March 2026 Ramara Bulletin

• Monday, March 23: Regular Council Meeting (includes Committee of the Whole)
• Thursday, April 9: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
• Monday, April 13: Regular Council Meeting (includes Committee of the Whole)
• Thursday, April 23: Ramara Economic Development Committee
• Thursday, April 23: Climate Action Committee

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.

We’re hiring! Available positions include:

• Infrastructure Services Manager
• Infrastructure Summer Student
• EA to Mayor & Council / Corporate Services 

Learn more at ramara.ca/employment.

The Couchiching Ontario Health Team and the Couchiching Family Health Team are working closely with Health Care Connect to support connecting people with a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner.  Going forward, the Couchiching Family Physician and Nurse Practitioner waitlist is closed, and all patients are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect.

For help with getting your name on the Health Care Connect list please call 8-1-1 or visit https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/home

If you have already added your name to the Couchiching Family Physician and Nurse Practitioner waitlist, you will be contacted by a member of our team to confirm your primary care needs and ensure that you have been registered on Health Care Connect.

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

 The Township has introduced a new digital resident parking pass (E-Pass) option

Residents applying for their annual parking pass at ramara.ca/parking can now choose between a traditional physical hanger pass or a new digital E-Pass. The new digital pass links directly to a vehicle’s licence plate and no dashboard hanger is required.

Applications will continue to be reviewed by the Township to confirm eligibility. Once approved, residents who select the digital option will receive a link to HONK, the Township’s parking service provider, to enter their vehicle information and activate their pass. Confirmation is then provided electronically.

Residents who prefer the traditional hanger may continue using that option. This can be requested online or in person at the Township Administration Building (2297 Highway 12, Brechin).

At its meeting on March 9, 2026, Ramara Council approved the next phase of a critical wastewater infrastructure upgrade that enhances the Township’s wastewater treatment system and supports long‑term environmental compliance.

The Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore Village) project on Barnstable Drive replaces end-of-life spray field infrastructure associated with lagoon treatment and transitions to a modern tile bed system. By moving to tile beds, Ramara is strengthening the system, improving reliability, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection.

Council authorized the tender award to Duivenvoorden Haulage Ltd. for construction of the tile bed system. The project represents a total investment of $24,146,270, including contingencies.

This project is supported by provincial funding through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS), which helps municipalities upgrade critical water and wastewater infrastructure. Through this program, the Province is funding approximately 73 per cent of eligible project costs, representing approximately $17.6 million, with the Township responsible for approximately 27 per cent, or $6.5 million.

Provincial funding helps offset the cost of these required infrastructure upgrades, reducing the financial burden that would otherwise fall entirely on the Township’s water and wastewater system.

Council also authorized short-term borrowing of up to $16,650,000 to fund the project if required until grant payments are received.

With the project awarded, site work preparation will begin in the next few weeks, including limited tree removal and grubbing only where necessary to support construction while maintaining all protected areas. In the coming weeks, a new access road will be built to facilitate construction of the pumphouse and to begin importing material for the tile beds. 

It is anticipated six of the 11 tile beds will be completed by November 15, 2026, with the remaining by June 30, 2027. During 2026, the existing spray fields will continue to be used and depending on lagoon levels, spray capacity, and the commissioning timeline for the new beds, effluent hauling may be required to maintain compliance.

For more information on this project, view the Fact Sheet or visit ramara.ca/project202.

Earth Day will take place on April 22, 2026, and the Township is encouraging residents to get involved and make a positive impact in their community by participating in the Community Clean‑Up Program, running from April 1 to April 30.

Residents, community groups, schools, and organizations are invited to participate by organizing clean‑up activities. Participants are asked to register in advance through the Township website at ramara.ca/EarthDay. 

Clean‑up kits will be available for registered participants and will include:

• One large garbage bag
• One large clear bag
• One pair of disposable gloves

Kits may be picked up at the Township Administrative Office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

Additional information is available in the Clean-up Tip Sheet and Awareness Form, which provides guidance to help individuals and groups prepare for a safe and successful clean‑up.

