November 2025 Ramara Bulletin
Important Dates and Opportunities
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
- Tuesday, December 2: Committee of Adjustment
- Monday, December 8: Regular Council (including Committee of the Whole) and a Public Meeting re Building Permit Fees
- Thursday, December 11: Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission
- Friday, December 12: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Wednesday, December 17: Ramara Trails 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.
Employment Opportunities
We’re hiring! Available positions include:
- Election Coordinator (12 month contract)
- Winter Patrol (6 month contract)
- Manager of Taxation, Procurement & Risk
Learn more about each position at ramara.ca/employment.
Feeding Families Campaign
We hope to raise about $10,000 or more in monetary and gift card donations to support local families and children during the holiday season.
Residents can make monetary or gift card donations at the Township Administration Building and at the Ramara Centre. New this year, residents can also make donations online.
There will be several events taking place in December to also help with fundraising efforts including:
- Ramara Firefighters' Association Stamp Out Hunger Boot Drive on December 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brechin Foodland.
- Holiday Storytime & Craft at the Ramara Public Library Brechin Branch on December 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Breakfast with Santa at the Brechin-Mara Legion on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Economic Development in Ramara
The Township invites residents, businesses, and community partners to help guide what that growth should look like in Ramara.
The Township of Ramara has launched a community survey to gather insight on local business needs, growth opportunities, and the challenges facing our community. Your input will directly inform Ramara’s updated Economic Development Strategy and the creation of a new Community Improvement Plan (CIP), two key tools that will guide investment, revitalization initiatives, and long-term economic prosperity across the Township.
The survey is open until December 12, 2025, and can be completed at:
Township of Ramara - Economic Development Survey
To request the survey in an alternative format, please contact the Township at info@ramara.ca or call 705-484-5374.
2026 Dog Licences
The Township of Ramara reminds residents that 2026 dog tags are now available for purchase. Dog tags may be renewed online, in person, or by mail. Each tag, to a maximum of three per household, is $20 until February 28, after which the fee increases to $50 per tag beginning March 1. Dog tags are required for all dogs over the age of three months. For more information, please visit our Dog Licences page.
Township News and Information
2026 Municipal Budget
Ramara Council has approved the 2026 Budget, focusing on long-term financial sustainability, infrastructure renewal, and maintaining essential services. The budget includes a 4.05% municipal tax rate increase, equal to about $25 per $100,000 of assessed residential property value.
The final tax rate represents a reduction from the 5.97 per cent increase presented by the Mayor during the Special Council Meeting regarding 2026 Budget Review on Oct. 23, 2025. Following amendments at the Nov. 3, 2025, meeting, the budget was further refined, including:
- Updating 2026 cost projections for the OPP - increasing from six to 11 per cent.
- Funding several capital projects through existing modernization and capital reserves instead of new tax dollars.
- Funding a $10,000 grant for the Brechin-Mara Legion Branch #488 Building Fund, funded through General Reserves, to support building renovations and community improvements.
- Adjusting certain capital projects to reduce the tax-funded portion of expenditures and ease the impact on taxpayers.
Mayor Clarke confirmed he would not exercise veto authority on any of Council’s approved amendments. This confirmation completed the annual budget process, deeming the 2026 Budget adopted under Ontario’s strong mayor framework.
The Township’s $42.9 million total budget balances affordability with long-term sustainability. By focusing on reserve contributions and critical capital projects, the 2026 Budget builds on Council’s commitment to maintain core infrastructure and services while preparing for future growth.
Key investments include:
- $4 million in road repairs and rehabilitation across the Township, including bridge and culvert renewals and upgrading gravel to hard surface.
- $10.15 million wastewater treatment plant project to address aging sprayfields.
- $300,000 in improvements at the Ramara Centre, supported by a provincial Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) grant, including roof replacement, accessible playground construction, and baseball diamond rehabilitation.
- $320,000 for fleet renewal and a $40,000 investment in fleet management software to enhance maintenance tracking and efficiency.
- $880,700 contribution to reserves, strengthening Ramara’s ability to fund future infrastructure and avoid sudden tax increases.
- $80,000 for building condition assessments of municipally owned facilities.
- Staffing investments to build organizational capacity and service delivery, including an IT & Process Coordinator, Financial Analyst, Fire Prevention/Training Officer, and new administrative and student roles across multiple departments.
The 2026 Budget also includes an increase to water (approximately $20 per quarter) and wastewater rates (approximately $54 per quarter) based on the average residential usage of 35 cubic metres per quarter to ensure the Township’s systems remain compliant with provincial requirements, including asset management planning. The rate adjustment supports critical infrastructure investments, which will modernize operations and enhance long-term stability and environmental protection.
This marks the first year Ramara is operating under Ontario’s new legislated budget framework for designated municipalities, commonly referred to as the “strong mayor” system. Under the Municipal Act, the Mayor is required to propose the Township’s annual budget on or before Feb. 1, 2026.
To view the 2026 Budget package or for more information, visit ramara.ca/budget.
