Council Highlights - February 9, 2026

Call to Order

Council consented to the return of Councillor Bell to her seat at the February 9, 2026, Council meeting following an apology for disorderly conduct at the November 24, 2025, Council meeting, in accordance with Sections 4.3(g) and 4.4(i) of the Township’s Procedure Bylaw 2025.23.

Announcements

Mayor Clarke

• Mayor Clarke recognized February as Black History Month, noting that 2026 marks 30 years of its celebration in Canada. This year’s theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” celebrates the contributions and leadership of Black Canadians. Residents are encouraged to explore educational resources at canada.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.
• Mayor Clarke noted 2026 interim tax bills were mailed on January 29, 2026. Payments are due in two instalments:
  • February 25, 2026
  • April 27, 2026
• Residents with questions about billing or payment options can visit ramara.ca/PayABill or contact the Township’s Finance Department.
• Mayor Clarke advised that the Township’s Spring Recreation Guide will be released on February 18, 2026. The guide includes many programs available for residents of all ages, abilities, offerings, opportunity for everyone to stay active and engaged in the community. Resident registration opens February 25 at noon, and non-resident registration opens March 4, 2026, at noon. March Break registration is already underway. Details are available at ramara.ca/recreation.
• Mayor Clarke noted that the Township is accepting applications for summer and student employment opportunities across multiple departments. The application deadline is February 16 at 4:30 p.m. Those interested in learning more about positions available and to apply, visit ramara.ca/employment.
• Mayor Clarke reminded residents that Township administration offices will be closed on Monday, February 16 for the Family Day holiday and will reopen Tuesday, February 17.

Councillor Gough

• Councillor Gough reminded residents that the Brechin & District Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby is taking place on Saturday, February 14 on Lake Simcoe. The derby will feature prizes for the largest fish, including whitefish and lake trout, with awards for the top three catches in each category. A dinner will also be held at Udney Community Hall following the event. He encouraged residents to participate and support this local community event taking place on Valentine’s Day.

Deputy Mayor Bell

• Deputy Mayor Bell shared that local athletes recently competed at the Ontario Wrestling Championships, where the Under-17 girls team captured the provincial title. Two athletes from Ramara competed, earning both a gold and a silver medal. He congratulated the team on their strong performance and noted that, despite being one of the smallest teams, they returned home with the most medals in their division. 
• Deputy Mayor Bell reminded residents that Winterfest will take place over the weekend (February 14) at Ramona Hall, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include community checkpoints and a euchre tournament beginning at 1:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the festivities.

Councillor Tuju

• Councillor Tuju shared that she attended the annual dinner hosted by the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce, alongside Councillor Fisher, Mayor Clarke and his wife. She noted it was a pleasure to connect with members of Township of Severn Council during the event and highlighted the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Brown, recognizing his longstanding contributions and dedication to the community.

Committee of the Whole

Deputations

Information Orillia

• Michael McMurter and Doug Sexsmith presented on behalf of Information Orillia, providing Council with an overview of the organization’s renewed direction and services.
• The presentation outlined the range of community information, referral, and support services offered to residents, as well as recent organizational updates, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at improving access to local programs and resources. Council also heard about efforts to strengthen community connections and enhance service delivery across the region.

Council received the deputation as information.

View the Information Orillia presentation

Open Public Forum

• Agnes Voros spoke during Open Public Forum regarding Item 11.5.1. - Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Low-Pressure Sewer Servicing Project.
• Lois Hawkes spoke during Open Public Forum regarding Item 11.5.1. - Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Low-Pressure Sewer Servicing Project.
• Brian Smith spoke during Open Public Forum regarding Item 11.5.1. - Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Low-Pressure Sewer Servicing Project.
• Michael O’Brien spoke during Open Public Forum regarding Item 11.5.1. - Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Low-Pressure Sewer Servicing Project.

