Council - July 24, 2023

Updates from Mayor and CAO

Mayor Update

Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting and reported that he participated in Canada Day events around Ramara, including the Canada Day parades in Washago along with Deputy Mayor Bell and Councillor Snutch and Tuju, and Bayshore Village, along with Councillor Fisher and Hetherington.

He reported that on July 8, he attended the Lake St. John Association's General Meeting (AGM) with our Director of Infrastructure, who presented to the association. On July 14, he participated in the Rama Community BBQ along with MP Chambers and MPP Dunlop. On July 15, he participated in the Ramara Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show along with Councillor Fisher and Bell and the Director of Fire and Rescue Services.

Lastly, on July 22, he went to the Twisted Stitchers Appreciation Dinner with Deputy Mayor Bell and Councillor Snutch.

Deputy Mayor Bell advised that on July 16, he attended the Good Brothers 50th Anniversary and the Township of Ramara's Administration vs Firefighters Baseball Game. Members of the Council want to remind the community that two events are coming up in August.

On August 13, the Brechin & District Lions Club will host a Free Family Fund Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brechin Ball Park, with all donations going towards the Brechin Public School playground equipment.

Also, on August 18-19, the 'Ride for Dad Poker Run' in support of the Ride of Dad Prostate Cancer research charity will take place out of Lagoon City. Pier One resort will host the evening festivities on the Friday and Saturday. 

CAO Update

CAO Drinkwalter advised that the Strategic Plan Open Houses have wrapped up, and this week the Official Plan Open Houses will take place as follows:

• Tues, July 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Longford Community Centre
• Wed. July 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Udney Community Centre
• Thurs, July 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Township Administration Building

Reminder that the Township Administration Building will be closed on Monday, August 7 and will reopen on Tuesday, August 8 at 9:00 a.m.  

Consent Agenda

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks correspondence - Bayshore Village Sewage Works

Minister Piccini advised in a letter to the Township of Ramara that Ontario is committed to protecting and restoring the Province's water resources, including Lake Simcoe and its watershed and advancing the objectives of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act. Piccini reported that the Lake Simcoe Protection Act restricts new phosphorus loadings and prohibits new municipal sewage treatment plants unless replacing an existing one. As the Bayshore Village Sewage Works is not an existing sewage treatment plant, it is not a viable option and should be removed as an option in the township's Class Environmental Assessment process.   

ROMA Update - Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

Through the CMHC, the Housing Accelerator Fund provides incentive funding to local governments, encouraging initiatives aimed at increasing the housing supply. Council approved to receive as information and for staff to apply for the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). 

Items Requiring the Immediate Attention of Council

Integrity Commissioner Report - Code of Conduct Complaint

The Township of Ramara received a Code of Conduct complaint from the Integrity Commissioner alleging that Councillor Snutch breached the Code of Conduct on three occasions. Investigations took place between February to June of 2023. The Council approved receiving the report and publishing it on the Township's website.

View full Integrity Commissioner Report 

Announcements and inquiries

• Councillor Hetherington noted that Essa has authorized the purchase of traffic cameras.
• Mayor Clarke announced that the Township will be housing a flag raising on Monday, July 31, in recognition of Fierte Simcoe Pride.
• Deputy Mayor Bell congratulated local hockey player Colby Barlow on his recent draft to the Winnipeg Jets. 

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

• A By-law to Establish, Assume and Name part of the south half of Lot 10, Con 3 (Industrial Park Road) as a Public Highway (O'Donnell Court). - View Staff Report
• A By-law to Amend Zoning Bylaw. - Removing Holding Symbol for 5511 Highway 12 - View Staff Report
• A Bylaw to Amend Stop Signs and Provide for Yield Signs. - Add a four-way stop to Winchester and Creighton Street.
• A By-law to Amend Parking Bylaw. - Add 'No Parking' onto Airport Road.
• A By-law to assume Muley Point Road into the Municipal Roads system A By-law to assume Tivnon Lane into the Municipal Roads system.
• A Bylaw to authorize the execution of a license agreement between Timothy David Farry and the Township of Ramara for the improvement, maintenance and use of an unopened road allowance. (Road allowance between Concession Road 5 and Concession Road 6, ingress to 712 County Road 169)
• A Bylaw for Tile Drainage Loan at 1671 Concession Road 10. - View Staff Report 

Reminders

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Need 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.