Help shape the future of Ramara
Community invited to complete survey, attend July 22 open house for Zoning By-law update
Ramara, Ont. / May 28, 2026 – The Township of Ramara is inviting residents, businesses, property owners and community organizations to help shape the future of the community as part of the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update.
“Ramara is growing and evolving, and this Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update is an important opportunity for residents to help shape how our community develops in the years ahead,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “Decisions about land use influence many aspects of daily life, from housing choices and local businesses to preserving our rural character, waterfront areas, agricultural lands and natural spaces. We know residents care about the future of Ramara, and we encourage everyone to take part, share their perspectives and help ensure the updated by-law reflects the priorities and values of our community.”
Community Engagement Opportunities:
· Community Survey: Complete the community survey from May 28 to Aug. 5, 2026, to share your thoughts on housing, businesses, waterfront areas, agriculture, transportation, growth and other land use priorities across the Township. The survey is available online at ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate, with hard copies also available at the Township Administration Building, Ramara Centre and Ramara Public Library.
· Interactive Mapping Tool: Explore zoning information across the Township and provide comments and share feedback on existing land uses and future growth on specific properties, neighbourhoods, or areas through the interactive mapping tool available at ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate.
· Open House: Attend the introductory open house on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Township of Ramara Administration Building Council Chambers (2297 HWY 12, Brechin) to learn more about the Zoning By-law Update project, ask questions and provide feedback directly to Township staff and the project team.
Zoning helps guide what can be built, where development happens and how land can be used throughout the Township. It impacts many aspects of everyday life, including housing options, local businesses, natural areas and waterfronts, agriculture and rural areas, transportation and parking, and community character.
“Many people hear the word ‘zoning’ and assume it only affects developers or planners, but zoning impacts communities in ways residents and business owners experience every day, including changes on your own property,” said Laura Pye, General Manager of Development and Infrastructure. “This review is about understanding what the community values most about Ramara today and what they want the future of the Township to look like.”
The Township’s current Comprehensive Zoning By-law, originally adopted in 2005, is being reviewed and updated to align with the Township’s recently updated Official Plan, current provincial planning legislation and the evolving needs of the community.
Feedback gathered through the survey, interactive mapping and open house will help inform draft updates to the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Additional public consultation opportunities, including future surveys, open houses and a public meeting, will take place as the project progresses. It is anticipated the project will be completed in late 2027.
For more information, to complete the survey or to learn more about the Zoning By-law Update, visit ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate. Questions or comments can be submitted to zoningupdate@ramara.ca.
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Media Contact
Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications & Community Experience
705-484-5374 ext. 322
mgowanlock@ramara.ca
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