Council Highlights - June 8, 2026

Announcements

Mayor Clarke:

• Mayor Clarke recognized June as National Indigenous History Month and June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day. He encouraged residents to reflect on the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, and on the importance of truth, reconciliation and shared respect. He also acknowledged the Township's longstanding relationship with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
• Mayor Clarke recognized June as Pride Month and reaffirmed the Township’s commitment to inclusion, respect and dignity for all. He noted that Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and create communities where everyone feels safe, supported and welcome. He also noted that the Township flies the Pride flag in August when Simcoe Pride celebrations are held locally.
• Mayor Clarke recognized June as Seniors Month and thanked Ramara’s seniors for their many contributions to families, communities, local organizations and the social, cultural and economic vitality of the region.
• Mayor Clarke encouraged residents to participate in June is Recreation and Parks Month by enjoying local parks, trails, playgrounds, waterfronts and recreation programs. Residents are encouraged to follow Ramara Recreation’s Facebook and Instagram channels for information on pop-up activities and opportunities to win a Summer Basket of Fun.
• Mayor Clarke provided a physician recruitment update, noting that Ramara residents who have signed up through Health Care Connect are beginning to be contacted and matched to Dr. Mo’s practice ahead of her arrival. Residents who have registered are encouraged to watch for communications from Health Care Connect regarding next steps. Those interested in becoming a patient are encouraged to register through Health Care Connect, with priority being given to Ramara residents. For more information, visit ramara.ca/HealthCare.
• Mayor Clarke encouraged residents to participate in the Shape Ramara Zoning By-law Update. He noted that the project will help guide future decisions related to housing, businesses, waterfront areas, agriculture, transportation and community character. The community survey is open until August 5, hard copies are available at the Township Administration Building, Ramara Centre and Ramara Public Library, and an open house will be held on July 22. For more information, visit ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate.
• Mayor Clarke advised that the Township is seeking a volunteer representative from Lagoon City to serve on the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission. He noted that the position provides an opportunity for a levy-paying Lagoon City resident to help guide the management and maintenance of waterways, parklands, footbridges and pathways within the community. Applications will be accepted until June 30 at noon. For more information, visit ramara.ca/ApplyNow.

Councillor Tuju:

• Councillor Tuju attended a fashion show fundraiser at Casino Rama Resort in support of Mariposa House Hospice. The event raised more than $40,000 in honour of local resident and longtime hospice supporter Gini Stringer, whose family organized the fundraiser to give back to the organization that cared for her prior to her passing in December 2025.
• Councillor Tuju attended the Bayshore Village tile bed project (Wastewater Treatment Facility 202) groundbreaking ceremony on May 15, 2026, alongside Mayor Clarke, several members of Council, MPP Jill Dunlop, and Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy. The ceremony marked the start of construction on the new wastewater solution, supported through significant provincial funding.
• Councillor Tuju attended the One Simple Seed sustainability event hosted by the Parent Council at Twin Lakes Secondary School and recognized students and community members for their work promoting sustainability through gardening, pollinator initiatives and local food production.
• Councillor Tuju attended the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Annual Ceremonial Review at Base Borden, where cadets demonstrated their skills and received awards and promotions. She congratulated the cadets on their achievements and recognized the dedication and growth of the many local youth participating in the program.

Deputy Mayor Bell:

• Deputy Mayor Bell attended the Bayshore Village tile bed project (Wastewater Treatment Facility 202) groundbreaking ceremony on May 15, 2026, and recognized the significance of the project for the community.
• Deputy Mayor Bell noted he also attended the Grand Harbour Marina grand opening celebration in Lagoon City on May 15, 2026, and that it was a well- attended event and barbeque.
• Deputy Mayor Bell noted he had the honour of emceeing his Mother-in-Law, Sharon Bell’s, book launch and congratulated her as a local author, retired nurse, and wonderful grandmother on the launch of her latest book.

Councillor Gough:

• Councillor Gough attended the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board meeting and recognized Lynn Dollin’s retirement after 20 years as Chair of the Source Protection Committee.
• Councillor Gough encouraged residents to attend the grand reopening celebration of the Brechin Legion clubhouse on June 13 at 2 p.m. and thanked the Legion for its ongoing contributions to the community.

Councillor Bell:

• Councillor Bell attended the Grand Harbour Marina grand opening celebrations throughout the Victoria Day long weekend in Lagoon City and welcomed the continued revitalization of the waterfront. She noted that she often refers to Lagoon City as the "Gem of Lake Simcoe" and that the community is well on its way to reclaiming that title.
• Councillor Bell attended the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Spring Wellness Fair on May 27 and highlighted the variety of health and wellness workshops available to residents. She encouraged residents to watch for future announcements and opportunities to participate.
• Councillor Bell reminded residents that they can register with Health Care Connect by calling 811 and noted that residents do not have to give up their current family physician in order to be placed on the Health Care Connect list.
• Councillor Bell highlighted Hospice Orillia's upcoming Waiting Room Revolution initiative, designed to help individuals and families navigate the healthcare system following a life-changing diagnosis. She encouraged residents to watch for additional information about the program.
• Councillor Bell attended the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on May 28 and congratulated the local businesses and organizations recognized, including Casino Rama Resort, Fern Resort, Couchiching Conservancy, Phil and Rosie's coffee shop, and community leader Marilyn Wilson.
• Councillor Bell welcomed the opening of Paws & Portraits in Lagoon City and encouraged residents to support this unique local business.
• Councillor Bell reminded residents that the Brechin Outdoor Market and Black River Farmers' Market are now open on Saturday mornings throughout the summer season.
• Councillor Bell clarified that the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission is responsible for parkland associated with the two Lagoon City beaches and not all Township-owned parkland.

