May 2026 Ramara Bulletin
Important Dates and Opportunities
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
- Thursday, May 28: Climate Action Committee - Special Meeting
- Friday, May 29: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Monday, June 8: Ramara Council Meeting (including Committee of the Whole)
- Tuesday, June 9: Committee of Adjustment
- Wednesday, June 17: Ramara Trails Committee
- Monday, June 22: Ramara Council Meeting (including 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.
Employment Opportunities
We’re hiring! Available positions include:
- Bylaw Enforcement Officer (18-Month Contract)
- Special Projects Coordinator (8-Month Contract)
- Infrastructure Summer Student
- Infrastructure Services Manager
Learn more at ramara.ca/employment.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election
Positions Available for the Joint Compliance Audit Committee
The County of Simcoe is currently seeking qualified residents from across Simcoe County, including the Township of Ramara, to serve on the Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026–2030 term.
The committee reviews applications related to municipal election campaign and advertising finances under the Municipal Elections Act for the County’s member municipalities and the City of Orillia.
- Up to seven (7) positions available
- Per diem compensation provided
- Meetings held on an as-needed basis
Attention Ramara Businesses: Participate in the Employment Survey
The County of Simcoe’s Employment Survey is continuing again this summer. Ramara businesses, large or small, are encouraged to complete the survey. Input will help the County and Township understand local employment trends, plan for infrastructure and support economic development across Ramara.
County staff will continue to visit businesses across the region to seek participation in the survey. Businesses that operate within Ramara are also encouraged to send an e-mail to employsimcoe@simcoe.ca to receive a unique survey link for their workplace.
For full details on the survey visit simcoe.ca/employmentsurvey.
Township News and Information
Ramara Breaks Ground on Major Wastewater Project
The Township of Ramara was joined by the Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, and project partners on May 15, 2026, to break ground on the Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore Village) project, marking a major step forward in modernizing the Township’s wastewater system and protecting the local environment.
The project, located on Barnstable Drive, is part of Connect and Protect: Building a Resilient Ramara, which received $30 million in funding through the Ontario government’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-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 for the $24.1 million wastewater project, representing approximately $17.6 million, with the Township responsible for approximately 27 per cent, or $6.5 million.
The project will replace aging spray irrigation fields with a modern underground tile bed system, improving year-round performance, enhancing reliability and strengthening environmental protection for nearby wetlands and Lake Simcoe. The project will be completed in phases, with six of the 11 tile beds expected to be operational by the end of 2026 and full completion anticipated by 2027.
For more information on the project, visit ramara.ca/project202.
Bylaw Enforcement Through AMPS Process Begins June 1, 2026
At its May 11, 2026, meeting, Ramara Council approved the use of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to support the Township’s updated Parking Bylaw and to streamline enforcement processes across multiple bylaws beginning June 1, 2026.
As part of this approval, the Township will follow the prescribed procedures set out in Ontario Regulation 333/07 for Parking AMPS. These standardized procedures will now be applied across all applicable AMPS bylaws to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficiency in enforcement effective June 1, 2026.
The updated AMPS process will now apply to the following bylaws:
- Parking Bylaw
- Long Grass and Weeds Bylaw
- Short-Term Rental Bylaw
- Licensing Bylaw
- Canine Control Bylaw
AMPS is a municipally administered system permitted under the Municipal Act, 2001 that allows municipalities to address bylaw infractions through a local administrative process rather than through the traditional court system.
What This Means for Residents
For residents, these updates will make the bylaw enforcement process simpler, faster, and more consistent across the Township:
- Faster resolution of most bylaw matters through a local administrative process rather than the court system, reducing delays
- A clear and consistent approach, with the same AMPS procedures applied across multiple bylaws
- A standardized, review process for disputes, aligned with provincial requirements through an independent third-party Hearing Officer
- A more accessible and easier-to-navigate alternative to traditional court proceedings
- Reduced reliance on the court system, lowering administrative burden and improving timeliness
- Improved efficiency in enforcement, collections, and overall service delivery
- A fair, transparent process that reflects provincial requirements and best practices
For more information on AMPS, including answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ramara.ca/AMPS.
