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Skip Navigation LinksRamara Township > 2018 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Welcome to the 2018 Ramara Township Municipal Election


2018 Certificate of Election Recount Results


News Release - Recount for Mayor



2018 List of Certified Candidates

2018 Lists of Certified School Board Trustee Candidates

Unofficial List of Candidates - Nomination Papers Filed 

So you want to participate in the 2018 Municipal Election.  That's great news.  We hope this webpage will provide you with the information you need to know to vote or to become a candidate in the Election.

Return to this page often.  We will continue to update the information as it becomes available as we move closer to the Municipal Election Day – October 22, 2018.

Key Dates

September 4, 2018 to October 22, 2018          Revisions to the Voters’ List

October 12, 2018                 Voting period begins at 9:00 a.m.

October 22, 2018                           Voting closes at 8:00 p.m.

December 1, 2018 to November 14, 2022         New term of Office

What's New

Method of Voting

The Township of Ramara will be using telephone/internet voting in 2018. 

Eligible electors must be on the Voters' List in order to receive their personalized Voter Information Letter which includes your PIN, internet voting website address and 1-800- number to use phone voting, phone assistance and other election information.

Telephone or Internet voting is easy and convenient.  Voters can vote from anywhere at any time between 12:00 a.m. October 12, 2018 and October 22, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

Here's how it works…….

VOTE BY INTERNETVOTE BY TELEPHONE
  • Open up the Internet
  • In the address bar, type in the internet voting website address provided in your Voter Information Letter
  • The website will display the Township's name and the timeframe for voting. Click “Continue" to proceed to vote
  • When prompted enter the PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter and your date of birth.
  • Click the box below to confirm you are not a robot. You may be prompted with a Human Interface Challenge (click all the squares in which the specified item appears)
  • Once validated, you will be presented with the positions you are eligible to vote for (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, and/or School Board Trustee)
  • Click “View Ballot" for each position to cast your vote.
  • You will be given the opportunity to confirm or change each selection before submitting your vote for each position
  • When finished voting, click “Logout" or exit out of the internet
  • Your ballot has been cast
For more information, click on the link for Vote Online Instructions

Dial the 1-800 number provided in your Voter Information Letter

When prompted, enter your PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter and your date of birth.

You will then hear the first race and the associated list of candidates for your ward

You will be prompted to select your candidate of choice by pressing the number  corresponding to the candidate; (e.g. to select Candidate XYZ press 5

 to select Candidate ABC press 6)

Your selection will be confirmed after each selection and you will be given the opportunity to change or confirm your selection

You will be able to repeat the list anytime for clarification.

You will then hear a message thanking you for voting and the Voters' List will reflect that you have voted and no further access to the system will be permitted.

For more information, click on the link for Vote by Phone Instructions

 

Assistance will be provided at the Help Centres for:

  • Questions regarding the election
  • Checking Voters' List to ensure that you are registered to vote
  • Receiving or replacing a PIN;
  • Assistance with voting
Voter Help Line
If you have any questions contact the Voter Help Line,
705-484-5374 or 1-800-663-4054
October 12, 15 and 16 9:00AM to 4:30PM
October 17 9:00AM to 7:00PM
October 18 and 19 9:00AM to 4:30PM
October 20 10:00AM to 1:00PM
October 22, Election Day 9:00AM to 8:00PM

If you do not have access to a computer to vote online
or you require assistance with electronic voting, please
come to the Administration Centre,
2297 Highway 12, Brechin,
during the following dates and times:
October 12, 15 and 16 9:00AM to 4:00PM
October 17 9:00AM to 7:00PM
October 18 and 19 9:00AM to 4:00PM
October 20 10:00AM to 1:00PM
October 22, Election Day 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Having Difficulties? - Voting Tips

If you are voting by INTERNET, make sure you are entering the website address provided on your Voter Information Letter in the top address bar, not the search bar in the middle of the page. You cannot search for the URL, it must be typed exactly as shown on your letter. Do NOT include www.  If you are not redirected to the voting website, please type https:// and then the address as listed in your Voter Information Letter.


Click the blue Continue button.

Enter your PIN without spaces.

Enter your Date of Birth in the following format:

Month - Day - Year

MM - DD - YYYY

Follow the instructions for the "I am not a robot" component so the system knows it is a human and not a machine entering the information.

