Ramara 2026 Budget discussions begin Oct. 23

Ramara, Ont. / Oct. 17, 2025 – The Township of Ramara will begin discussions for the 2026 Budget on Oct. 23, 2025, when the Mayor’s Proposed Budget is presented at a Special Meeting of Council at the Township Administration Building at 9:30 a.m. 

“This proposed budget reflects a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and strategic investment. We’ve prioritized building our reserves, maintaining infrastructure, and planning responsibly for growth,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “While the legislation assigns me the responsibility to introduce the budget, I see this as a starting point for a collaborative process that involves Council, staff, and our residents. Together, we’ll shape a final budget that reflects our community’s needs and values.”

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.

“While this is a new legislated process, the preparation of the budget has remained similar to previous years, led with diligence, analysis, and long-term planning that guide our financial decisions,” said Gayle Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer. “Staff have worked collaboratively across departments and with Mayor Clarke to ensure the proposed budget reflects Council’s strategic direction and continues to deliver high-quality services to our residents.”

The proposed 2026 budget includes a 5.97 per cent municipal tax rate increase, with 4.25 per cent of the rate increase dedicated to building reserves that strengthen long-term financial stability and support future infrastructure needs. The remaining 1.72 per cent supports operating and capital priorities, including roads, fire protection, and community facilities. This proposed tax rate increase equals approximately an additional $37 per $100,000 of assessed residential property value on the municipal portion of the tax bill.

How to Participate

Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Budget process by:

·         Viewing the Budget Package available at ramara.ca/budget, and in person at the Township Administration Building or the Ramara Township Public Library at the Ramara Centre.

·         Contacting your Ward Councillor to ask questions or share feedback directly.

·         Attending or watching the Special Meeting of Council on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in person at the Township Administration Centre or livestreamed on the Township’s YouTube Channel.

·         Registering to speak during Open Public Forum at the Special Council Meeting on Oct. 23, 2025. Sign up by 9 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2025, to speak at the meeting. For more information on how to sign up, visit the Township’s Communicating with Council webpage.

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:

o   No amendments are made

o   Amendments are not vetoed

o   Vetoes are overridden

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