Council - April 22, 2024

Remarks by the Mayor

Mayor Clarke opened the meeting and discussed that he attended and spoke at the CTS Career College 2023-2024 graduation at Casino Rama. The Township was honoured to receive the prestigious 2023-2024 Preceptor of the Year Award, highlighting our dedication to excellence in training and support for Business Management professionals within municipal government. 

Councillor Fisher announced that she attended the Ramara Historical Society’s pancake breakfast at Udney Community Centre on Saturday. It was a well-attended event and a huge success.

In support of Earth Day, Councillor Tuju wanted to acknowledge all of the people she has seen cleaning up garbage along the roads, parks and trails in Ramara. She wants to remind the community that through the month of April, community clean-ups can be organized through the Township by registering for the clean-up, picking a garbage pick-up time and location, and picking up a clean-up kit. The public can find the information on the Township's website at www.ramara.ca/earthday. 

Councillor Tuju also wanted to recognize the students participating in the Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival from Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 26, 2024, and their dedication to music education and creativity. Good luck, students!

Councillor Bell recognized Jennifer from the Ramara Chamber of Commerce for organizing the first job fair on April 11 at the Ramara Centre. The event was well attended and successful for job seekers and employers.

Deputy Mayor Bell attended the Ramona Hall Fish Fry hosted by the Ramaona Hall Agricultural Society. It was a well-organized event with delicious food and community. 

Deputy Mayor Bell also attended the 60th wedding anniversary of a local couple in Ramara. Congratulations!

Remarks by the CAO

CAO Drinkwalter reported the following information:

Ramara Road 47 Closure

• Ramara Road 47 will be closed from Concession Road 1 to Concession Road A, with no through access, to reconstruct Ramara Road 47. 
• The closure will be a long term full road closure with a detour setup it will start at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, and last until mid-July 2024. 
• Roadway users in the area will use the detour along Concession Road A and Concession Road 1.
• Sign up for Alertable to always stay aware and plan ahead.

Ward 4 By-Election Reminder

• The Ramara Ward 4 By-Election is scheduled for May 13, 2024.
• Contact Election staff to confirm your name is included in the 2024 Voters’ List, EVEN IF you voted in the last election.
• Voting online and by phone is available from May 6 at 9:30 to May 13 at 8 p.m. By paper voting is available from May 6 to May 10 and on voting day, May 13. 
• Visit our elections page at www.ramara.ca/election to learn the specific polling dates, times and locations and candidates.

Water and Wastewater Open House

• The Township has tentatively scheduled the Open House for Thursday, June 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. but is still awaiting confirmation on location.

Closed Session

Congratulations to Jasmin Patel who is appointed to the Ramara Trails Committee, Ramara Brechin & Beyond Committee and Ramara Youth Council for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term.

Reports of Committees and Boards

Thank you Patricia Horne and Larry Cole for your dedicated time and commitment to the Atherley Community Centre Board. Your roles are integral to the operation and maintenance of the Atherley Community Centre Park, also known as Lovely Day Park.

Are you looking to volunteer in your community? The Township is always looking for volunteers to assist on boards, committees, or in the recreation department. View opportunities online at www.ramara.ca/employment.

Items Requiring Immediate Attention of Council

Rama First Nation – Mnjikaning Fish Weirs Signage Project

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation CAO, Evelyn Ball, submitted a request for Rama’s sponsored artist, Travis Shilling, to install a piece at the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs located off the Ramara Trail in Atherley. This project would be at no cost to Ramara Township and would be an excellent collaboration between the two communities. Council approved to support the project.

County Council Update

The highlights from the April 9, 2024 County Council meeting are now available.

View highlights

Announcement and Inquiries – Members of Council

Mayor Clarke announced that MP Adam Chambers and MPP Jill Dunlop are hosting the Annual all-day Seniors Day event at the Best Western Mariposa in Orillia on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Councillor Fisher reported that the Master Gardener Series, in partnership with the Ramara Township Public Library and Rooted in Ramara, has organized three events with horticultural experts to provide in-depth sustainable gardening information to the public. Each event will take place at the Udney Community Centre, and information can be found on the library’s event registration page.

Councillor Fisher also announced that the Brechin Legion is hosting its ‘Share Your Wares’ event on May 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a free event where people can give away items they no longer need and take something that they can use. Learn more about the event on our community calendar.

Councillor Bell had an inquiry regarding the Community Benefit Charge when the report returned so the Council could learn more about it. At the July 10, 2023 meeting, Staff provided a report to Council on information related to the Community Benefits Charge and requested Staff to prepare a strategy and present a by-law for the maximum 4%. At the Monday, July 24 meeting, the Council approved deferring the decision until the Township has applicable development.

Councillor Tuju reported that she participated in the annual S.T.A.R.T. (Saving Turtles At Risk Today) re-certification that allows her to handle turtles in need of help, excavate eggs for incubation & release after hatch, or simply for documentation purposes, all under the appropriate permits and training with the M.N.R.F. At this time of year, turtles want to migrate from their hibernation sites to their feeding and breeding grounds. Councillor Tuju has left some educational literature at the Township Administration building at 2297 Highway 12, Brechin, for residents to access.

Councillor Tuju requested an open house information session for residents to share their concerns and questions regarding the Rama Road Corridor Area 1 servicing. 

Notices of Motion

Councillor Bell introduced a Notice of Motion that will be on the May 27 Council meeting agenda.

Councillor Snutch introduced a Notice of Motion that will be on the May 27 Council meeting agenda.

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

• A Bylaw to enter into a Temporary Access Agreement with the owner of 1552 Concession Road 9
• A Bylaw to enter into a Temporary Access Agreement with the owner of 1531 Concession Road 9
• A Bylaw to enter into a Temporary Access Agreement with the owner of 1471 Concession Road 9
• Bylaw to Amend Parking Bylaw 2003.522 to regulate the vehicle parking in Ramara Township
• Bylaw to provide for the levy and payment of taxes and the mosquito control service rate, goose control rate and adoption of tax rates for 2024.