2025 Council Highlights - October 6, 2025

Call to Order

At the start of the meeting, Councillor Sherri Bell delivered a formal apology for disorderly conduct at the September 22, 2025, Council meeting, in accordance with the Township’s Procedure By-law. Following the apology, Council unanimously consented to her returning to her seat.

Announcements

• Mayor Clarke:

  • Mayor Clarke reminded residents that, due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, mail delivery has been suspended. This affects the distribution of Township bills and notices. Residents are encouraged to sign up for eBilling and automatic payments through www.ramara.ca. Those with upcoming payments can contact Township staff for assistance. The Township will continue to monitor the situation and post updates on its website and social media.

• Councillor Tuju

  • Councillor Tuju reflected on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, sharing that she has spent time considering what it means to be an ally. She attended a screening of A Secret Path and described the experience as deeply moving and a reminder of the ongoing importance of truth and reconciliation.

  • On October 2, Councillor Tuji attended the 40^th Anniversary Rama Health Fair, themed Stronger Together. She highlighted the event’s holistic approach to wellness, including Chief Williams’ message that good health depends on prevention, education, and community support. Councillor Tuju noted it was a valuable opportunity to learn, reconnect with community members, and celebrate 40 years of health and wellness in Rama.

• Councillor Fisher

  • Councillor Fisher noted the first-ever Udney Fest was held on October 4, 2025. The event featured live music, including fiddlers and cloggers, with Sunshine Barbecue serving food. She noted the event drew a good turnout and was a fun and successful community celebration.

• Deputy Mayor Bell:

  • Deputy Mayor Bell noted that fall fair season is in full swing. He attended the Coldwater Fall Fair, the Orillia Fall Fair, and Udney Fest. He also attended his uncle’s 70^th birthday celebration and extended his best wishes on the milestone occasion.

• Councillor Gough:

  • Councillor Gough noted that he also attended Udney Fest and commended the event as a great initiative. 

• Councillor Bell:

• • Councillor Bell attended a Family Feud-style community night at the Lagoon City Community Association on September 27, 2025, and noted the event drew enthusiastic participation with teams dressing up and enjoying a lively evening together. Councillor Bell reminded residents that the Community Centre is open to everyone across Ramara.

• • On September 30, Councillor Bell attended the 5^th Annual Orange Shirt Day Community Event, hosted by Mnjikaning Health Services and the Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle. The event featured presentations by educator Jake King and Elder Jeff Manog, followed by a community march to Couchiching Beach Park. Chief Ted Williams delivered remarks, emphasizing that reconciliation is an everyday commitment. 

• • On October 2, 2025, Councillor Bell attended the Rama Health Fair, noting a special moment when Fran Masterson was honoured as the visionary behind the event’s 40-year legacy. Councillor Bell also highlighted the number of children learning about health and wellness.

• • On October 4, 2025, Councillor Bell visited Udney Fest. She congratulated the volunteers, describing it as an awesome event and commended everyone involved for their hard work.

Deputations

Child & Youth Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka
Scott Denis provided an overview of the Centre’s services for children and youth who have experienced abuse, noting rising caseloads in the region. He requested an annual contribution of $10,000 from the Township starting in 2026 to support mobile forensic interviews, prevention programming, and trauma-informed services.

View the Deputation Presentation

County of Simcoe – Social and Community Services
County representatives gave updates on affordable housing projects, homelessness prevention initiatives, and early learning and child care expansion. Highlights included redevelopment projects, energy upgrades to older housing, and the implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program.

View the Deputation Presentation

Committee of the Whole

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, October 6, 2025. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on October 20, 2025, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session Reports

• Committee of the Whole discussed third-party financial information related to the Purchase of Building Permitting Software. The item was voted on in Open Session.

Departmental Reports

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025:

• Council received the report regarding the 2024 Annual Building Department Report as information.
• Council received the report regarding the Flag Use Policy and approved amendments to Policy AD-01-09 – Flag Use Policy.
• Council received the report regarding Shorewall/Retaining Wall – Building Code Interpretation and supported interpreting shorewalls as retaining walls regulated under the Ontario Building Code when meeting the criteria set out in Division A, Section 1.3.3.5. Council also approved amending By-law 2017.25 as set out in the report.
• Council received a report regarding the 2025 Mid-Year Financial Review as information.
• Council received a report regarding the Canine Control By-law and approved repealing and replacing By-law 2005.76 with a new by-law to take effect upon approval of short-form wording and set fines. Council authorized staff to seek Provincial Offences Act approval, explore establishing an Administrative Monetary Penalties System and amended Section 4.5 to strengthen requirements for the restraint, muzzling, signage, and vaccination records for dangerous dogs. Staff were directed to prepare a Council Information Package memo on standardized signage language and colours.
• Council approved submitting a funding application through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund – Safe and Active School Routes Program to support sidewalk construction along Muley Point Road, providing a safe pedestrian route to Uptergrove Public School. Council delegated authority to staff to verify and attest to the application package, and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the necessary agreements if the application is successful.
• Council received the report regarding the purchase of Building Permitting Software and approved the purchase and implementation of the PSD Citywide Building Permit Module in fall 2025 at an estimated cost of $33,900 plus HST.
• Council received the report providing an overview of the 2026 Budget Process as information.
• Council awarded the tender for Slurry Seal Surface Treatment to Duncor Enterprises Inc. in the amount of $187,255.20 plus HST and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the agreement.
• Council awarded the tender for Hot Mix Asphalt Surface Treatment to Georgian Paving (a division of Miller Paving Inc.) in the amount of $537,769.11 plus HST and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the agreement.
• Council received correspondence from the Climate Action Committee Chair regarding a request for Council’s input on a Climate Action Workplan as information.
• Council received the Integrity Commissioner’s Final Report regarding a Code of Conduct Complaint for Councillor Sherri Bell and adopted the recommendations contained in the report from the Integrity Commissioner, specifically suspending remuneration for a total of 60 days: 30 days for breaching Council’s communication resolution and 30 days for breaching Sections 5.13 and 6.1 of the Code of Conduct.
• Council received correspondence from the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) regarding the 2026 Annual Conference and authorized Councillors Fisher, Tuju, and Gough to attend with expenses. The conference will take place from January 18 to 20, 2026.
• Council received the deputation from Scott Denis of the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka regarding a funding request to support young victims and their families in Ramara. Council directed that the funding request to the 2026 Budget process and that the County of Simcoe be encouraged to provide financial support on behalf of its member municipalities. The resolution will also be forwarded to all County of Simcoe member municipalities and the cities of Barrie and Orillia.
• Council received a deputation from the County of Simcoe regarding Social and Community Services updates as information.

Council Motion

Council reconsidered a resolution from June 23, 2025, regarding an enquiry motion to explore the feasibility of establishing a Sports Dome in the Township. Following reconsideration, Council directed staff to examine feasibility, options, and opportunities, including potential public-private partnerships and corporate sponsorships.

Bills and Bylaws

Council approved the following bylaws on October 6, 2025:

• A bylaw for licensing and regulating the seizure and impounding of dogs in Ramara Township.

• A bylaw to authorize an agreement with Duncor Enterprises Inc. for Slurry Seal Surface Treatment (2025).

• A bylaw to authorize an agreement with Georgian Paving (a division of Miller Paving Ltd.) for Hot Mix Asphalt Surface Treatment (2025).

• A bylaw to amend By-law 2017.25 regarding the construction and maintenance of shorewalls within the development known as Lagoon City.

• A bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on October 6, 2025.