Ramara meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Ramara agendas cover trails plan, economic strategy and Atherley park project; no decisions recorded in posted records

Ramara's council and committees were scheduled to meet four times between Oct. 16 and Oct. 23, 2026, taking up a draft 10-year trails plan, an economic development strategy presentation and a report that the Atherley Community Park Armour Stone Project is complete. The records supplied for all four meetings are agendas only — minutes have not been published — so no votes, motions or outcomes are established in the available material. What follows is what each body was set to review or receive.

Atherley park armour stone project reported complete

The Oct. 23 Council Information Package lists the "Completion of Atherley Community Park Armour Stone Project, previously funded up to $15,000." The item appears as information for council rather than as a decision item. The record does not state the project's final cost, nor does it establish any vote or approval connected to the completion notice.

Trails committee takes up draft 10-year plan

The Ramara Trails Committee agenda for Oct. 21 lists a review of a redlined Draft 10-Year Plan and a Budget to Actuals report for September 30, 2026. Members were also scheduled to receive verbal updates on the Atherley, Washago, Bayshore, Lagoon City and South Ramara trails. No figures from the budget report or details of the plan draft appear in the supplied record.

Economic Development Committee: Community Improvement Plan presentation

The Economic Development Committee agenda for Oct. 22 lists a presentation from Vitality Planning on the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) strategy. Also scheduled were discussion of a Phase 2 Governance Review for Boards and Committees, an update from the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office, and an update from the Ramara Chamber of Commerce. The record does not describe the content of the presentation or any recommendations arising from the governance review.

Library board minutes and municipal correspondence

The Oct. 16 Council Information Package lists approved minutes from Ramara Public Library Board meetings held June 18, 2026 and September 17, 2026. It also lists Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) correspondence dated October 15, 2026, and correspondence from the Town of The Blue Mountains dated September 8, 2026 regarding the Property Tax Assessment Cycle.

Public hearings notice and requests from other municipalities

The Oct. 23 package also includes notice of five public hearings for the November 10, 2026 Committee of Adjustment meeting. It lists a request from the Town of Gananoque for endorsement of a Declaration Against Religious Violence, a request from the Town of Plympton-Wyoming regarding expansion of Ontario's Deposit Return Program, and notification of Justice of the Peace vacancies. Whether council acted on either endorsement request is not established in the supplied record.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings were listed in the supplied data for the next 14 days, so this roundup cannot identify any scheduled sessions to attend. The only future date appearing in the record is the November 10, 2026 Committee of Adjustment meeting, which is referenced in the Oct. 23 information package as the date for five public hearings. Readers should check the Town of Ramara's official agenda and minutes page for confirmation of that meeting and for any others scheduled after Oct. 26, 2026, as well as for minutes of the four meetings summarized above once published.

Ramara agendas: $3.98M in September permits, four land files, draft 10-year parks capital plan

Ramara's council and committees worked from agendas over the past two weeks, and as of Oct. 19 no minutes had been published for the five meetings below. The records reviewed therefore set out what was before each body, not what it decided. Among the items: a September building permit value of $3,978,695.00, four land-severance and variance applications, a property standards appeal, and a draft 10-year capital plan for Lagoon City.

Building permit activity: $3,978,695.00 for September

Council's Oct. 9 information package included the September 2026 Building Permit Activity Report, which lists a permit value of $3,978,695.00. The same package carried a Notice of Passing for Zoning By-law No. 2026.72, passed Sept. 28, 2026. Information packages are circulated to council; the agenda does not record a vote on these items.

Four severance and variance files at Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment met Oct. 6 at 9:30 AM in a hybrid Council Chambers and Zoom session with four applications listed:

• **Consent B-6/26:** a boundary adjustment conveying land from 7321 Summerland Road to 7320 Summerland Road. Staff recommended provisional approval (Report BP-23-26).
• **Consent B-7/26:** a boundary adjustment conveying land to the adjacent lot at 1009 Heron Island. Staff recommended 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 recommended approval with a condition (Report BP-25-26).
• **Consent B-8/26 and Minor Variance A-10/26:** creating one new residential lot and relief from minimum lot area at 2188 Fairgrounds Road. Staff recommended a nine-month deferral to allow an Aggregate Impact Assessment, Planning Justification, and Environmental Impact Study (Report BP-26-26).

