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Committee of the Whole – February 10, 2025
Please note that all Committee of the Whole decisions are subject to Council approval. The next Council meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions regarding agenda items or decisions made at Committee or Council meetings, please email Madison Detta at mdetta@ramara.ca.
Year End Report – 2024 Priorities
The Strategic Priorities, adopted by the Council at the February 26, 2024, meeting, were developed through a collaborative process involving Directors, the Council, and public input. They established a clear roadmap for the objectives to be accomplished by the end of the year.
Staff presented the status of each priority as either completed, ongoing, or good progress, with completion anticipated for 2025 and those initiatives deferred until 2025. There are 21 total priorities, with six completed. Six priorities that are considered ongoing are highlighted each year, seven priorities are listed as good progress with completion planned for early 2025, and two priorities are moved to 2025 to be completed. The Committee approved receiving the Year-End review as information.
2025 Strategic Priorities
Staff presented the proposed 2025 Strategic Priorities, which are outlined in the 2023-2026 Work Plan. These priorities were developed through collaborative discussions with Department Directors and provide a clear framework for the objectives we aim to achieve this year. It is important to note that several initiatives originally scheduled for 2024 have been carried over into 2025 to ensure their successful completion. Additionally, two new initiatives have been introduced for 2025 to reflect the evolving needs of the community and the organization. This approach not only fosters continuity in project progression but also ensures that the Council remains responsive to the changes affecting both the organization and the community. The Committee approved to defer the report until the next meeting, allowing Council members to submit their comments and suggestions.
Enbridge Gas Franchise Agreement Renewal
On March 7, 2005, the Township signed a 20-year franchise agreement with Union Gas that is currently coming up for renewal. The agreement, which is required under Provincial legislation, requires a municipality to have an agreement with a provider to enable the supply of Natural Gas within the municipality. With the renewal agreement, the municipality will enter into a new agreement with Enbridge Gas as a result of the two companies merging in 2019. The Committee approved the draft bylaw and franchise agreement and authorizes the submission to the Ontario Energy Board for approval pursuant to the provisions of Section 0 of the Municipal Franchises Act. As well, the Committee requests that the Ontario Energy Board make an Order declaring and directing that the assent of the municipal electors to the attached draft by-law and franchise agreement pertaining to the Corporation of the Township of Ramara is not necessary pursuant to the provisions of Section 9(4) of the Municipal Franchises Act.
The Municipal Insurance Pool Implementation with Simcoe County Municipalities
At the December 9, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting, staff provided a report to Council outlining the feasibility and benefits of establishing a Municipal Insurance Pool with the primary goals of having more control and cost savings. At the January 6, 2025, Council meeting, members of Council received a presentation from Axxima about the Simcoe County Municipalities Insurance Pool in order to ask more questions regarding the pooled insurance, potential savings, and corresponding timelines. The Committee approved for the Township of Ramara to become a founding Simcoe Municipal Insurance Pool subscriber, that the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be authorized to represent the Township of Ramara on the Municipal Insurance Advisory Board and that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the Subscription Form in the Municipalities in the County of Simcoe Subscribers’ Agreement.
Zoning By-law Amendment File Z-6-24
The Township of Ramara received an application, File Z-6/24, which pertains to amending the current zoning for the property located at 4195 McRae Park Road. The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment proposes changing the current zoning of “Rural” on a section of the property to “Shoreline Residential”, an area where three lots are proposed to be created by consent. The application also seeks to amend the current zoning of “Rural” to “Natural Area Protection” based on the recommendations of a supporting Environmental Impact Study. On December 9, 2024, Council held a public meeting to receive comments regarding the application. At that meeting, Council approved to defer the decision regarding the application until all outstanding LSRCA technical review comments were received and addressed. As outlined in the February 10 report, staff confirmed that the applicant had addressed all outstanding comments in support of the Zoning By-law Amendment. The Committee approved the application and directed staff to forward the draft Zoning By-law to a future Council meeting for consideration.
2025 Resident Parking Permit Program
The Manager of Community Standards outlined the 2025 Parking Program, including restrictions and information related to the Resident Parking permit and the paid parking programs.
Similar to 2024, the 2025 Resident Parking Permit System will be available to each property owner. They are eligible for two (2) free parking permits and a third at a cost of $25.00, plus HST. When applying online, a convenience fee will apply. A Special Occasion Permit can also be obtained through the Township website for social gatherings, weddings, parties, reunions, and family events.
The Committee approved the 2025 Resident Parking Program as outlined in the report with the following locations:
- On all municipal roadways within the boundaries of the settlement area know as Lagoon City.
- In the Municipal Parking Lot know as Lagoon City Public Beach & Park and Mailbox Parking lot.
- In the Municipal Parking Lot know as Bluebird boat launch and park.
- In the Municipal Parking lot know as The Steps.
- Along Courtland Street from Balsam Road to Lake Simcoe.
- Along Whitney Road from Courtland Street to Byers Lane.
