Ramara, ON

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

Economic Development Committee

Regular Council

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

Council Information Package

Council is reviewing an information package containing various correspondences and a project update. The package includes notices for upcoming public hearings and requests for endorsements from other municipalities.

• Completion of Atherley Community Park Armour Stone Project, previously funded up to $15,000
• Notice of 5 Public Hearings for the November 10, 2026 Committee of Adjustment meeting
• Request from Town of Gananoque for endorsement of a Declaration Against Religious Violence
• Request from Town of Plympton-Wyoming regarding expansion of Ontario's Deposit Return Program
• Notification of Justice of the Peace vacancies

Economic Development Committee

The committee will receive a presentation from Vitality Planning regarding the Community Improvement Plan strategy. Members will also discuss a governance review of boards and committees and receive updates from the County of Simcoe and the Chamber of Commerce.

• Presentation from Vitality Planning on the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) strategy
• Discussion on Phase 2 Governance Review for Boards and Committees
• Update from the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office
• Update from the Ramara Chamber of Commerce

Ramara Trails Committee

The committee will review a redlined draft of the 10-Year Plan and receive budget-to-actual reports for September 2026. Members will also receive verbal updates on several local trail projects.

• Review of redlined Draft 10-Year Plan
• Budget to Actuals report for September 30, 2026
• Updates on Atherley, Washago, Bayshore, Lagoon City, and South Ramara Trails

Council Information Package

This information package provides Council with approved minutes from the Ramara Public Library Board meetings held in June and September 2026. It also includes correspondence regarding the AMO Watchfile and property tax assessment cycles.

• Ramara Public Library Board meeting minutes from June 18, 2026
• Ramara Public Library Board meeting minutes from September 17, 2026
• Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) correspondence dated October 15, 2026
• Town of The Blue Mountains correspondence dated September 8, 2026 regarding Property Tax Assessment Cycle

Council Information Package

Council is reviewing a package of communications and reports, including building permit activity for September 2026. The package includes notices of a recently passed zoning by-law amendment and correspondence from provincial and municipal agencies.

• September 2026 Building Permit Activity Report with a permit value of $3,978,695.00
• Notice of Passing for Zoning By-law No. 2026.72, passed September 28, 2026
• Proposed Regulations to Assign a Weighted Voting Framework to Simcoe County
• Temporary closure of public access across Lock 43 (Swift Rapids)
• Correspondence regarding funding for public libraries from the Municipality of Burk's Falls

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission meets September 29, 2026, to adopt its agenda and prior minutes, then receive two information reports. Report LC-17-26 presents a draft 10-year capital plan that would be forwarded to Council for consideration. Report LC-18-26 updates on South Water Mover operations, alongside correspondence dated September 25, 2026, about water movers. No budget votes, contracts, or public hearings appear on this agenda.

• Report LC-17-26: draft 10-year Capital Plan for the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission, to be presented to Council
• Report LC-18-26: South Water Mover Operation Update, received as information
• Correspondence dated September 25, 2026, regarding Water Movers/Sept. 10 LCPWC Meeting
• Minutes of the September 10, 2026, meeting up for adoption
• Open Forum for public comments on agenda items, 2 minutes per speaker

Property Standards Committee

Ramara's Property Standards Committee meets October 6, 2026 to adopt its agenda and minutes, then hear Property Standards Appeal file #2026-002 concerning 2280 Highway 12, Brechin, ON. The committee will also meet in closed session under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act to discuss a personal matter, after which the appellant is to be advised of the decision. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from the August 11, 2026 meeting and routine items such as disclosure of pecuniary interest.

• Property Standards Appeal file #2026-002 for 2280 Highway 12, Brechin, ON
• Closed session under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act to discuss a personal matter
• Adoption of minutes from the August 11, 2026 meeting
• Adoption of the October 6, 2026 agenda

Committee of Adjustment

Ramara's Committee of Adjustment meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM in a hybrid Council Chambers and Zoom session. The agenda lists four applications: two boundary-adjustment consents, one minor variance for a detached garage, and one combined consent and minor variance to create a new residential lot. Staff reports recommend provisional approval for three files and a nine-month deferral for the Fairgrounds Road application.