Click the Login button.
Follow the prompts, and click Logout when finished.

 

If you are voting by PHONE, remember to enter your PIN without spaces.  Remember to include the # sign at the end.

When prompted, enter your Date of Birth as Month – Day – Year

Remember to include 2 digits for month, 2 digits for the day and all 4 digits for the year.

Financial Information

An individual may contribute up to $1,200 to one candidate. You may donate to more than one candidate, however, total contributions to multiple candidates from one individual cannot exceed $5,000.

Contributions by corporations and trade unions to candidates, including the contribution of goods and services, are now prohibited unless registered as a third party advertiser.

While contributions to candidates by corporations and trade unions are prohibited, individuals, corporations and trade unions may contribute to third party advertisers.  Money, goods and services are all considered contributions. The maximum contribution that may be made to a third party advertiser is $1,200.  Additionally, a contributor may not contribute more than $5,000 to two or more third party advertisers who are registered and undertaking advertising in the same municipality.

Third Party Advertising

Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for advertisements related to the promotion, support or opposition of a candidate, or take a position on a “yes” or “no” question on the ballot, in any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium must register as a third party advertiser.  A registered third party is subject to many of the requirements as that of a candidate including filing registration papers, expense limits, financial statements, and are subject to the municipal election sign by-law.  
No paid election advertising outside of a candidate or registered third party is permitted.
 
Who can register as a third party advertiser?
The following persons and entities are permitted to file a notice of registration:
•    An individual who is normally a resident in Ontario.
•    A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
•    A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

Who cannot register as a third party advertiser?
The following are not permitted to register as a Third Party Advertiser:
•    Individuals who have filed nomination papers with the Municipal Clerk or designate;
•    Federal and provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants; and,
•    Federal and provincial governments, a municipality or school board.
Third party advertisers may not spend more than the limit calculated by the Clerk using a formula established by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The limit is determined using the total number of electors identified on the Voters' List as of Nomination Day in 2014.  The limit will be identified on a Certificate of Maximum Permitted Expenses and will be issued on or before September 25, 2018.
Third party advertisers can only incur expenses during the campaign period, which begins on the day the third party advertiser registers with the Clerk and ends on December 31, 2018.
A third party may register with the Clerk’s Department from May 1, 2018 to October 19, 2018.  Further information and registration packages will be made available prior to May 1, 2018.

Third Party Campaign Finances
An individual, corporation, or trade union cannot raise or spend any money on third party advertisements that will appear during an election in the Township of Ramara until they have registered as a third party and opened a bank account exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign.
Registered third parties are responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to their campaign and are required to keep these records until November 2022 when the next council or school board takes office.

Third Party Financial Contributions
Campaign contributions are any money, goods or services that are given to a registered third party for use in their campaign, including money and goods that a third party contributes to their own campaign. Registered third parties must issue a receipt for every contribution they receive. The receipt should show who made the contribution, the date, and the value of the contribution.
The following persons and entities may make a contribution to a registered third party:
•    Any person who is a resident of Ontario.
•    A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
•    A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.
•    The registered third party and, in the case of an individual, his or her spouse.
The following persons and entities shall not make a contribution to a registered third party:
•    A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.
•    A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.
•    The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or a local board.
Individuals may contribute a total of $1,200 to a registered third party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the Township of Ramara. Individuals may not contribute more than $5,000 in total to two or more registered third parties registered in the Township of Ramara.

Contributions greater than $25 may not be made in cash. All contributions above $25 must be made by cheque, money order, or by a method that clearly shows where the funds come from.

Registered third parties are required to inform each of their contributors of these contribution limits.

Third Party Financial statements
Registered third parties are responsible for filing a complete and accurate financial statement by Friday, March 29, 2019, at 2 pm. The statement covers the period from the day the registered third party filed their Notice of Registration until December 31, 2018.

Third Party Campaigning and Sign Restrictions
Please refer to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 for regulations.​
Also view Ramara's Election Sign Bylaw 2018.17

Voter Information

Voter Eligibility

A person is entitled to vote in the Ramara Municipal Election if, on voting day (Monday, October 22, 2018) he or she:

  • Is a Canadian Citizen;
  • Is a least 18 years old;
  • Resides in the Township of Ramara, or is the owner or tenant of land in the Township of Ramara, or the spouse of such a person; and
  • Is not prohibited from voting under any law.