These are staff recommendations. The agenda does not record the committee's decisions on any of the four files.

Property standards appeal for 2280 Highway 12, Brechin

The Property Standards Committee met Oct. 6 with Property Standards Appeal file #2026-002 for 2280 Highway 12, Brechin, ON on its agenda. The agenda also listed a 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, and adoption of minutes from the Aug. 11, 2026 meeting. No decision has been published.

Lagoon City: draft 10-year capital plan headed to Council

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission agenda listed Report LC-17-26, a draft 10-year capital plan that would be forwarded to Council for consideration, and Report LC-18-26, a South Water Mover Operation Update received as information. Also listed: correspondence dated Sept. 25, 2026 regarding Water Movers and the Sept. 10 LCPWC meeting, adoption of the Sept. 10 minutes, and an Open Forum with two minutes per speaker. The agenda shows no budget votes, contracts, or public hearings. The meeting entry is dated Oct. 8, while its summary describes a Sept. 29 meeting.

Correspondence and library minutes

Council's Oct. 16 package included Ramara Public Library Board minutes from June 18 and Sept. 17, 2026, AMO correspondence dated Oct. 15, 2026, and Town of The Blue Mountains correspondence dated Sept. 8, 2026 on the Property Tax Assessment Cycle. The Oct. 9 package also listed proposed regulations to assign a weighted voting framework to Simcoe County, a temporary closure of public access across Lock 43 (Swift Rapids), and correspondence from the Municipality of Burk's Falls regarding funding for public libraries.

Coming up

• **Oct. 21 — Ramara Trails Committee:** review of a redlined Draft 10-Year Plan, a Budget to Actuals report for Sept. 30, 2026, and updates on the Atherley, Washago, Bayshore, Lagoon City, and South Ramara trails.
• **Oct. 22 — Economic Development Committee:** a presentation from Vitality Planning on the Community Improvement Plan strategy, discussion of the Phase 2 Governance Review for Boards and Committees, and updates from the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office and the Ramara Chamber of Commerce.

Ramara roundup: September building permits valued at $3,978,695.00, zoning notice filed, four land files on the agenda

Ramara's council and committees moved through a largely procedural stretch over the past two weeks, according to agendas and information packages supplied for the period. No minutes have been published for any of the meetings below, so the record shows what was scheduled, proposed or reported — not what was decided. The most concrete figure in the material is September 2026 building permit activity of $3,978,695.00, reported in the Council Information Package dated October 9, 2026.

Building activity and a zoning notice

The October 9, 2026 Council Information Package lists a September 2026 Building Permit Activity Report with a permit value of $3,978,695.00. The same package includes a Notice of Passing for Zoning By-law No. 2026.72, passed September 28, 2026. It also carries proposed regulations to assign a weighted voting framework to Simcoe County, a temporary closure of public access across Lock 43 (Swift Rapids), and correspondence from the Municipality of Burk's Falls regarding funding for public libraries. Information packages collect correspondence and reports; the supplied text records no votes and no dollar amounts beyond the permit figure.

Severances and variances

The Committee of Adjustment meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM in a hybrid Council Chambers and Zoom session, with four applications listed:

• Consent B-6/26: a boundary adjustment conveying land from 7321 Summerland Road to 7320 Summerland Road; staff recommend provisional approval (Report BP-23-26).
• Consent B-7/26: a 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 one 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).

These are staff recommendations on an agenda. No outcomes were published in the supplied material.

Property standards appeal

The Property Standards Committee meets October 6, 2026 to hear Property Standards Appeal file #2026-002 concerning 2280 Highway 12, Brechin, ON. The agenda includes a 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 committee is also to adopt minutes from its August 11, 2026 meeting.

Lagoon City parks and waterways

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission is to receive Report LC-17-26, a draft 10-year Capital Plan that would be forwarded to Council for consideration, and Report LC-18-26, a South Water Mover Operation Update received as information. The agenda also lists correspondence dated September 25, 2026 regarding water movers, adoption of minutes from the September 10, 2026 meeting, and an Open Forum with two minutes per speaker. No budget votes, contracts or public hearings appear on this agenda. Note: the record lists this meeting under October 8, 2026, while its summary text says the commission meets September 29, 2026; the supplied material does not resolve that discrepancy.

