Announcements

Mayor Clarke:

• Mayor Clarke recognized that September 28, 2026, marked the final regular Council meeting of the 2022–2026 term and his final meeting following 26 years of municipal service.
• Mayor Clarke recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2026, and recited the Land Acknowledgement. He noted that the Township raised the Every Child Matters flag, joined by Councillor Anne Harrigan of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Mayor Clarke encouraged residents to wear orange, learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action and take time to listen, learn and reflect. For more information visit canada.ca.

Deputy Mayor Bell:

• Deputy Mayor Bell congratulated Eileen Cronk on receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Ramona Fall Fair in recognition of her many years of volunteer service.

Councillor Fisher:

• Councillor Fisher reminded residents about the second annual Udney Music Fest, One Night in Udney, taking place October 3, 2026, from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Udney Community Centre.

Councillor Gough:

• Councillor Gough recognized Tommy Banjo, who attended the meeting and would be performing at the upcoming Udney Music Fest.

Presentations

• Council recognized Mayor Basil Clarke at his final Council meeting following 26 years of municipal service. Councillor Tuju and Councillor Snutch shared remarks recognizing Mayor Clarke's years of service and thanking his family for their support. Former members of Council and Mayor Clarke's family were also in attendance.
• Chief Administrative Officer Gayle Jackson thanked Mayor Clarke on behalf of Township staff for his leadership, support of staff and dedication to the community.
• Mayor Clarke reflected on his seven terms in municipal government and thanked his family, fellow Council members, Township staff and the residents of Ramara for their support throughout his years of service.

Committee of the Whole

Open Public Forum:

• Michael O’Brien spoke to Agenda Item 11.4.1. – Water and Wastewater Rates Update.
• Trevor and Kailey Bruce spoke to Agenda Item 16.5.1 - Reconsideration Motion Regarding Sunset Drive Road Assumption.

Below are highlights of what Committee of the Whole recommended at its meeting held on Monday, September 28, 2026. 

Council Referral Reports:

Water and Wastewater Rates Update

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding water and wastewater rates as information.
• The report was referred to the September 28, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Feasibility and Implications of Adopting a Climate Emergency Declaration 

• Committee of the Whole recommended receiving the report regarding the feasibility and implications of adopting a climate emergency declaration.
• Committee of the Whole further recommended referring the proposed declaration within the report to the 2026-2030 term of Council for consideration.
• The report was referred to the September 28, 2026, Council agenda for same-day ratification.

Council

Below are highlights of what Council adopted at its meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026:

• Council received the report regarding Children at Play signage on Sideroad 5 and directed 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.
• Council received the report regarding the 2027 Council Meeting Schedule and adopted the schedule attached as Schedule “A” within the report.
• Council received the report regarding water and wastewater rates as information.
• Council received the report regarding the feasibility and implications of adopting a climate emergency declaration and referred the proposed declaration to the 2026-2030 term of Council for consideration.
• Council received and supported correspondence dated September 10, 2026, regarding TAPMO from the Township of Puslinch.
• Further to the Public Meeting of Council held on September 14, 2026, Council supported the Zoning By-law Amendment Application for File Z-2/26 2884 Concession Road 10 and supported, in principle, the draft Zoning Bylaw Amendment as set out on the September 28, 2026, Council agenda.
• Further to the Public Meeting of Council held on September 14, 2026, Council supported the stop-up, closure, and conveyance of Concord Woods Court and supported in principle the by-law to effect and implement the stop-up, closure, and conveyance of the said road, as set out on the September 28, 2026, Council agenda.
• Council adopted a motion requesting that Transport Canada review the exclusion of water aerodromes from certain public consultation requirements under Canadian Aviation Regulation 307. The resolution requests that appropriate public consultation requirements apply to the establishment or significant expansion of water aerodromes, particularly where commercial operations or potential impacts on surrounding communities, public safety, navigation or existing aviation infrastructure are involved.
• Council also requested that municipalities, Indigenous communities, airport authorities, conservation authorities where appropriate, and affected parties have meaningful opportunities to provide input on proposed water aerodrome developments. The resolution will be circulated to Transport Canada, the Minister of Transport, the local Member of Parliament, municipal associations, Ontario municipalities and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
• Council authorized the Mayor to send correspondence to Transport Canada, the Minister of Transport, Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada regarding the Lake Country Airways water aerodrome on Rama Road. The correspondence will request a review of consultation requirements for water aerodromes, including commercial operations, aviation safety, impacts on established communities and waterways, and opportunities for enhanced public consultation.
• Council approved reconsidering a portion of Resolution CR.126.2026 from May 11, 2026, regarding Sunset Drive.
• Council directed staff to prepare a report on the requirements and costs associated with assuming Sunset Drive as a municipal road, separate from the Township's broader global roads inventory and unified policy review. Council also directed that winter plowing continue on Sunset Drive when snow accumulations exceed 100 millimetres (four inches), without prejudice or precedent, until further direction is provided by Council.
• Council adopted a motion regarding the Province of Ontario's proposed consolidation of existing conservation authorities into nine Regional Conservation Authorities, with a proposed transition date of February 1, 2027. The resolution calls for continued consultation with municipalities and existing conservation authorities and requests that:
  • Members appointed to Regional Conservation Authority Boards reside within the watershed they represent.
  • Lower-tier municipalities have meaningful opportunities for representation and participation through Watershed Advisory Committees.
  • The Province reconsider proposed eligibility restrictions for the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency Board and consider representation from each Regional Conservation Authority or another formal coordination mechanism.
  • The Province provide further guidance on board appointments, qualifications, responsibilities and time commitments, along with the financial and operational implications of consolidation, including municipal levies and cost allocation.
• Council directed that the resolution be circulated to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, municipal associations, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, the County of Simcoe, all Ontario municipalities, the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority and the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.
• Council directed the Clerk to review the status of the 2024 accessibility consultant report from OSG Inc., referenced in the June 21, 2024, meeting agenda and minutes for the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, and report back to Council on the availability of the report and any considerations related to its potential public release. 

Bills and Bylaws:

Council approved the following bylaws at the September 28, 2026, meeting:

• Bill 2026.51 – A Bill to Amend Zoning Bylaw 2005.85, as amended, regarding 2284 Concession Road 10 (Sternberg).
• Bill 2026.52 – A Bill to Stop-up, Close, and Convey Concord Woods Court, as identified on Plan 51M-451 and comprising all of PIN 58715-0153 (LT).
• Bylaw 2026.74 – A Bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on September 28, 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.