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. On July 9, 2021 the Province announced that it will move into Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening Plan effective July 16, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. To learn more, please visit ontario.ca/COVID-19.
July 9, 2021 - The Province of Ontario announced the province will move into Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening Plan effective July 16, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. To learn more, please visit ontario.ca/COVID-19.
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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On June 14th, 2021, the Township Administration Building will be open to the public for appointment only; walk-in services available for services offered only in the Finance Department. At this time, all Township buildings and facilities will be closed to the public this includes the following:
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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As of June 11, 2021, STRAs are permitted to resume operation. The Township of Ramara still requires all operators to obtain an annual licence before they begin to advertise and rent their short term rental accommodation. Renters should also ensure that before renting an STRA in Ramara that they confirm the operator has a valid licence to operate. In addition, all social gathering restrictions will still apply to these rentals and the occupancy numbers for these rentals may not exceed their approved occupancy. The licence is valid for one (1) year from date of issue. 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 electronically. 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. Summer 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 infrastructure@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 June 14th. 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 or email ramara@ramara.ca. |
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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. Ramara Recreation department will offer Summer Day Camps starting July 5. Learn more about the Summer Day Camps and register at www.ramara.ca/recreation. As well, virtual recreation programming and curbside programming will continue. Please contact the Rec office to find out how you can be involved! 705-325-3091 or recreation@ramara.ca |
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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 planning@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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As of Tuesday, July 6th, both library branches will reopen and return to normal business operating hours. All visitors must wear a face covering, respect physical distancing of 2 meters and complete the COVID-19 screening assessment. Learn more on the Ramara Library's Reopening by visiting the news release or the Ramara Township Public Library's website. |
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Media Releases and Updates |
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June 10, 2021 - The Township Administration Office Reopens June 14 April 18th, 2021 - The Township of Ramara announces further service impacts April 1, 2021 - Providing safe services to residents a top priority in Ramara 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.
COVID-19 Assessment Centre and Vaccination Information
Vaccination Clinic Information |
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Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for the current information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and booking. |
COVID-19 Assessment Centre |
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Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website to find out the closest assessment centre in your area.
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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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