Voter Ineligibility

The following are prohibited from voting in a municipal election:

  • A person serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution
  • A corporation
  • A person acting as executor or trustee or in another representative capacity.
  • A person convicted of a corrupt practice described in Section 90(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996

Are you on the Voters' List?

The Voters’ List was distributed to Candidates on September 4, 2018. This list was created from information issued by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), as MPAC is responsible for maintaining the Voters’ List. Only those on the Voters’ List will receive a Voter Instruction Letter.

If you are not on the Voters’ List, please visit the Ramara Administration Centre to fill out an EL15 Form to be added to the Voters’ List. Proper Voter Identification will be required.

If you are unsure if you are on the Voters’ List, please call the Ramara Administration Centre to confirm.  

Voter Identification

The following is a list of acceptable identification to have your name added to the Voters' List that must be an original, certified or notarial copy and shall show the person's name and qualifying address:

  1. An Ontario Driver's Licence.
  2. An Ontario Health Card (with photo).
  3. An Ontario Photo Card.
  4. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
  5. A cancelled personalized cheque.
  6. A mortgage statement, leaser or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.
  7. An insurance policy or insurance statement.
  8. A loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution.
  9. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
  10. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
  11. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).
  12. An income tax assessment notice.
  13. A Child Tax Benefit Statement.
  14. A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
  15. A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).
  16. A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).
  17. A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
  18. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.
  19. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.
  20. A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
  21. A property tax assessment.
  22. A credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.
  23. A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities.
  24. A hospital card or record.
  25. A document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a pot-secondary institution.
  26. A document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home.
  27. A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.
  28. A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
  29. A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.

Vote by Internet or Phone

The Township of Ramara has selected Vote by Internet or Phone as the method of voting for the 2018 Municipal Election.  A detailed Voter Instruction Letter will be mailed to you prior to the commencement of the voting period (October 12 to October 22, 2018). 

Here's how it works…….

VOTE BY INTERNETVOTE BY TELEPHONE
  • Open up the Internet
  • In the address bar, type in the internet voting website address provided in your Voter Information Letter
  • The website will display the Township's name and the timeframe for voting. Click “Continue" to proceed to vote
  • When prompted enter the PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter and your date of birth.
  • Click the box below to confirm you are not a robot. You may be prompted with a Human Interface Challenge (click all the squares in which the specified item appears)
  • Once validated, you will be presented with the positions you are eligible to vote for (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, and/or School Board Trustee)
  • Click “View Ballot" for each position to cast your vote.
  • You will be given the opportunity to confirm or change each selection before submitting your vote for each position
  • When finished voting, click “Logout" or exit out of the internet
  • Your ballot has been cast
For more information, click on the link for Vote Online Instructions

Dial the 1-800 number provided in your Voter Information Letter

When prompted, enter your PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter and your date of birth.

You will then hear the first race and the associated list of candidates for your ward

You will be prompted to select your candidate of choice by pressing the number  corresponding to the candidate; (e.g. to select Candidate XYZ press 5

 to select Candidate ABC press 6)

Your selection will be confirmed after each selection and you will be given the opportunity to change or confirm your selection

You will be able to repeat the list anytime for clarification.

You will then hear a message thanking you for voting and the Voters' List will reflect that you have voted and no further access to the system will be permitted.

For more information, click on the link for Vote by Phone Instructions

 

Assistance will be provided at the Help Centres for:

-    Questions regarding the election
-    Checking Voters’ List to ensure that you are registered to vote
-    Receiving or replacing a PIN;
-    Assistance with voting

Voter Help Line
If you have any questions contact the Voter Help Line,
705-484-5374 or 1-800-663-4054
October 12, 15 and 16 9:00AM to 4:30PM
October 17 9:00AM to 7:00PM
October 18 and 19 9:00AM to 4:30PM
October 20 10:00AM to 1:00PM
October 22, Election Day 9:00AM to 8:00PM

If you do not have access to a computer to vote online
or you require assistance with electronic voting, please
come to the Administration Centre,
2297 Highway 12, Brechin,
during the following dates and times:
October 12, 15 and 16 9:00AM to 4:00PM
October 17 9:00AM to 7:00PM
October 18 and 19 9:00AM to 4:00PM
October 20 10:00AM to 1:00PM
October 22, Election Day 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Offices to be Elected

You may vote for the following in the 2018 Municipal Election:

The term of Council will begin on December 1, 2018 and end on November 14, 2022.

