August 2026 Ramara Bulletin
Important Dates and Opportunities
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
- Wednesday, August 26: Climate Action Committee
- Tuesday, September 8: Committee of Adjustment
- Thursday, September 10: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
- Monday, September 14: Regular Council (including Committee of the Whole)
- Wednesday, September 16: Ramara Trails Committee
- Monday, September 28: Regular Council (including Committee of the Whole)
Regular Council meetings may be 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.
Town Hall - Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Governance Review - August 26, 2026
The Township of Ramara is inviting Lagoon City residents and property owners to attend a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Township Administration Building (2297 Highway 12, Brechin) as part of an independent governance review of its relationship with the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission.
At its June 22, 2026, meeting, Council authorized a dedicated legal and governance review of the Township's relationship with the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission. The review forms part of the Township's ongoing commitment to supporting effective governance practices and ensuring accountability, transparency and clarity in its governance structures.
The Town Hall meeting will begin with a brief presentation introducing the firm retained to conduct the review and outlining the purpose and scope of the review. Residents attending the Town Hall will then be invited to share their experiences and feedback. To hear feedback from as many residents as possible, each resident will have one-minute to provide their comments.
Residents and property owners who are unable to attend the Town Hall, or who prefer to provide written comments, are encouraged to submit their feedback by Sept. 9, 2026. Written submissions can be:
- emailed to clerks@ramara.ca
- mailed to or dropped off at the Township Administration Building, 2297 Highway 12, Brechin, ON L0K 1B0.
All written submissions received by the deadline will be considered as part of the independent governance review.
To ensure the review is conducted independently and impartially, the Township has retained WeirFoulds LLP to complete the assessment. The review will examine the Commission's current governance structure, legislative foundation and relationship with the Township. It will also consider governance principles, accountability frameworks and governance arrangements commonly associated with similar governance and service delivery models.
The feedback received through the Town Hall will be considered alongside the legal, governance and operational analysis as part of the overall framework assessment. The independent review is anticipated to conclude with a final report in early 2027.
For more information about the governance review, the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission, and the Town Hall, visit ramara.ca/HaveYourSay.
Labour Day Holiday Schedule
The Township of Ramara administration building and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, for Labour Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
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.
Ramara Fall Harvest Festival - August 29, 2026
The Township of Ramara's Atherley Community Centre Board is excited to welcome residents and visitors back for the second annual Ramara Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Atherley Community Park on Creighton Street in Ramara (Atherley).
Following the success of last year's inaugural event, this year's festival is returning with more than 30 local vendors, including local farmers, produce growers, artisans, makers and community organizations, offering an even wider variety of products, activities and experiences for the whole family while celebrating the harvest season.
Visitors can browse handcrafted goods, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, dreamcatchers, baked goods, artisan creations, 3D printed products, and more while enjoying delicious food from local vendors. Community organizations, including Ramara Fire & Rescue Services, Simcoe County Paramedics with therapy dogs, and the Ontario Provincial Police will also be on site, making it a fun and welcoming event for all ages.
The Ramara Fall Harvest Festival is free to attend and offers residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate the harvest season while supporting local businesses, artisans and community organizations.
Parking will be available along Creighton Street. The event will take place rain or shine.
For more information about the event, please contact Patti from the Atherley Community Centre Board at 705-325-8900 (please leave a message).
Employment Opportunities
We’re hiring for the following position:
- Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
- Manager of Financial Services / Deputy Treasurer
Learn more at ramara.ca/employment.
Township News and Information
Municipal and School Board Election 2026
Eligible electors in Ramara will have the opportunity to vote for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, their respective Ward Councillor (where not acclaimed), and applicable School Board Trustee for the 2026–2030 term of office.