• Consent B-6/26: boundary adjustment conveying land from 7321 Summerland Road to 7320 Summerland Road; staff recommend provisional approval (Report BP-23-26)
• Consent B-7/26: boundary adjustment conveying land to the adjacent lot at 1009 Heron Island; staff recommend provisional approval (Report BP-24-26)
• Minor Variance A-9/26: relief from the minimum interior side yard setback to complete a detached garage at 7740 Birch Drive; staff recommend approval with a condition (Report BP-25-26)
• Consent B-8/26 and Minor Variance A-10/26: create 1 new residential lot and relief from minimum lot area at 2188 Fairgrounds Road; staff recommend a nine-month deferral for an Aggregate Impact Assessment, Planning Justification, and Environmental Impact Study (Report BP-26-26)

Regular Council

Council Information Package

This is a Council Information Package for Ramara, Ontario, dated October 2, 2026, containing correspondence items rather than decisions. The main items are updates from Township staff on the Community Improvement Plan Strategy project and the Wayfinding and Signage Strategy project. The package also includes correspondence from other municipalities and AMO on topics such as OPP policing costs, deposit-return expansion, and propane cylinder recycling. No votes, contracts, or dollar amounts appear in the supplied text.

• Staff memo from Melissa Gowanlock and Jennifer Stong dated October 2, 2026 on the Community Improvement Plan Strategy project update
• Staff correspondence dated October 2, 2026 on the Wayfinding and Signage Strategy project
• Municipality of South Huron correspondence dated September 25, 2026 regarding 2027 OPP Policing Costs
• City of Hamilton correspondence dated September 24, 2026 requesting expansion of Ontario's Deposit-Return Program
• Town of Parry Sound correspondence dated September 15, 2026 on Extended Producer Responsibility for one-pound single-use propane cylinders

Regular Council

Ramara Township Council meets Monday, September 28, 2026, for what the agenda describes as the final regular council meeting of the 2022-2026 term. Council will receive a water and wastewater rates update (Report ID-29-26) and a report on the feasibility and implications of adopting a climate emergency declaration (Report CD-19-26), both referred for same-day ratification. The climate report and a proposed updated declaration are recommended to be referred to the 2026-2030 term of Council. The agenda also includes routine items such as minutes, consent agendas, and a 2027 council meeting schedule.

• Report ID-29-26: Water and Wastewater Rates Update, recommended to be received and referred for same-day ratification
• Report CD-19-26: Feasibility and Implications of Adopting a Climate Emergency Declaration, with proposed updated declaration as Schedule "A", recommended to be referred to the 2026-2030 term
• Report ID-24-26: "Children at Play" signage on Sideroad 5 — one sign at northeast corner of Sideroad 5 and Concession Road 1, one at southwest corner of Sideroad 5 and Concession Road 2
• Report CD-18-26: Ramara Township 2027 Council Meeting Schedule, recommended for adoption
• Correspondence from Township of Puslinch dated September 10, 2026, regarding TAPMO Newsletter July 2026, pulled by Councillor Tuju

Council Information Package

This is an information package for Ramara Council, not a decision agenda: it lists correspondence and reports for Council's information. The most concrete item is a memo from the Chief Building Official advising that public drinking water from the Canine Building will be discontinued for the winter starting December 1, 2026, and reopen in spring 2027, citing maintenance costs and recurring freezing, leaks and electrical issues. Other items include updates on the Atherley-Uptergrove/Rama Road Corridor Master Servicing Plan, the Florence Avenue Environmental Assessment, the 2026 Watermain Flushing Program, and Bridge 18 and 19 rehabilitation. No votes, bylaws, dollar amounts or public hearings appear in the text provided.

• Canine Building public drinking water supply to be discontinued December 1, 2026, reopening spring 2027 (Chief Building Official memo)
• 2026 Watermain Flushing Program correspondence from the Compliance Manager
• Atherley-Uptergrove/Rama Road Corridor Master Servicing Plan Project Update
• Florence Avenue Environmental Assessment update
• Bridge 18 and 19 Rehabilitation Project and Dock Road municipal dock repair updates

Council Information Package

This is an information package for Council, not a decision-making meeting. It includes memos and correspondence on various topics, such as a $36,500 renovation project for the Yard 2/Environmental Services Building, a transition to an online procurement platform, and updates on washroom repairs at the Ramara Centre. Council is being informed of these items, not voting on them.