- Along Anderson Avenue from Courtland Street to dead end.
- Along Lakeshore Drive from Simcoe Road to Concession Road A.
- Along Glenrest Drive, John Street, Peter Street, Bonnie Beach Road, Edgehill Road, Tuppy Drive, Harrys Lane, Leo Crescent, Sideroad 25 (Bonnie Beach to Muley Point Road).
The Committee also approved the paid parking program (Honk) in the following areas at $5.00 per hour:
- Lagoon City Public Beach and Park lot.
- Along Courtland Street from Mara Provincial Park entrance to Whitney Road.
- At the Bluebird Municipal Boat Launch/Park Parking Lots.
- At the Laguna Parkway – Trailhead Parking. Outdoor Special Event Bylaw
Outdoor Special Event Bylaw
As a follow-up from the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 6, 2025, staff presented a draft Outdoor Special Event Bylaw. This bylaw outlines the requirements for hosting an Outdoor Special Event within the Township and includes a permit process for authorizing such events. The Committee approved to postpone the draft bylaw until a future meeting for staff to have the opportunity to address exemptions to waive fees for service clubs and non-profit organizations, along with other relevant municipal policies and bylaws.
Animal Control Pound Service Agreement – Rama First Naton
Staff presented a report detailing the formal agreement between the Township of Ramara and Rama First Nation for animal control and pound services. This agreement is set to expire in 2025. Staff have reviewed the operational and staffing costs associated with on-call hours, animal care, and pound maintenance.
Given the increasing costs due to rising demand, the Township has proposed an updated agreement. Under this new agreement, the first eighty-five (85) hours of services provided during the term will cost $5,000 in Year One, with an additional 2% increase each subsequent year until 2027. If the staff exceed these eighty-five hours, any additional hours will be invoiced quarterly on a cost-recovery basis. Furthermore, Rama First Nation will be responsible for covering all fees related to unclaimed animals, including veterinarian expenses. The Committee approved the Township’s agreement with Rama First Nation to provide Animal Control and Pound Services for a three-year period, from 2025 to 2027.
Bylaw Enforcement Year End Report
The Bylaw Enforcement Department provide a comprehensive Year End report detailing activities from January 1 to December 31, 2024. The report indicated that the department responded to 559 complaints, with Short-Term Rental Concerns, Canine Control and Long Grass calls being the top three calls received. Additionally, 118 Administrative Monetary Penalties were issued totaling $138,600 in fines. The paid parking program received a total of 1,209 transactions with the top locations at Lagoon City Public Beach parking lot, Bluebird Boat Launch parking lot and the Courtland Street on-street parking location. As in previous years, four seasonal staff members were hired from early May until after Labour Day to help manage the increased volume of calls during the summer months.
Reminder! Complaints should be submitted directly to the Bylaw Enforcement Department. This can be done online using the 24/7 Report a Concern form, in person during business hours, or by phone at 705-484-5374 during business hours.
Automated Speed Enforcement Update
Staff provided a comprehensive report on the work completed today on the implementation of automated speed enforcement cameras. At this time, the Township of Ramara is awaiting final approval of the program by the Ministry of Transportation. Once that approval is received, the Speed Enforcement Notice signs and communication plan will be executed with the proposed operational date of spring of 2025.
Rural Road Safety Initiative
Please be advised that this report was deferred to a future Committee of the Whole meeting as a result of the commencement of the Provincial Elections scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Infrastructure Project Carryover into 2025
Staff outlined two infrastructure projects that will require to be completed in 2025 rather than 2024. The first project is the municipal drain clean of Drain#1 from Sideroad 15 to Concession Road 10. The work was anticipated to be completed in 2024; however, with contractor delays, the project is anticipated to be completed by February 15, 2025.
The second project is the Township’s Engineering Design guidelines. In 2024, staff worked with the engineering consultant to review the guidelines and update them to be in align with neighbouring municipalities and best practices. The draft guideline will be circulated to governing agencies for their comments and feedback, including the County of Simcoe, neighbouring municipalities, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and various ministries. The completed design document is anticipated to be completed in mid-2025. The Committee approved for the carryover of the two infrastructure projects from 2024 to 2025.
Community Safety Zones for Automated Speed Enforcement
Staff provide a comprehensive report regarding the township’s existing Community Safety Zones “CSZ” and how those areas can meet the statutory requirements to be enforceable under the Highway Traffic Act "(HTA)” prior to the implementation of the Automatic Speed Enforcement program.
What is a Community Safety Zone
A Community Safety Zone is a designated area along roadways where public safety is a primary concern. These zones often include locations such as schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, parks, hospitals, and senior citizen residences, as well as areas within a community that have a history of collisions. Traffic-related offenses committed within these zones incur increased fines.
The report provides staff recommendations for each Community Safety Zone location to fulfill statutory requirements, including adjustments to the boundaries within the Atherley area. The Committee has approved the changes to the signage and the Community Safety Zones as outlined in the report, and a complementary bylaw will be updated to reflect these suggested changes.
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