February 2026 Ramara Bulletin

• Monday, March 9: Regular Council Meeting (includes Committee of the Whole)
• Thursday, March 12: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
• Wednesday, March 18: Ramara Trails Committee
• Monday, March 23: Regular Council Meeting (includes Committee of the Whole)

All regular Council meetings may be streamed on the Township of Ramara's YouTube channel and available in person in the Council Chambers in the Administration Building at 2297 Highway 12. Learn more about Council meetings, including reading Council Highlights, how to communicate with Council, and more at ramara.ca/CouncilMeetings.

Information Orillia is offering a Low-Income Tax Clinic for 2026, providing free income tax preparation assistance to eligible residents, including those in Ramara.

Location: Orillia Public Library 
Walk-Ins & Appointments:

• Monday – Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday: Appointment only

To Book an Appointment:
Call Information Orillia at (705) 326-7743

This service is available to residents of Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte, and Ramara who meet low-income eligibility guidelines.

For general inquiries:
info@informationorillia.org
informationorillia.org

Farmers and agribusinesses are invited to an interactive webinar with Farmers’ Markets Ontario focused on becoming a successful farmers’ market vendor. Learn practical strategies for showcasing products, creating strong first impressions, and connecting with customers from market to meal.

Date: March 4, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.

More information & registration:
From Market to Meal: Making Your Products Stand Out - Simcoe County EDO

Pre-authorized Payment Plans:

Did you know that the Township of Ramara provides Pre-authorized Payment (PAP) Plans to make it more convenient for you to pay your tax or utility bills?

You can sign up online using the forms below or you can also print the form, fill it out, and provide the completed copy by mail or in person.

Apply Now for Taxes
Apply Now for Utilities

E-Billing:

Sign up for e-billing to receive a PDF version of your tax and/or utility bills delivered directly to your email account. The e-Bill will look exactly the same as your current paper bill.

Paperless - Tax Bills
Paperless - Utility Bills

To improve service delivery, enhance user experience, and streamline permit processing, the Township of Ramara is transitioning from the Cloudpermit platform to the PSD Citywide Permit Portal.

Impact on Users:

• New permit applications will be submitted through the PSD Citywide Portal beginning March 1, 2026.
• Existing applications in Cloudpermit will continue to be processed to completion within that system.
• Applicants with submissions not yet approved or issued in Cloudpermit will receive detailed instructions once their application is transferred to PSD Citywide.
• Inspections will be booked through the web‑based portal associated with the system your permit was issued from, or by leaving a message on the dedicated inspection line at 705‑484‑5374 ext. 298.

The Township Building Permit webpage will be updated on March 1, 2026, with access to the new PSD Citywide Portal. 

Training materials, step‑by‑step guides, and an instructional video on how to submit your building permit application will also be available.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance your online permitting experience.

If you have any questions, please contact the Building Division at 705-484-5374 ext. 296 or building@ramara.ca

A reminder to Ramara residents that parking rules apply on all municipal roads, even in areas where specific “No Parking” signs are not posted. In addition to Township bylaws, the Highway Traffic Act also applies to local roads.

To help keep our roads safe and accessible, please remember that you can receive a ticket for:

• Obstructing traffic
• Blocking or interfering with snow removal operations
• Parking facing the wrong direction
• Parking within 9 metres of an intersection

The Township has received a noticeable increase in calls related to roadside parking near water access points. Many of these vehicles are creating safety concerns for other drivers, limiting visibility, and preventing the roads crew from safely and effectively performing their duties.

We are asking the community to work with Township staff to keep our roads safe, clear, and accessible. Your cooperation helps ensure that emergency services, residents, and road crews can travel safely throughout our community.

For more information regarding parking in Ramara, visit our parking page.

Please note the aerial pesticide program (mosquito program) will take place from April 1, 2026, to approximately May 15, 2026.

This work will be carried out along the Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching shorelines, from the Talbot River in the south to Fawn Bay in the north.

The program includes one aerial application of the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (VectoBac 200G Biological Mosquito Larvicide, granular formula), registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Registration No. 18158). Applications will be performed using a Bell 206 and/or Robinson R44 helicopter equipped with an AZS granular applicator.

Mosquito control programs are common practice in many Ontario communities. The Township of Ramara has operated its annual mosquito control program for more than 40 years.