Also on file

The October 2, 2026 Council Information Package contains staff memos from Melissa Gowanlock and Jennifer Stong on the Community Improvement Plan Strategy project update and on the Wayfinding and Signage Strategy project. It also includes correspondence from the Municipality of South Huron (September 25, 2026) on 2027 OPP Policing Costs, the City of Hamilton (September 24, 2026) requesting expansion of Ontario's Deposit-Return Program, and the Town of Parry Sound (September 15, 2026) on Extended Producer Responsibility for one-pound single-use propane cylinders.

Coming up

The Economic Development Committee meets October 22, 2026. The agenda lists a presentation from Vitality Planning on the Community Improvement Plan strategy, discussion of the Phase 2 Governance Review for Boards and Committees, and updates from the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office and the Ramara Chamber of Commerce.

A note on limits: no vote tallies appear anywhere in the supplied material, and no minutes have been published for the meetings described above.

Ramara council to weigh $950K industrial land repurchase; Ombudsman finds open-meeting breach

Ramara Township council is set to consider a proposal to spend up to $950,000 to repurchase three lots in the township's Industrial Park, along with a mid-year financial update and a replacement site alteration bylaw. The items appear on the agenda for the Aug. 10 regular council meeting, but minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions have been confirmed.

$950K industrial land repurchase

Council will decide whether to allocate up to $950,000 to exercise repurchase options for 321, 344, and 345 O'Donnell Court in the Industrial Park. The agenda also includes receiving the 2026 Financial Mid-Year Update (Report TR-05-26) and directing staff to bring forward a bylaw to repeal and replace the existing Site Alteration Bylaw (Report ID-20-26).

Council will also receive an informational update on the proposed Ramara Quarry Aggregate Resources Act licence application (#626728) and consider approving demolition costing and an RFI/RFP framework for Brechin buildings at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12, with up to $19,000 plus HST for consulting.

Committee of Adjustment: lot severance and boundary adjustments

The Committee of Adjustment, meeting Aug. 11, will decide 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 at the owner's request. The committee will also consider boundary adjustments between lots at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12. Staff recommend 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).

Property standards appeals

The Property Standards Committee will hear two appeals on Aug. 11: file #2026-001 for 1162 Monck Road (an order to cease occupancy and remove rubbish from a collapsed dwelling, issued June 15, 2026) and file #2025-03 for 1427 Canal Road, Brechin. The committee may also enter closed session to discuss a personal matter under the Municipal Act.

Lagoon City budgets and water mover noise

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission, meeting Aug. 13, will review its draft 2027 operating and capital budgets (Report LC-13-26) for presentation to council, receive an update on the water mover noise study (LC-14-26), and discuss canal maintenance (LC-15-26). The agenda also includes requests from Commissioner Hart on footbridge lighting, private beach security, and goose management.

Accessibility plan and quarry comments

The Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, meeting Aug. 14, will receive an update on the Township's 2027-2031 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and provide feedback on a draft community survey on accessibility barriers. Separately, a Council Information Package for Aug. 14 includes the Compliance Manager's draft Township comments on the proposed Ramara Quarry (Licence #626728) and a response from the Minister of Transport regarding a safety review of the Lake Country Airways Water Aerodrome.

Ombudsman report on open meeting rules

A Council Information Package dated Aug. 21 includes an Ombudsman report confirming that the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee violated open meeting rules by voting in closed session during a June 21, 2024 meeting. The report will be formally received and a resolution passed at the September 14, 2026 meeting. The package also notes Ontario Trillium Foundation funding for a new multi-use sports court at Brechin Ball Park and a baseball diamond rehabilitation project at Ramara Centre scheduled to begin in early September.

Special council on litigation and interim treasurer

A special council meeting on Aug. 20 will discuss a proposed pre-motion resolution framework for the legal matter Bertrand et al v. Township of Ramara et al (2026 ONSC 1662), review an HRTO Notice of Application (File No. 2026-67479-I), and appoint an interim treasurer before the restricted acts period. The substantive discussion will occur in closed session.

Coming up

• **Economic Development Committee** – Aug. 27: Community Improvement Plan presentation by Vitality Planning, 2027 budget verbal update, draft news release for Giraffe Awards, and updates from County of Simcoe and Chamber of Commerce. No decisions scheduled.

