The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is the lead agency working with the Ministry of Health, Public Health and all levels of government to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and take actions as appropriate. For specific COVID-19 information, including testing and assessment, please visit Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
The Township will continue to make pro-active decisions that are necessary to protect residents and staff.
Emerging public health guidelines
The Township of Ramara follows the direction of the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. As of March 1st, 2021, the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit catchment area has moved into the Grey - LOCKDOWN Zone under the COVID-19 Response Framework. To learn more, please visit ontario.ca/COVID-19.
February 26, 2021 - The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit catchment area has moved into the Grey - LOCKDOWN Zone as of March 1st, 2021. Learn more here.
Service Changes in response to COVID-19
Our main priority is the health and safety of our community and staff. As situations develop, we continue to adjust our operations based on the latest recommendations of health authorities. We ask residents that during this time to remain vigilant in following provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Impacts
Facility Closures |
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Effective February 18th, the Township Administration Building will be open for appointment only, other than for services offered in the Finance Department. Walk-in services only available for services offered by the finance department. All other Township facilities and buildings will remain closed to the public.
For questions related to facilities and programs, please contact 705-484-5374 or email ramara@ramara.ca |
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Recreational Amenity Closures |
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All playground equipment, public beaches, parks and trails are open to the public but social gatherings limits must be adhered to. Don't forget! Green spaces in parks, trails and conservation areas that are not otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others. The Township reminds residents and visitors that any amenities, such as playground equipment, are not sanitized, so please use at their own risk, follow group gathering restrictions, and to take home their garbage. |
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Enforcement of Provincial Orders |
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Our By-law Enforcement officers are on duty seven days a week to educate and enforce issues of non-compliance with the province’s emergency orders. Remember to follow all group gathering restrictions. Please remember not to enter spaces that are barricaded or have signage indicating the area is closed. This is for your safety and the safety of our community. To report a violation, please call Monday – Friday, 705-484-5374 or e-mail a by-law enforcement officer 7 days a week at bylaw@ramara.ca. Please DO NOT call 911 for these violations.
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Short-Term Rental Accommodation |
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Short-Term Rental Accommodation is restricted until further notice. STRA’s may only be rented to people in need of housing (essential worker) and to those who have a confirmed reservation made prior to November 22, 2020. Any new reservations after November will not be permitted except for individual who are in need of housing.
For more information, please refer to the Short-Term Rental Accommodation page. |
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Building Department |
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New building permit applications are being accepted either by email or by paper/hardcopy dropped off in the outside drop off box. Applicants will receive an email or phone call notifying them that the application has been received and will be advised of any outstanding items and outstanding building permit fees. All fees can be paid online or by cheque that is dropped off in the outside drop off box. Please visit pay your bill for more information. Please note that payments need to be made in full in order for the application to be deemed complete and to start the review process. Building inspections are being carried out on a case-by-case basis with new health measures in place. Please call our building inspection line at 705-484-5374 ext. 298 and leave a message to schedule your inspection. A member of our staff will return your call to confirm your inspection day. Currently all inspections will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please note that due to the influx of building inspections and our current restrictions, the building department may require more than 48 hours notice to accommodate your request. |
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By-Law Enforcement |
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Bylaw complaints or complaints related to emergency orders can be submitted Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to the general office phone number, 705-484-5374 or via email to bylaw@ramara.ca and the on duty officer will receive it and respond to the complainant Monday to Sunday. Staff will respond to complaints via telephone/e-mail, but will only be acting on complaints that impose an immediate threat to public safety or a dog is at large where the location is known and the dog is restrained by caller. Please note that all licensing Lottery Licences are suspended, effective immediately and no 2020 licences are being issued. |
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Infrastructure Department |
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Infrastructure Department staff are very busy maintaining essential services, so we are asking residents to be patient when it comes to maintaining non-essential services. Winter is a busy time for staff who are busy clearing roads safely and quickly. We remind residents to not approach staff who are working diligently. If you wish to file a complaint, please email skarabin@ramara.ca or call 705-484-5374 x232 during business hours or after hour emergencies at 705-484-5374 and press 8. If you call you must leave your name and phone number and the address you are calling about. |
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Finance Department |
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The Finance Department will be open for walk-in services starting on February 18th. Residents will be able to do the following:
Residents are still encouraged to call and/or email staff for inquiries and access our online services. For more information, please contact the Township office at 705-484-5374. |
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Legislative and Community Services |
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At this time, all Council, Committee of the Whole, Committee of Adjustment and Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission will continue their meetings electronically and can be viewed on the Township of Ramara’s YouTube page. Book an appointment today to arrange for Commissioning of documents. Until further notice, in person recreation programming is suspended until further notice; however, virtual recreation programming is available. |
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Planning Applications |
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All planning applications are accepted either electronically or by paper/hardcopy and can be dropped off in the outside drop off box. All fees can be paid online or by cheque that is dropped off in the outside drop off box. Please visit pay your bill for more information. Some planning application hearings are suspended until further notice based on Reg 73/20. The Committee of Adjustment meetings will be held electronically using the Zoom platform. Please refer to the meeting and cut off dates posted on the website to ensure you meet the deadlines for submission. Meetings can be viewed on the Township of Ramara YouTube channel. Planning staff are available to answer the majority of planning related questions regarding your property such as zoning and OP designations, etc. Please contact them by phone at 705-484-5374 or e-mail at dmccabe@ramara.ca or ebrathwaite@ramara.ca. Staff are also available by video to help with any questions and/or application processes. |
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Library Services |
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The library will be closed to the public but will be available for contactless curbside pickup and virtual programs. For more information, please visit the Ramara Public Library website or check out the impact to services media release. |
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Media Releases and Updates |
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February 17, 2021 - Township Administration building reopens February 18 December 22, 2020 - Ramara announces impact to services as a result of Provincewide Shutdown November 19th, 2020 - The Township of Ramara reminds students to use Online Services September 11, 2020 - Township Administration Office Opens to the public July 8, 2020 - Ramara closes Township beaches and some water access points May 13, 2020 - It’s Not Worth the Drive Up North Right Now May 12, 2020 - County to reopen additional landfill sites as of May 25, 2020 May 8, 2020 - Mobile Food Trucks permitted to operate as of May 15, 2020 May 1, 2020 - Media Release - Fire Ban Lifted as of 3pm April 28, 2020 - Media Release - Seasonal Changes for Infrastructure Department April 28, 2020 - Media Release - Postpone Septic Re-inspection and Cancel Recreation April 28, 2020 - Media Release - Property Maintenance Services April 7, 2020 - Media Release - No STRs to operate, unless renting to essential workers April 7, 2020 - Media Release - Closure of municipal water access points April 3, 2020 - Media Release regarding Fire Ban and Bylaw Enforcement March 24, 2020 Media Release - Council to NOT declare a state of emergency |
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Resources |
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Online Services
Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue using the Township's website to make online payments, report a concern, access Council and Committee meetings and more. For a list of online services, please visit our Online Services page.
Do your part
- Stay home
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a positive case, get tested
- Limit close contact only with individuals in your household
- Wash hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid touching your eyes and mouth
- Wear a face covering indoors and outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained; or if wearing one is required.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada
- Download the COVID Alert App
For more information, visit Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's COVID-19 website.
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