Council Highlights - November 8, 2021

Mayor Update

Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting by reminding residents that Thursday is Remembrance Day. He encourages residents to pause for two minutes of silence and contemplation, to reflect and remember those who have served our country. Mayor Clarke advised that residents can take part in ceremonies either virtually or in person. For a list of resources, please visit the County of Simcoe page.

CAO Update

Acting CAO, Zach Drinkwalter, provided an update to Council on the following initiatives:

1. 2022 Dog Licences (Tags) can be purchased online, in person or by mail for $20.00 each (maximum of 3) until February 28th, 2022. Starting March 1st, the price increases to $50.00 each. Visit our Animal Services page.
2. Overnight parking restrictions start next Monday, November 15th and runs until April 15th, 2022. Overnight parking is restricted on all municipal roadways between midnight and 7:00 a.m.
3. 2022 Proposed Budget will be brought to the November 15th, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Lastly, CAO Drinkwalter reported that the Township Administration Building will be closed on Thursday, November 11, 2021 in observance of Remembrance Day and will reopen Friday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m.

Public Meeting - Zoning Bylaw Amendment - Z - 7/21

The homeowners of 5 Stong Court submitted an application for a Zoning Bylaw Amendment under Section 39/1 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13. Council received all comments from the public and other agencies and staff will bring a report and recommendation back to them for consideration.

Welcome, M.P. Adam Chambers

Adam Chambers, Conservative M.P. for Simcoe North, stopped by Ramara's Council meeting to provide introductions since being elected at the end of September. M.P. Chambers advised that during his 30 day campaigning period, he was able to reach 7,700 households from all areas in Simcoe County. M.P. Chambers expressed that he wants to continue to work with local councils and residents to learn about important projects and initiatives important to that area and ways to help support each municipality. Residents can learn more about M.P. Chambers at adamchambers.ca/.

County of Simcoe Cart Collection

On October 26, 2021, County Council voted to expedite the cart exchange program to increase flexibility for residents to exchange their garbage carts for smaller options. Residents will be able to put in their requests in mid-January 2022, with deliveries anticipated to begin by the end of February. The County is requesting residents to hold exchange requests until the system is in place next year. Residents are encouraged to call 705-726-9300 or email info@simcoe.ca if they are having issues with their cart collection. Learn more about this program by visiting the Cart Collection website.

Thank you Anne Belanger

On behalf of Council and the staff at the Township of Ramara, we want to thank Anne Belanger for her years of service on the Ramara Public Library Board.

Orillia Rama Regional Airport Correspondence

Committee received correspondence from the Orillia Rama Regional Airport (ORRA) in regards to purchasing a portion of unopened road allowance that crosses the airport's lands. ORRA is requesting Council to consider selling the requested unopened road allowance before ORRA moves forward with the federal consultation process under Canadian Aviation Regulation 307. Council moved to bring this request to a future Committee of the Whole meeting to have more discussion on this topic.

Vaccination Policy

Effective November 9th, 2021, the Township of Ramara will implement a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that will affect all current or future Representatives of the Township. Representatives will have a choice on whether they want to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or follow the following protocols:

• Continue to wear a mask and all other relevant PPE when in the same room as other employees regardless of physical distance and other public health provisions (not an option for volunteer firefighters); or
• Undergo regular rapid antigen screening tests twice a week (volunteer firefighters will test once a week). 

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