Council Meeting - June 2, 2025

Announcements

•  Mayor Clarke:
  • Mayor Clarke announced June as National Indigenous History Month — a time to recognize and honour the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. He also noted that June 21, 2025, marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities, both locally and across the country. He began the meeting by reading a land acknowledgment and encouraged taking time this month to reflect on the importance of truth, reconciliation, and shared respect.
  • Mayor Clarke recognized June as Pride Month — an opportunity to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm commitment to inclusion, respect, and dignity for all. Mayor Clarke noted that Pride is about visibility, equity, and creating communities where everyone feels safe and supported in being who they are.
  • Mayor Clarke recognized June is Recreation and Parks Month, and noted that the Township of Ramara is hosting programs and events all month long to promote the benefits of staying active and connected. To see what's happening, visit ramara.ca/RecreationEvents.
  • Mayor Clarke noted that the County of Simcoe has declared June as Seniors Month, celebrating the vital contributions of older adults across our community. This year’s theme is “Fit, Active, and Healthy Seniors,” which encourages older adults to remain active within their communities and fully engaged in their lives. Throughout June, the County’s Long-Term Care and Seniors Services teams will host a number of activities and events for the residents who call Georgian Village and Manor, Simcoe Village and Manor, Sunset Village and Manor and Trillium Manor home. These include theme nights, concerts, socials and fun-filled outings.
  • Mayor Clarke invited the community to join a special Ramara Trail Extension Opening and Trail Walk happening on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. Participants will gather near the Rama Community Farm off Airport Road to officially open a new section of trail that now connects Casino Rama to Airport Road, made possible with support from Trans Canada Trail and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. After the ceremony, a community walk will take place along the trail with the Ramara Trails Committee. Learn more about the event and how to take part.
  • Mayor Clarke reminded the community that the Ramara Awards Committee is currently accepting nominations from the 2025 Ramara Volunteer Recognition Awards. Nominations are open until June 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. for both the Wall of Fame Award and the Spirit of Ramara Award. To learn more or submit a nomination, visit ramara.ca/awards.
  • Mayor Clarke noted that the Township is currently seeking community volunteers to join two important groups: the new Climate Action Committee (three members of the public) and the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission (one vacancy for a levy-paying Lagoon City resident). Those interested in contributing can learn more and apply at ramara.ca/ApplyNow. Applications will be accepted until June 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
  • Mayor Clarke welcomed Melissa Gowanlock, the Township's new Manager of Communications and Community Experience.
• Councillor Fisher:
• Councillor Fisher noted that the Rooted in Ramara Committee was meeting the next day, June 3, 2025, at 11 a.m., to open the community garden at the Ramara Centre and sorting seeds to refill the seed library, and invited members of the community to join.
• Councillor Fisher noted that the Rooted in Ramara Committee is hosting a workshop in partnership with the Brechin-Mara Legion, Ramara Township Public Library, and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The workshop is called Plates and Pockets, to address food insecurity and food affordability in Simcoe Muskoka, presented by the Health Unit. It will take place on June 11, 2025, at 10 a.m., live in the Township of Ramara Council Chambers (2297 Highway 12, Brechin) and will be livestreamed on the Township of Ramara YouTube channel. Light refreshments will be available. Attendance is free and registration is not required.
• Councillor Tuju:
  • Councillor Tuju noted that she attended the CFUW Orillia 70^th Anniversary Gala at Casino Rama on May 27, 2025, behalf of Mayor Clarke, which included guest of honour Margaret Atwood.
  • Councillor Tuju noted that the Indigenous advocacy group she is part of, which seeks to foster a greater sense of community for First Nation students at Rama Central Public School in building relationships with non-Indigenous students, had its final meeting of the school year. Plans for the upcoming year include exploring additional opportunities for student use of the Ramara Trails system along the Rama Road corridor.
  • Councillor Tuju noted that on May 29, 2025, Twin Lakes Secondary School held its One Simple Seed event, which showcased students' skills in growing their own food and maintaining pollinator gardens for a bee apiary. Several of the students were from the Township of Ramara.
  • Councillor Tuju noted she attended the Annual Ceremonial Review with the Barrie Sea Cadets, which includes several Township of Ramara youth.
  • Councillor Tuju noted that on June 1, 2025, she participated in the START (Saving Turtles At Risk Today) advanced training recertification to update her permits with the Ministry of Natural Resources to legally excavate turtle eggs for safe incubation and release. Flyers about what residents can do if they see a turtle laying eggs will be available at the front desk at the Township of Administration Building, located at 2297 Hwy 12, Brechin.
• Councillor Bell:
  • Councillor Bell noted that the Couchiching Family Health Team held its Spring Into Wellness event on Monday, May 26, 2025. She volunteered during the afternoon and said it was a great event.
  • Councillor Bell noted that the Ramara Chamber of Commerce 20^th Annual AGM and Business Achievement Awards took place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and included recognition one of Ramara's heroines, Jane Lee, for many years of contributions to the Township of Ramara, including getting programs into place to feed families within the township. Businesses were also honoured at the event, and Councillor Bell thanked Jane Lee for all she has done.

