Announcements

Mayor Clarke:

• Mayor Clarke proclaimed September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the Township of Ramara. He recognized the courage of children and families affected by childhood cancer, as well as the healthcare professionals, researchers, organizations and volunteers who provide care and support. He also recognized Candlelighters Simcoe and Parents of Children with Cancer for their work supporting families in the region.
• Mayor Clarke reminded residents that construction is underway on the Baseball Diamond Revitalization Project at the Ramara Centre. The baseball diamond and surrounding area will remain closed during construction, which is expected to continue until early October. The Ramara Centre, other sports fields and playground remain open for public use.
• Mayor Clarke recognized the success of the Ramara Harvest Festival held August 29, 2026, at Atherley Community Park. He thanked the volunteers for their work organizing the event and noted the strong community turnout.
• Mayor Clarke recognized the Washago Art Show held August 29, 2026, which raised approximately $7,000 for the Washago Art Centre.
• Mayor Clarke recognized and congratulated the Township’s Director of Corporate Services/Legal on the birth of his new son.

Councillor Fisher:

• Councillor Fisher invited residents to attend the second annual Udney Music Fest on October 3, 2026, from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Udney Community Centre. The event will feature at least four bands and five performances. Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door, with funds raised supporting future celebrations for the Udney Community Centre's upcoming 75^th anniversary.
• Councillor Fisher recognized area Jeep clubs for their recent fundraising efforts at a local off-road event. The clubs raised funds in support of mental health awareness and collected food for Rooted in Ramara to support local families.

Councillor Tuju:

• Councillor Tuju thanked the Atherley Community Centre Board members for their work organizing the Ramara Harvest Festival and showcasing Atherley Community Park, local farmers and artisans, and Ramara's community spirit. She shared that she looks forward to the event returning next year.

Deputy Mayor Bell:

• Deputy Mayor Bell recognized the success of the Ramara Harvest Festival and the event's dunk tank fundraiser.
• Deputy Mayor Bell reminded residents about the upcoming Ramona Fall Fair, taking place September 18 to 20, 2026, with activities beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday.

Councillor Gough:

• Councillor Gough thanked the Atherley Community Centre Board members for their work organizing the Ramara Harvest Festival.
• Councillor Gough attended the Sylvan Glen Beach Association's Annual General Meeting and Ribfest, where he spoke with residents about Township initiatives and highlighted the importance of protecting Lake Dalrymple and its water quality.

Councillor Bell:

• Councillor Bell recognized the Centurions Motorcycle Club’s recent fundraising event, which raised approximately $35,000, including $20,000 for SickKids and $15,000 for the Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity. She also highlighted the support riders received from families and children along the route.
• Councillor Bell attended the Ramara Harvest Festival, where she visited vendors and participated in activities offered by the Ramara Historical Society.
• Councillor Bell highlighted the Ramara Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament taking place September 16, 2026, and an upcoming Ramara Historical Society presentation at the Udney Community Centre featuring Sir Sam Steele.
• Councillor Bell shared that the Couchiching Ontario Health Team attended a recent Legion lunch to assist residents with registering through Health Care Connect and noted that several residents registered during the event.

Public Meeting of Council re Planning Matters

Recommendation Report: Zoning By-law Amendment File Z-2/26 2284 Concession Road 10 (Sternberg)

•  A presentation was provided by EcoVue Consulting Services Inc regarding 2284 Concession Road 10.  View Presentation
• Council received the report regarding Zoning By-law Amendment Application File Z-2/26 2284 Concession Road 10 (Sternberg) and related public comments.
• Subject to any new information and/or public comments received, the draft Zoning By-law Amendment, as set out in Schedule "A" to the report will be presented to Council for consideration at the next available meeting.

Stop-up, Closure, and Conveyance of Concord Woods Court

• The report regarding the Stop-up, Closure, and Conveyance of Concord Woods Court and related public comments were received and a by-law to effect and implement the stop-up, closure, and conveyance of the said road will be presented to Council for consideration at the next available meeting.

Committee of the Whole

Deputations:

• Colin Cassin and Rebecca D'Orazio of the Invasive Species Centre presented to Council regarding responding to Water Soldier in Lake Simcoe on behalf of the Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group. The presentation included a background on water soldier, an overview of the Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group, monitoring of 2025 findings, impacts to Lake Simcoe, and a proposed plan for Water Soldier in 2026. View the Presentation

Open Public Forum:

• Kimberley Williams spoke to Agenda Item 16.3.1 – Deputation Motions (Responding to Water Soldier in Lake Simcoe).

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, September 14, 2026. These are subject to ratification by Council at its next meeting on September 28, 2026, unless pulled for ratification on the same day.

