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August 2025 Ramara Bulletin

 
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Ramara Bulletin

Ramara Bulletin – August 2025 Edition

Important Dates and Opportunities

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

  • Tuesday, September 9: Committee of Adjustment
  • Wednesday, September 10: Appeal Tribunal
  • Thursday, September 11: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
  • Wednesday, September 17: Ramara Trails Committee
  • Thursday, September 18: Couchiching OPP Detachment Board 
  • Monday, September 22: Council (including Committee of the Whole)

All Council meetings are streamed on the Township of Ramara's YouTube channel and available in person in the Council Chambers in the Administration Building at 2297 Highway 12. Learn more about Council meetings, including reading Council Highlights, how to communicate with Council and more at ramara.ca/CouncilMeetings.


Employment Opportunities

We’re hiring! Available positions include:

  • General Manager of Corporate Services/Legal
  • Manager of Taxation, Procurement & Risk

Learn more about each position at ramara.ca/employment.


Holiday Schedule - Labour Day 

The Township of Ramara administration building and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, to observe Labour Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 

Online services will remain available, including the following:

  • Report an infrastructure or bylaw concern
  • View interactive mapping for trails, zoning and by-law information
  • Pay a bill
  • Sign up for paperless billing
  • And beyond

See all online services at ramara.ca/OnlineServices.


Final Tax Bill Installment Payment - September 25, 2025

The Township of Ramara final tax bill for 2025 is due in two installments, payable by the following due dates:

  • June 25, 2025
  • Sept. 25, 2025

Final tax bills were mailed as of May 27, 2025.

Late payment charges and penalties are added on the first day of each month at a rate of 1.25%. This cannot be waived. 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.

Ramara citizens can sign up for paperless billing and receive a PDF version of their property tax bill delivered directly via email. The eBill will look the same as the current paper bill.

Sign up for paperless tax billing

Learn more about property taxes in Ramara


Ramara Fall Harvest Festival - September 6, 2025

Join the Atherley Community Centre Board for the Ramara Fall Harvest Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Atherley Community Park (Creighton Street, Ramara).

This family-friendly event will feature vendors, face painting, food, crafts, fresh produce, cotton candy and more! 

This event will run rain or shine. 

Read the news release and view the poster for details or for more information, contact Pat Clements from the Atherley Community Centre Board at 705-325-8900. 

Have Your Say: Proposed Changes to the Canine Control By-law

Ramara Council is seeking feedback on proposed updates to the Canine Control By-law, which will be considered at the September 22, 2025, Council Meeting.

Read the full report regarding the proposed changes and provide your comments by September 15, 2025, at noon by emailing info@ramara.ca or by contacting your Ward Councillor. Council contact information is available on the Township's Meet Ramara Council page.

Health Care Options for Ramara Residents

The Township of Ramara is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its residents by improving access to primary care and related health services. There are several options for residents looking for care if they do not have a primary care physician, including the Good Doctors Ramara Clinic and services offered by the Couchiching Ontario and Family Health Teams. 

If you need further assistance finding health care resources, visit Find Services - Couchiching Ontario Health Team.

 Looking to find a doctor?

Do you live in Ramara and need a family doctor or nurse practitioner? Register on the Couchiching Family Physician & Nurse Practitioner Waitlist, which is a local initiative designed to help unattached patients in our community connect with primary care providers in our region.

Sign up for the Waitlist

By managing the list locally, the COHT can:

  • Prioritize residents within the community

  • Address specific health needs and geographic challenges

  • Reduce wait times by coordinating with local providers

Good Doctors Medical, Telemedicine Services  - Brechin 

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

Location: Mara Medical Centre at 3242 Ramara Rd 47.

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

Telephone: 705-302-5038

Book an Appointment

The virtual telemedicine walk-in clinic is staffed with local nurses on site to perform physical assessments, and connect patients through secured video conference to a licensed Ontario physician. Physicians are not physically onsite for assessments.

The clinic provides treatment for acute medical concerns such as: infections, prescription refills,
assessments, referrals, diagnostic testing and much more. Most services are covered with a valid Ontario Health Card.

Examples of services include:

  • Prescription Renewals/Refills (NOTE: The clinic does not prescribe/refill narcotics or controlled
    substances). 

  • Specialist Referrals

  • Doctor's/Sick Notes

  • Lab and Diagnostic Requisitions   

  • Telephone and Video Appointments

  • Sexual Health Testing and Contraception

  • Physiotherapy Requests   

  • Mental Health Referral

  • Simple Procedures (Stitch and staple removal)

  • Driver's Medical Exams

Couchiching Ontario Health Team Unattached Clinic - Orillia

The Couchiching Ontario Health Team Unattached Clinic provides care for patients who live in Couchiching (includes Ramara) without a primary care provider, offering services through dedicated Nurse Practitioners.

Location: 119 Memorial Avenue, Suite 103, Orillia

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays.

Telephone: 705-329-3649 ext. 231

Book an Appointment

Central Region Virtual Urgent Care Clinic

The Central Region Virtual Urgent Care Clinic provides access to physicians online and is free for Ramara residents. This service is made possible through the Ontario Virtual Care Clinic Initiative and supported by local physicians.