• $36,500 approved capital project for Yard 2/Environmental Services Building renovations (toilet replacement and siding repairs)
• Transition to Bids and Tenders online procurement platform
• Project update on Ramara Centre washroom repairs
• Notice of public hearings for Committee of Adjustment meeting on October 6, 2026
• Correspondence on OPP municipal policing cost model review

Climate Action Committee

The Climate Action Committee will review a staff report regarding the feasibility of adopting a Climate Emergency Declaration. The meeting also includes receiving the 2026 Canada's Changing Climate Report Summary for information.

• Staff Report CD-19-26 regarding the feasibility and implications of a Climate Emergency Declaration
• Natural Resources Canada 2026 Canada's Changing Climate Report Summary

Ramara Trails Committee

The committee is reviewing feedback on the draft 10-Year Trails Plan to prepare for future Council submission. Members are also reviewing the proposed 2027 trails budget and the Phase 2 Governance Review of boards and committees.

• Review of the draft 10-Year Trails Plan
• Discussion of the 2027 Trails draft budget
• Review of August budget to actuals
• Phase 2 Governance Review of Boards and Committees
• Proposed $60,000 capital placeholder for trail improvement projects

Regular Council

Ramara Council is meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes, hear a deputation from the Invasive Species Centre about water soldier in Lake Simcoe, and recess for a public planning meeting. Council will also move into closed session to discuss litigation and strategy regarding the 3379 County Road 47 real estate matter.

• Deputation by Invasive Species Centre on responding to water soldier in Lake Simcoe
• Public meeting of Council regarding planning matters
• Closed session for litigation and strategy update - 3379 County Road 47 real estate matter
• Adoption of minutes from August 10 and August 20, 2026 meetings

Public Meeting of Council re Planning Matters - Addendum to Agenda

This is a public meeting for Council to receive comments on a proposed stop-up, closure, and conveyance of Concord Woods Court. The agenda includes correspondence from a resident raising questions about the recipient, valuation, legal obligations, drainage, and unauthorized gate and signage. No decision is being made at this meeting; a by-law may be brought forward later.

• Proposed stop-up, closure, and conveyance of Concord Woods Court
• Correspondence from A. Bourgeois dated September 11, 2026, with questions on valuation, costs, and legal obligation
• Reference to 2023 Minutes of Settlement and OLT order in relation to the conveyance
• Concerns raised about drainage features, lagoons, and stormwater management
• Question about who installed gate, chain, and 'PRIVATE PROPERTY NO TRESPASSING' signage

Public Meeting of Council re Planning Matters

Ramara Council is holding a public meeting to review two planning matters: a proposed zoning by-law amendment for the retained agricultural lands at 2284 Concession Road 10, and the proposed stop-up, closure, and conveyance of Concord Woods Court. The zoning amendment would prohibit residential uses on the retained parcel and reduce minimum lot area and frontage requirements. The road closure would be implemented by a by-law presented at a future meeting.

• Zoning By-law Amendment File Z-2/26 for 2284 Concession Road 10 (Sternberg) to rezone retained lands to Agriculture Exception (AG-XX), prohibiting residential uses and reducing minimum lot area to 19 ha and frontage to 52 m
• Consent File B-1/26 provisionally approved Feb 10, 2026, for a surplus farm dwelling severance; severed lot ~0.75 ha with ~53.3 m frontage
• Stop-up, Closure, and Conveyance of Concord Woods Court (Report CS-27-26)
• Public meeting correspondence from A. Voros dated Sept 10, 2026, regarding Concord Woods Court
• Draft by-law to be presented to Council at next available meeting if no new information or public comments

Council Information Package

This is an information package for Ramara Council, containing correspondence and updates rather than decisions. Key items include a staff memo on increasing e-billing adoption for property tax and utility bills, and a construction update for an interim hammerhead turnaround on Florence Avenue. The package also includes minutes from the Udney Community Centre Board and various external communications.

• E-billing strategy: potential savings of $14,363.40 per cycle for property tax and $3,632.85 for utility bills if all mailed bills switched to e-billing
• Florence Avenue hammerhead turnaround construction to start week of September 21, 2026, taking about one week
• Udney Community Centre Board minutes include a $33,255.90 quote for acoustic ceiling panels for 2027 budget
• AMO Watchfile notes 6,663 candidates for 2,800 municipal positions in Ontario's 2026 election
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing correspondence on proposed regulations under the Municipal Accountability Act, 2026

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission

The Commission is reviewing an update on water mover operations and the 2027 draft budget. Discussions include adjusting water mover operating hours and reviewing beach security and lighting.

