June 2026 Ramara Bulletin

Important Dates and Opportunities

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

  • Thursday, July 9: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
  • Monday, July 13: Regular Council Meeting (including Committee of the Whole)
  • Wednesday, July 15: Climate Action Committee

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.

Recognizing June in Ramara

As June comes to a close, we'd like to take a moment to recognize several important observances that have been celebrated throughout the month.

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and honour the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It is an opportunity to learn, reflect and deepen our understanding of Indigenous cultures and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.

The Township of Ramara is grateful for its longstanding relationship with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and remains committed to respectful relationships built on understanding and collaboration.

Pride Month

June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming community where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.

We recognize the importance of fostering a community where people can be themselves and where diversity is celebrated.

Seniors Month

June is Seniors Month in Ontario, providing an opportunity to recognize and thank the older adults who help make our community stronger every day. Through their volunteerism, leadership, experience and ongoing contributions, seniors play an invaluable role in the social, cultural and economic well-being of Ramara.

To all of our seniors, thank you for the many ways you continue to enrich our community.

Canada Day Holiday Schedule

The Township Administration Building will be closed for Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, reopening on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 9 a.m.

During this time, online services remain available including:

  • Report an infrastructure or bylaw concern
  • View interactive mapping for trails, zoning and bylaw information
  • Pay a bill
  • Sign up for paperless billing
  • Register for a recreation program
  • And beyond

See all online services at ramara.ca/OnlineServices.

After-Hours Phone Numbers

  • Canine Control - 705-623-7295
  • Roads, Municipal Water/Sewer - 705-484-5374, Option 9

Help Shape the Future of Ramara through the Zoning By-Law Update

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.

Complete the Community Survey - Open Until August 5, 2026
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.

Attend the Open House - 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.

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.

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.

For more information visit ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate. Questions or comments can be submitted to zoningupdate@ramara.ca.

Municipal and School Board Election 2026

The 2026 Municipal and School Board Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026. Nominations are open from May 1 to August 21, 2026. Make sure you’re on the voters’ list, learn how to vote in the Township of Ramara, find out how to become a candidate or view the unofficial list of candidates. Learn more at ramara.ca/election.

Nominations

As of May 1, 2026, nominations may be filed in person, or by an agent, with the Township Clerk during normal office hours prior to Nomination Day or on Nomination Day being Friday, August 21, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you wish to file a nomination, please make an appointment by emailing election@ramara.ca.

Candidate Information Session - July 15, 2026

Are you thinking about running in the 2026 Municipal or School Board Election? The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in partnership with the City of Orillia and the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara, and Springwater, will host free information sessions for:

  • Prospective municipal and school board candidates
  • Individuals interested in registering as Third-Party Advertisers

Thursday, July 15, 2026
6 – 8 p.m.
Rotary Place – Orillia Room
100 University Avenue, Orillia, ON L3V 6H1
Seating is limited. 

Topics include:

  • Roles and responsibilities of elected officials and third-party advertisers
  • Eligibility rules and nomination process
  • Campaign finances and financial reporting
  • Compliance audits
  • Voters’ list
  • Key election dates

Please reserve your spot by contacting the Township of Severn Customer Care Team at 705-325-2315 or customercare@severn.ca

Voter Registration

Elections Ontario is responsible for maintaining the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario, commonly known as the Voters' List. In order to vote in an upcoming Municipal or Provincial Election, you must be on the Voters' List.

Confirm, update, add, or remove your personal and/or property information through Elections Ontario's Voter Registration Application.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for collecting school support information. Residents are encouraged to review and update their school support designation with MPAC by June 1, 2026, to ensure accurate information is provided to Elections Ontario for the October 26, 2026, elections. Updates can be made using MPAC’s Online School Support Tool.

 

Township News and Information

Flood Damage Reporting

The Township of Ramara is encouraging residents and property owners who experienced flood damage this spring but have not yet reported it to come forward following a recent visit by the Province's Provincial Disaster Assessment Team (PDAT).

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing deployed a PDAT to Ramara to review the property damage resulting from spring flooding. The assessment is being used by the Province to help determine whether to activate the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.

Minimum eligibility requirements for potential DRAO assistance include:

  • Primary residences (seasonal properties and cottages are not eligible)
  • Small businesses
  • Damage caused by river or creek overflow, or overland flooding
  • Damage to essential components of a property, such as furnaces, hot water tanks and structural elements

How to report flood damage for the assessment:

Residents can submit information online through the Township's 2026 Flood Damage Reporting Form, by email to kpajor@ramara.ca, or by contacting Katie Pajor, Fire Administrative Assistant, at 705-484-5374 ext. 253.