Location: Virtual

Operating Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. daily

Telephone: 905-472-7087

Book an Appointment

The Central Region Virtual Urgent Care Clinic is available for those who require timely access to care for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions that can be addressed virtually.

 Health811

Health811 is a free, confidential service available to all Ontario residents, providing access to health advice, information, and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Location: Virtual or Telephone

Operating Hours: 24/7

Telephone: 811

Access 811 Online

Township News and Information

Automated Speed Enforcement Program Update

The Township of Ramara's  Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program will be launched later this year as the Township takes additional time to review the program details and address final contractual requirements. The ASE program was originally anticipated to launch this August.

The Township remains committed to implementing an ASE program that is fair, transparent, and effective in improving road safety. Drawing on lessons from other communities, the Township is taking this additional time to thoroughly review the program. 

At its meeting on Aug. 25, 2025, Council delegated authority to staff to finalize the Inter-Municipal Shared Services Agreement with the Township of Essa, which will provide services as the Municipal Processing Centre for Ramara’s program.

Permanent signage advising of that municipal speed cameras are coming is being installed at the three designated Community Safety Zone locations for Phase 1 of the program, which includes:

  • Concession Road 4 (Brechin)
  •  Muley Point Road
  • Creighton Street

These signs will remain in place to remind drivers that enforcement is coming and to encourage safer driving habits immediately.

The Township’s ASE program is being delivered through a cost-sharing agreement with its vendor, covering camera equipment, installation, maintenance, and replacement if needed, with no additional burden on taxpayers.

The Township will continue to provide updates as implementation approaches. For details, FAQs, and updates, visit ramara.ca/ASE.


Ramara Servicing Connect:
Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Servicing Project Update

Preparation for the Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Servicing project will begin with construction signage installation, followed by test drilling, with full contractor mobilization anticipated following the Labour Day weekend. 

This project will install a new low-pressure sanitary sewer system to extend municipal sanitary sewer services to properties in the area, complete road reconstruction, and restore impacted areas on Ridge Avenue, Lone Birch Trail, Maple Trail, and a portion of Simcoe Road. The work is expected to be substantially completed by late November 2025, with final restoration in spring 2026. 

While streets will remain open to local traffic and emergency vehicles, lane closures, single-lane alternating traffic, and temporary driveway access restrictions can be expected at times. Traffic control staff and signage will be in place to guide vehicles safely through the work zones. The majority of construction is expected to be completed by late November 2025, with final restoration taking place in spring 2026.

This local improvement project (user funded) was awarded to K.J. Excavating Inc. by Ramara Council on June 2, 2025. Property owners directly impacted by the sewer project have received notices with detailed information on timelines, impacts, and contact information for questions. 

Learn more about Ramara Servicing Connect  


Bridge 201 Reconstruction - Lagoon City 

In mid-September, the Township will begin the reconstruction of Bridge 201 on Poplar Crescent, over Turtle Lagoon between Pinetree Court and Turtle Path in Lagoon City. This work will replace existing bridge culverts, complete structural repairs, and improve guide rails and the road surface.

The majority of construction is expected to be completed by mid-December 2025. More information on the bridge project, including traffic plans, detour routes, and timing, will be provided closer to the start date once the contractor has finalized the construction schedule. 

Property owners in the area will receive notices with detailed information on timelines, impacts, and contact information for questions closer to the construction date. 

The project was awarded to Four Brothers Construction by Ramara Council on July 25, 2025.

The Township and its contractors will work to minimize disruption to residents and businesses in the area. 


Blue-Green Algae - Lake St. John

The Township of Ramara has received notice from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit that there is a strong indication that a blue-green algae bloom is occurring on the Northwest shoreline of Lake St. John in Ramara.

Human or animal consumption of this water may pose a health hazard.

The Township of Ramara, in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, would like to inform residents that there is general information, including health risks and safety precautions available at www.smdhu.org/algae.

The Township will share updates as they become available. If you suspect a blue-green algae bloom, contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Incidents can be reported online. The MECP will gather information, conduct field visits, as necessary, and facilitate testing to confirm if a blue-green algae bloom is present. For information on the potential health risks associated with blue-green algal blooms, please contact Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health inspector.


Fierté Simcoe Pride Flag Raising

Fierte Simcoe Pride Flag Raising

On August 11, 2025, Mayor Clarke, Councillors Gough, Fisher, and Tuju, joined by Township staff and Fierté Simcoe Pride, raised the Intersex Progress Pride Flag, proclaiming August 4 to 15, 2025, as Fierté Simcoe Pride in the Township of Ramara. This year marks the 14th annual Fierté Simcoe Pride, a time to celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and continue building a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and welcome. 
Learn more about Fierté Simcoe Pride at www.simcoepride.com.

Recreation Update

The Fall Recreation Guide is  available online and registration is underway at www.ramara.ca/recreation! The guide is filled with exciting programs running September through December for all ages and interests.