Information about School Board Trustee Elections

​Press Release from Ontario Education Services Corporation
English
Français

For further information, visit http://elections.ontarioschooltrustees.org/

Election FAQs

Who is eligible to vote in a municpal election?

In order to qualify as an eligible elector, you must:
  • Reside in the Township of Ramara, or are the owner or tenant of land, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;
  • Be a Canadian citizen; and
  • Be 18 years of age (as of Election Day) or older; and
  • Not prohibited from voting as outlined in s.17(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or otherwise by law.

Having Difficulties? - Voting Tips

If you are voting by INTERNET, make sure you are entering the website address provided on your Voter Information Letter in the top address bar, not the search bar in the middle of the page. You cannot search for the URL, it must be typed exactly as shown on your letter. Do NOT include www.  If you are not redirected to the voting website, please type https:// and then the address as listed in your Voter Information Letter.


Click the blue Continue button.

Enter your PIN without spaces.

Enter your Date of Birth in the following format:

Month - Day - Year

MM - DD - YYYY

Follow the instructions for the "I am not a robot" component so the system knows it is a human and not a machine entering the information.

Click the Login button.
Follow the prompts, and click Logout when finished.

 

If you are voting by PHONE, remember to enter your PIN without spaces.  Remember to include the # sign at the end.

When prompted, enter your Date of Birth as Month – Day – Year

Remember to include 2 digits for month, 2 digits for the day and all 4 digits for the year.

Can I vote in Ramara if my family owns a seasonal property in Ramara and I use it on weekends?

If you are on title (or the spouse thereof) on the property you can vote in Ramara. If you visit the seasonal property only, you are not permitted to vote.

How do I get my name changed on the Voters’ List?

​Revisions to the Voters’ List can be made starting early in September and ending on Election Day (October 22, 2018).  An individual must fill out a EL15 Form and present proper identification to be added to the Voters’ List.

How do I register to vote in the Municipal Election?

​If not already on the Voters' List, an individual must fill out a EL15 Form and present proper identification to be added to the Voters’ List.

Why have I been asked to sign an endorsement?

​New for 2018! As part of the nomination filing package, a candidate for Council must include twenty-five (25) written endorsements of nomination for their position. A person endorsing a nomination must be an eligible voter in Ramara on the day to which the endorsement is made.
Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination
Endorsements are not required for School Board Trustee Candidates.

As a resident, how much can I donate to one candidate? Can I donate to multiple candidates?

​An individual may contribute up to $1,200 to one candidate. You may donate to more than one candidate, however, total contributions to multiple candidates from one individual cannot exceed $5,000.

Does a candidate have to live in the ward they run for office in?

​No. An eligible candidate for the Township of Ramara can run for office for either Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or for Councillor in any one of the five wards.

Can anyone use the Township logo in their campaign material?

​No, the Township’s logo is a Corporate Resource (owned by the Township) and used only for official Township business.

Does the Township of Ramara have an election sign bylaw?

What is a Registered Third Party?

New for 2018! A registered third party is any individual, corporation or trade union that advertises to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot for the municipal election.

A registered third party is subject to many of the requirements as that of a candidate including filing registration papers, expense limits, financial statements, and are subject to the municipal election sign bylaw. No election advertising outside of a candidate or registered third party is permitted.   

For more information, refer to the Third Party Information tab.

Where can I find more information?

​Municipal Elections are governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs website for further election information.

Election Results will be posted at the Brechin Legion and on the Township website on October 22, 2018 after 8:30pm. Click to view Notice

What Ward am I in?

​Ramara Township is composed of 5 geographic areas known as wards.  Councillors each represent a particular ward.  View the Ward Map to determine the ward in which you may vote.

Will proxy voting be accepted?

Proxy voting will not be required as every resident can vote at any time during the Vote Period from wherever they are located, as long as they have received their Voter Information Letter.

Candidate Information

Eligible Offices

Offices to be elected on October 22, 2018:

 The term of Council will begin on December 1, 2018 and end on November 14, 2022.

Are you qualified to be a candidate?