Road Needs Study & 2026 Roads Projects
At its meeting on May 11, 2026, Council adopted the Ramara Road Needs Study in principle as a guiding document for the future planning, prioritization and delivery of road maintenance, rehabilitation and renewal projects throughout the Township.
Council also approved the 2026 Road Work Program. The 2026 road work program includes the following projects:
- Bridge 18 (Island Crescent) and Bridge 19 (East River Road)
- Ramara Road 46 (Sideroad 15 to County Road 169)
- Lakeshore Drive (Concession Road 3 to Simcoe Road)
- Birch Road
- Creighton Street (Highway 12 to Winchester Street)
- Concession Road 12 (Sideroad 25 to Margaret Orr Boulevard)
- Rama-Dalton Boundary Road (Kett Road to Fairgrounds Road)
- Engineering and related works
For more information on Township projects and initiatives, visit ramara.ca.
Goose Management Program Underway
The Township of Ramara is continuing efforts to manage the goose population in public spaces. This program runs through the active months (April to July) using safe, humane, federally-approved methods to reduce geese in parks and beaches across Township-owned properties located in:
- Bayshore Village
- Lagoon City
- Lovely Day Park & Fire Station 2 in Atherley
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
Summer Day Camps
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.
View the Summer Camp Guide to check out all the great programs available. Registration is underway. Spots are filling up quickly.
Visit ramara.ca/recreation for a full list of available programs, schedules, and registration details.
Fire Safety Tips
Summer Season Safety
Cottage & Trailer Opening Fire Safety
Back at the cottage or seasonal property? Residents are reminded to check for fire hazards:
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are present and in good working order.
• Inspect chimneys, vents, and woodstoves before use.
• Check for rodent damage to wiring.
• Inspect propane tanks, lines, and connections for leaks.
• Never use generators or fuel-burning appliances indoors.
BBQ Safety Reminders
With warmer weather here, BBQ use increases and so does the risk of fire:
• Keep BBQs at least 1 metre from buildings and combustible materials.
• Never use BBQs in enclosed spaces such as garages, tents, or indoors.
• Check propane connections for leaks using a soap and water solution.
• Clean grease and debris from burners and trays regularly.
• Never leave a BBQ unattended while in use.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Turn off the propane tank after use and allow the BBQ to cool before covering.
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:
- 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.
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.
Library Information, Events and Highlights
Summer is almost here!
Take a hike with the Ramara Library. Get outside and learn about nature apps or explore the trails in Ramara with one of our great programs. Registration for summer programs opens on Friday, June 5! Follow the library on Instagram, Facebook, or sign up for the weekly eNewsletter to learn more.
Dictionary Drive
The Ramara Township Public Library is collecting dictionaries during the month of May, as a proud partner with a local community organization. Donations will directly support the literacy and education goals of its members.
We are looking for Dictonaries that are: new or in good condition, any language. Donations can be dropped off at the Ramara Library until May 31.
Thank you for helping us make a difference together!
Adult Programs (Registration Required)
- Adult Craft Club: Thursday, May 28 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite
- Author Talk: The Red Canoe: Wednesday, June 3 @ 7 PM | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite
Children’s Programs (Registration Required)
- Little Adventurers (ages 0 – 4): Fridays @ 10 AM | Ramara Centre & Various Locations! | Register on Eventbrite or Drop in
- Meet the Author: Lynda Partridge: Saturday, May 30 @ 1:30 PM | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite
- Father's Day Craft: Saturday, June 20 @ 10 AM or 2 PM | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite
Highlights
EPIC Summer Reading Launch Party
Ramara Centre | Saturday, June 27 | Register on Eventbrite
Sigrtyggring, Ontario's largest viking reenactment group, is helping us kick off our summer reading program!
Come out to meet vikings, watch a battle, learn viking crafts and more. Don't forget to pick up your summer reading program booklet for EPIC fun all summer.
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.
Contact Us
Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0
T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca
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