There are nearly 3,000 properties within the program area. The aerial larvicide pellets are applied only to designated wetland areas identified in the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks permit. No application occurs over residential areas.

The Township retains a certified contractor that uses a granular biological larvicide specifically designed to target mosquito larvae in water.

• The product affects only mosquito larvae and does not impact adult mosquitoes
• It is considered safe for humans, livestock, birds, fish, frogs, plants, and other insects
• Application occurs once annually in early spring (April–May) before larvae emerge
• The current aerial larviciding method replaced former ground fogging and is considered more environmentally responsible
• All work is conducted under provincial oversight through an annual permit issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

A map of the treatment areas and additional details on the program are available at the Township Office during regular business hours or online at ramara.ca/MosquitoControl.

Spring is almost here and the Township’s Spring Recreation Guide is now available to view, featuring a wide range of programs and activities for all ages and abilities.

Resident registration is now open, with non-resident registration opening March 4.

March Break is just around the corner and registration is already underway. Families are encouraged to register now, as space is limited for March Break camps and programs.

Residents can register online, by phone, or in person at the Ramara Centre.

For full program details and registration information, visit ramara.ca/recreation.

Keep 9‑1‑1 Municipal Green Number Signs Visible

Snowbanks can build up quickly, and when seconds matter, first responders need to find you without delay. Please ensure your green 9‑1‑1 municipal address sign is:

• Cleared of snow and ice
• Visible from both directions of travel
• Not blocked by snowbanks, branches, or parked vehicles

A visible address sign helps fire, police, and paramedics reach you faster during an emergency.

Adopt‑a‑Hydrant: Help Keep Fire Hydrants Clear

Fire crews rely on quick access to hydrants during an emergency. After each snowfall, residents are encouraged to clear a one metre (3 feet) radius around nearby hydrants and ensure a path is shoveled from the road.

• Every second counts during a fire
• A cleared hydrant can save precious time
• Your efforts help protect your neighbourhood

If you have a hydrant on or near your property, please take a few minutes to keep it accessible.

Heating Safety Tips for the Winter Season

As temperatures drop, heating equipment works overtime. Reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure by following these reminders:

• Keep anything that can burn at least one metre (3 feet) away from space heaters and fireplaces
• Never leave space heaters unattended
• Have furnaces, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home
• Never use outdoor appliances—such as barbecues or portable generators—inside garages, homes, or enclosed spaces
• Ensure vents for dryers, furnaces, and exhaust systems remain clear of snow and ice

Staying warm should never come at the expense of safety.

The Township of Ramara's regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday, with the exception of holidays. Outside of these hours, residents can contact the following:

• Bylaw Enforcement: Email bylaw@ramara.ca
• Canine Control (dogs at large and injured dogs): Call 705-623-7295 
• Open-Air Burning Complaints: Call 705-484-5374 ext. 253.
• Municipal Roads, Water or Sewer Emergencies: Call 705-484-5374 and select option 9

Non-emergency concerns for issues occurring within the Township of Ramara, and relating to the Township's areas of responsibility, can also be reported online. A valid email address is required to create a service request ticket.

Learn How to Report a Concern

The Township of Ramara's Community Information System (CIS) provides alerts about emergencies and other important Township and community news directly to all your devices including email, home phone, cell phone and even fax. Ramara CIS uses the Alertable platform to allow for multiple means of communication for both emergency alerts and relaying Township and community information.

Sign Up for Alertable

Adult Programs (Registration Required)   

• Adult Sing Along & Bingo: Wednesday, March 4 @ 7 p.m. -  8 p.m. | Brechin Legion | Register on Eventbrite
• Discover Northern Ontario: Thursday, March 5 @7 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite 
• Understanding Changing Behaviours with the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County: Thursday, March 12 @ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Children’s Programs (Registration Required) 

•  Little Adventurers (ages 0 – 4): Fridays @ 10 a.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite or Drop in 
• March Break:  Family Pi Day: Saturday, March 14 @ 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite  
•  March Break: Afternoon STEAM: Tuesday, March 17 – Friday, March 20 @1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite   

Highlights  

 Where Does Your Garbage Go? With the County of Simcoe 

Ramara Centre | Tuesday, March 17 @ 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Register on Eventbrite  

Learn all about garbage and recycling with the County of Simcoe. What happens when you throw something away? How do landfills work? Have all your questions answered and more!