Council Highlights - June 22, 2026

Announcements

Mayor Clarke:

• Mayor Clarke acknowledged Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto and Ontario Provincial Police Constable Tarun Bali, who were tragically killed in the line of duty earlier this month. He extended condolences to their families, friends and colleagues and noted that flags at the Township Administration Building have been lowered to half-mast until June 25, 2026, in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
• Mayor Clarke recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed on June 21, and noted that this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the day. He encouraged residents to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and to continue learning about Indigenous cultures and histories.
• Mayor Clarke shared that construction of the new accessible playground at the Ramara Centre is underway. The playground will provide an inclusive space where children of all abilities can play, explore and connect and is being funded in part through the Province of Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

Councillor Tuju:

• Councillor Tuju attended the County of Simcoe Council meeting on June 9, 2026, and recognized the successful efforts of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) in advocating for the County to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.
• Councillor Tuju attended the Brechin-Mara Legion grand reopening on June 13, 2026, and recognized the contributions of veterans, servicemen and women, Legion members and community volunteers who helped make the project possible.
• Councillor Tuju attended the Barrie Air Show and joined others in recognizing the retirement of the Snowbirds' CT-114 Tutor aircraft, which have served as the team's demonstration aircraft for more than five decades.

Deputy Mayor Bell:

• Deputy Mayor Bell attended the Brechin-Mara Legion grand reopening and welcomed the completion of the clubhouse renovations, noting the facility will continue to serve as an important community gathering place.
• Deputy Mayor Bell, representing the County of Simcoe and the Township of Ramara, welcomed 109 Chiefs from across Ontario to the region at the 2026 Chiefs Assembly at Casino Rama Resort.
• Deputy Mayor Bell attended the final week of the Township's spring flag football program with the Mayor. He also noted that many of the participants were Ramara residents.

Councillor Gough:

• Councillor Gough attended the Brechin-Mara Legion grand reopening and congratulated the Legion and its volunteers on the completion of the extensive renovation project. He also encouraged residents to continue supporting the facility through donations as fundraising efforts continue.

Councillor Bell:

• Councillor Bell participated in strategic planning discussions with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Patient, Family and Caregiver Network to establish a work plan to support patients throughout the region.
• Councillor Bell attended the Brechin-Mara Legion grand reopening and recognized the dedication of the many volunteers who contributed to the project over the past three years. She encouraged residents to continue supporting the facility through donations as fundraising efforts continue for further renovations.
• Councillor Bell attended the Create and Communicate program and highlighted the opportunities it provides for residents to connect through creative and social activities.
• Councillor Bell attended a fundraiser held in memory of Ramara resident Jane Lee, where more than $5,000 was raised to support local families in need through Feeding Families.
• Councillor Bell attended National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations hosted by Chippewas of Rama First Nation and recognized the importance of celebrating Indigenous culture, community and traditions.
• Councillor Bell attended the Orillia Rama Regional Airport's Fly-In Splash-In event and congratulated the airport's new ownership team on a successful and well-attended event.
• Councillor Bell attended the Lagoon City Community Association Summer Mix and Mingle and encouraged residents to learn more about the organization and its community initiatives.

Committee of the Whole

Open Public Forum:

• Jen Dundas spoke to Agenda Item 16.4.1. Notice of Motion from Councillor Snutch regarding concerning water aerodrome operations.
• Michael O'Brien spoke to Agenda Item 11.4.3. Feasibility, Scope, Timing, and Anticipated Costs for Reviews and Third-Party Professional Reports.

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, June 22, 2026. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on July 13, 2026, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session:

Closed Session Council Resolution Dated July 21, 2025, Regarding Councillor Communication Matter 

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving Report MC-01-26 regarding the Closed Session Council Resolution dated July 21, 2025, regarding a Councillor Communication Matter.
• Committee of the Whole also recommended that the full text of Resolution CW.84.2025 from the July 21, 2025, Council meeting become a public document and that Report MC-01-26 become a public document.
• The report was referred to the June 22, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council Referral Reports:

Traffic Calming Policy

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the Traffic Calming Policy and that the Traffic Calming Policy be adopted effective July 15, 2026. Committee of the Whole further recommended that the General Manager of Development and Infrastructure be given delegated authority to make minor housekeeping amendments to the Traffic Calming Policy as required.

Orkney Beach Road Speed Limit

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the Orkney Beach Road Speed Limit as information.