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2026. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on February 23, 2026, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session

Small Claims Proceedings for Failing to Complete Paid Work

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving Report CD-04-26 - Small Claims Proceedings for Failing to Complete Paid Work as information. The report was referred to the February 9, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Legal Opinion re Liability Apportionment in Multiple Defendant Situations 

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving Report CD-05-26 - Legal Opinion re Liability Apportionment in Multiple Defendant Situations as information. The report was referred to the February 9, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Physician Recruitment Update

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving Report AD-02-26 – Physician Recruitment Update as information. The report was referred to the February 9, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Departmental Reports

Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Low-Pressure Sewer Servicing Project

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving Report ID-07-26 regarding the Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue, and Simcoe Road Low-Pressure Sewer Servicing Project and that capital charge payment options be presented to affected property owners, including:
  • A lump-sum payment option payable no later than April 15, 2026
  • A financed option payable over a 20-year repayment term, beginning on the June 2026 tax bill
• Committee of the Whole also recommended that the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be directed to enter into a loan agreement to finance the cost of the low-pressure sewer portion of the project for 2026.

Yard 3 Heating Repairs

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving Report ID-09-26 regarding Yard 3 Heating Repairs and authorizing staff to fund $50,000 through the Capital Expenditure Reserve. The report was referred to the February 9, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026:

• Council received the report regarding Small Claims Proceedings for Failing to Complete Paid Work as information.
• Council received the report regarding Legal Opinion re Liability Apportionment in Multiple Defendant Situations as information.
• Council received the report regarding Physician Recruitment Update as information.
• Council received the report regarding Yard 3 Heating Repairs and authorized staff to fund $50,000 through the Capital Expenditure Reserve.
• Council directed staff to commence the process to stop up and close the southerly portion of Mara Eldon Boundary Road. In light of losing road access, Council directed staff to request that Parks Canada install a dry hydrant at their cost.
• Council received the report regarding the proposed amendment to Environmental Compliance Approval No. 6332 A2GNRY. The Township's comments to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks state that the proposed amendments to ECA No. 6332 A2GNRY include activities not permitted under the Township’s current Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, or Site Plan approvals, and that the application is premature pending the required municipal planning applications. The following additional comments from Council will be incorporated:

o   Creating a Township‑approved driver protocol.

o   Reducing hours of operation.

o   Establishing water‑monitoring procedures.

o   Defining hours for auxiliary operations.

o   Implementing monitoring camera systems.

o   Requiring securities for long term site management.

o   Implementing Township rules regarding the cleaning of roads.

o   Enforcing Ontario standards with Township monitoring at the expense of the quarry.

o   Installing adequate warning signage.

o   Consideration for highly vulnerable aquifer.

o   Independent oversight by a third‑party regulator and engineers is required, and the project should not proceed unless 100% impermeability can be guaranteed.

o   If incoming soil cannot be guaranteed free of hazardous or non‑treatable contaminants, the application must be refused.

o   Establishing a clearly defined dust‑suppression system which includes installation of an industrial‑grade filtration system.

Council authorized the Mayor to sign and submit Council endorsed comments to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

• Council directed staff to provide Brechin Public School with a one-week summer camp session (August 4–7) in support of its 2026 Bobcat Raffle.

Enquiry Motions

• Council directed staff to prepare a report to Council outlining the impact of the recent Health and Safety Water System grant, including its implications for future water and wastewater rate modeling.

Bills and Bylaws

Council approved the following bylaws on February 9, 2026:

• Bill 2026.05 – A bylaw to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers, Property Standards Officers, Parking Enforcement Officers, and Provincial Offences Officers for the Township of Ramara.
• Bylaw 2026.08 – A bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on February 9

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For More Information

For more details on any of these items, you can read the full meeting agenda on the Township's Meeting Portal or watch the meeting on the Township of Ramara's YouTube channel.

The meeting highlights are prepared to give residents a timely update on decisions of Council. The Council meeting minutes are the official record of the meeting. Once adopted, the Council meeting minutes can be found on the Township of Ramara's Meeting Portal.