Council Meeting - August 25, 2025

Announcements

• Mayor Clarke:

  • Mayor Clarke was joined by Councillors Gough, Fisher, and Tuju, along with staff and members of Fierté Simcoe Pride, on August 11, 2025 to raise the Intersex Progress Pride Flag and proclaim August 4–15, 2025, as Fierté Simcoe Pride in Ramara. This year marks the 14^th annual Pride season for Fierté Simcoe Pride. Learn more about Fierté Simcoe Pride.

  • Mayor Clarke reminded residents that the Fall Recreation Guide is now available online at ramara.ca/recreation and registration is underway. He also extended his thanks to the Ramara recreation team and summer camp counsellors for their hard work, making camps such a positive experience for local children.

  • Mayor Clarke reminded residents that the Township is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the community and is working with the Good Doctors Clinic and the Couchiching Ontario and Family Health Teams to provide services to residents. Several options available for residents without a primary care physician, including:

    • The Good Doctors Medical Clinic Ramara, which provides telemedicine services with onsite nursing support at the Mara Medical Centre.

    • The Couchiching Ontario Health Team Unattached Clinic in Orillia.

    • The Central Region Virtual Urgent Care Clinic.

    • Health811, available by phone or online.

    Mayor Clarke also encouraged residents without a primary care provider to register for the Couchiching Family Physician & Nurse Practitioner Waitlist, a local initiative designed to match unattached patients with care providers in the region. 

    Learn more about Health Care Options 

  • Mayor Clarke noted that he attended the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow on August 23 for the grand opening. He was joined by Councillors Fischer and Tuju, with Councillor Tuju participating in the opening procession while other members joined from the Council seating area. The Mayor highlighted the significance of the event as a celebration of culture and community, and thanked the Chippewas of Rama First Nation for their warm welcome.

  • Mayor Clarke noted he attended the Severn Art Show and Auction later that same day, along with Deputy Mayor Bell, Councillor Snutch, and other Council members. He noted the event was well received, showcasing the talent of local artists and offering residents the opportunity to purchase unique pieces of art at exceptional value. The Mayor encouraged residents to visit the Severn art gallery to view the artwork that remains on display from the auction, noting that unsold pieces are available for purchase. He emphasized the importance of supporting local artists and described the event as an excellent way to bring culture and community together.

• Councillor Tuju

  • Councillor Tuju reported attending the inaugural meeting of the Township’s Climate Action Committee on July 31. She noted it was an honour to sit with an outstanding group of experts and expressed enthusiasm for the important work ahead, especially in light of this year’s extreme weather events.

  • Councillor Tuju also congratulated the Chippewas of Rama First Nation on hosting their 40^th annual Powwow, highlighting it as an incredible event to attend and a meaningful celebration of culture and community.

  • On August 24, Councillor Tuju attended the 80^th birthday celebration for Ms.  Eileen Cronk, a well-known and award-winning community volunteer. She noted the hall was filled with family, friends, and neighbours who came together to honour Ms. Cronk's many contributions. Councillor Tuju extended her best wishes and warm congratulations to Ms. Cronk on this milestone occasion.

• Councillor Fisher

  • Councillor Fisher reported attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference along with other members of Council and the CAO. She noted that the conference provided valuable opportunities to participate in delegations, network with other municipalities, and learn about best practices, challenges, and new technologies that could benefit Ramara in the future.

  • Councillor Fisher participated in the Silver Glen Golf Tournament, which was a well-attended and enjoyable event. She noted that the day also included a visit to the local beach association, where participants shared homemade pizza from a stone oven and enjoyed time together as a community.

  • Councillor Fisher attended the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow, recognizing it as a significant cultural celebration.

• Deputy Mayor Bell:

  • Deputy Mayor Bell attended the Lagoon City Marina ribbon cutting on August 19 to mark its return to private management and recent investments. He noted that the company has undertaken significant improvements at the marina and commended the work that has been done to enhance the facility.

  • Deputy Mayor Bell also attended the Centurions Motorcycle Club Bike Rally, which successfully raised funds in support of SickKids Hospital. He highlighted the strong community turnout for the event and recognized the importance of supporting such a meaningful cause.

• Councillor Bell:
  

  • Councillor Bell attended the Ramara Historical Society’s Yesteryears celebration on July 26. She remarked that many members of Council were present throughout the day and highlighted the importance of the event in bringing the community together to celebrate local history.

  • Councillor Bell also attended the Performance Boat Club event at Lagoon City Marina on the same day, where funds were raised in support of Veterans.

  • Councillor Bell expressed regret that she was unable to attend the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow this year due to family obligations, but extended her support and appreciation for the event.

  • Councillor Bell reminded residents of two upcoming events in support of the Lagoon City Terry Fox Run, which is approaching its 40^th anniversary:

    • A fundraising car wash on Saturday, August 30, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    • The Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 14, beginning at the Lagoon City Community Centre (registration at 9 a.m. and start at 10 a.m.), followed by a community meal. Councillor Bell encouraged residents from across Ramara to participate in the run, whether walking, running, or wheeling, and to help make this year’s event the largest yet.

Deputations

Ryan Dube and Darius Sokal (Atura Power) and Lucas Reindler (Bright Diamond Consulting) provided updated information to Council regarding the proposed 25 MW Gamebridge Solar Project. The presenters outlined key project benefits, including increased municipal tax revenues, a Community Benefits Agreement offering $40,000 annually for local priorities, and employment opportunities during construction. They also highlighted engagement with Indigenous communities and the public, as well as environmental studies planned for 2026 to address potential impacts on wildlife and wetlands. The proponents requested Council’s support through a Municipal Support Resolution and noted next steps in the IESO process, with construction projected to begin in 2029.