Closed Session:

Litigation and Strategy Update - 3379 County Road 47 Real Estate Matter - Sections 239(2)(e) litigation or potential litigation and (f) advice subject to solicitor-client privilege.

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding Litigation and Strategy Update - 3379 County Road 47 Real Estate Matter and that the confidential direction to staff be adopted.
• Committee of the Whole recommended that the Director of Corporate Services/Legal and/or Chief Administrative Officer be given delegated authority to implement Council's confidential direction and that $40,000 be allocated from the General Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund to support costs associated with the matter.
• The report was referred to the September 14, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council Referral Reports:

Children at Play Signage on Sideroad 5

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding Children at Play signage on Sideroad 5 and directing staff to install "Children at Play" signage at the following locations:
  • One sign on the northeast corner of Sideroad 5 and Concession Road 1;
  • One sign on the southwest corner of Sideroad 5 and Concession Road 2.

Stop-up and Closure of the Southerly Portion of Mara-Eldon Boundary Road 

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the stop-up and closure of the southerly portion of Mara-Eldon Boundary Road and staff bringing forward a by-law for consideration to stop up and close the said lands.
• The report was referred to the September 14, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Departmental Reports:

Atherley Community Centre Board - Armour Stone Project

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the Atherley Community Centre Board Armour Stone Project and authorizing to proceed in 2026 with resources funded from the ACCB Reserve up to $15,000. Committee of the Whole also recommended that staff provide a Council Information Package memo with the final cost outcome.
• The report was referred to the September 14, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Proposed Ramara Quarry Aggregate Resources Act Licence Application (Licence #626728)

• Committee of the Whole recommended that Council endorse the Township’s comments regarding the Aggregate Resources Act licence application submitted by Brand X Materials & Supply Inc. for the proposed Ramara Quarry at 6059 Pearl Carrick Road. The comments include that the related Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications remain under technical review and have not yet been considered by Council through the municipal planning process.
• Committee of the Whole also recommended that the Township’s comments include requirements related to buffers, berms, screening, security, haul route management, road improvements, groundwater and private well monitoring, blasting, noise, air quality, complaint resolution, community liaison, and ongoing monitoring and reporting.
• Additional comments recommended by Committee include:
  • Berms adjacent to the Sweetwater Nature Reserve and sensitive alvar habitat be constructed using existing overburden from the site rather than imported soil;
  • Driver conduct expectations include provisions regarding roadside behaviour and consideration of washroom facilities near the scale house;
  • A three-strike system be included for repeat driver violations;
  • Baseline testing of all wells within a minimum of 1,000 metres be completed by a qualified hydrogeologist; and
  • The proponent establish an online complaint form where complaints, actions taken and resolutions are documented and shared with the Township and Community Liaison Committee.
• Committee of the Whole further recommended that staff review Council’s previous comments regarding LCP Quarry Limited and make any necessary adjustments to the Township’s comment letter.
• The report was referred to the September 14, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Ramara Township 2027 Council Meeting Schedule

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the 2027 Council meeting schedule and adopting the schedule as attached as Schedule “A” of the report.  

Ramara Centre Accessible Pavilion Project Funding Request

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the Ramara Centre Accessible Pavilion Project funding request and authorizing the transfer of $20,000 from the Accessibility Working Capital Reserve to complete the Ramara Centre Accessible Pavilion Project, enabling the Township to utilize the remaining approximately $45,000 in Enabling Accessibility Fund grant funding.
• The report was referred to the September 14, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026:

