September 2025 Ramara Bulletin

Ramara Bulletin – September 2025 Edition

Important Dates and Opportunities

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

Thursday, October 2: Couchiching OPP Detachment Board
Thursday, October 2: Ramara Economic Development Committee
Monday, October 6: Regular Council (including Committee of the Whole)
Tuesday, October 7: Committee of Adjustment
Thursday, October 9: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
Wednesday, October 15: Ramara Trails Committee
Monday, October 20: Regular Council (including Committee of the Whole)
Thursday, October 23: Special Council Meeting re 2026 Budget Review

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.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30

Beginning this year, the Township of Ramara will observe Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Township Administration Office and the Ramara Centre, including the Ramara Township Public Library, will be closed on Sept. 30. Flags at Township facilities will be lowered to half-mast at the end of day Sept. 29, 2025, and raised again on Oct. 1, 2025.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was proclaimed by the Government of Canada in 2021. The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day and is meant to recognize those directly and indirectly affected by the residential school system, including survivors, their families, communities, and the children who never returned home. It is a time for reflection and learning as Canadians work together to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

For more information, including resources and ways to take part, please visit the Government of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage.

Udney Fest - October 4, 2025

The Township of Ramara’s Udney Community Centre Board invites residents to join in celebrating community spirit and enjoying live music at Udney Fest.

The event takes place at the Udney Community Centre (2347 Concession Rd 10) on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. and is aimed to bring together neighbours, friends, and visitors for an afternoon of live music, food, and community connection.

Admission is $20 for adults (which includes a $5 donation to Food Banks Canada), $10 for youth, and free for children under 12. Tickets will be available at the door.

The event will feature an exciting lineup of local performers. For more information about Udney Fest, please contact the Udney Community Centre Board at udney.community.centre@gmail.com.

County of Simcoe Emergency Preparedness Survey

The County of Simcoe has launched an emergency preparedness survey. The survey asks questions about emergency plans, emergency kits and how residents would like to receive information during a crisis. The survey is available until Oct. 31, 2025. Your feedback will help guide future emergency initiatives and ensure rapid, informed action when it matters most.

Take the Emergency Preparedness Survey

Township News and Information

Canada Post Strike Impacts

Effective Sept. 25, 2025, Canada Post workers, who are members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, have initiated strike action.

As a result, Canada Post’s operations will shut down until the labour disruption is resolved.

At this time, the Township is unable to mail out bills or correspondence. If you are expecting a bill from the Township, have a payment due to the Township, or if you think you may have an outstanding balance, we encourage you to contact the Township to confirm your balance, due date, and available payment options. To avoid delays, penalties or missed notices regarding property taxes or water and sewer bills, please contact the Township of Ramara at 705-484-5374 or email ramara@ramara.ca.

The Township will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates related to service impacts as they become available. Please continue to visit the Township of Ramara’s website or follow us on social media for information. For updates regarding Canada Post operations and labour negotiations, please visit canadapost.ca.

Automated Speed Enforcement Program Update

On Sept. 25, 2025, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Province of Ontario will be introducing legislation next month to ban the use of municipal speed cameras across Ontario.

The Township of Ramara has been actively preparing for the launch of its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program. The Township has confirmed that if the proposed provincial legislation is passed, Ramara will not face any penalties should the ASE program be terminated.

At this time, the Township will pause any further work on the ASE program until the outcome of the proposed provincial legislation is determined.

We will continue to keep residents updated as information becomes available.

Lakeshore Road Swing Bridge #50 Temporary Closure

Parks Canada has advised that the Lakeshore Road Swing Bridge #50 on Ramara Road 47 near Gamebridge will be closed to road traffic for re-decking from 8 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Lagoon City Area Construction Projects Update

Bridge 201 Reconstruction
Construction is now underway on Bridge 201, located on Poplar Crescent in Lagoon City. The project includes replacing bridge culverts, completing structural repairs, and upgrading guide rails and the road surface. Bridge 201 is closed to traffic during construction. A signed detour is in place, please allow extra time when travelling in the area and use caution near the active construction zone. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. Work is expected to be largely completed by mid-December 2025.

Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Servicing Project
Construction is now underway for the Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Servicing Project to extend municipal sanitary sewer services to properties in the area. Active construction is taking place along Ridge Avenue and Lone Birch trail and directional drilling is also occurring.

The Township and its contractors are working to minimize disruptions. Residents are reminded to use caution near active work zones and allow extra time when travelling in the area.

For more information and ongoing updates, please visit www.ramara.ca or follow the Township of Ramara on social media.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Flag Raising

Mayor Clarke proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month in Ramara. On Sept. 17, the Township raised the flag to honour the young lives taken too soon, celebrate the courage of survivors, and support those still fighting. The Township would like to recognize the dedication of organizations such as Candlelighters Simcoe and Parents of Children with Cancer, whose tireless work provides care and comfort to families in our region.

