylaw repeal and replacement. The agenda also includes a closed session for an Ombudsman investigation report, a land repurchase option, and a personal matter involving councillor social media. Several routine reports and correspondence items are scheduled for consent.

• Allocate up to $950,000 to exercise repurchase options for 321, 344, and 345 O'Donnell Court in the Industrial Park
• Receive 2026 Financial Mid-Year Update (Report TR-05-26)
• Direct staff to bring forward bylaw to repeal and replace Site Alteration Bylaw (Report ID-20-26)
• Receive informational update on Proposed Ramara Quarry Aggregate Resources Act Licence Application (#626728)
• Approve demolition costing and RFI/RFP framework for Brechin buildings at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12, with up to $19,000 plus HST for consulting

Council Information Package

The Council is reviewing the 2025 Annual Building Department Report, which details permit activity and revenue. The agenda also includes a public meeting notice for a zoning amendment at 2284 Concession Road 10 and correspondence regarding heritage property deadlines.

• 2025 Building Division issued 274 permits totaling approximately $33,757,904
• Building Division collected $475,100 in total revenues for 2025
• Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2/26 for 2284 Concession Road 10 (Public Meeting: Sept 14, 2026)
• Heritage property designation deadline updated to January 1, 2027

Council Information Package

Council is reviewing administrative updates, including the appointment of Mark Langdon to a local commission and the initiation of effluent hauling for Wastewater Facility 202. The package also includes notifications for upcoming road name changes and public hearings for land boundary adjustments.

• Appointment of Mark Langdon to the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission for a term ending June 30, 2029
• Initiation of effluent hauling by contractor Wessuc from Wastewater Facility 202 to Facility 201
• Notification of seven road name changes effective October 28, 2026
• Public hearing on August 11, 2026, for boundary adjustments at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12
• Drinking water inspection reports for Val Harbour and Bayshore Village subdivisions

Special Council re Interviews for Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Vacancy

This special council meeting is held to interview applicants for a vacant position on the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission and select a commissioner to serve the remainder of the 2026–2029 term. The interviews will be conducted in closed session under personal matters about identifiable individuals. Following closed session, council will bring forward a motion to appoint the selected candidate and pass a confirmation bylaw.

• Closed session (Section 239(2)(b)) to conduct interviews for the commission vacancy
• Motion to appoint the selected commissioner to fill the remainder of the 2026–2029 term
• Confirmation bylaw 2026.57 to adopt the proceedings of the special meeting

Council Information Package

This Council Information Package contains informational items and updates, not decisions. Notable items include a $2,262,000 non-budgeted gain from redeeming a $3,000,000 investment note, a legal and governance review by WeirFoulds LLP, and a bylaw enforcement statistical report. The package also includes correspondence on regional resolutions and project updates.

• $2,262,000 gain from redeeming BNS Core Canadian Large Cap Deposit Note
• Legal and Governance Review Update with WeirFoulds LLP retained
• Atherley-Uptergrove/Rama Road Master Servicing Study Update
• Municipal Dock Repairs on Dock Road update
• Kingfisher North Extension application update (OP-1/25 & Z-4/25)

Council Information Package

The Township of Ramara Council is acting on safety concerns for the Lake Country Airways water aerodrome on Rama Road. It adopted Resolution No. CR.173.2026, authorizing the Mayor to send correspondence to Transport Canada, the Minister of Transport, the Simcoe North MP and the Transportation Safety Board requesting an operational safety review, including flight paths and impacts on recreational water activities. The Council Information Package also includes assorted inter‑municipal communications and updates on other municipal matters.

• Resolution CR.173.2026 authorizing correspondence on Lake Country Airways water aerodrome safety (Rama Road)
• Assistant Clerk correspondence dated July 16, 2026 regarding the Lake Country Airways safety review
• Atherley Community Centre Board minutes adopted June 18, 2026
• Municipality of Kincardine request (June 24, 2026) to extend deadline for heritage designation notices
• Township of Georgian Bay call (July 13, 2026) to return to property tax reassessment cycle

Climate Action Committee

The Climate Action Committee is reviewing several Council memos regarding township climate initiatives. These include a draft resolution declaring a climate emergency, proposed changes to the committee's terms of reference, and a consolidated workplan for adaptation, mitigation, and education.

• Draft resolution declaring a climate emergency for the Township of Ramara
• Proposed amendments to the Climate Action Committee terms of reference
• Recommendation for township representation on a Watershed Council
• Feasibility of a year-round Earth Day Community Clean-up Program
• Consolidated workplan for Adaptation, Mitigation, and Education working groups

Ramara Trails Committee

The Ramara Trails Committee will vote to adopt the Trails Maintenance Standard, which will guide upkeep through current operations and future budgets. Members will also approve a Trails 10-Year Plan for Township Council review and final adoption. Additionally, the committee will receive an informational progress update on the Uptergrove Public School Bike Bus Pilot.

