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Back to SearchCouncil - January 30, 2023
Updates from Mayor and CAO
Mayor Update
Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting and announced that Hazel McCallion, the former Mayor of Mississauga for 36 years, passed away at 101. Hazel, also known as Hurricane Hazel, inspired anyone who wanted to get involved in politics for her active approach and spitfire persona.
On December 1st, 2022, Elieen Cronk received recognition for her volunteer work in Simcoe North and her positive impact on the community. During COVID-19, Eileen and the other members of Ramona's Twisted Stitchers sewed and donated masks to schools and those who needed them.On behalf of the Council, the Mayor congratulated Eileen for all her hard work and dedication to the Ramara community.
Mayor Clarke clarified the procedures and process for residents, organizations or other government officials wishing to communicate with members of the Council.
CAO Update
CAO Drinkwalter thanked the infrastructure and fire and rescue staff for their work during the Significant Weather Event that occurred during the Christmas holidays. The snow plows and patrol staff worked long days ensuring roads got clear in order to for residents and visitors to safely travel within the Township. As fire and rescue staff and volunteer Fire Fighters ensured our residents had access to timely emergency services.
CAO Drinkwalter congratulated Mayor Basil Clarke on being elected as Warden for the County of Simcoe for the 2022-2024 term.
Presentations & Deputations
Simcoe County Tourism
Kathryn Stephenson, Manager of Tourism for the County of Simcoe, presented how the Tourism department helps promotes the tourism industry, enhances the visitor experience and supports municipalities and tourism businesses through workforce retention and leadership. The Tourism department recently completed its 2023-2026 One, Together, Destination Stewardship Plan that focuses on developing tourism through five pillars: leadership & representation, partnership & collaboration, Product development & innovation, marketing & promotion and research & learning. Through these five pillars, the County of Simcoe will focus on three sectors of tourism: outdoor recreation, agritourism, arts, culture and heritage.
Orillia and Lake Country Funding Request
Roger Selman of the Ramara Chamber of Commerce and Kris Puhvel, Executive Chair of the Orillia and Area Lake Country (OLT), presented to Council how the OLT can promote and support Tourism within the City of Orillia, Rama First Nation and Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn. Kris reported that the OLT promotes local businesses and tourism through targeted social media campaigns and regular updates to social media, printed and electronic visitor guides, and participation programs. As well supports businesses through professional development and brand awareness. Council approved for staff to prepare a report regarding the request for financial support.
Bayshore Village Proposed Township-Led Zoning Bylaw Amendment
Jeff Nolan and Rick Matthews from the Bayshore Village Association presented the association's request to amend the Zoning bylaw to align with the Bayshore Village Association requirements. The amendment would affect those in the Bayshore Community, and the association would bear all costs. Council approved for staff to prepare a report.
Consent Agenda
Ramara Trails Correspondence Regarding Washago Activity
On January 18, 2023, CN released a statement regarding the trail activity in Washago. In 2018, CN decided to discontinue using the rail line in the area and proceed with the decommissioning process. However, in 2022, CN decided to review that decision and currently uses the land and infrastructure for staging and storing purposes.
The Ramara Trails Committee responded to the statement requesting that the area proceeds with the discontinuation/decommissioning process in order to proceed with trail development and provide a safe and accessible trail throughout the year.
Joyland Beach Request for Support
The Joyland Beach Association is developing a Strategic Plan to examine the needs of the Joyland Beach community and support volunteer recruitment and retention and operations. The association is applying to the Ontario Trillium Fund to help financially support the plan's development and requested a support letter from Council to be included in the grant application. The association is also asking for in-kind and financial support to help expand program and event offerings to help support the needs of the Ramara community. Council approved providing a letter of support and for staff to develop a report on ways the township could support privately owned halls and community centres in Ramara.
2022 Ramara Library Monthly Statistics
The Ramara Township Public Library provided its 2022 Statistics for the Brechin and Atherley branches. Please note that the Brechin Branch has been closed since November 25, 2023.
Reports of Committees and Boards
Committee of the Whole Report - Section B - Willison Sideroad Retirement Park Proposal - MZO
Council received comments from the public and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation regarding the support of an MZO for the Willison Sideroad development.
Council approved to support an MZO for the residential development on Willison Sideroad and prepare a letter for the Province. This area is currently outside of a settlement area and the application does not align with the Provincial Policy Statement, the Growth Plan and the County's Official Plan. A Ministers Zoning Order (MZO) would be required to amend the current zoning (Destination Commercial) to allow for mixed residential use on the property without requiring a Destination Commercial component.
The MZO is being used to change land use (Destination Commercial to Residential) to allow for residential with an increase in maximum height (24 m to 34 m ). If the Province approves and grants the MZO, the development will proceed through standard planning and building application processes. This includes an application for Site Plan Approval which will require studies, such as:
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Environmental Impact Study including a Natural Heritage Review
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Servicing Studies and Design
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Stormwater Management
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Functional Servicing
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Traffic and Road
Items Requiring Immediate Attention of Council
2023 Budget
Ramara Council approved its 2023 Budget with a 3.50% increase on the municipal portion of the tax rate, equating to an extra $19.18 per $100,000 assessment value. This year's budget supports the funding needed to maintain current services and service levels, focusing on the reinvestment of core infrastructure and outdoor recreation.
Bills and Bylaws
Site Plan Control Bylaw
Due to the More homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23), Council approved a new Site Plan Control Bylaw that will conform to the new act and no longer requires Site Plan Control for residential development that has less than ten units. Please note that Site Plan Approval is a planning review process that examines a proposed development's design and technical aspects and includes all necessary studies. Site Plan Agreements, which need to be approved by Council, provide the details on how the property will be developed and maintained after construction, including all the required deposits and infrastructure improvements.
Preconsultation Bylaw Update
As a result of the Build Homes for Everyone Act (Bill 109), Council adopted a new Preconsultation Bylaw that encompasses a two-phrase pre-consultation process. The first phase will consist of an initial meeting to identify the required plans, studies, information, and material to be submitted with a complete application. The second phase will include a preliminary review of plans and studies to ensure the application can be deemed complete. Bill 109 now requires municipalities to progressively refund application fees if decisions are not rendered within specific timelines, ensuring applications are complete will allow for fiscally responsible processing.
Reminders
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For More Information
For more details on any of these items, see the full meeting Agenda or view the meeting on the Township of Ramara's YouTube Channel.
The Meeting highlights are prepared to give residents a timely update on decisions of Council. The Council Meeting Minutes are the official record of the meeting.
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