Ramara council to weigh $950K industrial land repurchase; committees tackle property appeals, accessibility

Ramara Township's council and committees have a full slate of agenda items this week, though no decisions have been published yet — all items below come from meeting agendas. The most consequential item is a proposal to spend up to $950,000 to repurchase lands in the township's Industrial Park.

Council to consider $950K industrial land repurchase

At its Aug. 10 regular meeting, council will consider allocating up to $950,000 to exercise repurchase options for 321, 344, and 345 O'Donnell Court in the Industrial Park. The agenda also includes receiving the 2026 Financial Mid-Year Update (Report TR-05-26), directing staff to bring forward a bylaw to repeal and replace the Site Alteration Bylaw (Report ID-20-26), and receiving an informational update on the proposed Ramara Quarry Aggregate Resources Act Licence Application (#626728). Council will also consider approving a demolition costing and RFI/RFP framework for Brechin buildings at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12, with up to $19,000 plus HST for consulting.

Building report shows 274 permits, $33.7M in value

An Aug. 7 Council Information Package includes the 2025 Annual Building Department Report, which states the Building Division issued 274 permits totaling approximately $33,757,904 and collected $475,100 in total revenues for 2025. The package also includes a public meeting notice for a zoning by-law amendment (Z-2/26) at 2284 Concession Road 10, scheduled for Sept. 14, 2026, and correspondence regarding a heritage property designation deadline updated to Jan. 1, 2027.

Property standards appeals scheduled

The Property Standards Committee will hear two appeals on Aug. 11. File #2026-001 concerns 1162 Monck Road, where an order (Order #2026-020P, issued June 15, 2026) requires ceasing occupancy and removing rubbish/debris from a collapsed dwelling, with compliance originally due July 7, 2026. File #2025-03 concerns 1427 Canal Road in Brechin. The committee may enter closed session to discuss a personal matter under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act.

Committee of Adjustment to decide on lot severance

Also on Aug. 11, the Committee of Adjustment will consider a consent application (B-2/26) and minor variance (A-6/26) to sever a new lot and reduce minimum lot frontage at 8149 Rama Road (Khehra). The application was deferred from July 9, 2026, at the owner's request. The committee will also consider boundary adjustments between lots at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12 (Files B-3/26 and B-4/26). 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).

Lagoon City commission reviews 2027 budget and noise study

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission will meet Aug. 13 to consider its draft 2027 operating and capital budgets (Report LC-13-26), receive an update on the water mover noise study (Report LC-14-26) with direction on operation and timing, and review an operations update for canal maintenance (Report LC-15-26). The agenda also includes an accounts voucher and budget-to-actual report dated July 31, 2026, plus requests from Commissioner Hart on footbridge lighting, private beach security, and goose management.

Council reviews draft comments on proposed quarry

An Aug. 14 Council Information Package includes the Compliance Manager's draft Township comments on the proposed Ramara Quarry (Licence #626728). It also contains a response from the Minister of Transport regarding an operational safety review of the Lake Country Airways Water Aerodrome, along with correspondence from other municipalities and associations, including support for resolutions on heritage property designation deadlines and vacant commercial storefront tax.

Accessibility committee to review draft plan

The Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet Aug. 14 to receive an update on the Township's 2027-2031 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and provide feedback on a draft community survey (Schedule A) for public input on accessibility barriers. The committee will also adopt minutes from its May 29, 2026 meeting.

Coming up

The Economic Development Committee will meet Aug. 27 to receive 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 community recognition program, and updates from the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office and the Chamber of Commerce. The agenda is largely informational, with no decisions or votes scheduled beyond adopting the agenda and minutes.

Ramara council to weigh $950K industrial land repurchase at Monday meeting

Ramara council will meet Monday to consider spending up to $950,000 to repurchase three properties in the township's Industrial Park, the most consequential item on a busy agenda. Recent council meetings were informational or agenda-only, with no decisions published yet.

Recent meetings

July 27 – Special Council (interviews)

Council held a special meeting to interview applicants for a vacancy on the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission. Interviews were conducted in closed session under personal matters. The agenda included a motion to appoint the selected candidate and a confirmation bylaw (2026.57). Minutes have not been published.

