Council Meeting - September 22, 2025

Announcements

• Mayor Clarke:
  • Mayor Clarke began the meeting by reciting the Land Acknowledgement. He noted that September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools, honour survivors, and remember the children who never returned home. Prior to the meeting, members of Council and staff raised the Every Child Matters flag. The Mayor encouraged residents to wear orange on September 30 as a visible act of support and remembrance.
  • Mayor Clarke recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. On September 17, the Township raised a flag in honour of young lives taken too soon, the courage of survivors, and the families still fighting. He acknowledged the dedication of organizations such as Candlelighters Simcoe and parents of children with cancer, who work tirelessly to provide care and comfort for families in need.
  • Mayor Clarke announced the recipients of this year’s Ramara Awards. The Ramara Awards ceremony will take place on November 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ramara Centre, with light refreshments and a cake cutting to follow. Residents are invited to attend and celebrate the contributions of these remarkable community members:
  • Spirit of Ramara – Annalynn Faulkner, for her work improving local trails and waterways.
  • Spirit of Ramara – Paul Gruntson, for his leadership on community projects and commitment to improving safety and infrastructure.
  • Hall of Fame – Jane Lee, honoured for more than 60 years of volunteer service, including her work with the Legion and food programs supporting families.
  • Mayor Clarke encouraged residents to take part in the County of Simcoe’s Emergency Preparedness Survey, available at simcoe.ca/BePrepared until October 31, 2025. The survey covers topics such as household emergency plans, preparedness kits, and how residents prefer to receive information during a crisis. Feedback will help guide future planning and ensure the County and the Township adapts to changing needs.
  • Mayor Clarke highlighted several recent community events:
    • The Ramara Fall Harvest Festival on September 6, which was well attended, including appearances by MP Adam Chambers and MPP Jill Dunlop, along with members of Council.
    • The Lake St. John Cottage and Homeowners Association Corn Roast, also held on September 6, which included family games, a potato sack race, and time for children to enjoy the new playground at Bluebird Park.
    • The Ramona Fall Fair on September 13, which had a strong turnout of vendors and visitors, as well as spirited horseshoe competitions.
  • Mayor Clarke extended congratulations to and Ike and Elizabeth Meyers, who celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary, and to Alfred and Raymonde Stong, who celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary on August 21. 
• Councillor Tuju
  • Councillor Tuju congratulated the Atherley Community Centre Board on organizing and hosting Ramara’s first-ever Fall Harvest Festival and highlighted the hard work of board member Pat Clements. The event featured more than 30 farmers and vendors, family activities, and strong community support, including participation from the Rama Community Farm, local service groups, and Township staff. She noted the festival was well attended by residents, MP Adam Chambers, MPP Jill Dunlop, and media, and confirmed it will become an annual tradition in Ramara.
• Councillor Fisher
  • Councillor Fisher attended the Sylvan Glen Beach Association AGM, which included a rib cookoff and dance, and noted Councillor Gough also brought greetings earlier in the day at the event.
  • Councillor Fisher noted that she toured the Food Bank as part of her role on Rooted in Ramara and advised that there are some new exciting partnership opportunities that she can't wait to share when confirmed. 
  • Councillor Fisher highlighted the Legion auction. While the final count was not in, the event raised more than $5,000 through donated items from residents and local businesses
  • Councillor Fisher attend the Miller’s Quarry Community Barbecue, which was well attended, including several members of Council. 
  • Councillor Fisher also participated in a meeting regarding the City of Orillia’s declaration of a food insecurity emergency. She shared that Ramara’s efforts were recognized and that new partnership opportunities are being explored.
  • Councillor Fisher noted attending a charity baseball tournament hosted by Washago Breakover Angle Off-Road Park, where four Jeep clubs competed to raise funds for SickKids Hospital. She explained that the event will alternate its fundraising focus each year between children’s health and mental health and suicide awareness initiatives.
• Deputy Mayor Bell:
  • Deputy Mayor Bell attended the Joyland Beach Community BBQ/Ribfest.
  • Deputy Mayor Bell also attended the Ramona Fair, noting the success of the Friday night horseshoe tournament and suggesting cornhole may be added to Saturday’s lineup in future years.
  • Deputy Mayor Bell highlighted a celebration of life that took place in Lagoon City, which was attended by nearly 200 people and well supported by the Legion.
  • Deputy Mayor Bell also noted the celebration of Bud Wright’s 80^th birthday, which was well attended.
• Councillor Gough:
  • Councillor Gough commended the Atherley Community Centre Board for their efforts in hosting the inaugural Fall Harvest Festival and highlighted the Fire Department’s strong engagement with children at the event.
  • Councillor Gough attended the Sylvan Glen Beach Association AGM and noted he enjoyed the opportunity to connect with residents.
  • Councillor Gough participated in the Legion auction, describing it as a successful fundraiser and noting that he purchased a piece of artwork.
  • Councillor Gough joined the Johnston Farm Store grand opening, which had a strong turnout and included the attendance of MPP Jill Dunlop.
  • Councillor Gough encouraged the community to attend the upcoming Udney Fest event on October 4, from 2 to 9 p.m. The event will feature live local music and contribute $5 from each admission ticket to support the Food Bank.