Committee of the Whole

Open Public Forum:

• Michael O’Brien spoke regarding Agenda Item 11.5.1. – 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit Report

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, June 8, 2026. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on June 22, 2026, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session:

Closed Session Materials Respecting Sunset Drive

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding closed session materials respecting Sunset Drive and also recommended that the privilege and confidentiality associated with legal advice received by Township Council be protected and maintained by not disclosing materials. The report was referred to the June 8, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Upgrade and Installation of Monitoring Panels in Municipal Buildings (Closed Session)

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the closed session report regarding the upgrade and installation of monitoring panels in municipal buildings as information. The matter was referred to the June 8, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Board and Committee Reports:

Request to Establish a Donation and Fundraising Reserve

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the request to establish a Donation and Fundraising Reserve from the Ramara Township Public Library Board and recommended that Council approve 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.

Departmental Reports:

2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit Report

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit Report as information.

Proposed Stop Up, Closure, and Sale of Concord Woods Court

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the proposed stop up, closure, and conveyance of Concord Woods Court and recommended that staff be directed to commence the process to stop up, close, and convey Concord Woods Court. The report was referred to the June 8, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Upgrade and Installation of Monitoring Panels in Municipal Buildings - Open Session

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the upgrade and installation of monitoring panels in municipal buildings.
• Committee of the Whole also recommended that Council approve a budget amendment in the amount of $20,680 from the Capital Reserve for Phase One of the upgrade and installation of monitoring panels in select municipal buildings and that Phase Two of the upgrade be referred to the 2027 Budget process.
• The report was referred to the June 8, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026:

• Council received the report regarding closed session materials respecting Sunset Drive and directed that the privilege and confidentiality associated with legal advice received by Township Council be protected and maintained by not disclosing materials.
• Council received the closed session report regarding Upgrade and Installation of Monitoring Panels in Municipal Buildings as information.
• Council directed staff to commence the process to stop up, close, and convey Concord Woods Court.
• Council received the open session report regarding the updated installation of monitoring panels in municipal buildings and approved a budget amendment in the amount of $20,680 from the Capital Reserve for Phase One of the upgrade and installation of monitoring panels in select municipal buildings. Council referred Phase Two of the upgrade to the 2027 Budget process.
• Council received the report regarding the City of Orillia recreation funding request and acknowledged and appreciated the significance, quality, and value of the recreational services provided by the City of Orillia and the benefits those services offer to Township residents.
• Council requested that City of Orillia staff work collaboratively with Township staff to develop a six-month data collection protocol to better understand Township resident use of City facilities and programs and
• Council directed Township staff to develop and implement a community engagement strategy to assess resident support for the Township providing financial contributions to the City of Orillia to offset non-resident user fees and to report back once the data collection and community engagement activities have been completed.
• Council received and supported correspondence from the City of Richmond Hill regarding an Integrated Living and Participation Model for adults with developmental disabilities and directed that the Township provide the County of Simcoe with a copy of the resolution and request the County’s support.
• Council received correspondence from Prince Edward County regarding reinstating requirements for compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as information.
• Council received and supported correspondence from the Township of Brudenell, Lyndoch, and Raglan regarding Canada Post reductions for libraries.
• Council received and supported correspondence from the County of Simcoe regarding community paramedicine funding.
• Council received and supported correspondence from the Township of Puslinch regarding support for the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus resolution related to Finlay’s Law on emergency room reform.
• Council supported and confirmed the appointment of Councillor David Snutch to the Top Aggregate Producing Municipalities of Ontario (TAPMO) Executive Committee for the remainder of the 2024-2026 term.
• Council directed staff to prepare a report on the feasibility of installing “Children at Play” signage on Sideroad 5, between Concession Road 1 and Concession Road 2, including investigating and determining potential locations.

Bills and Bylaws:

Council approved the following bylaws at the June 8, 2026, meeting:

• Bill 2026.35 - A bylaw to establish the positions of Screening and Hearing Officers for the purposes of administration of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System within the Township of Ramara.
• Bill 2026.36 - A bylaw to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers, Property Standards Officers, Parking Enforcement Officers, and Provincial Offences Officers for the Corporation of the Township of Ramara and repeal and replace Bylaw 2026.07, as amended.
• Bylaw 2026.49 - A bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on June 8, 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.