October 2025 Ramara Bulletin

Ramara Awards Ceremony - November 14, 2025

The Township of Ramara's Award Committee invites residents to celebrate the achievements and contributions of exceptional community members at the 2025 Ramara Awards Ceremony on November 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12). 

The Ramara Awards Committee is pleased to announce the 2025 award recipients: 

Spirit of Ramara Award

• Annalynn Faukner - Recognized for her tireless efforts to improve local trails and waterways. Annalyn has played a key role in enhancing Ramara's natural spaces for everyone to enjoy. 
• Paul Grunsten - Honoured for his leadership on community projects and his commitment to improving safety and infrastructure across the Township.

Ramara Wall of Fame

• Jane Lee - Remembered for her decades of volunteer service, from her work with the Legion to food programs that supported families. Jane's kindness and dedication have left a lasting mark on Ramara and all who knew her.

Learn more about the Ramara Awards Ceremony. 

Township News and Information

2026 Municipal Budget

On October 23, 2025, Council reviewed, discussed and asked questions regarding the 2026 Mayor's Budget proposal, which included a presentation from staff with an overview of the overall budget and the department areas. 

Council will provide any proposed amendments to the 2026 Annual Mayor’s Budget Proposal at a Special Council meeting, which will take place in conjunction with the Regular Council meeting on November 3, 2025.

View the Special Council Meeting Agenda for November 3, 2025

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.

How the 2026 Budget Process Works

Under the Municipal Act, the budget process follows these steps:

1.    Mayor’s Proposed Budget – Presented no later than Feb. 1, 2026, (introduced Oct. 23, 2025, in Ramara)

2.    Amendment Period (up to 30 days) – Council may propose changes to the Mayor’s budget through a vote

3.    Veto Period (up to 10 days) – Mayor may veto Council’s amendments

4.    Override Period (up to 15 days) – Council may override a Mayor’s veto with two-thirds support

5.    The budget is considered adopted when:

• No amendments are made
• Amendments are not vetoed
• Vetoes are overridden

To view the 2026 Budget package or for more information on the process, visit ramara.ca/budget.

Have Your Say on the Future of Municipal Properties in Brechin

The Township of Ramara is inviting residents, businesses, and organizations across the community to have their say on the future of two municipally owned buildings located at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12 in Brechin, known locally as St. Andrew’s Hall and the former Standard Bank.

Surveys:

From Oct. 31 to Nov. 21, 2025, community members can share their ideas and feedback for the future of the two buildings by completing one of two online surveys:

·        Residents, Seasonal Residents or Visitors

·        Businesses and Organizations

Hard copies of the resident survey will also be available at the Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12, Atherley) and at the Township Administration Building (2297 Highway 12, Brechin). Residents who complete the community survey have the option to be entered into a draw for a chance to win a Ramara Prize Pack.

Open House – Nov. 18, 2025:

To learn more and share feedback in person, community members are invited to attend one of two Open House sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12):

·        Session 1: 3:30 to 5 p.m. (presentation at 4 p.m.)

·        Session 2: 6 to 7:30 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m.)

Each session will include a short presentation outlining the buildings’ history, current condition, and next steps, along with opportunities for participants to share feedback and ideas. Surveys can also be completed on-site. No registration is required to attend.

Have Your Say Stations:

Have Your Say Stations will also be available at community centres across Ramara, including Udney, Longford Mills, and the Ramara Centre, as well as at the Ramara Township Administration Centre starting the week of Nov. 3, 2025. Residents can complete a short, three-question ballot and drop it into the marked ballot boxes by Nov. 21, 2025.

For more information, visit ramara.ca/BuildingBrechin.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week

November 1 to 7, 2025, is CO Awareness Week! If your home contains a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or has an attached garage, a CO alarm is required - it's the law in Ontario! 

What is carbon monoxide (CO)? CO is a gas known as the silent or invisible killer because we can't see, smell or taste it. View the CO Awareness Flyer for more information. 