July 31 – Council Information Package

The package noted the appointment of Mark Langdon to the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission for a term ending June 30, 2029. It also included the initiation of effluent hauling by contractor Wessuc from Wastewater Facility 202 to Facility 201, notification of seven road name changes effective October 28, 2026, and a public hearing on August 11 for boundary adjustments at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12. Drinking water inspection reports for Val Harbour and Bayshore Village subdivisions were also included.

August 7 – Council Information Package

The package included the 2025 Annual Building Department Report, which showed 274 permits issued totaling approximately $33,757,904 and $475,100 in total revenues. It also announced a public meeting for zoning by-law amendment Z-2/26 at 2284 Concession Road 10 (scheduled for September 14, 2026) and updated the heritage property designation deadline to January 1, 2027.

Upcoming meetings

August 10 – Regular Council

Council will consider allocating up to $950,000 to exercise repurchase options for 321, 344, and 345 O'Donnell Court in the Industrial Park. It will also receive the 2026 Financial Mid-Year Update (Report TR-05-26), direct staff to bring forward a bylaw to repeal and replace the Site Alteration Bylaw (Report ID-20-26), and receive an informational update on the Proposed Ramara Quarry Aggregate Resources Act Licence Application (#626728). Council will also consider approving demolition costing and an RFI/RFP framework for Brechin buildings at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12, with up to $19,000 plus HST for consulting. A closed session is scheduled for an Ombudsman investigation report, a land repurchase option, and a personal matter involving councillor social media.

August 11 – Property Standards Committee

The committee will hear two appeals: file #2026-001 for 1162 Monck Road (an order to cease occupancy and remove rubbish from a collapsed dwelling, Order #2026-020P issued June 15, 2026) and file #2025-03 for 1427 Canal Road. It will also adopt minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting and may enter closed session for a personal matter.

August 11 – Committee of Adjustment

The committee will decide on a consent application (B-2/26) and minor variance (A-6/26) to sever a new lot and reduce minimum lot frontage at 8149 Rama Road (Khehra). The application was deferred from July 9, 2026. It will also consider boundary adjustments between lots at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12 (B-3/26 and B-4/26). 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).

Coming up

• **August 10** – Regular Council (Industrial Park repurchase, financial update, site alteration bylaw)
• **August 11** – Property Standards Committee (two appeals)
• **August 11** – Committee of Adjustment (lot severance and boundary adjustments)
• **September 14** – Public meeting for zoning amendment at 2284 Concession Road 10

Ramara council package highlights $2.26M investment gain; Mark Langdon appointed to Lagoon City commission

Ramara council's recent information packages flagged a $2,262,000 non-budgeted gain from redeeming a $3,000,000 investment note, along with an appointment to the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission. All three recent meetings were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so the items below reflect what was listed for council's review, not confirmed outcomes.

$2.26M Investment Gain Reported

The July 24 Council Information Package included a $2,262,000 non-budgeted gain from redeeming a BNS Core Canadian Large Cap Deposit Note, originally valued at $3,000,000. The package was informational and did not include a council decision on the gain.

The same package listed a legal and governance review update with WeirFoulds LLP retained, a bylaw enforcement statistical report, an update on the Atherley-Uptergrove/Rama Road Master Servicing Study, Municipal Dock Repairs on Dock Road, and an application update for the Kingfisher North Extension (files OP-1/25 and Z-4/25).

Lagoon City Commission Appointment

A July 27 special council meeting was scheduled to interview applicants for a vacancy on the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission in closed session under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, which covers personal matters about identifiable individuals. The agenda called for a motion to appoint the selected candidate to serve the remainder of the 2026–2029 term, followed by Confirmation Bylaw 2026.57.

The July 31 Council Information Package listed the appointment of Mark Langdon to the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission for a term ending June 30, 2029. Because minutes are not yet published, the appointment is reflected in the agenda package but not yet confirmed by official minutes.

Wastewater, Roads, and Water Reports

The July 31 package also included:

• Initiation of effluent hauling by contractor Wessuc from Wastewater Facility 202 to Facility 201.
• Notification of seven road name changes effective October 28, 2026.
• A public hearing on August 11, 2026, for boundary adjustments at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12.
• Drinking water inspection reports for the Val Harbour and Bayshore Village subdivisions.

