Combined Committee of the Whole & Council Meeting - October 3, 2022

Committee of the Whole - Staff Reports 

Review of Permit and Paid Parking

After carefully reviewing parking restrictions at Lovely Day Park in Atherley, Council approved terminating the permit and paid park feature to allow all residents and non-residents to use the park and playground at no cost. As well, in 2022, the Township of Ramara received a request from the Lagoon City Yacht Club (LCYC) to obtain parking permits for their members who have wristbands to access the Lagoon City private beach. Council approved issuing LCYC required permits to park in the designated waterfront areas and parking lots.  Learn more at www.ramara.ca/parking.

Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recommends not feeding wild animals, including birds. To help control wildlife, including geese, Council approved to adopt the bylaw to prohibit the feeding of wildlife in the Township of Ramara with set fines. Bylaw enforcement officers will also educate the public with verbal, written and electronic information and signage. Learn more at www.ramara.ca/animalservices. 

Capital Budget Amendment - Fire

As stated in the 10-year capital budget, the Fire and Rescue Services department's Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) will be replaced in 2023. The main equipment supplier is currently running a sale that ends in October 2022; the result is a $51,000 savings. Council approved the request to purchase the SCBA in 2022 and have the 2023 budget pay back the used reserve funds. 

Courtland Street Speed Reduction Request

Staff received a request to investigate the speed on Courtland Street between Orkney Beach Road and Balsam Road. The radar signs were installed from June 9 to August 3, 2022, on the southbound side of the road. Over that time, staff found that 20% of the vehicles respected the speed limit with an average speed of 57 km/h. Council approved reducing the speed on Orkney Beach Road from 50 km/h to 40 km/h and that the Speed Limit Bylaw be updated to reflect the changes. 

Electronic Monitoring Policy

Council approved the new Electronic Monitoring Policy as required by Provincial Legislation (Bill 88), for employers with 25 or more employees. The policy outlines how the Township of Ramara monitors employees electronically, including the purpose of the information obtained. 

Funding of Ramara Business Park - Road, Water and Sewer Construction

On September 26, 2022, Council meeting, Council approved the bid for Four Brothers tender for $933,536.40 for the Ramara Business Park - Road, Water and Sewer construction. The financing of this project will come from general reserves and then recouped from the sale of the properties conditional on the completion of the road, water and sewer construction. 

2023 Proposed Council and Committee Meeting schedule

Council approved the proposed 2023 Council and Committee schedule.

COVID-19 Relief Funding

In 2020 and 2021, the Province of Ontario provided funding to municipalities to help relieve financial operation pressures related to COVID-19. The Township of Ramara has supported external organizations, such as the Ramara Chamber of Commerce, and improved online services through various digital platforms. From now until December 31, 2022, the Township of Ramara will open requests for funding from organizations and committees that need assistance due to COVID-19.

Council - Mayor and CAO Remarks

Mayor Clarke reported that on Friday, September 30, 2022, M.P. Chambers, himself, Deputy Mayor Gough, Councillor Fisher, the entire Brechin Public School, Elder Rosanne Irving and Township staff recognized National Day of Truth and Reconciliation with a heart-shaped rock garden in honour of the lost children and survivors of residential schools and the impacts on their families.  

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