Feasibility, Scope, Timing, and Anticipated Costs for Reviews and Third-Party Professional Reports

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding Feasibility, Scope, Timing, and Anticipated Costs for Reviews and Third-Party Professional Reports and also recommended authorizing $200,000 from the Municipal Projects (Modernization) Reserve for:
  • A comprehensive assessment and analysis of the Township's financial systems, internal controls and fiscal condition;
  • A comprehensive financial review of the Township's water and wastewater operations; and
  • An evaluation of the legal and governance framework related to the Township's relationship with the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission.
• The report was referred to the June 22, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Departmental Reports:

Termination of the Township's Funding Contribution with Rogers Communications Canada Inc.

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding termination of the Township's funding contribution with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. and also recommended delegating authority to the Director of Corporate Services/Legal to finalize and execute a termination agreement with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. in respect of the Contribution Agreement dated September 9, 2021.
• Committee of the Whole further recommended requiring Rogers Communications Canada Inc. to provide the Township with a final built summary report and that a memo respecting the final built summary report be included in a future Council Information Package.
• The report was referred to the June 22, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Township-Owned Facilities – After-Hour Rental Risk Considerations

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding Township-Owned Facilities – After-Hour Rental Risk Considerations and also recommended directing staff to continue unstaffed and/or unsupervised after-hour rental of Township-owned facilities until staff report back to Council on consultation and further impacts associated with staffing, including a policy on community centre facility rentals.
• The report was referred to the June 22, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026:

• Council received the Township's 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit Report as information.
• Council approved the establishment of a Donation and Fundraising Reserve for the Ramara Township Public Library, as outlined in the report from the Chief Executive Officer dated May 21, 2026.
• Council received the report regarding the Closed Session Council Resolution dated July 21, 2025, regarding a Councillor Communication Matter. Council also approved making the full text of Resolution CW.84.2025 from the July 21, 2025, Council meeting and Report MC-01-26 public documents.
• Council received the report regarding Feasibility, Scope, Timing, and Anticipated Costs for Reviews and Third-Party Professional Reports. Council also authorized $200,000 from the Municipal Projects (Modernization) Reserve for:
  • A comprehensive assessment and analysis of the Township's overall financial systems, internal controls and fiscal condition, including recommendations to strengthen and optimize these systems over the long term and inform future financial system modernization;
  • A comprehensive financial review of the Township's water and wastewater operations, including funding, sustainability, long-term obligations and affordability considerations; and
  • An evaluation of the legal and governance framework related to the Township's relationship with the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission, including the effectiveness of the current operating model and the feasibility of alternative governance or service delivery structures.
• Council received the report regarding the termination of the Township's funding contribution with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. and delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Services/Legal to finalize and execute a termination agreement with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. in respect of the Contribution Agreement dated September 9, 2021. The termination agreement will require Rogers to provide the Township with a final built summary report, and a memo respecting the report will be included in a future Council Information Package once received.
• Council received the report regarding Township-Owned Facilities – After-Hour Rental Risk Considerations. Council also directed staff to continue unstaffed and/or unsupervised after-hour rental of Township-owned facilities until staff report back on consultation and further impacts associated with staffing, including a policy on community centre facility rentals.
• Council received the Ramara Township Public Library 2026-2030 Strategic Plan as information following a presentation from Library CEO Elise Bethune.
• Council received and supported correspondence from the Town of Halton Hills regarding modernizing Ontario's invasive plant rules to better protect taxpayers, municipal lands, agriculture, natural heritage and local gardens.
• Council received correspondence recognizing Ramara Township Clerk Rebecca Zanussi as the winner of AMCTO's Award for Excellence in the Municipal Law Program as information.
• Council received the Climate Action Committee’s draft resolution declaring a climate emergency for the Township of Ramara and referred the draft resolution to staff for a report back on the feasibility and implications of adopting the resolution.
• Council received the Climate Action Committee consolidated workplan for the Adaptation, Mitigation and Education Working Groups as information at this time.
• Council received correspondence from Amrize regarding regulation of hours of operation for pits and quarries and authorized extended operating hours for the Amrize Brechin Quarry from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the period of May 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, in accordance with Bylaw 2003.48.
• Councillor Snutch provided notice of a motion for the meeting of July 13, 2026, requesting that the Mayor, on behalf of Council, send correspondence to Transport Canada, the Minister of Transport, Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada requesting a review of operational safety during the 2026 summer season at the Lake Country Airways water aerodrome location on Rama Road. The proposed review would include the adequacy of flight paths and impacts to recreational water activities such as boating, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. The proposed motion also encourages consultation with the local community prior to approving docking sites for water aerodrome locations and requests that the Chippewas of Rama First Nation be copied on the correspondence.

Bills and Bylaws:

Council approved the following bylaw at the June 22, 2026, meeting:

• Bylaw 2026.51 – A bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on June 22, 2026.

Subscribe

Subscribe to receive email updates on Township of Ramara news and notices, media releases, Council highlights, Monthly Ramara Bulletin, community events, and beyond.

Subscribe now

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.