Committee of the Whole - November 13, 2023

Please note that all Committee of the Whole decisions are subject to Council approval. The next Council meeting is scheduled for November , 2023 at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding agenda items or decisions made at Committee or Council meetings, please email jgalvao@ramara.ca.

Parking Control – Ethel Drive and Concession Road A

The Director of Infrastructure provided a report outlining the parking concerns on Ethel Drive and Concession Road A, located east of Highway 12, at the request of Council at the October 27 meeting. Staff outlined the following observable past concerns with parking on the street:

• Parking has been permanent at times, with vehicles and trailers not moving for numerous days.
• Parking has impeded snowplowing and emergency services.

The committee approved amending the parking bylaw to include no parking on both sides of Ethel Drive and Concession Road A from Ramara Road 51 to the east end.

Ontario Northland Open House

Council and staff members attended the Ontario Northland Open House at the Washago Community Centre last Tuesday to learn more about reinstating passenger rail service in the Northeast region – Toronto to Timmins. The open house also allowed the public to learn more about the proposed schedule and amenities on board and vote on the new design. The committee approved for staff to investigate the feasibility of a Northlander stop in Brechin and request a delegation with the Minister of Transportation at the ROMA Conference regarding the proposed Northlander Train through Ramara Township.

Learn more about the Open Houses

Bayshore Village Spray Irrigation Season Update

Each year, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) provides approval for the township to spray irrigate from May 18 to September 28. Due to the excessive lagoon volumes in the spring combined with a very wet summer, the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) has not been able to spray the required effluent; thus, the storage capacity of the lagoons, if not removed before the next spring, will be over capacity. They have received approval to extend spraying to December 15; however, due to temperature fluctuations, the system must be winterized before the Fall freeze. Staff are working with the Ministry to discuss alternative solutions that would enable the township to dispose of the required effluent, which may include the following:

• Temporary Irrigation of New Field
• Temporary Piping to Lagoon City Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Haulage

The Committee approved to receive this report as information and to support the recommended actions to ensure adequate storage is maintained in the Bayshore Village waste stabilization ponds and request a delegation at the ROMA conference.

Request for Delegations

Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) hosts an annual conference in January that allows rural municipal leaders the opportunity to address policy issues, funding concerns and to meet directly with Provincial Ministers on local issues.

The committee approved to request the following delegations:

• Ministry of Transportation regarding an additional train stop for the future passenger rail service with Ontario Northland.
• Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for the future plans of Water and Wastewater in Bayshore.
• Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA).
• Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Community Improvement Plan, Official Plan and Sports Dome.

Marina Del Rey – Unopened Road Allowance at the End of Bayview Ave

The Deputy Clerk provided a staff report regarding a request that the Township of Ramara sells the subject lands to Marina Del Rey in exchange for upgrades to the existing Shorewall and creating a turning T, aligned with municipal or county standards, at the expense of Marina Del Rey. Staff recommended that the Township enters an exclusive Lease Agreement with Marina Del Ray due to the Township's policy and lack of area to construct a turning T. Committee approved for staff to determine the cost to repair the shorewall on both sides of the canal and the fair market value of the property.  

Water and Wastewater current Financial Situation

The Director of Finance provided a report outlining the history and use of the Community Canada Building Fund (CCBF) and the impact the fund has on the water and wastewater budget. Committee approved to receive this report as information. 

Read the Water and Wastewater report

2024 Draft Budget

The Committee approved to receive the 2024 Draft Budget as follows:

• Separate Legal Services fees from Contracted Services in each budget
• The Bayshore Sprayfield 2024 project be reduced from $1M to $350,000, and funded by the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF).
• Provide $2,000 financial support to the Ramara Chamber of Commerce and pay for seven members of Council to attend the dinner at the Ramara Chamber Golf Tournament.
• The Township will pay for goose management on public parks and beaches located in Lagoon City and Atherley.
• Staff proceeds with a staff-led water and wastewater rate study prior to 2024 billing cycle. 

2024 Draft Budget

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.