The project will include:

• Installation of a new low-pressure sanitary sewer system on Ridge Avenue, Lone Birch Trail and Maple Trail and a portion of pipe along Simcoe Road.
• Sanitary sewer service laterals will be installed to the property line of each property 
• Roadworks, including base and surface course asphalt; and
• Restoration of driveways and boulevards to pre-construction conditions in the areas disturbed by the work.

Project Status:

The Township has tendered and awarded the work to KJ Excavating, who are scheduled to mobilize and commence work mid-August, 2025. The majority of construction is expected to be completed by the end of November 2025.

Please note this schedule is subject to change based on several factors including inclement weather, unforeseen conditions, additional work required, etc. Tatham Engineering and the Township of Ramara will keep residents aware of major schedule changes, should they arise.

Communications:

The Township is committed to keeping residents informed as we move forward carefully and responsibly with this important community infrastructure project.

The Township has prepared an information package that is being mailed and hand-delivered to all impacted property owners.

Information Package - Issued July 25, 2025

Project Contacts

K.J Excavating has entered into a contract with the Township of Ramara to complete the work and Tatham Engineering will be administering the contract. If you have any questions regarding the construction, please call Tatham Engineering during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Damages should be reported to Tatham Engineering as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns of a general nature, please contact the Township of Ramara.

Township of Ramara

Dyana Marks

Compliance Manager

(705) 484-5374 x285

DMarks@ramara.ca

Tatham Engineering Limited

Jessica Stapleton, P.Eng.

Engineer, Project Manager

(705) 325-1753 x2263

jstapleton@tathameng.com 

The location of the work is as follows:

Ridge Avenue from The Steps to Lake Avenue, Lone Birch Trail from Simcoe Road to the end, Maple Trail from Lone Birch Trail to Lakeshore Drive, and Simcoe Road from Lone Birch Trail to Lake Avenue.

This area has been identified as a priority for sewer servicing in the Township's Sanitary Sewer Master Servicing Plan since 2004, and environmental concerns related to on-site sewage disposal systems were first raised as far back as 1998.  

By moving forward with this project now, the Township is taking proactive steps to prevent contamination issues, support long-term community growth, and modernize critical infrastructure.  The new sewer system will ensure reliable wastewater management for residents today and for future generations.

In 2022, a survey was sent to mailing addresses of all impacted property owners on Ridge Avenue, Maple Trail, and Lone Birch Trail. The survey had a 52% response rate and 56% of respondents supported proceeding.

In recent years, the following reports regarding the Lakeshore servicing project have been introduced and discussed:

Report ID-21-22, dated July 11, 2022 

Report ID-35-22, dated September 12, 2022 

Report ID-38-22, dated December 12, 2022 

Report ID-02-23, dated January 16, 2023

Budget Presentation dated October 28, 2024

Report ID-18-25, dated June 2, 2025

• No more pumping or maintaining aging on-site treatment systems (septic systems or holding tanks). 

• Eliminates the risk of costly emergency repairs or full septic system replacements (which can range from $30,000–$60,000). 

• Real estate professionals consistently rate municipal services as a key factor in property value.
• Municipal servicing supports additions, renovations, or new construction that may not be permitted on lots with outdated or undersized septic systems. 

• Helps property owners maximize the value and usability of their land. 

• Removes the risk of septic or holding tank leakage near drinking water sources or Lake Simcoe. 

• Supports clean groundwater and aligns with environmental best practices. 

• Professionally managed system operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency.

• Professional engineers and the Township’s project team has developed conservative cost estimates at approximately $30,000 (lump sum payment) or $55,000 (10-year financing) per property to provide residents with a reliable planning range.  
• This estimate reflects each property owner’s share of the total project cost, including construction, engineering, and built-in contingencies for unknown site conditions. The cost also accounts for borrowing costs and for inflation since the project was first proposed.  
• Final costs will be confirmed once construction is complete and all actual expenses, including construction, engineering, and financing, are finalized.
• As the project progresses, we are committed to keeping residents informed.  

It will be the responsibility of the property owner to install and maintain the grinder pump as part of your plumbing. The pump needs to meet the specifications that will be provided in the coming months.  It can be purchased through a contractor or plumber, or directly from suppliers. There are no preferred name brands as long as the system is capable of lifting the sewage to the main.

The Township will communicate with property owners the appropriate timeframe and instruction to complete the connection process. This will include the following:

1) Apply for a building permit 

2) Hire a qualified contractor to install the grinder pump and connect to the service at the road.

3) Decommission any existing septic or holding tank.