View the List of Certified Candidates and Acclamations
Make sure you are on the Voters’ List
How to vote in Ramara
Online voting
Online voting will be available beginning Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. and will remain open until Monday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. Eligible electors can vote anywhere, at any time, during the voting period using a computer, tablet or mobile device. Online voting will also be available at Voter Assistance Centres during operating hours and on public computers at Township of Ramara Public Library branches during regular operating hours.
Telephone voting
Advance voting – paper ballots
Know your ward
For complete information about Ramara’s 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, including the certified candidate list, voter eligibility, the Voters’ List and voting options, visit ramara.ca/election.
Learn more about the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election
Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 Project Update
Construction continues on the Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 project in Bayshore Village. Recent work has included site preparation and levelling for the effluent disposal bed, as well as completion of the temporary access road around the disposal bed.
Construction of the new lift station will continue, work on the tile bed will begin, and materials will continue to arrive onsite. As this phase of construction requires a significant amount of sand, residents can expect increased heavy truck traffic into late fall.
Construction vehicles are using Concession Road 7, Barnstable Drive and Muley Point Road to access the site. Muley Point Road has been authorized for use during periods when regular school activities are not taking place. The Township recognizes that the additional truck traffic may be disruptive for nearby residents and continues to work with Tatham Engineering and the contractor to monitor traffic and site operations.
Wastewater effluent hauling is also underway. Wessuc Inc. is transporting wastewater effluent from Wastewater Facility 202 in Bayshore Village to Wastewater Facility 201 in Lagoon City/Brechin. Hauling is taking place Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and is being used as needed to manage lagoon levels and maintain regulatory compliance while the new tile bed is under construction.
Contractors are required to follow posted speed limits, traffic signage and all applicable roadway requirements. Residents are encouraged to use extra caution and watch for construction vehicles entering and leaving the area. Local and emergency access will remain available throughout the work.
For the latest construction information and project updates, visit ramara.ca/project202.
Recreation Update
As summer begins to wind down, the Recreation team is reflecting on an incredible season at the Ramara Centre! This summer, we welcomed more than 350 children to Township summer camp programs and successfully launched two new off-site camp locations at the Joyland Beach Community Centre.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our dedicated summer camp staff for their hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the season. Their efforts helped ensure that our campers enjoyed a fun, safe, and memorable summer. We would also like to thank all of our special guests who joined us at the Ramara Centre each week to provide campers with new and exciting experiences and opportunities to learn, explore, and have fun.
While we’re sad to see summer come to an end, we’re excited to welcome the arrival of our fall recreation programming! Our Fall Recreation Guide is now available, featuring a variety of exciting new programs and returning favorites for all ages. Be sure to browse the guide and register at ramara.ca/recreation.
Our popular Seniors Social program is also returning in September, with Wendy McQuaig, author of Behind the Pickle Jar, kicking off our speaker series. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another season of engaging speakers and social connections.
Flag Football, in partnership with Sportsklub, is also back this fall! We’re thrilled to share that more than 100 children registered, making this another full program. If you missed out on the fall session, keep an eye out for registration details for our next Flag Football program, returning in the spring!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this summer such a success. We look forward to seeing you this fall at the Ramara Centre!
Fire Safety Tips
Fire Danger Rating Reduced to Low - Effective August 24, 2026
Increased precipitation and lower-than-average temperatures throughout August have improved local conditions, allowing the Township of Ramara’s Fire Danger Rating to be reduced to LOW.
While the risk of fire starting and spreading is lower, residents are reminded that low risk does not mean no risk. Anyone having an open-air fire must continue to follow the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law 2025.32.
Before burning:
- Check the current Fire Danger Rating and weather conditions.
- Ensure there is no air quality advisory in effect.
- Keep fires attended and have water or extinguishing equipment nearby.
- Fully extinguish fires before leaving the area.
Back-to-School Safety
With students returning to school, drivers should expect increased pedestrian, bicycle and school-bus traffic.
- Slow down and use extra caution in school zones.
- Watch for children walking or cycling.
- Be prepared to stop for school buses and obey flashing lights and stop arms.