Notice to Consumers of Ramara Municipal Drinking Water

Provincial water regulations require that sodium concentrations in municipal drinking water be tested every five years and reported to the Medical Officer of Health when sodium levels exceed 20 mg/L.

The following drinking water systems in Ramara were tested and had the ranges of sodium noted below:

Drinking Water System	Sodium Result Ranges (mg/L)
Bayshore Village DWS	27.9 – 28.7 mg/L
Brechin Lagoon City DWS	39.3 – 40.0 mg/L
Davy Drive DWS	23.4 – 25.3 mg/L
South Ramara DWS	37.5 - 39.6 mg/L
Val Harbour DWS	23.9 – 24.2 mg/L
Park Lane Crescent DWS	66.1 – 74.2 mg/L

Sodium is a common element found in the natural environment and often found in our food and drinking water. This level of sodium in drinking water is not a concern for healthy individuals, but may be for someone with specific health issues that require them to be on a sodium-restricted diet.

Questions regarding personal health risks associated with consumption of drinking water with higher levels of sodium should be discussed with your health care practitioner.

For general questions regarding sodium concentrations in drinking water, you may contact a Public Health Inspector at 1-877-721-7520; Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Additional information regarding sodium can also be found at:

Recreation Update

Fall is in full swing at the Ramara Centre, and there’s no better time to get involved in all the fun happening in our community!

As September winds down and October begins, we have plenty of exciting programs to look forward to. Seniors Social is back on September 27 and we are thrilled to welcome guest speaker Matthew Jenkins from RBC. No registration is required, feel free to drop in and bring your friends!

If you're looking for something spooky and fun for youth the Ramara Youth Action Council is hosting their first dance of the season on October 17 with a Halloween theme! For time, age groups and costs please visit our website or take a look in the Fall Recreation Guide!

In partnership with the Ramara Township Public Library, kids ages 6-12 can join us for our PA Day program on Friday, October 24. The day will be packed with recreation games, crafts, library activities and special guest speakers. Registration is required, call the library or visit the Library's website to sign up!

Don’t forget program registration is now open for our second sessions of yoga, zumba, line dancing, and Stretch and Strength. Spots fill quickly so be sure to secure yours soon! While the sun is still shining and the weather continues to hold up, we encourage you to make the most of our outdoor sports court at Lovely Day Park, visit our local parks and enjoy our trails that are perfect for walking, biking and enjoying the fall season!

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.

Saved by the Beep - September 28

The Ramara Fire Department is calling on all residents to test their smoke alarms on Sept. 28 as part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. Be prepared to be Saved by the Beep with a working smoke alarm – it is your best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.

When fire strikes, you may have less than 60 seconds to escape—early warning is critical.

Install smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas
Test alarms monthly
Replace batteries yearly (or use long-life alarms)
Replace alarms every 10 years
Review your family’s escape plan

For more fire safety information, visit the Ramara Fire & Rescue Services Fire Safety page.

Fire Prevention Week is October 5 to 11, 2025

This year, Fire Prevention Week focuses on “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!”

Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.

Watch for more information about Fire Prevention Week activities coming soon on the Ramara Fire & Rescue Services social media channels and on the Ramara Fire & Rescue Services Fire Safety page.

Ramara Township Public Library Information, Events and Highlights

Learn something new this fall!

Fall is the perfect time to learn something new! With free online resources, fun programs and a great selection of print and e-Books your library is the place to be this season! Did you know your library card give you FREE access to LinkedIn Learning? Visit our website to see everything the library offers, check out our Eventbrite page for fall programs, or sign up for our eNewsletter to stay in the loop!

Adult Programs (Registration Required)

Evening Book Club: Thursday, October 2 | 7:00 PM | October Book: Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Dementia 101: Thursday, October 9 | 2:00 PM | Register on Eventbrite
Author Talk: Douglas Tindal | Thursday, October 9 | 7:00 PM | Register on Eventbrite
Ramara Book Club: Wednesday, October 29 | 1:30 PM | Ramara Centre | September book: Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay

Children’s Programs (Registration required unless otherwise stated)

Saturday Drop-In Family Fun: Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM
Little Adventurers (ages 0 – 4): Fridays @ 10 AM | Ramara Centre | Registration preferred
Car Seat Clinic with Rama Police: Saturday, October 18 10:30 AM | Registration available on Eventbrite

Calling all fall lovers – this creative Glass Fusion class is for you! Create a seasonal scene with Hilarie from The Bougie Mermaid! Pre-payment required.

Join Ramara Recreation and Ramara Library for fun morning and afternoon of activities, social time and an afternoon full of magic with Da Costa Magic! We thank the Friends of the Ramara Library for sponsoring this program.

Pumpkin Party @ The Udney Community Centre
Udney Community Centre | Thursday, October 30 | 6:30 PM | Free! | Register on Eventbrite

Get in your best costume (homemade or store bought, we don’t mind!) and join us out in Udney for a night full of spooky carving fun, creative contests and games and some trick or treating warm up. Appropriate for ages 4-12, younger children welcome with adult assistance. Adults must stay on location for the duration of this event.

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.