• Adoption of the Trails Maintenance Standard for operational use
• Approval of the Trails 10-Year Plan for Council consideration
• Informational review of the Uptergrove Public School Bike Bus Pilot progress
• Adoption of May 20, 2026 meeting minutes and April budget report

Regular Council

The Council will review several municipal reports including a new Water Financial Plan and proposed changes to the Site Alteration Bylaw. Discussions also include demolition of Brechin municipal buildings and various road and sign updates.

• Demolition costing and RFI process for 2287 and 2291 Highway 12, Brechin
• Approval of the Township of Ramara Water Financial Plan (2026-2036)
• Proposed stop and yield sign modifications across the Township
• Construction of an interim hammerhead turnaround for Florence Avenue
• Authorization of up to $19,000 plus HST for building demolition consulting services

Regular Council Meeting - Addendum to Agenda

Council received a departmental report on the proposed Site Alteration Bylaw update, along with a public letter recommending stronger environmental protections. The addendum also includes a notice of motion from Councillor Snutch regarding an aerodrome. No decisions have been made; items are presented for discussion.

• Site Alteration Bylaw update with recommendations for mandatory public consultation
• Call for council oversight on large fill projects above a volume threshold
• Proposal for risk-based review considering environmental sensitivity
• Recommendation for mandatory financial security for high-risk projects
• Notice of motion from Councillor Snutch re: aerodrome

Council Information Package

The Council is reviewing several items including road assumption by-laws for Orkney Beach, Fountain Drive, and Lakeshore Drive. Additionally, staff provided an update on seasonal maintenance activities such as line painting and dust control.

• Road assumption by-law for Orkney Beach and Fountain Drive (Plan 51R-45381)
• Amendment to By-law 2021.77 to prohibit motorized vehicles on specific lands
• Road assumption by-law for a portion of Lakeshore Drive (PIN 58718-0144)
• Summer maintenance update covering line painting, dust control, and roadside mowing
• AMO pre-conference workshop registration ($200 + HST)

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

The Commission will hear a deputation from the Invasive Species Centre on the Water Soldier invasive plant recently found in Lake Simcoe. They will also receive accounts and budget reports, and discuss forthcoming staff reports on weed management and private beach security. The meeting will move into closed session for a litigation update on the Bertrand et al. case.

• Deputation from Invasive Species Centre regarding Water Soldier in Lake Simcoe
• Accounts voucher dated June 30, 2026
• Budget to actual report dated June 30, 2026
• Forthcoming staff report on weed management and spraying program and CleanFlo treatment
• Forthcoming staff report on Lagoon City private beach security

Council Information Package

This is an information package with no decisions or votes. It includes correspondence from the Ministry of the Environment directing conservation authorities on budget and apportionment during transition to a regional model, and several resolutions from other municipalities on topics like property reassessment and shelter funding.

• Ministry direction to conservation authorities on 2027 budget deadlines
• June 2026 building report: 33 permits issued, $5,019,726 total value
• City of Mississauga requests provincial review of shelter standards for women and children
• Town of Caledon motion seeking support for tick-borne disease plans
• North Stormont resolution calling for return to regular property tax reassessment cycle

Special Council Meeting regarding Ongoing File Updates and 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Progress

The Township of Ramara Council is reviewing a progress report on its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, covering infrastructure, finance, and community services. Staff will present ongoing file updates from development, emergency services, finance, and human resources. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss confidential legal matters and a confirmation bylaw to formalize the proceedings.

• Secured $30 million in provincial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• $1.5 million MISA grant awarded for ice storm recovery efforts.
• Construction updates on Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore) and Facility 201.
• Water Distribution Network 104 expansion in South Ramara will require resident infrastructure payments.
• Updated Procurement Bylaw to modernize spending thresholds and transparency rules.

Council Information Package

This agenda is an informational package for review rather than active decision-making. Council will examine the 2025 development charge financial statement, receive updates on the Sportsklub flag football program, and review Atherley Community Centre meeting minutes. Staff also provided correspondence on provincial policy updates and inter-municipal requests.

• Development Charges 2025 Statement: $3,941,464 closing reserve balance, $213,072 collected, $171,928 refunded, with no capital projects funded.
• Sportsklub Flag Football Program: Inaugural spring season hosted 98 participants across the region.
• Atherley Community Centre Minutes: Board requests township insurance funding for the Harvest Festival and approves a composite bench design for the Memorial Bench Program.
• Armour Stone Project: Quarry owner Bill Sisson confirmed free material provision; transport/installation suppliers are being sourced.
• Provincial Correspondence: Updates on Strong Mayor powers, Ontario Land Tribunal reviews, and municipal fiscal framework requests.

Economic Development Committee

This meeting of the Ramara Economic Development Committee primarily consists of receiving informational updates. Key updates include a partner update from the County of Simcoe covering workforce development, investment attraction, and a tariff action plan. The committee will also hear verbal updates on the Economic Development Strategy update and CIP sub-committees, Teeny Tiny Summits planning, and tourism video/photography filming.

• County of Simcoe update on talent attraction campaigns, skilled trades fair, agritourism study, and tariff action plan
• Verbal update on Economic Development Strategy update and CIP sub-committees
• Verbal update on Teeny Tiny Summits sub-committee
• Verbal update on tourism video/photography filming
• Adoption of previous meeting minutes

Regular Council

Ramara Council will authorize $200,000 for financial and governance reviews and terminate its funding contribution with Rogers Communications. The meeting also includes a closed session regarding a councillor communication matter and the adoption of a new Traffic Calming Policy.