Council received the deputation as information.

View the Gambridge Proposed Solar Energy Facility Presentation

Tom St. Amant, Agnes Voros, and Sandra Germano spoke to Council regarding resident concerns about the Lone Birch Trail, Maple Trail, Ridge Road and Simcoe Road Wastewater Project. The deputation raised issues related to project cost estimates, financing options, communication clarity, and timing of payment notices. They emphasized the need for greater transparency and clearer details for homeowners.

Council received the deputation as information.

View the Deputation Presentation

Committee of the Whole

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, August 25. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on September 22, 2025, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session Reports

• Committee of the Whole supported receiving a report regarding Potential Litigation Matter Legal Advice – Councillor and adopted the confidential direction provided to staff. The report was referred to the August 25, 2025, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

• Committee of the Whole supported receiving a report regarding a request to purchase part of the road allowance in front of 8168 Laidlaw Avenue. Staff was authorized to commence negotiations with the owners for the sale of a 1.0 m portion of the road allowance as set out in the report.

• Committee of the Whole supported receiving a report regarding the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Municipal Processing Centre Agreement with the Township of Essa and staffing matter. Committee of the Whole recommended delegating authority to the CAO and the General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services to finalize the inter-municipal agreement and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the finalized agreement. The report was referred to the August 25, 2025, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

• Committee of the Whole supported receiving a report regarding financial information for the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) contract renewal. The report was referred to the August 25, 2025, Council agenda for same-day ratification. 

• Committee of the Whole supported receiving correspondence dated August 14, 2025, from Ewart O’Dwyer regarding the expropriation of 4291 Orkney Beach Road. Committee of the Whole recommended issuing a notice of abandonment for the expropriation process and commencing the tax sale process in accordance with the Municipal Act. The report was referred to the August 25, 2025, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council Referrals 

Departmental Reports

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025:

• Council received the report regarding a Municipal Support Resolution for the proposed 25 MW Gwanaajiwi Giizis Solar LP ground-mount solar project at 1952 and 1992 Fairgrounds Road. Council directed that the resolution be finalized and forwarded for signature by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
• Council received a confidential report regarding Potential Litigation Matter Legal Advice – Councillor and adopted the confidential direction provided to staff.
• Council received a confidential report regarding the Automated Speed Enforcement Municipal Processing Centre Agreement with the Township of Essa and associated staffing matter. Council delegated authority to the CAO and the General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services to finalize the inter-municipal agreement and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the finalized agreement.
• Council received a confidential report regarding financial information for the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) contract renewal.
• Council received correspondence dated August 14, 2025, from Ewart O’Dwyer regarding the expropriation of 4291 Orkney Beach Road. Council approved issuing a notice of abandonment for the expropriation process and commencing the tax sale process in accordance with the Municipal Act.
• Council received a report regarding the Municipal Support Resolution for the proposed 25 MW Gamebridge Solar Project at 1901 Ramara Road 47. Council directed that the resolution be finalized and forwarded for signature by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and authorized the CAO to execute the Community Benefits Agreement.
• Council received a report regarding the renewal of contracted services for drinking water and wastewater operations with the Ontario Clean Water Agency. Council renewed the contract for an additional five years in the amount of $2,045,182 for the first year of the term and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the agreement.
• Council received a report regarding Road Projects for 2025. Council directed staff to proceed with the approved slurry projects, with the exception of Concession 7, Muley Point Road, and Barnstable Road, and the approved asphalt projects, excluding McRae Park Road (from Muley Point Road to Glencoe Beach Road), Ramara Road 46, and Lakeshore Drive, resulting in approximate savings of $1.7 million.
• Council received a report regarding the Township’s emergency response to the March 2025 ice storm. Council authorized correspondence to the Brechin-Mara Legion Branch #488 thanking them for their contributions, confirmed that previous reimbursement of $1,719.90 could be applied to food costs, approved an additional $769.10 contribution from the Disaster Relief account, directed staff to assist the Legion in applying to the Business Ice Storm Assistance (BISA) program, and referred further recommendations from the report to the 2026 Budget process. Council also authorized submitting an application under the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program for eligible Township costs.
• Council postponed all items from Consent Agenda C - Correspondence to the September 22, 2025, meeting with the exception of the following:
  • Council received correspondence from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit dated August 5, 2025, regarding a Drug Alert, and directed that future drug alerts received from the Health Unit be communicated in as timely a fashion as possible on the Township’s communication channels.
• Council approved authorizing Councillor Fisher to attend the Orillia and Area Food Strategy Advisory Group as a Township of Ramara representative with expenses, in response to correspondence from The Sharing Place Food Centre dated July 4, 2025.

Bills and Bylaws

Council approved the following bylaws on August 25, 2025:

• A By-law to authorize an agreement with Wessuc Inc. for the hauling of wastewater effluent from Bayshore Village to Lagoon City.
• A By-law to authorize an agreement with Four Brothers Construction for the reconstruction of Bridge 201 (Poplar Crescent between Pinetree Court and Turtle Path, East Leg), Lagoon City, Township of Ramara.
• A By-law to authorize an Inter-Municipal Shared Services Agreement with the Township of Essa for Municipal Processing Centre services to support the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program.
• A By-law to authorize renewal of an agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for drinking water and wastewater operational services (2025–2030).
• A By-law to appoint Seasonal By-law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for the Township of Ramara.
• A By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meeting held on August 25, 2025.

Subscribe

Subscribe to receive email updates on Township of Ramara news and notices, media releases, Council highlights, Monthly Ramara Bulletin, community events, and beyond.

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