- Avoid distractions while driving.
Parents and caregivers should also review safe routes to school and remind children to stop, look and listen before crossing the road.
Make Fire Safety Part of the Routine
The return to school is a good opportunity to review fire safety at home:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Review your home fire escape plan and meeting place.
- Make sure everyone knows to get out and stay out when an alarm sounds.
- Keep exits, hallways and stairs clear.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
For students heading away to college or university, make sure your residence or rental has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, learn the building’s evacuation procedures and never disable an alarm.
Enjoy the Rest of Summer Safely
There is still plenty of summer left. Continue to check weather and fire conditions before heading outdoors, wear a properly fitted life-jacket or personal flotation device when boating or paddling, and use extra caution around campfires and outdoor cooking.
A few simple precautions can help everyone enjoy a safe end to summer and a safe start to the school year.
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. If you have reported a concern, and have not received a response, please ensure you check your junk mail.
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 email, 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.
Library Information, Events and Highlights
Fall Fun Coming Soon!
Registration for all fall programs opens on Friday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. We have a ton of new programs coming this fall including Busy Babies, Afterschool STEAM, a Death Cafe series, and Improve classes. Visit the library's Eventbrite page to get all the details. Don't forget to visit the library's tent at the Ramara Harvest Festival (Saturday, Aug. 29) and the Ramona Fall Fair (Saturday, Sept. 19).
Adult Programs
- Genealogy: Tuesdays | 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Drop-in
- Fibre Friends Wednesdays | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Drop-in
- Ramara Quilting Club Thursdays | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Drop-in
- Ramara Book Club: Wednesday, Sept. 23 @ 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register
- Evening Book Club: Wednesday, Sept. 23 @ 7 to 8 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register
- Adult Craft Night: Tuesday, Sept. 22 @ 7 to 8 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register
- Meet Hospice Orillia : Thursday, Sept. 24 @ 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Ramara Centre | Register
Children's Programs
- Summer Reading Wrap Party: Fri., Aug. 28 @ 5 to 8 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register
- PJ Storytime & Craft: Thurs., Sept. 24 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register
- Thanksgiving Take & Make: Solar Power | Ramara Centre | Register by Sept. 26
- Busy Babies: Tuesdays starting Sept. 29 | 10 to 10:30 a.m. | Ramara Centre | Register or Drop-in
Highlights
Author Talk with Lesley Crewe in Celebration of Simcoe Reads!
Virtually at home or at the Library | Tuesday, Aug. 25 | 7 PM - 8 PM | Register
We are thrilled to welcome, virtually, Nova Scotian author Lesley Crewe to speak about her popular books The Spoon Stealer, Recipe for a Good Life and her latest, The Spirit of Scatarie. We are excited to share that her latest title will be defended by Ramara Library at the 2026 Simcoe Reads competition! Please note, you can choose to attend and watch Lesley (joining us virtually) from the comfort of your home or at the library on our screen.
Hear Better, Live Better!
Ramara Centre | Friday, Sept. 11 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. & Clinic by Appointment 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Register
Join Canadian Hearing Services for a free Hearing Health Presentation and Complimentary Hearing Screening Clinic. Learn about the signs of hearing loss, what your screening results mean, personal amplification devices, and practical communication strategies for everyday life. This free event is a great opportunity to ask questions, receive personalized hearing screening results, and connect with services and resources that support better hearing and communication. All are welcome!
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.
Did you know that community boards and organizations can also add events to the calendar if the event meets the following criteria:
- Organized or funded by another level of government.
- Organized by a government-funded agency or board.
- Organized by a Township of Ramara affiliated committee.
- Funded in full or in part, the Township of Ramara.
- Sponsored by the Township of Ramara.
- Organized by a registered charitable organization or service club operating within the Township of Ramara.
- Located in a facility owned by the Township of Ramara.
Visit ramara.ca/calendar.
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