Council - June 26, 2023

Updates from Mayor and CAO

Mayor Update

Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting and reported that he and other members of the Council attended Cliff Martin's retirement celebration on Saturday, June 24, 2023, which honoured Cliff's 46 years of volunteering for the Udney Community Centre Board. On behalf of Council and Township staff, we want to knowledge and thank Cliff for all his years of service, including his time and commitment to the Ramara community.

Mayor Clarke also advised that Council is in the process of updating Ramara's Strategic Plan with public consultations ending on June 30. He advised that he and other members of Council attended the Wards 1, 2 and 3 public sessions last week, and Wards 4 and 5 will be occurring on Tuesday, June 27 and Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Residents can complete the survey online or in person and find out more information at www.ramara.ca/haveyoursay.

Councillor Tuju announced that she attended the Junior Track meet at Twin Lakes on June 5, encompassing Orillia area schools, including all the schools within Ramara. All the kids did a great job representing their schools and cheering on one another. She also announced that on June 11, she was the Reviewing Officer for the Navy League of Canada Cadets. She witnessed the dedication and skills learned from the Cadets who are aged 9-12. These skills included respect, discipline, military drills, teamwork and protocols for crewing a ship.

Councillor Bell advised that she, Mayor Clarke and CAO Drinkwalter attended the 60th anniversary of Lagoon City event hosted by the Lagoon City Community Association (L.C.C.A). The event featured a historical documentary of the design and creation of Lagoon City, games, snacks and more. Congratulations to the L.C.C.A for hosting an excellent event for residents in Lagoon City and around Ramara to enjoy.

Councillor Hetherington thanked members of the Council, staff and the community who reached out to him over the past week to offer condolences for his sister, who passed. 

CAO Update

CAO Drinkwalter provided the following update:

• Ramara Recreation's summer camps start next week. There are some spaces still available for ages 4-7 and 8-12. Contact the Ramara Recreation department at 705-325-3091 or email recreation@ramara.ca.
• The Grand Opening of Ramara's Cycling route takes place next Thursday, July 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Atherley Trailhead.
• The Ramara Township Public Library's story walk is back. Now until Labour day weekend, the public can read "Treasure" by Mireille Messier and Irene Luxbacher in both English and French. Stories are set up on the Lagoon City Trail and in the windows of the Ramara Centre.
• The Township Administration Building will be closed on Monday, July 3, 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday, July 4 at 9:00 a.m.   

Presentation & Deputations

Concerns Regarding excess water on farm property

The homeowners of 2330 Concession Road 3 presented their concerns to Council on the excess water dumping onto their farm that is not properly draining into the award drains located on and near the property. Council approved for staff to write a report on the history of the drains in the area with possible solutions. 

Items Requiring the Immediate Attention of Council

Brechin Subdivision - 2123 Concession Road 4

MHBC, on behalf of their clients the Lagoon Country Life Management Inc. (Brechin subdivision's owners) requested the Council to formally extend the draft plan approval for the property at 2123 Concession Road 4. The current draft plan lapse date is July 22, 2023, and the requested extended date is July 22, 2025 - an extension of two additional years.

Council approved receiving the request as information and for the Lagoon County Life Management Inc. to come back to Council with more information on timelines, payments to outstanding invoices, etc., to consider the proposed extension. 

County Council Highlights

View the County Council Highlights from June 16, 2023. 

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

• A By-law to Amend Zoning Bylaw specific to Shoreline Residential Exception 6 (SR-6) or Bayshore Village area.
• A By-law to Amend Delegation of Authority Bylaw.
• A By-law to for owners of agricultural land to borrow money for the purpose of construction a drainage work on such agricultural land.  

Other Information

Canada Day Celebrations

There are many Canada Day Celebrations happening around the Township on Canada Day.

• In Lagoon City, they are hosting their annual Canada Day boat parade starting at 1:00 p.m.
• In Bayshore Village, a full day of events begins at 9:00 a.m., including a flag-raising and parade.
• In Washago, a full day of events begins at 8:00 a.m., including a pancake breakfast, a parade and all-day live music.  

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.