To be a candidate for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor, you must be:

  • A resident of the Township of Ramara, or an owner or tenant of land in the Township, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant
  • A Canadian Citizen
  • At least 18 years old on October 22, 2018
  • Not prohibited from voting by law

To be a candidate for school board trustee, you must be:

  • A Canadian citizen
  • At least 18 years old
  • A resident within the Board's area of jurisdiction
  • A supporter of that school board
  • Not legally prohibited from voting

Registering as a Candidate

To run for the office of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee, candidates must file Nomination Papers.

Form 1 – Nomination Paper

Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination

Nomination Papers may be filed at the Township of Ramara Administration Centre Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from May 1, 2018 to July 26, 2018 and on Friday, July 27, 2018 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

To file, please bring the following information:

  • A completed copy of your nomination paper
  • Acceptable identification for proof of identity and residence
  • Filing Fee
    • Mayor - $200
    • Deputy Mayor, Councillor or Trustee - $100
  • Endorsement by at least 25 persons, including a prescribed declaration by each of the persons endorsing the nomination (Not applicable to Trustees)
  • Sign Deposit Fee - $100

Once nomination papers have been filed, a candidate's campaign period begins.

Candidates for School Board Trustee should register at the City of Orillia.

Please note: no money can be raised or spent in regard to a campaign until nomination papers have been filed.

Filing Fee

A filing fee is required when submitting Nomination Papers.

  • Mayor - $200
  • Deputy Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee - $100

This fee will be returned if the candidate's financial statement and auditor's report are filed on or before Friday, March 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Accepted methods of payment are cash, debit, certified cheque or money order.

Please note that candidates are also required to submit a Sign Deposit fee of $100.

Candidate Information Sessions

Candidates and those who are interested in running for an office are encouraged to attend one of the following Candidate Information Sessions.  These sessions will be conducted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and will include a review of the responsibilities of candidates.

August 14 Campaign Finances Webinar Presentation Slides

August 14 Question & Answer Sheet

​August 20, 2018

All candidates are highly encouraged to attend this session regarding how the Ramara election will be held, including clarification on telephone and online voting procedures, accessing the Voters’ List web portal, and much more.
​Ramara Election – Candidate Session
This in-person session will be held at the Town of Wasaga Beach (30 Lewis Street, Wasaga Beach) from 5-6:30 p.m.
​5-6:30 p.m.
​August 28, 2018

All candidates are highly encouraged to attend this session regarding how the Ramara election will be held, including clarification on procedures, accessing the Voters’ List web portal, and much more.
​Ramara Election – Candidate Session (Webinar Version)
This session will be held at the Ramara Administrative Office (2297 Highway 12, Brechin) from 5-6:30 p.m.		​5-6:30p.m.
​September 6, 2018
Campaign Finances Webinar Presentation Slides
Candidates and other interested parties will learn about setting up a campaign account, election contributions, preparing financial statements, etc. Please email elections@ramara.ca with your name, address and phone number or call 705-329-7242 to register.
​Campaign Finances Webinar for Candidates
Held at the Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew Street West, Orillia) Council Chambers from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
​10 a.m. - 12 noon.

Election Signs



Absolutely no advertising is permitted prior to nomination papers being filed with the Clerk.

All Candidates and Third Party Advertisers will be required to pay a Sign Deposit of $100 at time of registration.

Campaign Finances

All candidates are required to file a Form 4 Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report detailing the financial activities of their campaign. A candidate’s campaign period begins on the date a person files the nomination and ends on December 31, 2018.

The form must be submitted to the Clerk of the municipality in which the nomination was filed on or before March 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Financial statements must include notations of all money, goods, and services accepted by or on behalf of a Candidate for their election campaign.

The Clerk will issue an estimate of Maximum Campaign Expenses to all candidates upon filing nomination papers.

Candidate Enquiries

Q: Information and Council’s direction in regards to a the Quarry Expansion on Switch Road.

A: There are two applications currently in process with the Township in regards to the proposed expansion of the Fleming Quarry owned by Fowler Construction. In order to expand the existing quarry into the property to the north known as 7723 Rama Road, an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment are required to be approved by the municipality and the County of Simcoe. The intent of the expansion is to license an 8.70 ha. portion of the 29.72 ha. property for aggregate extraction. The license has been applied for under the Aggregate Resources Act and is regulated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.