Calling all youth! The Township of Ramara is partnering with SportsKlub to deliver an exciting youth flag football program this spring, offering young players the chance to stay active, learn new skills, and have fun on the field.

Registration is now open for youth ages 8 to 14 from Ramara, Orillia, and surrounding communities.

Location: Ramara Centre Fields (5482 HWY 12)
Dates: Tuesdays, May 12 to June 16, 2026
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Registration Fee: $60

All registered participants will receive a team jersey, and the season will wrap up with a pizza party celebration for players. Participants can register online at sportsklub.ca/RamaraFootball or by visiting the recreation office at the Ramara Centre. The deadline to register is April 13, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Spring is the perfect time to try something new, get moving, and connect with your community! There’s still time to sign up for a wide range of spring recreation programs offered by the Township of Ramara.

From active programs for kids and youth to fitness and social opportunities for adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Whether you're looking to stay active, learn a new skill, or meet new people, our spring lineup has you covered.

Don’t miss your chance to join the fun; spaces are limited!

Visit ramara.ca/recreation for a full list of available programs, schedules, and registration details.

Get ready for a summer full of adventure, creativity, and unforgettable memories! The Township of Ramara’s Summer Day Camps offer exciting experiences for kids of all ages.

Each week is packed with games, outdoor activities, creative crafts, and themed fun, all led by enthusiastic and caring staff. It’s the perfect way for kids to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy everything summer has to offer.

The Summer Camp Guide is now available. Resident registration for summer day camps begins April 1, 2026. 

Be sure to register early, spots fill up quickly!

Visit ramara.ca/recreation for a full list of available programs, schedules, and registration details.

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

Celebrate Spring with the library! Learn a new recipe, get tips to stay healthy, go on a hike or take part in an egg hunt - with a twist! Check out our Eventbrite page to learn all about what is happening.

Adult Programs (Registration Required)  

Tech Time: Tuesday, March 24 and Tuesday, April 14 @1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite | Theme March 24: Google Maps; April 14: LinkedIn Learning

Musical Jam Session: Tuesday, March 24 @ 7 - 8 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Men's Coffee Club: Tuesday, April 14 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ramara Centre | Drop-In

Rooted in Ramara: Slow Cooker Club: Wednesday, April 8 @ 1:30- 3 p.m. | $20 | Brechin Legion | Register on Eventbrite

Children’s Programs (Registration Required

Tolkien Reading Day - Afterschool event: Wednesday, March 25 @ 4 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Easter Weekend Take & Make Kits: Register by Saturday, March 21 | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4 @ 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Spring Family Story & Hike: Saturday, April 11 @ 10:30 a.m. | Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Teen Programs (Registration Required)

Polymer Clay Creatures: Tuesday, April 14 @ 6 - 7 p.m. | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

 Volunteer Hours: Tuesday, March 31 @ 4:30 - 6  p.m.| Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite

Highlights  

Tax Clinic

Ramara Centre | By appointment | Register by phone at 705-325-5776

The Ramara Library is offering a free tax clinic. Ramara residents with a Ramara Public Library card who have a simple tax return may be eligible for this clinic. Contact the library at 705-325-5776 for more information. 

 Stroke Awareness and Prevention 

Ramara Centre | Thursday, March 26 @10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Register on Eventbrite 

Did you know that about 80% of strokes can be prevented by making healthy choices like staying active and eating well? Learn all about strokes with Jenna from RVH at this free information session.

Family Movie Night

Ramara Centre | Wednesday, April 15 @ 6 – 11:00 p.m. | Register on Eventbrite

It is National Canadian Film Day! Celebrate with the library by joining in the fun. We are screening the coming-of-age, hockey musical comedy film "Score." Starring Noah Reid, Olivia Newton-John and more!