• Authorize $200,000 for financial system and water/wastewater reviews
• Terminate funding contribution with Rogers Communications Canada Inc.
• Adopt new Traffic Calming Policy effective July 15, 2026
• End unstaffed after-hour rentals of Township-owned facilities
• Receive Ramara Township Public Library 2026-2030 Strategic Plan

Council Information Package

The council is reviewing various administrative reports including public health warnings regarding cooling towers and flooding recovery updates. The agenda also includes notices for a zoning by-law update open house and several pieces of inter-municipal correspondence.

• Notice of Open House for Zoning By-law Update
• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit advisory on cooling towers and Legionellosis
• Flooding Recovery Update from the Fire Chief
• Correspondence regarding Development Charge Reduction Programs
• Correspondence regarding Northern Ontario Policing Grants

Special Council re Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program

The Township of Ramara is deciding whether to apply to the Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program, which offers grant funding for infrastructure in exchange for reducing development charges by 30-50% for three years. Staff present two potential projects: a $275.4M Rama Road water/sewer expansion enabling 3,567 units, and a $51.7M Brechin/Lagoon City sewer upgrade enabling 1,890 units. Council must decide by the June 19 application deadline.

• $275.4M Rama Road water and sewer project with potential $175.7M DCRP contribution
• $51.7M Brechin/Lagoon City sewer project with potential $10.8M DCRP contribution
• 3,567 new housing units enabled by Rama Road project, 1,890 by Brechin project
• DC reduction options: 30% or 50% on rates ranging from $10,465 to $42,919 per unit
• Annual DC revenue loss estimated at $74,000-$123,000 for three years

Council Information Package

The council agenda includes correspondence regarding the Ramara Centre, including a $150,000 grant for roof repairs and a new accessible playground. Staff also provided an update on Lagoon City canal maintenance, noting the need for Department of Fisheries and Oceans approvals for weed harvesting.

• Ramara Centre improvements (roof repairs, accessible playground, baseball diamond)
• Lagoon City canal maintenance and weed harvesting approvals
• Committee of Adjustment minutes and minor variance approvals
• AMO correspondence regarding policy updates and education
• Ministry of Environment correspondence regarding water system inspection

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will decide on a consent application to sever a new lot at 8149 Rama Road, along with a minor variance for minimum lot frontage on the retained lands. They will also consider minor variances for a proposed addition at 1022 Bird Island and a garage at 4150 Glen Cedar Drive. The meeting also includes adoption of previous minutes.

• Consent File B-2/26 & Minor Variance A-6/26 for 8149 Rama Road (lot severance and frontage relief)
• Minor Variance A-16/25 for 1022 Bird Island (maximum yard projection and setback to water)
• Minor Variance A-7/26 for 4150 Glen Cedar Drive (accessory height and side yard setback)
• Adoption of minutes from April 14, 2026 meeting

Regular Council

Council will receive the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit Report. The body is deciding on a budget amendment for security monitoring panels and the closure of a local court. They will also discuss funding for recreation services provided by the City of Orillia.

• Budget amendment of $20,680 from Capital Reserve for municipal building monitoring panels
• Proposed stop up, closure, and sale of Concord Woods Court
• Establishment of a Donation and Fundraising Reserve for the Ramara Township Public Library
• Review of 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit Report
• Discussion on data collection and community engagement regarding City of Orillia recreation funding

Council Information Package

The council will consider appointing Debbie Ann Hall as Hearing Officer and Rebecca Carrick as Screening Officer under the proposed Appointment of Hearing and Screening Officers Bylaw. It will also review the Updated Enforcement Officer Appointment Bylaw that is slated for repeal and replacement on the June 8 agenda. Staff will provide an update on the Brechin and Lagoon City Stormwater Management Master Plan, noting that a formal review is not budgeted for the current year. Building permit activity for the year to date shows a permit value of $4,712,210.00.

• Appointment of Hearing Officer Debbie Ann Hall (per diem $600 per day, $350 half day)
• Appointment of Screening Officer Rebecca Carrick
• Repeal and replacement of the Updated Enforcement Officer Appointment Bylaw (Bylaw 2026.07)
• Stormwater Management Master Plan review for Brechin and Lagoon City (future budget year)
• Building permit activity YTD: permit value $4,712,210.00

Council Information Package

The council will review a series of communications and approved minutes from local boards, and receive a legislative update on Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, which was passed on May 26 2026 and awaits Royal Assent. Staff will pause the township’s code‑of‑conduct review pending the new regulations. No formal decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Bill 9 passed May 26 2026, awaiting Royal Assent and future regulations
• Annual Asset Management Update reports road and bridge replacement costs from $576,609 to $69,904,851
• County of Simcoe correspondence on Community Paramedicine Funding
• Parks Canada notice that the entire Trent‑Severn Waterway will be open to navigation on May 29
• Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) correspondence on policy updates and youth information session