Change your Batteries - Day Light Saving Time Ends November 2, 2025

Clocks fall back on November 2, 2025. When it is time to change your clocks, it is time to change the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms. Working smoke and CO alarms save lives! 

Maple Trail, Lone Birch Trail, Ridge Avenue and Simcoe Road Servicing Project

Construction is progressing 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.

Recent work has included pressure testing of the sanitary sewer along Ridge Avenue, installation of sewer services and an air release valve chamber along Lone Birch Trail, and directional drilling between Maple Trail and Simcoe Road.

In the coming weeks, crews will continue installing the low-pressure sanitary sewer and related services along Lone Birch Trail and Maple Trail using a combination of open-cut and directional drilling methods. Pressure testing on Lone Birch Trail will follow once installation is complete.

Construction activities are progressing as planned, with the majority of work expected to be completed by the end of November 2025. During this time, residents can expect intermittent lane closures, single-lane alternating traffic, and brief driveway access restrictions. Traffic control personnel and signage will be in place to help vehicles move safely through active work zones.

Residents are reminded to use caution near active construction areas and to allow extra time when travelling in the vicinity.

For more information and ongoing updates, please visit www.ramara.ca or follow the Township of Ramara on social media.

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.

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

Ramara Township Public Library Information, Events and Highlights

It is becoming more important than ever in the era of fake news to pay close attention to information sources. The library offers vetted databases that can assist with your research on our website under “Research & Reader’s Advisory”. More than just self-research, don’t forget about the library’s greatest asset – our staff! Our Librarians are trained in finding accurate, free, and real information whether it be for a school project, personal interest, or assistance in finding resources.  

Beyond research, the library offers tons of programming! Check out our Eventbrite page for fall programs, or sign up for our eNewsletter to stay in the loop!   

Adult Programs (Registration Required)  

• Ramara Book Club: Wednesday, October 29 & November 26 | 1:30 PM | Ramara Centre | November Book: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• Evening Book Club: Thursday, November 6 | 7:00 PM | November Book: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab 
• Show & Share: Tuesday, November 18 | 2:00 PM | Ramara Centre | Show and tell for grownups!  
• 1-on-1 Tech Help: by appointment | Free | Email info@RamaraPublicLibrary.org or call us at 705-325-5776 to book a free tech help session with one of our librarians! 

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 
• Letters to Santa: November 18 – December 18
   Children can drop off a letter to Santa at either Ramara Library branch. Santa and his elves will write back. Return letters will be available for pick up at the library.
• Teen Scene: Thursday, November 13 | 7 PM | Ramara Centre | Learn about how you can get community service hours at the library & decorate a tumbler 

 Upcoming Program Highlights  

 Downsizing and Decluttering with Kalm Solutions 

Ramara Centre | Wednesday, November 25 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | FREE | Register on Eventbrite  

Join Kim from KALM Solutions as she discusses the impact of decluttering and why you should consider it. Everything doesn’t have to end up in a dumpster! Learn about how to remove your goods sustainably and learn why your family may or may not want your items. We thank the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this program.  

Naughty Spelling Bee (18+) 

Ramara Centre | Friday, December 12 | 7 PM – 9 PM | Free | 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. 

Half Day PD Day Programs  
Ramara Centre | Friday, November 14 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Ages 6-12 | Cost: $10 | Register on Eventbrite 

Join Ramara Recreation and Ramara Library for fun morning and afternoon of activities, social time and with furry guests from Speaking of Wildlife! We thank the Friends of the Ramara Library for sponsoring this program.  

Gingerbread Bash @ The Udney Community Centre  

Udney Community Centre | Thursday, November 27 | 6:30 PM | Free! | Register on Eventbrite  

Celebrate oncoming winter with family holiday activities including making the most creative gingerbread! Appropriate for ages 4-12, younger children welcome with adult assistance. Adults must stay on location for the duration of this event. We thank the Friends of the Ramara Library for sponsoring this program. 

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.