Congratulations to Mayor Basil Clarke for 25 Years of Service in Local Government
At the November 3, 2025, Council meeting, friends, family, colleagues and representatives from the Provincial and Federal Governments joined Ramara Council to celebrate Mayor Basil Clarke’s 25 years of service in local government. First elected in 2000, Mayor Clarke has served in multiple roles, including Councillor, Deputy Mayor, Mayor, and County Warden.
Read the full news release for details.
Congratulations to Recent Ramara Fire & Rescue Recruit Graduates
On November 19, 2025, the Township hosted a graduation ceremony celebrating our newest group of Ramara Fire and Rescue volunteer firefighters. These recruits have successfully completed an intensive training program, marking an important milestone for both them and the Ramara community.
The Township congratulates each of our new graduates. Their dedication to stepping forward in service, while balancing work, family, and personal commitments, reflects an exceptional level of community spirit and commitment.
Bridge 201 Construction Update
The Township's contractor, Four Brothers Construction, has been working diligently to complete all of the necessary works and the bridge is now open. There will be some minor works to be completed in the spring such as ground restoration. The Township would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure project.
Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Servicing Project Update
Construction for 2025 is nearing completion on the Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue, and Simcoe Road Servicing Project to extend municipal sanitary sewer services to properties in the area.
Crews completed cleanouts, sewer installation, service connections, pressure testing, culvert installations, and topsoil restoration. Asphalt removal and initial road grading were also carried out.
As the project moves into its final 2025 stages, contractors are finishing road shaping and preparing for asphalt paving.
Work will pause over the winter and resume in spring 2026 to complete remaining tasks, including final road and property restoration. Impacted residents can expect information regarding grinder pumps over the coming weeks. Information related to building permits, installation timelines, and project financing options will be provided in early 2026.
The Township would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure project.
For more information on this project, please visit the Ramara Sewer Servicing Project webpage.
Recreation Update
With the Ramara recreation team wrapping up fall programming, the Township would like to thank everyone who participated and we hope to see you participating in our winter sessions.
The Senior Social was a hit this November. Thank you to all the guest speakers who supported the program throughout the year. In partnership with the Ramara Public Library, the Township welcomed 24 kids to our PA Day program. Watch for next year’s sessions as we continue to collaborate and introduce new guests!
The Winter Recreation Guide is available and resident registration is now open. Non-resident registration begins on December 3, 2025. Be sure to grab your spot early, as programs fill quickly, and don’t forget to explore the innovative new options we’re offering for our youngest participants!
The final youth dance of the year is the Holiday Celebration Dance on December 12 at the Ramara Centre. Come dressed in your favourite festive attire for a chance to win great prizes, with grades 1–3 from 6 to 7 p.m. (parental supervision required) and grades 4–8 from 7:30–9:30 p.m.
If you need a few hours to finish holiday shopping or enjoy some quiet time before the busy season, sign your kids up for Ramara Winter Camp, with single-day options available on December 22, 23, and a half-day on December 24.
For more information on Ramara Recreation, visit ramara.ca/recreation.
November Fire Safety Tips
As temperatures drop, please remember that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires in Ontario. Keep your home safe this winter by following these tips:
- Have your heating system and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician.
- Make sure all outside heating vents are clear and not blocked.
- Ensure woodstoves, fireplaces, and inserts are properly installed by a qualified professional.
- Always let ashes cool before placing them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and store the container outside.
Stamp Out Hunger Boot Drive
Join Ramara Fire and Rescue Services on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for our annual Feeding Families Boot Drive at Foodland Brechin, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All donations support local families in need this holiday season.
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.
Ramara Township Public Library Information, Events and Highlights
Beat the Winter Blues with Your Library!
Looking for ways to beat grey days? Let the library help! Join in book club or craft group, borrow a light therapy lamp, check out a funny movie or mystery novel. Visit our website or give the library a call at 705-325-5776 to find out about all the programs and services your library has to offer.
Ramara Township Public Library Community Survey
The Library needs your help! We are beginning our next Strategic Plan, and we want your input of what we should keep doing, change, or remove. Bonus: enter for a chance to win a prize for simply taking the survey. Click on the link to take the survey: 2025 Ramara Township Public Library: Community Survey (Expected length: 2 minutes.)
Adult Programs (Registration Required)
- Evening Book Club: Thursday, December 4 | 7:00 PM | December book: Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
- Holiday BINGO: Wednesday, December 3 @ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite
- Naughty Spelling Bee: Friday, December 12 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Ramara Centre | Register on Eventbrite
Children’s Programs (Registration required unless otherwise stated)
- Saturday Drop-In Family Fun: Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM
- Little Adventurers (ages 0 – 4): Fridays @ 10 AM | Ramara Centre | Registration preferred
- Holiday Storytime & Craft: Thursday, December 11 @ 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Brechin Branch: Township of Ramara Building | Drop-in
Highlights
Naughty Spelling Bee:
Ramara Centre | Friday, December 12 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Register on Eventbrite
Get ready to spell... with a twist! This 18+ team event invites you to decode historical words and slang that once sounded innocent—but now have a cheeky edge. Bring your friends or make new ones as you laugh your way through rounds of surprisingly saucy spelling challenges. It's the perfect way to warm up your winter with some adult fun and friendly competition.
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. 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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