Council – September 23, 2024

Remarks by the Mayor

Mayor Clarke opened the meeting and mentioned that he, Deputy Mayor Bell, Councillor Bell and Councillor Tuju attended the Ramona Fall Fair on September 14. The fair was a success and featured various activities such as the sold-out Horseshoe Tournament, guest speakers, games, food, a silent auction, and more.

On Monday, September 23, members of the Township of Ramara Council met the new Chippewas of Rama Council to introduce themselves and offer congratulations.

Councillor Fisher participated in the first Combat Cooking program, where they learned to prepare affordable, delicious meals for one to two people using produce from the Rooted in Ramara community garden. This program is a partnership with the Rooted in Ramara Committee, Ramara Township Public Library, and Brechin Mara Legion.

Councillor Bell attended the Lagoon City Terry Fox run on Sunday, September 15, which started at the Lagoon City Community Centre. This annual event, which began in 1987, has raised $614,000 for cancer research to date.

Councillor Tuju, Deputy Mayor Bell, and Councillor Fisher attended the flag-raising ceremony at the Township Administering Building on September 12 to recognize and proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Councillor Tuju also reported that Simcoe North M.P. Adam Chambers, M.P.P. Jill Dunlop, members of Council, the Atherley Community Centre Board, and the local community attended the grand opening of the multi-use sports court at the Atherley Community Centre Park (Lovely Day Park) on Friday, August 30. The construction of the multi-use sports court was funded by the federal and provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Community, Culture, and Recreation Stream.

Remarks by the CAO

CAO Robin Dunn provided the following administration update.

1. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is next Monday, September 30, 2024.  The Township Administration Building will be open and the Township is in the process of finalizing details on how it will recognize this day. Further information will be provided to the public.
2. Ramara Fire & Rescue Services is currently accepting applications for the fall 2024 recruitment. Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2024. Those interested in working as a volunteer firefighter can learn more about the department, including time commitment and benefits, the application process, and how to access the online application form, by visiting www.ramara.ca/VFF.
3. Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6 to 12 and this year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Ramara Fire and Rescue Services will host their annual Open Fire House on October 9 from 6-8 p.m. at all three halls. More information related to the event will be communicated over the next couple of weeks.
4. The Thanksgiving long weekend is fast approaching. The public is reminded that the Township Administration Building and facilities will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 15 2024, at 9 a.m.

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Udney Community Centre – Pickleball opportunities

Anne Marie presented a proposal to the Council about the possibility of adding multiple pickleball courts at the Udney Community Centre in the fenced baseball field area. The Council accepted the proposal as information and will communicate with the Udney Community Centre board to gather their thoughts and feedback on the suggestion.

Township of Ramara Integrity Commissioner Investigation 

Tony Flemming has provided the final report regarding a Code of Conduct Complaint received on December 13, 2024, which alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by Councillor Sherri Bell. The report includes details about the investigation timeline, an overview of the complaint, the investigation process, factual findings, code of conduct findings, and recommendations. After the investigation, it was found that there was no breach of the Code of Conduct, and the complaint was dismissed. It was recommended that no further steps be taken with respect to the investigation.

View full report

Consent Agenda

Township of Ramara ARA Licence Submission Letter

The Township is submitting a letter to the LCP Quarry Limited and the Integrated Aggregate Operations Section under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to outline their concerns with the approval of the licence as well as six conditions and/or notes to be added to the site plan approval process outlined under the Aggregate Resources Act. 

View Submission

Items Requiring Immediate Attention of Council

Environmental Registry of Ontario Proposal (ERO Number 019-8945) Aggregate Resources Act – LCP Quarry Limited (1506 & 1646 Highway 12 and 2440 & 2530 Concession Road 1, Brechin)

During the September 11, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting, township staff presented a report about the proposed license for LCP Quarry Limited under the Aggregate Resources Act, which had been received from the Environmental Registry Office. Following the direction given at the September 11 meeting, staff, with assistance from the Township’s solicitor, prepared a coordinated response addressing the comments received from the Council and providing guidance for commenting as outlined in the Draft Official Plan.

View September 11 Staff Report

View Draft Response

County Council Update

The highlights from the September 10 County Council meetings are now available.

View September 10 County Highlights

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

• A Bylaw to Change the names of various highways
• An Amendment to the Building Fees Bylaw 2023.22
• An Amendment to the Planning Fees Bylaw 2022.64
• A Bylaw to Authorize a Consent Agreement (Elder)

Reminders

Subscribe

Subscribe to get email updates on our News and Notices, Media Releases, Council Highlights, Monthly Ramara Bulletin, Community Events and more.

Subscribe now 

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.