What This Means for Residents

The $2.26M investment gain, if confirmed in future minutes, would represent a significant non-budgeted addition to municipal finances. The road name changes taking effect October 28 will affect addresses in those areas. The August 11 public hearing on Highway 12 boundary adjustments gives affected property owners a chance to participate. Drinking water inspection reports for Val Harbour and Bayshore Village provide residents in those subdivisions with current water-quality compliance information.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should watch for the August 11 public hearing on boundary adjustments at 5089 and 5037 Highway 12, which was noted in the July 31 information package.

Ramara Council requests federal safety review of Lake Country Airways water aerodrome

On July 17, Ramara Council 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 of the Lake Country Airways water aerodrome on Rama Road. The request covers flight paths and impacts on recreational water activities. Minutes for this and all other meetings below have not yet been published; the information comes from agenda packages.

Water aerodrome safety

The July 17 Council Information Package states that Council acted on safety concerns regarding the Lake Country Airways water aerodrome. Resolution CR.173.2026 authorizes the Mayor to formally request a federal operational safety review. The package also includes Assistant Clerk correspondence dated July 16, 2026 on the same topic, along with adopted Atherley Community Centre Board minutes from June 18, 2026, a Municipality of Kincardine request (June 24, 2026) to extend the deadline for heritage designation notices, and a Township of Georgian Bay call (July 13, 2026) to return to the property tax reassessment cycle.

Water Financial Plan and Brechin demolitions

The July 13 Regular Council agenda includes the proposed Township of Ramara Water Financial Plan covering 2026 through 2036. Council is also reviewing demolition costing and a Request for Information process for the municipal buildings at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12 in Brechin, with authorization of up to $19,000 plus HST for building demolition consulting services. Additional items on the agenda include proposed stop and yield sign modifications across the Township, construction of an interim hammerhead turnaround for Florence Avenue, and a Site Alteration Bylaw update discussed in an addendum.

Site Alteration Bylaw and aerodrome motion

A July 13 addendum presents a departmental report on the proposed Site Alteration Bylaw update. Recommendations include mandatory public consultation, Council oversight on large fill projects above a volume threshold, risk-based review considering environmental sensitivity, and mandatory financial security for high-risk projects. A public letter recommending stronger environmental protections was also received. Councillor Snutch filed a notice of motion regarding an aerodrome. No decisions are recorded; items were presented for discussion.

Road assumptions and summer maintenance

The July 10 Council Information Package reviews road assumption by-laws for Orkney Beach and Fountain Drive (Plan 51R-45381), an amendment to By-law 2021.77 to prohibit motorized vehicles on specific lands, and a road assumption by-law for a portion of Lakeshore Drive (PIN 58718-0144). A summer maintenance update covers line painting, dust control, and roadside mowing. The package also includes AMO pre-conference workshop registration at $200 plus HST.

Invasive species and Lagoon City operations

The July 9 Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission agenda includes a deputation from the Invasive Species Centre on Water Soldier, an invasive plant recently found in Lake Simcoe. The Commission is also scheduled to receive an accounts voucher dated June 30, 2026, a budget-to-actual report dated June 30, 2026, and forthcoming staff reports on weed management, spraying, CleanFlo treatment, and Lagoon City private beach security. A closed session for a litigation update on the Bertrand et al. case was also planned.

Climate Action Committee

The July 15 Climate Action Committee agenda reviews Council memos on a draft resolution declaring a climate emergency for the Township of Ramara, proposed amendments to the committee's terms of reference, a recommendation for township representation on a Watershed Council, feasibility of a year-round Earth Day Community Clean-up Program, and a consolidated workplan for Adaptation, Mitigation, and Education working groups.

Trails Committee

The July 15 Ramara Trails Committee agenda includes adoption of the Trails Maintenance Standard for operational use, approval of the Trails 10-Year Plan for Council consideration, an informational review of the Uptergrove Public School Bike Bus Pilot progress, and adoption of the May 20, 2026 meeting minutes and April budget report.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Ramara council reviews $30M water infrastructure funding, strategic plan progress

Township of Ramara Council reviewed progress on its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan at a special meeting June 29, where staff reported that $30 million in provincial funding has been secured for water and wastewater infrastructure and a $1.5 million MISA grant was awarded for ice storm recovery.