• Councillor Bell:
  

  • Councillor Bell attended both the Ramara Harvest Festival and the Ramona Fall Fair and noted they were great community events.

  • Councillor Bell visited Severn Bridge to join neighbouring Mayor Lorenz and Mayor Burkett at their fall fair.

  • Councillor Bell attended the Beaverton Fall Fair alongside Mayor Mike Jubb.

  • Councillor Bell highlighted the success of the Lagoon City Terry Fox Run, which included a fundraising car wash on August 30 through the Ramara Fire Department that raised $1,323. On run day, September 14, four generations of the Weeks family participated in memory of the late Ken Weeks, helping raise nearly $13,000 overall with one of the largest turnouts in recent years.

  • Councillor Bell attended by the Legion auction.

  • Councillor Bell joined the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, which welcomed around 60 participants and provided a great opportunity for local businesses and residents to connect.

  • Councillor Bell attended the Orillia CDC’s Lunch and Learn, which focused on strategies for businesses to stand out and succeed, and noted that the CDC also supports businesses in Ramara.

  • Councillor Bell participated in a Ramara Historical Society event featuring the Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club, and noted the club’s long history of community involvement dating back to 1947.

  • Councillor Bell attended the Helping Hands Grand Parade, which raised 92% of its $25,000 goal to support independence and dignity for seniors, and encouraged residents to contribute to help close the gap.

  • Councillor Bell introduced a new initiative with the Patient Family Caregiver Network through the Couchiching Ontario Health Team, which will focus on a new project called the Waiting Room Resolution to support residents facing palliative care challenges.

Deputation(s)

Council received a deputation from Tim Lett requesting that an Interim Control By-law be enacted to pause new gravel pit and quarry approvals and directed staff to report back on the feasibility of the request.

View the Deputation Presentation

Open Public Forum

• Anna Bourgeois appeared before Council regarding the deputation from Tim Lett on the proposal to enact an Interim Control By-law.

• Anna Bourgeois also addressed Council regarding a petition opposing the LCP Brechin Quarry application and quarry monopoly.

• Morah Fenning appeared before Council regarding the Canine Control By-law.

Committee of the Whole

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, September 22, 2025. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on October 6, 2025, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session Reports

Committee of the Whole supported receiving a report regarding Physician Recruitment and adopting the confidential direction provided to staff. The report was referred to the September 22, 2025, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council Referrals 

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025

• Council received the report regarding Physician Recruitment and adopted the confidential direction provided to staff.

• Council supported the engagement and communications plan on a recorded vote (6-1) for 2287 and 2291 Highway 12 (St. Andrews Hall and the former Standard Bank).

• Council received the report regarding Community Natural Gas Expansion, endorsed access to natural gas as an option to support housing, employment lands and economic development, directed staff to submit comments to ERO 0250923, and directed that the resolution be forwarded to relevant parties.
• Council received the report regarding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognized September 30 as a statutory holiday, directed that Township of Ramara facilities and services be closed on that day, and confirmed the holiday will be observed on the preceding Friday if it falls on a Saturday or the following Monday if it falls on a Sunday.

• Council received a report under Consent Agenda A and authorized negotiations for the sale of a 1.0 m portion of the road allowance at 8168 Laidlaw Avenue.

• Council received Items 14.1.2., and 14.1.5. to 14.1.29 inclusive from Consent Agenda C and received and supported Items 14.1.1, 14.1.3 and 14.1.4.

• Council received the Integrity Commissioner’s Final Report dated September 16, 2025, regarding a Code of Conduct complaint concerning Councillor Sherri Bell. Council approved allocating up to $50,000 from the Mayor and Council Budget, specifically the Integrity Commissioner’s account, to cover expenses associated with litigation costs for the Integrity Commissioner’s application to the Superior Court of Justice, as outlined in the report.

• Council received the deputation from Tim Lett regarding a proposed Interim Control By-law and directed staff to report back on the feasibility of enacting an Interim Control By-law for aggregates.

Notice of Motion

• Deputy Mayor Bell gave notice of his intent to introduce a motion at the October 6, 2025, Council meeting to reconsider Resolution Number CR.181.25 from June 23, 2025. The original resolution directed staff to examine the feasibility, options, and opportunities for a Sports Dome in the Township, including potential public-private partnerships and corporate sponsorships.

Bills and Bylaws

Council approved the following bylaws on September 22, 2025:

• A By-law to authorize an alternative voting method for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election – Internet/Telephone/Paper Ballot with Tabulator.

• A By-law to authorize a Cost Contribution Agreement for the Concession Road B–C Haul Route with 1300488 Ontario Limited (Ramara Landscaping Quarry).

• A By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meeting held on September 22, 2025.

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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. Once adopted, the Council meeting minutes can be found on the Township of Ramara's Meeting Portal.