Property owners are encouraged to provide:

  • Property address and contact information
  • Description of flood damage
  • Photographs and documentation, if available
  • Repair estimates and insurance information, if available

DRAO is a provincial assistance program that may provide financial support to eligible homeowners, small businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations for essential emergency expenses, clean-up and repairs following a natural disaster. Any provincial assistance would only be available if the program is activated by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and would apply only to eligible costs not covered by insurance.

The Township will continue to work with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the Province reviews the information gathered through the assessment process. 

Lagoon City Canal Maintenance

The Township of Ramara is providing residents with information regarding aquatic weed management within Lagoon City's municipally owned canal and lagoon system.

As part of an internal review of operational practices, Township staff have been working with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to ensure aquatic weed management activities continue to support navigable waterways while protecting fish habitat and the broader aquatic ecosystem. 

Through these discussions, the Township received confirmation that approvals from the DFO are required for aquatic weed skimming and harvesting activities moving forward. Staff are proactively working with the DFO to better understand how these requirements apply to Lagoon City's unique waterway system and to complete the necessary approval process. 

The Township anticipates beginning mechanical aquatic weed management activities once the required approvals are in place. 

In the meantime, other components of the Township's canal maintenance program continue to move forward, including the operation of bubbler systems and the installation of water movers. 

Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 Project Update

The Township of Ramara and Tatham Engineering are providing the following update on construction progress for the Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 Project (Bayshore Village). This project will replace the aging spray irrigation fields, which have reached end of life due to poor soil conditions and climate impacts, with a modern subsurface tile bed disposal system.

Several project milestones have been completed or are underway, including:

  • Pre-construction activities, including documenting existing site conditions, reviewing contract documents, installing construction signage and setting up the site trailer.
  • Completion of utility locates.
  • Procurement of project materials.
  • Installation of erosion and sediment control measures.
  • Stripping of topsoil to prepare the tile bed construction area.
  • Construction planning and sequencing by the contractor.

Over the coming weeks, residents in the area can expect to see continued progress on several key components of the project, including:

  • Concrete forming and ongoing construction of the new lift station.
  • Construction of both the permanent access road to the lift station and the temporary access road required for tile bed construction.
  • Continued site preparation for the tile bed.
  • Hauling of sand and gravel required for road and tile bed construction.

Duivenvoorden Haulage Ltd. has begun transporting materials to the construction site. As work progresses, truck traffic is expected to increase along Concession Road 7, Barnstable Drive and Muley Point Road throughout the summer and into the fall.

Residents are asked to use caution when travelling in the area and appreciate the community's patience while this important infrastructure project is completed.

For more information about the project, please visit ramara.ca/facility202.

Ramara Welcomes New Fire Prevention Officer

The Township of Ramara is pleased to welcome Katie Dukelow as the Township's new Fire Prevention Officer with Ramara Fire & Rescue Services.

The Fire Prevention Officer position was approved by Council as part of the Township's 2026 Budget and leads public education, fire prevention, and community risk reduction initiatives.

Dukelow brings more than 10 years of fire service experience, including roles in fire prevention, public education, inspections and emergency response. Most recently, she served as Fire Prevention Public Educator with Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, where she led community safety programs, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm initiatives, school education and public outreach campaigns.

Residents are encouraged to follow Ramara Fire & Rescue Services on social media and visit ramara.ca/fire for information on upcoming fire safety programs, events and public education opportunities.

Summer Bylaw Reminders

Long Grass 

Did you know? Grass and weeds on your property must be kept under 30 cm (12 inches) between June 1 and Oct. 14 in many residential areas in the Township of Ramara. This includes Lagoon City, Bayshore Village and many shorelines areas.

Let’s work together to keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe and enjoyable! 

Recreation Vehicles

Did you know that residential lots in Ramara Township with properties less than 0.4 ha or 0.99 ac in size can store up to two recreational vehicles, trailers, or boats (in any combination).

  • They can only be kept outdoors for six consecutive months each year.
  • You must live on the property (either own or rent) to store them there.
  • Vacant lots? Not allowed (except under certain zoning).

Fireworks

Fireworks are fun, but must be enjoyed legally! Here's what you need to know about fireworks regulations in Ramara this summer:

Setting off fireworks is prohibited:

  • In Lagoon City
  • At Short-Term Rentals
  • On roads or public land
  • During a Fire Ban

Permits are required in areas like Bayshore Village and properties zoned SR, VR, and H; however, no permit is needed on holidays like:

  • New Year's Eve & Canada Day (dusk to 1 a.m.)
  • Victoria Day & Labour Day weekends (dusk to 11 p.m.)