Strategic Plan and Infrastructure Updates

At the June 29 special meeting, council received updates on infrastructure, finance, and community services. Staff reported construction progress on Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore) and Facility 201. The Water Distribution Network 104 expansion in South Ramara will require resident infrastructure payments, according to the agenda. Council also reviewed an updated Procurement Bylaw to modernize spending thresholds and transparency rules. The meeting included a closed session for confidential legal matters and a confirmation bylaw. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Building Activity and Correspondence

The July 3 Council Information Package, which involves no decisions or votes, included a June 2026 building report showing 33 permits issued with a total value of $5,019,726. The package also contained correspondence from the Ministry of the Environment directing conservation authorities on budget and apportionment deadlines ahead of a transition to a regional model in 2027. Resolutions from other municipalities included the City of Mississauga requesting a provincial review of shelter standards for women and children, the Town of Caledon seeking support for tick-borne disease plans, and North Stormont calling for a return to regular property tax reassessment cycles.

Road Assumptions and Summer Maintenance

The July 10 information package included road assumption bylaws for Orkney Beach and Fountain Drive (Plan 51R-45381) and a portion of Lakeshore Drive (PIN 58718-0144). An amendment to By-law 2021.77 would prohibit motorized vehicles on specific lands. Staff provided a summer maintenance update covering line painting, dust control, and roadside mowing. The package also listed AMO pre-conference workshop registration at $200 plus HST.

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission met July 9 to hear a deputation from the Invasive Species Centre on Water Soldier, an invasive plant recently found in Lake Simcoe. The commission reviewed an accounts voucher and budget-to-actual report dated June 30, 2026. Forthcoming staff reports are expected on weed management, a spraying program, CleanFlo treatment, and Lagoon City private beach security. The commission moved into closed session for a litigation update on the Bertrand et al. case. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Regular Council:** Council will review a Water Financial Plan for 2026-2036, proposed stop and yield sign modifications, construction of an interim hammerhead turnaround for Florence Avenue, and demolition costing for 2287 and 2291 Highway 12 in Brechin. Authorization of up to $19,000 plus HST for building demolition consulting services is on the agenda.
• **July 15 — Climate Action Committee:** The committee will review a draft resolution declaring a climate emergency, proposed amendments to its terms of reference, and a consolidated workplan for adaptation, mitigation, and education working groups.
• **July 15 — Ramara Trails Committee:** The committee is scheduled to adopt a Trails Maintenance Standard and approve a Trails 10-Year Plan for council consideration. Members will also receive a progress update on the Uptergrove Public School Bike Bus Pilot.

Ramara council agendas include $200K review authorization, $30M water funding update, and new traffic calming policy

Ramara's council agendas over the past two weeks covered a $200,000 authorization for financial and governance reviews, termination of a funding contribution with Rogers Communications, and a progress report citing $30 million in secured provincial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure. All meetings listed below are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes cannot be independently confirmed from the available record.

June 22 — Regular Council

The agenda for the June 22 Regular Council meeting included authorizing $200,000 for financial system and water/wastewater reviews, terminating the township's funding contribution with Rogers Communications Canada Inc., and adopting a new Traffic Calming Policy effective July 15, 2026.

Additional agenda items included ending unstaffed after-hour rentals of township-owned facilities and receiving the Ramara Township Public Library 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. A closed session was listed regarding a councillor communication matter.

June 25 — Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee agenda was primarily informational. A partner update from the County of Simcoe covered talent attraction campaigns, a skilled trades fair, an agritourism study, and a tariff action plan.

Verbal updates were listed on the Economic Development Strategy update and Community Improvement Plan sub-committees, Teeny Tiny Summits planning, and tourism video/photography filming. The committee was also to adopt previous meeting minutes.

June 26 — Council Information Package

This information package included the 2025 Development Charges Statement, showing a closing reserve balance of $3,941,464, with $213,072 collected and $171,928 refunded. No capital projects were funded through development charges in 2025.

The Sportsklub Flag Football Program reported 98 participants in its inaugural spring season. The Atherley Community Centre minutes included a board request for township insurance funding for the Harvest Festival and approval of a composite bench design for the Memorial Bench Program.

An Armour Stone Project update noted quarry owner Bill Sisson confirmed free material provision; transport and installation suppliers were being sourced. Provincial correspondence covered Strong Mayor powers, Ontario Land Tribunal reviews, and municipal fiscal framework requests.

June 29 — Special Council Meeting

The special meeting agenda included a progress report on the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan covering infrastructure, finance, and community services. The report cited $30 million in secured provincial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure and a $1.5 million MISA grant awarded for ice storm recovery efforts.

