A written complaint can be completed using the Report a Concern Form.
Wildlife
The Township of Ramara has a variety of wildlife. It's important to observe all wildlife from safe distances. If you have questions or complaints regarding wildlife, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Don't Feed Wildlife!
In Ramara, feeding wildlife is prohibited under the Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw.
The Ministry of Natural Resources recommends not to feed wild animals, including birds. Animals can become dependent on artificial food sources that are not healthy for wildlife. Feeding wildlife can attract unwanted animals to your property and become a nuisance to your neighbourhood. Learn more on the Ministry of Natural Resources' website.
Prohibitions of Feeding Wildlife in Ramara
Under the Township's Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw, the following regulations apply:
- No person shall feed, permit, or cause the feeding of wildlife.
- No person shall throw or place, or permit to be thrown or placed, any type of feed in a yard for the purposes of feeding birds or wildlife.
- Property owners have a duty to remove food placed on the owner's property.
- Each person shall maintain the ground underneath the bird feeder by regularly removing and disposing of the bird food/birdseeds.
Exemptions for Feeding Wildlife
- People who are legal owners of wildlife, when the wildlife is kept under a valid certificate or permit, are exempt from the Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw prohibitions.
- Bird feeders that are suspended off the ground and dispense commercially available food such as seeds and nectars for songbirds are permitted.
- People who are baiting for a lawful hunt are exempt from the Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw prohibitions.
Wildlife in Distress
Shades of Hope is a registered charity based in Georgina, Ontario. Licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Canadian Wildlife Services, Shades of Hope serves the Greater Toronto Area and various municipalities throughout the South Central Ontario Corridor. Their mission is to nurture, treat, and rehabilitate injured and orphaned native wildlife, aiming to release healthy animals back into their natural habitats.
If you find wildlife in distress, please reach out to this organization who can treat and rehabilitate the animals back to health.
Bear Wise Program
Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation. Here is who to call if you encounter a bear.
Non-Emergency Bear Encounters
Call the Bear Wise reporting line if a bear:
- Roams around or checks garbage cans.
- Breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored.
- Is in a tree.
- Pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbecue.
- Moves through a backyard or field but does not linger.
The Bear Wise reporting line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30.
Emergency Bear Situation
Call 9-1-1 if a bear is creating immediate danger to personal safety and displaying threatening or aggressive behaviour such as:
- Stalking people and lingering at the site.
- Entering or trying to enter a house or cottage.
- Killing livestock or pets and lingering at the site.
For more information on bears and the Bear Wise Program, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise Website.
Reporting an Issue
It is always best if neighbours, residents and visitors can respectfully resolve their issues without the need for Bylaw Enforcement. If possible, discuss the problem with your neighbour. Remember to focus on the issue, listen to their concerns, and look for mutually beneficial solutions.
To file a formal complaint with the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, please use one of the following methods.
A written complaint or completed complaint forms can be submitted by mail to the Township of Ramara Administration Office.
Mailing address: 2297 Highway 12, P.O. Box 130, Brechin, Ontario, L0K 1B0
A written complaint or completed complaint form can be dropped off to the Township Administration Office located at 2297 Highway 12, Brechin.
Ramara Township will act on written complaints from the general public concerning alleged bylaw violations. Enforcement Officer's will offer assistance and direction with respect to bylaw concerns, however no investigation will be initiated until the complaint is received in writing. Your personal information will be kept confidential; however should the matter proceed to Court, it may be necessary for you to attend as a witness to the violation.
Upon receipt of the written complaint, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer will conduct an investigation to determine the validity of the complaint and the nature of the infraction relative to our existing bylaws. You will be advised accordingly whether or not the complaint is valid or alternatively refer you to another government agency to assist you.
If the matter is rectified the investigation will be closed. If the bylaw infraction continues proper paperwork must be completed and individuals will be provided with time for compliance. If compliance can't be achieved through education and assistance from the township the Bylaw Enforcement Officer may undertake legal action.
Contact Us
Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0
T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca
Township of Ramara Bylaw Enforcement
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