Public and Special Meeting(s) of Council

Public Meeting Report: Temporary Zoning By-law Amendment File Z-3/25 (8213 Rama Road)

• Council received Report BP-21-25 titled "Public Meeting Report: Temporary Zoning Bylaw Amendment File Z-3/25," to request a Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 8213 Rama Rd. to permit a temporary veterinary clinic to be established on the site with three trailers for a period of 18 months.
• The owner of the property is currently operating the Washago Vet Clinic at 8272 Rama Rd. and sought relocation as their lease has expired. The temporary Zoning By-law Amendment allows for a period of transition so the business can continue in the community while they establish a permanent clinic on land in their ownership.
• Council approved forwarding the draft Zoning By-law Amendment, as written, to the Director of Building and Planning for approval and enactment.

Deputations

Carmine Stumpo, President and CEO of Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH), gave an update on the hospital and redevelopment planning, including hospital activity in 2024-2025, anticipated future trends, addressing the primary care shortage, improving access to high quality care, the hospital site selection process and funding for the local share, fundraising, and community engagement.

Council received the deputation as information.

View the OSMH presentation

Committee of the Whole

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, June 2, 2025. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on June 23, 2025, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session Reports

• Committee of the Whole supported receiving the Closed Session Council resolution CR-58-23, dated May 16, 2024, and making CR-58-23 a public document.
• Committee of the Whole supported receiving a confidential report from the Infrastructure Department regarding a potential litigation.

Departmental Reports

Recommendation Report:  Zoning Bylaw Amendment File Z- 7/24 (2237 Concession Road 10)

Committee of the Whole supported receiving a recommendation report for Zoning Bylaw Amendment file Z-7/24 (2237 Concession Road 10), approving the file, and forwarding the related bylaw to the June 2, 2025, Council meeting.

Revised Annual Wastewater Performance Reports

Committee of the Whole supported receiving revised annual wastewater performance reports as information.

Development Charges Reserve Funds Annual Report

Committee of the Whole supported receiving the annual report regarding Development Charges reserve funds, pursuant to the Development Charges Act, 1997.

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025:

• Council received the Closed Session Council resolution CR-58-23, dated May 16, 2024, and making CR-58-23 a public document. The document has been made public within a statement from Mayor Clarke.
• Council received a confidential report from the Infrastructure Department regarding a potential litigation.
• Council received a recommendation report for Zoning Bylaw Amendment file Z-7/24 (2237 Concession Road 10), approved the file, and forwarded the related bylaw to the June 2, 2025, Council meeting.
• Council received a recommendation report regarding the Township of Ramara Official Plan 2025 and forwarded the Official Plan to the June 2, 2025, Council meeting for adoption.
• Council received a recommendation report regarding a Part Lot Control Exemption, Lot 4 Plan 51M-451 (99 Simcoe Rd.) and forwarding the related bylaw to the June 2, 2025, Council meeting to be enacted.
• Council approved receiving a report regarding Lakeshore Drive and Lagoon City Servicing and related recommendations, including the following:
  • Entering into a contract with K.J. Excavating Inc. in the amount of $2,316,689, including non-recoverable H.S.T., to install a low-pressure sanitary sewer on Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue, and Simcoe Road;
  • That Tatham Engineering provide construction administration in the amount of $210,000;
  • That a 15% contingency allowance in the amount of $372,993 be approved for miscellaneous unforeseen expenditures;
  • That property owners receiving this upgrade to the collection system, be required to pay their appropriate share of the project costs;
  • That property owners must connect within a three-year period from substantial completion of the project;
  • And authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract agreement on behalf of the Township.
• Council received a report regarding Final Tax Billing and Potential Canada Post Strike as information. Residents are reminded that final tax bills for 2025 have been mailed and are due in two installments, payable by June 25, 2025, and Sept. 25, 2025. Property owners are responsible for making sure that the payment reaches the Township of Ramara office by the due date, despite any Canada Post labour disruption. The Township offers alternative payment methods for paying property tax bills. Learn more about conducting business with the Township during Canada Post labour negotiations.