Construction updates were listed for Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore) and Facility 201. The agenda noted that the Water Distribution Network 104 expansion in South Ramara will require resident infrastructure payments. An updated Procurement Bylaw was listed to modernize spending thresholds and transparency rules. A closed session for confidential legal matters and a confirmation bylaw were also on the agenda.

July 3 — Council Information Package

This package included Ministry of the Environment correspondence directing conservation authorities on budget and apportionment during a transition to a regional model, with 2027 budget deadlines referenced.

The June 2026 building report listed 33 permits issued with a total value of $5,019,726. Correspondence from other municipalities included the City of Mississauga requesting a provincial review of shelter standards for women and children, the Town of Caledon seeking support for tick-borne disease plans, and North Stormont calling for a return to a regular property tax reassessment cycle.

Coming up

July 9 — Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission: A deputation from the Invasive Species Centre is scheduled regarding Water Soldier, an invasive plant recently found in Lake Simcoe. The commission will also receive accounts and budget-to-actual reports dated June 30, 2026, and discuss forthcoming staff reports on weed management and spraying, CleanFlo treatment, and Lagoon City private beach security. A closed session is listed for a litigation update on the Bertrand et al. case.

Ramara authorizes $200,000 for financial reviews, ends Rogers funding

Ramara Council voted to spend $200,000 on a financial system review and water and wastewater studies and ended a funding arrangement with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. at its June 22 regular meeting. The decisions headlined a slate of actions that also included a new traffic-calming policy and the end of unstaffed after-hour rentals of township-owned buildings.

Council decisions

Council authorized $200,000 for a comprehensive review of the township’s financial systems and water/wastewater operations. No breakdown between the two components was provided.

The board also voted to terminate a funding contribution with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. The nature and amount of the terminated agreement were not immediately available from the agenda.

A new Traffic Calming Policy will take effect July 15, 2026. Details of the policy were not included in the meeting summary.

Council moved to discontinue unstaffed after-hour rentals of township-owned facilities. No further details were given.

The Ramara Township Public Library 2026-2030 Strategic Plan was formally received by council.

Strategic plan and infrastructure updates

During a June 29 special meeting, council reviewed progress on the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Staff reported that the township has secured $30 million in provincial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure and a $1.5 million grant from the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy and Asset Management (MISA) program for ice storm recovery.

Construction updates were provided on Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore) and Facility 201. The expansion of Water Distribution Network 104 in South Ramara is moving forward; staff noted that affected residents will be required to contribute to infrastructure payments.

A newly updated Procurement Bylaw modernizes spending thresholds and transparency rules, though specific changes were not outlined.

Economic development

At the June 25 Economic Development Committee meeting, members received a partner update from the County of Simcoe covering workforce development campaigns, a skilled trades fair, an agritourism study, and a tariff action plan. The committee also heard verbal updates on the Economic Development Strategy and community improvement plan sub-committees, planning for Teeny Tiny Summits, and tourism video and photography filming.

Development charges and community programs

The June 26 Council Information Package included the 2025 development charge financial statement. It showed a year-end reserve balance of $3,941,464, with $213,072 collected and $171,928 refunded. No capital projects were funded from the reserve.

Separately, the Sportsklub flag football program reported that its inaugural spring season attracted 98 participants from across the region. The Atherley Community Centre board requested township insurance funding for the Harvest Festival and approved a composite bench design for the Memorial Bench Program. The package also noted that quarry owner Bill Sisson has confirmed free provision of material for the Armour Stone Project, while suppliers for transport and installation are being sourced.

Conservation authority transition

The July 3 information package included a Ministry of the Environment directive to conservation authorities on 2027 budget deadlines and apportionment, as the province moves ahead with a transition to a regional conservation authority model. The June 2026 building report showed 33 permits issued with a total construction value of $5,019,726. Council also received resolutions from other municipalities on topics such as property tax reassessment cycles and shelter standards for women and children.

Coming up

The Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission meets July 9. A deputation from the Invasive Species Centre will address the recent discovery of the invasive water soldier plant in Lake Simcoe. The commission will review accounts and budget reports, and discuss forthcoming staff reports on weed management and private beach security in Lagoon City. A closed session will cover a litigation update on the Bertrand et al. case.