Learn more about these and other frequently requested bylaws in Ramara. 

Have a by-law concern? Use our convenient online reporting tool. Visit ramara.ca/ReportIt to report your concern.

Recreation Update

Flag Football Scores Big in Ramara

What a season! This spring, the Township of Ramara partnered with SportsKlub to deliver an exciting youth flag football program, and the response from the community was incredible. The program welcomed 98 young athletes, who spent six weeks building skills, staying active, making new friends and enjoying the excitement of the game.

This successful season wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our volunteer coaches, officials and families, whose enthusiasm and support helped create a fun, inclusive and positive experience for every participant.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to SportsKlub for their partnership and expertise, and to our generous community sponsors for helping make this program affordable and accessible.

Young kids on the football field. Jumping and all trying to get the football

Fire Safety Tips

Summer Storm Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Summer Storm Safety

Summer in Ontario brings an increased risk of severe thunderstorms, lightning, hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and power outages. These storms can develop quickly, making preparedness essential.

Lightning Safety

When thunder roars, go indoors.

• Move indoors immediately when thunder is heard.
• Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• Avoid open fields, beaches, docks, golf courses, and hilltops.
• Never take shelter under a tree.
• Stay away from windows, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures during a storm.
• If boating, swimming, or fishing, get off the water and seek shelter immediately.

Tornado & Severe Weather Safety

If a tornado warning is issued:

• Go to the lowest level of your home.
• Move to an interior room away from windows and exterior walls.
• Protect your head and neck.
• Stay away from mobile homes, vehicles, and temporary structures if possible.

After a storm:

• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines.
• Watch for fallen trees and other hazards.
• Check on neighbours who may need assistance.

Emergency Alerts

Ontario residents may receive emergency alerts through Alert Ready, Canada's national public alerting system. Alerts may be issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and other threats to public safety.

Residents are encouraged to ensure emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile devices and to follow instructions provided during an emergency.

Stay Connected with Alertable

Ramara residents are encouraged to subscribe to Alertable, the Township's Community Information System.

Alertable is integrated with Canada's Alert Ready system and provides emergency alerts and important Township and community information directly to your preferred devices, including email, cell phone, and home phone.

Sign up for Alertable today to stay informed before, during, and after an emergency.

Emergency Preparedness

The Government of Canada recommends that households be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours during an emergency.

Be prepared by:

• Knowing the risks in your area.
• Creating a household emergency plan.
• Building a 72-hour emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.
• Keeping cell phones charged and having backup power sources available.

Staying Informed

• Alertable – Ramara's Community Information System
• Township of Ramara website –
www.ramara.ca
• Orillia Matters –
www.orilliamatters.com
• CTV News Barrie
• Local radio stations: 105.9 Pure Country, 95.7 Rock 95, 89.1 Max FM, 93.1 Fresh, 104.1 Bounce
• Follow Ramara Fire & Rescue Services and the Township of Ramara on social media

For More Information

Emergency Management in Ramara:
https://www.ramara.ca/living-here/emergency-services/emergency-management/

Government of Canada Emergency Preparedness:
https://www.getprepared.gc.ca

Important Numbers

• Emergency: 9-1-1
• Township of Ramara: 705-484-5374
• Community Information Line: 2-1-1

Township Reminders

After-Hours Number and Reporting

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:

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

Township's Community Information System: Alertable

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

Library Information, Events and Highlights

Summer at the library

Summer program registration is open! Register early to save a spot in our most popular programs like SINGO and the Adult Craft Club. Don't forget to check out our online catalogue to Borrow Beyond the Books to find items like our projector and screen - perfect for an outdoor movie night! 

Summer Reading Programs

The library has reading programs for children 3-5, 5-12, and 13-18! Register on Eventbrite and pick up your passport at the library for a summer of fun. Read and complete challenges to earn prizes and be entered into a draw for our grand prizes! Learn more about our reading programs on Eventbrite

Adult Programs (Registration Required)  

Community Calendar

Have you ever wondered when a Committee or a Council meeting takes place or what the Ramara Recreation and Library teams are up to? Check out our community calendar that highlights various events, public meetings or programming that are happening in the Township. 

Did you know that community boards and organizations can also add events to the calendar if the event meets the following criteria:

  • Organized or funded by another level of government.
  • Organized by a government-funded agency or board.
  • Organized by a Township of Ramara affiliated committee.
  • Funded in full or in part, the Township of Ramara.
  • Sponsored by the Township of Ramara.
  • Organized by a registered charitable organization or service club operating within the Township of Ramara.
  • Located in a facility owned by the Township of Ramara.

 Visit ramara.ca/calendar.

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