Correspondence

• Council received correspondence dated May 14, 2025, from the Municipality of Kincardine regarding Bill 5, Unleashing Our Economy Act.

• Council received as information correspondence dated May 16, 2025, from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority regarding spring 2025 tree planting in the Township of Ramara, directed staff to prepare a revised plan for the existing trees, and approved potential tree plantings to commence in the fall of 2025.

• Council received an Integrity Commissioner's report dated May 23, 2025, regarding Code of Conduct Complaint - Final Report - Councillor Sherri Bell and adopted and enacted the recommendations contained in the Integrity Commissioner's report, specifically suspending the remuneration of Councillor Bell for 45 days for each incident, for a total of 90 days.

• Council consented to County of Simcoe Bylaw 7199-25, being a Bylaw to change the composition of Council of the Corporation of the County of Simcoe, and approved a copy of the resolution to be sent to the County Clerk.

• Council received correspondence dated May 27 and 29, 2025, from residents regarding the Lagoon City Servicing Project and Lakeshore Drive Watermain Works as information.

Notice of Motion

Councillor Sherri Bell announced intent to bring forward a motion to the June 23, 2025, Council meeting, regarding the following:

Whereas the Province of Ontario initially introduced Strong Mayor Powers in 2022 with the stated intent of expediting housing development across municipalities;

AND WHEREAS the Province of Ontario arbitrarily expanded the Strong Mayor Powers legislation to include an additional 169 municipalities in April 2025;

AND WHEREAS municipalities across Ontario have demonstrated a commitment to addressing the housing crisis through local planning approvals and community-led solutions;

AND WHEREAS Strong Mayor Powers fundamentally alter local democratic governance by concentrating decision-making authority in a single individual, thereby weakening the role of elected Councils and disrupting the principles of collaboration and shared leadership;

AND WHEREAS these powers can create uncertainty within municipal organizations, impact staff morale, and risk eroding the trust that underpins effective municipal governance;

AND WHEREAS there are currently no provincial checks and balances or independent oversight mechanisms in place to ensure Strong Mayor Powers are being used appropriately and as intended, and the legislation itself has been described by some as “open to interpretation,” creating a fundamental flaw in the responsible application of these potentially dangerous powers;

AND WHEREAS the primary barriers to housing construction are not rooted in municipal decision-making processes, but in broader market conditions, infrastructure constraints, and the lack of effective provincial and federal policy supports to stimulate affordable and attainable housing development;

THEREFORE be it resolved THAT the Council of the Township of Ramara formally request the Province of Ontario to rescind the Strong Mayor Powers legislation in its entirety;

 AND THAT should the legislation not be repealed, that the Province immediately remove the Township of Ramara from the list of municipalities designated under the Strong Mayor Powers framework;

AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all Ontario municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada for their information, support and consideration.

Enquiry Motions

Members of Council brought forward several enquiry motions, which are requests of staff to perform an action or bring forward a report. The enquiry motions approved during the June 2, 2025, meeting included the following:

• That Council request a deputation from Enbridge to describe the criteria that determines expansion of services and to clarify the application process.
• That staff investigate options and alternatives for an upgraded or new boat launch into Lake Simcoe that will be more accessible for larger boats for Ramara residents, and report back to Council.
• That staff obtain a legal opinion on the feasibility of including a common law clause in all employment contracts moving forward, and that the estimated legal cost of $1,000 be approved.

Bills and Bylaws

Council approved the following bylaws on June 2, 2025:

• A Bylaw to to Exempt Lot 4, Registered Plan 51M-451 from Part Lot Control (99 Simcoe Rd.).
• A Bylaw to adopt a Plan as the Official Plan for the Township of Ramara. Read the Official Plan and learn more.
• A Bylaw to Amend Zoning Bylaw 2005.85, as amended (2237 Concession Road 10).
• A Bylaw to Authorize an Agreement with K.J. Excavating Inc. for Sanitary Sewer Services (Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue, and Simcoe Road).

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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.