• Adjustment of water mover operating hours to 9-11 a.m., 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m.
• Proposed 2027 budget amendment to decrease staff wages and expenses to $230,000
• Proposed $120,000 capital project for replacement of water mover pumps
• Proposed $10,000 increase for Canal/Lagoon City Condition and Maintenance Study
• Review of South Footbridge lighting and Lagoon City private beach security

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will consider two applications: a consent to sever the existing dwelling and surrounding lands from a larger agricultural parcel at 2007 Concession Road 1, and a permission to expand a legal non-conforming carport at 4273 Plum Point Rd. Staff recommend provisional approval for the consent and approval for the permission. The meeting also includes adoption of the August 11, 2026 minutes.

• Consent B-5/26: sever ~3.11 ha with dwelling from ~48.35 ha retained, both agricultural, at 2007 Concession Road 1 (Beverley Turf Farms Ltd)
• Permission A-8/26: front yard setback relief for carport replacement/expansion at 4273 Plum Point Rd (Saunders)
• Staff recommend provisional approval of B-5/26 subject to conditions
• Staff recommend approval of A-8/26 with conditions
• Minutes of August 11, 2026 meeting to be approved

Council Information Package

The Township of Ramara has secured a Hydro One Community Partnership Grant to install permanent emergency backup power at the Brechin Water Tower. This project will support the municipal drinking water system and essential fire communications infrastructure without requiring municipal funds.

• $25,000 Hydro One Community Partnership Grant for Brechin Water Tower backup power
• August 2026 Building Permit Activity Report ($3,269,040.00 in permit value)
• Town of Parry Sound resolution requesting province-wide e-scooter regulations
• Resolution supporting a review of producer responsibilities for single-use propane cylinders
• Village of Sundridge correspondence regarding public sector salary disclosure inflation adjustments

Council Information Package

The Council is reviewing various communications, including the 2027 draft budget from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and updates on the Community Improvement Plan. The package also includes reports on building permit activity and correspondence regarding non-market housing initiatives.

• LSRCA 2027 Draft Operating, Capital and Project Budget
• Community Improvement Plan Strategy Project Update
• Monthly Building Permit Activity Report - July 2026
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities non-market housing initiative
• Extended Producer Responsibility for single-use propane cylinders

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

Climate Action Committee

The Climate Action Committee is reviewing staff considerations regarding the proposed Climate Emergency Declaration, including terminology and implementation implications. The committee will also discuss governance review matters and proposed amendments to its terms of reference. No final decision on the declaration is made at this meeting; the committee will provide feedback for a report to Council.

• Review of Assistant Clerk Memo regarding Climate Emergency Declaration staff considerations
• Discussion of proposed amendments to the Climate Action Committee Terms of Reference
• Review of Phase 2 Governance Review materials for Boards and Committees

Ramara Trails Committee

The Ramara Trails Committee is meeting to receive budget-to-actuals for June and July 2026, a trails reserve update and capital investment summary (2021-2026), and to discuss the draft 2027 budget. The reserve update explains a deficit caused by $422,000 in trail projects funded partly from reserves, with the balance projected to improve to about $3,125 by end of 2026. The committee will also receive an update on signage at Casino Rama.

• Receive June and July 2026 budget-to-actuals as information
• Receive Trails Reserve Update and Capital Investment Summary (2021-2026) as information
• Discuss draft 2027 trails budget
• Update on signage at Casino Rama
• Reserve deficit from $422,000 in trail projects (2021-2025), projected balance $3,125 by end of 2026

Council Information Package

Council is reviewing an Ombudsman report confirming that the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee violated open meeting rules by voting in closed session during a June 2024 meeting. The report will be formally received and a resolution passed at the September 14, 2026 meeting. The package also includes updates on provincial delegations regarding quarry fees and policing costs, as well as new funding for recreation projects.

• Ombudsman report confirms contravention of open meeting rules for a June 21, 2024 committee meeting
• Notice of Public Hearing for Consent Application B-5/26 scheduled for September 8, 2026
• Notice of Public Hearing for Minor Variance Application A-8/26 scheduled for September 8, 2026
• Ontario Trillium Foundation funding awarded for new multi-use sports court at Brechin Ball Park
• Baseball Diamond Rehabilitation Project at Ramara Centre scheduled to commence in early September 2026

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)

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

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