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In-Person Health Care Coming to Ramara
Dr. Anoushka Mohammadiankhorasani (Dr. Mo), a primary care physician, will begin serving the community starting in July, with a new medical practice located at the Ramara Medical Centre in Brechin.
Effective June 1, 2026, the Fire Rating has been set to MODERATE. Learn more about Fire Danger Ratings in Ramara.
The 2026 Municipal and School Board Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026. Nominations are open from May 1 to August 21, 2026. Make sure you’re on the voters’ list, learn how to vote in the Township of Ramara, find out how to become a candidate or view the unofficial list of candidates. Learn more: www.ramara.ca/election
The Township of Ramara is advising residents that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has issued Shoreline Hazard Watch – High Risk will be in effect through June 12, 2026 at 12 p.m.
View Township of Ramara news and notices for updates.
The Township is updating its Zoning By-law 2005.85, to ensure it reflects current planning principles, community needs and legislative requirements. The update will help guide how land is used and developed, support a strong and well-planned community.
Hard copies of materials and the survey are available at the Township Administration Building, Ramara Centre, and Ramara Public Library.
Interactive Zoning Map Community Survey Community Engagement Strategy Checklist
Zoning By-law:
Learn what zoning is, how it affects your property, and how the Township regulates land use and development.
Minor Variance:
Find out how to request small changes to zoning rules and how minor variance applications are reviewed.
Zoning By-law Information Sheet Minor Variance Information Sheet
The Township will be hosting an introductory open house on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Township of Ramara Administration Building (Council Chambers), 2297 Highway 12, Brechin.
The Zoning By-law Review project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2027 and will be completed in five key phases. While exact dates may be refined as the project progresses, the following provides an overview of the anticipated sequence of work and when residents can expect opportunities to participate.
Phase 1 - Project Initiation (Current Stage)
The project has officially begun. During this phase, staff introduce the project to the community and begin early background work.
Status: Project Introduction Notice Completed
Upcoming activities include:
Development of the community engagement strategy
Preparation of the technical background review
Following project initiation, the Township and consultants will prepare detailed technical studies that will inform the new Zoning By-law.
This phase will include:
Preparation of the Technical Background Report
Preparation of the Draft Update Report
These documents will guide the drafting of the updated zoning regulations and mapping.
Once the technical work is complete, the first version of the updated Zoning By-law and zoning schedules will be drafted.
This phase includes major public engagement opportunities, such as:
Hosting community open houses
Release of the Draft Updated Zoning By-law
Statutory public meeting to gather formal public input
Residents and stakeholders will have multiple ways to review materials and share their feedback.
Phase 4 - Community Engagement Summary
After engagement activities are complete, staff will summarize what was heard from the community.
This phase will include:
Preparation of a Summary Report outlining key themes, issues, and recommendations
This report will help shape revisions to the draft by-law before it is finalized.
The final stage includes the preparation of the completed Zoning By-law for Council’s consideration.
Activities will include:
Preparation of the Final Zoning By-law
Presentation of the document to Council for approval
Once adopted, the updated by-law will replace Zoning By-law 2005.85, as amended.
Check back often for notices, opportunities to participate, reports, consultation information and more!
Check back often for new notices regarding this project.
May 12th, 2026: Council Information Package - Introduction to Our Community Engagement Strategy
May 2026: Community Engagement Strategy (authored by D.M. Wills)
A legal document that regulates land use, buildings and structures. The By-law identifies how a property is zoned, what uses are permitted and how buildings and structures can be developed on a property.
Why does a Zoning By-law need to be updated?
Zoning By-laws must be updated to conform with the requirements of legislation, ensure that rules reflect changes to community standards and municipal policy and remain enforceable as standards change. Zoning By-laws need to be updated within three (3) years of the Township adopting a new Official Plan. The Official Plan was approved by the County in February 2026.
What is the difference between a Zoning By-law and an Official Plan?
An Official Plan provides high level policy that guides development, growth and land use within a community. The Zoning By-law puts the Official Plan into action by setting clear rules. It says what types of uses are allowed on a property and how buildings and structures can be developed there.
How do i find my property zoning?
Through the Township’s Geographical Information System (GIS) located on the Township’s website at www.ramara.ca/zoning. You can also contact Township Planning staff to confirm the zoning of your property.
What zoning is shown on the interactive mapping tool?
The interactive mapping tool shows the current zoning for your property based on Zoning By-law 2005-85, as amended.
It does not show the proposed zoning as part of this update, it reflects the zoning that is in effect today.
The purpose of the tool is for a resident to check the current zoning and offer feedback on what changes you think would be appropriate.
What does the Zoning By-law mean for my property?
The update may result in changes to zoning, uses and rules for your property. It may introduce new zoning classes, uses and regulations. An updated zoning does not mean existing uses and site development will not be able to continue.
For example, if a property’s zoning changes to allow for different uses that do not match the existing use, the property may be considered “legal non-conforming.” This means the property’s current use does not meet the new rules, but it is still allowed to continue on the property.
Why is my zoning different from the new Official Plan (2025)?
Your current zoning is based on a by-law from 2005, while the Official Plan was updated in 2025. This means your zoning may still reflect older land use designations.
For example, your property might still be zoned “Rural” under the current by-law, even though the new Official Plan now identifies it as “Agriculture.”
The zoning by-law update will bring zoning into line with the new Official Plan so they are coordinated. There are usually more zoning types than Official Plan designations.
Why does MPAC or GeoWarehouse show something different from the zoning by-law?
MPAC classifies your property based on how it is currently being used. This is used for property assessment and taxation. This is shown on your tax bill and is sometimes used by platforms such as GeoWarehouse which often label it as “zoning”.
This is not necessarily how your property is zoned in the Zoning By-law.
The Zoning By-law is different, it sets out what is permitted on your property, not how it is currently used.
For example, a property may be zoned “Agriculture” or “Rural,” but MPAC may classify it as “Residential” if it’s being used as a home. This is common for smaller lots that are not being farmed.
Visit www.ramara.ca/zoningupdate to learn more, share your feedback, and help shape the future of land use in our community.
Please check the Township’s website at www.ramara.ca/zoningupdate to participate in our engagement strategy including surveys, open houses and public meetings. Comments and questions can be directed to zoningupdate@ramara.ca
The process involves reviewing current laws and policies, looking at development applications that affect zoning, speaking with the community and agencies, preparing a draft updated Zoning By-law for the public to review and comment on. This process has been divided into 5 phases as shown in the Project Phasing Plan below. As items are completed, the individual tasks will be checked for completion. This graphic is available on the Township’s website so anyone can follow along.
The Zoning By-law update will be completed over a two-year period with an expected completion date of December 2027, including Council approval of the new Comprehensive Zoning By-law.
Have any questions about the project? email zoningupdate@ramara.ca
Contact Us
Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0
T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca
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