This season’s lineup includes hands-on science fun for young learners with Tiny Chemists and Fizz! Bang! Science!, energetic activities like Mini Movers Cheer Club and outdoor 3-on-3 Basketball, and community favourites such as Thursday Night Lights football. Adults can enjoy movement-based programs like Yoga, Line Dancing, and Zumba, or join the ever-popular Pickleball sessions at the Ramara Centre. With opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall.

Thank you for a great summer! 

We would also like to give a big thank you to our incredible Summer Camp Counsellors for a fantastic season! Your dedication and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on our campers.

Township Reminders 

After-Hours Number and Reporting

The Township of Ramara's regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday, with the exception of holidays. Outside of these hours, residents can contact the following:

  • Bylaw Enforcement: Email bylaw@ramara.ca
  • Canine Control (dogs at large and injured dogs): Call 705-623-7295 
  • Open-Air Burning Complaints: Call 705-484-5374 ext. 253.
  • Municipal Roads, Water or Sewer Emergencies: Call 705-484-5374 and select option 9

Non-emergency concerns for issues occurring within the Township of Ramara, and relating to the Township's areas of responsibility, can also be reported online. A valid email address is required to create a service request ticket.

Learn How to Report a Concern


Township's Community Information System: Alertable

The Township of Ramara's Community Information System (CIS) provides alerts about emergencies and other important Township and community news directly to all your devices including e-mail, home phone, cell phone and even fax. Ramara CIS uses the Alertable platform to allow for multiple means of communication for both emergency alerts and relaying Township and community information.

Sign Up for Alertable

Farm Fire Safety

Fires on farms can spread quickly and have devastating impacts on equipment, livestock, and crops. Keep your farm safe with these fire safety tips:

- Keep fire extinguishers accessible in barns, sheds, and vehicles, and ensure everyone knows how to use them.

- Store hay properly. Damp or freshly baled hay can self-ignite. Allow hay to dry completely and store it in a well-ventilated area.

- Create a fire break around your property and outbuildings by clearing dry grass, brush, and debris.

- Check electrical systems in barns and sheds regularly; faulty wiring is a leading cause of barn fires.

- Maintain equipment. Clean and inspect machinery regularly to avoid fuel or oil leaks that can ignite.

 

Campfire Safety: Enjoy the Outdoors Responsibly

There’s nothing better than a campfire on a summer evening, but safety always comes first. Follow these tips to keep your campfire fun and fire-safe:

Always check the burn rating before lighting any fire - the burn rating is currently MODERATE.

For residential properties:

- The volume of materials being burned is no larger than 1 metre cubed and should consist only of organic materials      (like dry untreated wood, leaves, grass, or paper).

- Prepare the Area: Ensure the fire is surrounded by non-combustible materials.

- Be Ready to Extinguish: Always have a form of extinguishment on hand.

- Stay Alert: The fire must be supervised at all times.

Learn more at www.ramara.ca/fire.

Ramara Township Public Library Information, Events and Highlights

Fast Forwarding to Fall

Does the heat have you beat? Prefer the fall season? We are gearing up with lots of fun programs for all ages and interests. Don't worry though, summer lovers... we still have fun for you!

Don’t miss out! Check out our Eventbrite page for all summer programs, or sign up for our eNewsletter to stay in the loop! 

Adult Programs (Registration Required) 

  • Ramara Book Club: Wednesday, September 24 | 1:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre 
    • August Book: The Inheritance by Joanna Goodman 
    • September Book: Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay 

Children’s Programs (Registration required unless otherwise stated) 

  • Saturday Craft Club Drop-In & Self-Led Activities: Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Ramara Centre | No registration required. 
  • Gizmo Garage: Drop-In & Self-Led Activities: Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Brechin Location | No registration required. 
  • Bookish Builders: Drop-In & Self-Led Activities: Thursdays, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Brechin Location | No registration required. 
  • Summer Shuffle: Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. | Ages 6-12 | Ramara Centre 

September Highlights:

Check out a couple of our September programs as registration is limited and will go quickly. Please visit our EventBrite page for these events:

Rooted in Ramara: Slow Cooker Club

Brechin Legion | September 10, October 8 & November 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per session or $50 for all

Enjoy a social time cooking, learning and making slow cooker recipes. In partnership with Rooted in Ramara, Ramara Library and Brechin Legion. Only 10 spaces available.
September: Homemade Tomato Sauce
October: Lasagne
November: Chicken Cacciatore

Half Day PD Day Programs
Ramara Centre | Fri. Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Ages 6-12
Cost: $10

Join Ramara Recreation and Ramara Library in a fun morning and afternoon of activities, social time, lunch and a special presentation or entertainment group! We thank the Friends of the Ramara Library for sponsoring this program.

Community Calendar

Have you ever wondered when a Committee or a Council meeting takes place or what the Ramara Recreation and Library teams are up to? Check out our community calendar that highlights various events, public meetings or programming that are happening in the Township. Visit ramara.ca/calendar.

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© 2020 Township of Ramara
2297 Hwy 12, PO Box 130
Brechin ON L0K 1B0

Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm


Phone 705-484-5374
Toll-free 1-800-663-4054 

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