• Council received the 2026 Financial Mid-Year Update as information.
• Council received the report regarding the Site Alteration Bylaw Update and directed staff to bring forward a bylaw to repeal and replace the Township's Site Alteration Bylaw, as set out in the report.
• Council received the report regarding the stop-up and closure of the southerly portion of Mara-Eldon Boundary Road and directed staff to bring forward a bylaw to stop up and close the lands.
• Council endorsed the Township’s comments regarding the Aggregate Resources Act licence application submitted by Brand X Materials & Supply Inc. for the proposed Ramara Quarry at 6059 Pearl Carrick Road. The comments include that the related Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications remain under technical review and have not yet been considered by Council through the municipal planning process.
• Council’s comments include requirements related to buffers, berms, screening, security, haul route management, road improvements, groundwater and private well monitoring, blasting, noise, air quality, complaint resolution, community liaison, and ongoing monitoring and reporting.
• Council also included the following additional comments:
  • Berms adjacent to the Sweetwater Nature Reserve and sensitive alvar habitat be constructed using existing overburden from the site rather than imported soil.
  • Driver conduct expectations include provisions regarding roadside behaviour and consideration of washroom facilities near the scale house.
  • A three-strike system be included for repeat driver violations.
  • Baseline testing of all wells within a minimum of 1,000 metres be completed by a qualified hydrogeologist.
  • The proponent establish an online complaint form where complaints, actions taken and resolutions are documented and shared with the Township and Community Liaison Committee.
• Council directed staff to review Council’s previous comments regarding LCP Quarry Limited and make any necessary adjustments to the Township’s comment letter.
• Council received the report regarding the Ramara Centre Accessible Pavilion Project Funding Request and authorized the transfer of $20,000 from the Accessibility Working Capital Reserve to complete the project, enabling the Township to utilize the remaining approximately $45,000 in Enabling Accessibility Fund grant funding.
• Council received correspondence from the Minister of Transport regarding the Township's request for an Operational Safety Review of the Lake Country Airways Water Aerodrome as information.
• Council formally received and acknowledged the Ontario Ombudsman's report regarding an investigation into a June 21, 2024, meeting of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Townships of Ramara and Severn.
• Council affirmed its commitment to ensuring that all committee members are vigilant in adhering to their individual and collective obligation to comply with their responsibilities under the Municipal Act, 2001 and that no votes are taken when a meeting is closed under the education or training exception.
• Council also directed the Clerk to create and deliver training for Township board and committee members with respect to their obligations and responsibilities under the Municipal Act, 2001, including entering into and voting in closed session, in conjunction with the ongoing Boards and Committees Governance Review.
• Council directed staff to donate one week of Township of Ramara summer camp and a Township of Ramara history book to the Uptergrove Public School Parent Council for the silent auction taking place as part of its 2026 Makers Market event.
• Council received the deputation from Colin Cassin and Rebecca D'Orazio of the Invasive Species Centre, on behalf of the Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group, regarding water soldier in Lake Simcoe.
• Council directed staff to prepare a Council Information Package memo regarding the participation of a Township of Ramara representative on the Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group and to complete the Ontario Invasive Species Municipal Expenditures Survey once it becomes available.
• Deputy Mayor Bell gave notice that he intends to introduce a motion at the September 28, 2026, Council meeting to reconsider a portion of Resolution CR.126.2026 from the Council meeting held on May 11, 2026, regarding Sunset Drive.
• The proposed motion would direct staff to prepare a report on the requirements and costs associated with assuming Sunset Drive as a municipal road, outside of the preparation of a global roads inventory and unified policy. It would also continue winter plowing on Sunset Drive when accumulations are greater than 100 mm (four inches), without prejudice and precedence, until further direction is provided by Council.
• Councillor Tuju gave notice that she intends to introduce a motion at the September 28, 2026, Council meeting regarding the Province's proposed consolidation of Ontario's existing conservation authorities into nine Regional Conservation Authorities with a proposed transition date of February 1, 2027.
• The proposed motion calls for continued consultation with municipalities and existing conservation authorities; watershed-based representation; meaningful opportunities for lower-tier municipal participation; reconsideration of proposed eligibility restrictions for the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency Board; and further information from the Province regarding the governance, financial and operational implications of the proposed consolidation.
• Council adopted a motion calling on the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada to collaborate with medical experts, researchers, healthcare providers and patient representatives on persistent symptoms following Lyme disease.
• The resolution calls for continued research; review of clinical guidance as new scientific evidence becomes available; enhanced physician education and awareness; improved access to multidisciplinary assessment and care; and review of funding policies and access to medically necessary diagnostics and treatments where supported by emerging evidence and best clinical practice. Council also requested that the Province advocate to the Government of Canada for continued national leadership in developing evidence-informed guidance on persistent Lyme-related illness.
• Council directed that the Lyme disease resolution be forwarded to the provincial and federal Ministers of Health, Public Health Agency of Canada, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Rural Ontario Municipal Association, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers and all Ontario municipalities to request support.

Bills and Bylaws:

Council approved the following bylaws at the September 14, 2026, meeting:

• Bill 2026.48 – A Bill to Amend Bylaw 2005.86, Being a Bylaw to Provide for Stop Signs and Provide for Yield Signs. 
• Bill 2026.49 – A Bill to Stop-up and Close the Southerly Portion of Mara-Eldon Boundary Road, Designated as Part 1 on Plan 51R45408 and Comprising Part of PIN 58726-0114 (LT). 
• Bill 2026.50 – A Bill to Regulate the Placing or Dumping of Fill in the Township of Ramara and Repeal and Replace Bylaw 2018.64. 
• Bylaw 2026.71 – A Bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on September 14, 2026.

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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.