Basil Clarke honoured for 25 years of service in municipal government

Ramara, Ont. / Nov. 4, 2025 – Friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders came together at the Nov. 3, 2025, Council meeting to honour Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke for his 25 years of dedicated service in municipal government.

The special presentation celebrated Mayor Clarke’s long-standing commitment to the Township of Ramara and his leadership throughout Simcoe County. Attending the event were Adam Chambers, Member of Parliament (MP) for Simcoe North, and a representative from the office of Jill Dunlop, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Simcoe North. In addition, a video message from Brian Saunderson, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Simcoe–Grey was shared to recognize Mayor Clarke’s achievements and to thank him for his many years of dedicated public service.

“On behalf of Simcoe North residents, it is my pleasure to recognize Mayor Basil Clarke on his more than two-decade service to Ramara and Simcoe County,” said Adam Chambers, MP for Simcoe North. “To serve residents and constituents for that length of time is both admirable and much appreciated. The individual sacrifices of public service produce many benefits for our entire region and we are truly thankful to Mayor Clarke and his family for his contributions.”

With 25 years of municipal leadership experience, Mayor Clarke was first elected as a Ramara Township Councillor in 2000, served as Deputy Mayor in 2006 and 2010, and was elected Mayor in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has been a strong advocate for rural communities, infrastructure development, and economic growth across the region.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Basil Clarke on 25 years of outstanding service to the Township of Ramara and Simcoe County,” said Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop. “His dedication and tireless advocacy have made a lasting impact on our communities and the people he has served so passionately. I thank Mayor Clarke for his remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to making Ramara and Simcoe County a better place for all.”

In December 2024, County Council acclaimed Mayor Clarke as the County of Simcoe Warden for 2025 and 2026, marking his second term as Warden. Entering his fifth term as a County Councillor, Clarke has chaired several key committees, including the County’s Performance Management, Food and Agriculture Charter, and Economic Development Committees.

“It has been an incredible honour to serve the residents of Ramara and Simcoe County for the past 25 years,” said Mayor Clarke. “Local government is about people and listening to their concerns, working together, and building a stronger future. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a community and grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey so far.”

Mayor Clarke operates his fifth-generational, family-owned farm in Ramara. He previously partnered with his wife, Carey, to operate her retail business. Basil and Carey have been married for more than 35 years, have three grown children, and enjoy their two granddaughters.

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Media Contact
Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications & Community Experience
705-484-5374 ext. 322
mgowanlock@ramara.ca