2024 Council Highlights - January 29

Council - January 29, 2024

Remarks by the Mayor

Mayor Clarke opened the meeting and greeted everyone and wished them a Happy New Year. He shared details of the various events, meetings, and conferences he attended throughout January.

On January 26, he attended Donald McNabb's 80th birthday celebration.
On January 2, 2024, the Township of Ramara and Chippewas of Rama First Nation Road Transfer Ceremony took place. View Media Release for more information.
On January 17, he attended a meeting with the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Culture Policy, which is conducting a regional review to discuss the importance of the upper-tier government, especially here in Simcoe County. The Committee will schedule a meeting in Simcoe County for all local councils to put their concerns forward in front of the Committee.
On January 20-22, members of the Council and staff attended the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association Conference to discuss important issues and topics affecting many rural municipalities. The Township of Ramara had five delegations:

- Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will discuss the EA timelines, financial impacts, and concerns of the Bayshore Water and Wastewater system.
- Ministry of Infrastructure to discuss the new funding sources available to help create and expand infrastructure within Ramara.
- Ministry of Transportation regarding the Brechin Community Improvement Plan and an additional train stop for the future passenger rail service with Ontario Northland.
- Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the Province regulating Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA) and the impact of these short-term rentals on rural communities.
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport regarding creating a community hub in Brechin, Community Improvement Plan and building a sports dome.
Councillor Fisher reported that on February 3, the Brechin Mara Legion is hosting the Infamous McIssac Indoor Golf Tournament, with registration starting at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are available at the Legion or on the day of the tournament. Learn more on the Brechin Mara Legion’s webpage.
Councillor Fisher reported that she attended the Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon on January 5, 2024, to speak about food insecurity and the initiatives of the Rooted in Ramara Committee, including lessons on sprouting and gardening.
Councillor Bell reported that the Ladies Auxiliary of Brechin Mara Legion now has 51 members.

Remarks by the CAO

CAO Drinkwalter provided the following remarks:

CAO Drinkwalter expressed gratitude to all council members and staff for their hard work in preparing documents and communications for the ROMA conference.
Please note that the Township Administration Building and facilities will remain closed on February 19 for the Family Day weekend and will reopen on February 20 at 9 a.m.
The Township has many full-time, seasonal and summer student job postings available so visit our website at www.ramara.ca/employment.
We also want to remind residents that overnight parking restrictions are in place between November 15 to April 15 from midnight to 7 a.m. on all municipal roadways.
Lastly, we want to remind residents that all 2023 Ramara Parking Passes are valid and can be used for on-street parking (daytime) and municipal lot locations.

Public Meeting

The meeting was held regarding a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 3163 Monck Road to sever a surplus farm dwelling and combine the retained farmland into their current farm holdings. As a condition of consent, in accordance with Provincial Policy, the applicant must successfully obtain a Zoning By-law Amendment to restrict residential development on the retained lands. Council approved that subject to any new information and/or public comments received and directed staff to return the amendment to the next regular Council meeting for consideration.

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Daniel McMillan provided a deputation regarding a request for a refund for the Technical Consent File B-11/23. Council approved the request for a refund on the application.

Consent Agenda

Trails Committee Resignation – Member Joan Mizzi-Fry

Thank you Joan for all your dedication and participation as the chair on the Trails Committee.

The Trails Committee is looking to fill three vacancies on the Committee. Apply today!

By-Election Timeline

The Township of Ramara has scheduled a by-election on May 13, 2024, to fill the Ward 4 vacancy declared in the December 11, 2023 Council meeting. Nominations will open on February 5. Some of the key dates are as follows:

The By-Election will be held on May 13, 2024.
Nominations open as of February 5, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Nominations close on April 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
The deadline to withdraw a nomination is April 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Learn more about the upcoming By-Election on our Elections page at www.ramara.ca/election.

The Township of Ramara is encouraging residents to visit the Register to Vote site to ensure they have been included in the Preliminary List of Electors and all their information is correct. Through this site, eligible voters can confirm, update, and add their information to vote in Ontario's provincial, municipal, or school board elections.

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

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.