A Public Meeting was held on May 28, 2018 and since that time, the Township has had the required studies submitted by Fowler Construction peer reviewed by consultants the Township retained to do the reviews. At this time, the peer review comments have been forwarded to MHBC Planning, who are the agents for Fowler Construction, to work with their team to amend any reports that require amendments and any additional works and studies required. Once the studies and works are completed and resubmitted to the Township, additional reviews will take place.

All comments received at the Public Meeting are also being addressed by Fowler Construction and their consultants and responses will be made available when they are completed. Until such time as the Township and our consultants are satisfied with the amended reports and work completed to date, no further reports or recommendations will be brought back to Council for consideration. No decisions have been made at this time.


There is a road agreement that needs to considered as this is something that the Manager of Municipal Works will require.

Q: Information and Council’s direction in regards to a contaminated dumpsite that may be on Concession B-C.

A: There are no known contaminated dump site on Concession B-C at this time.

Q: Where are the locations of polling stations (computers set up), what time will they be open for residents to use them. How will this information get to residents. Taking into consideration that some voters to not use the web.

A: During the last week of September, Voter Instruction Letters will be mailed to all eligible electors advising them on the following:

  • Phone number to call to vote by telephone
  • Web address to visit to vote by internet
  • Voter Help Station information, including locations and times it will be open
  • Help telephone number for those requiring additional assistance when voting

If a voter does not receive a Voter Instruction Letter, please direct them to contact the Ramara Administration Office.

Q: How much money the municipality has at this moment that is available to be spent to start any new infrastructure projects? And how much do we have in reserves?

​A:  Any money for infrastructure projects would be in the 2018 Capital Budgets of each department, which can be found in the 2018 Budget on our website.  Infrastructure projects are budgeted for in the annual budget or will be considered when grants are available.

The 2018 10 year Capital Forecast is available on the website.

Reserves

The Township has worked diligently to build reserves in the last few years.  It is necessary to carry a healthy reserve balance in order to fund unexpected situations, and to plan for the future capital purchases. 

Due to the previous depletion of reserve funds, the Township has restricted operating expenses t to replenish these reserves. The Township will be in the position in the very near future to start to budget annually for capital purchases. Having healthy reserves will ensure funds are there when capital purchases need to be made.

Total amount in reserves at the end of 2017 can be found on our website in the 2017 financial statements posted on the website:

RESERVES
Proposed Balance at end of 2018 - $3,828,070

RESERVE FUNDS
Proposed Balance at end of 2018 - $469,164

DEFERRED REVENUE - OBLIGATORY RESERVE FUNDS

A requirement of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Public Sector Accounting Handbook, is that obligatory reserve funds be reported as deferred revenue. This requirement is in place as legislation and external agreements restrict how these funds may be used and under certain circumstances these funds may possibly be refunded. The balances in the obligatory reserve funds of the Township are summarized below:

To end of 2017

Development charges     $1,238,819

Parkland                            $100,899

Federal gas tax                  $287,912

                                     $1,627,630


Q: Information and Council’s direction in regards to the Fill Bylaw.

​A: The fill bylaw is being reviewed and updated. We anticipate a draft of the proposed revisions will be going to Committee of the Whole for input & consideration on October 1st.

Q: Can we see a copy of short term rental bylaw that was given for lawyer review?

​A: A copy of the draft bylaw was presented at the July 16, 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting for Council comment.  A link to the draft bylaw as well as the Committee of the Whole Report 09 as amended, are included.

Q: What should I do if I find out someone is not on the Voters’ List?

​A: An eligible elector who is not on the Voters' List must complete an EL15 Form to be added. Individuals must visit the Ramara Administration Centre to complete the EL15 Form and present the appropriate identification to be added to the Voters' List. Individuals may also complete the EL15 Form ahead of time and bring it in when they attend the office to present their appropriate identification. 

If the person is unable to attend during business hours, we will be having extended hours in October for residents so they may be added to the Voters' List and receive their Voter Instruction Letter. We also have Voter Information Pamphlets available which have EL15 Forms on the back for candidates to pass out when campaigning. This pamphlet is available online and in small quantities at the Ramara Administration Centre.

Q: What is the Township’s relationship with the L.S.R.C.A. - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the direction the situation is currently heading in?

​A: At this time our relationship with the L.S.R.C.A. is basically business as usual. Discussions are ongoing related to the Townships desire to be removed from the membership.