Council - September 26, 2022

Mayor Update

Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting and welcomed former Council member Margaret Sharpe. During his introduction, Mayor Clarke acknowledged the Canadians living in Eastern Canada and the devastation from Hurricane Fiona. He sends his thoughts and prayers to all those affected.

In the Community, Mayor Clarke spoke about the Ramona Fall Fair that occurred on September 16 and 17. M.P. Chambers, Mayor Clarke, Deputy Mayor Gough and Councillor Snutch and Fisher were all present for the opening ceremonies. - a family fun event that included kids' games, face painting, horse pulls, and more.

Mayor Clarke also attended the celebration of life for Councillor Lamb's two deceased brothers that passed during the pandemic. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Clarke sends his condolences and thoughts to Councillor Lamb's family.

On September 18, Mayor Clarke, Deputy Mayor Gough and Councillor Johnson attended the Terry Fox Run in Lagoon City, the event raised close to $1,000 for the organization. The Brechin and District Lions Club also presented a cheque for $250. On September 5, our Ramara Fire and Emergency Services raised close to $1,600 for the Terry Fox foundation with their car wash.

On September 19, Mayor Clarke, Deputy Mayor Gough, Councillor Fisher and Hetherington attended the Queen Elizabeth II funeral service at the Brechin Mara Legion, where the Mayor laid a wreath and said a few words on behalf of the Township.

Councillor Snutch thanked the Rama Police for their presence on County Road 169 and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for their presence on Rama Road. 

CAO Update

CAO Drinkwalter congratulated Susan Potalivo, Mary Ailene Reed, and the family of William Thomson for their contributions to the Ramara community. 

He reminded eligible voters that the 2022 municipal election is coming up and to contact our Legislative Services team to see if you are on the Voters' List, call, email or visit staff in person to get all your questions and concerns answered. Visit www.ramara.ca/election to learn more.

Beginning October 1, Ramara Fire and Rescue Services launches their Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment process. Those interested can visit Ramara’s website or the Township Administration Building to get an application.

Presentations & Deputations

Mariposa House Hospice Presentation

Mariposa House Hospice is a non-profit charitable organization that serves Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, and the Chippewas of Ramara First Nation by offering five private suites with 24-hour specialized end-of-life palliative care. Annalise Stenekes and Dave Carson from Mariposa House Hospice presented to Council what Mariposa House Hospice does for the community, its key features, community impacts and the funding model that supports the operations. Due to COVID-19, the Mariposa House Hospice has requested $7,500 per year for two years to help in achieving financial sustainability. Council approved for the matter to be forwarded to Budget 2023. 

Consent Agenda

Ramona Hall Grant Request

The Ramona Hall, located at 2212 Fairgrounds Road, south of Washago, hosts many community events, such as the Ramona Fall Fair, for the community. The Ramona Hall is requesting $5000 from the Township to help with any financial constraints due to the pandemic. Council approved to move this request to the October 3, 2022 meeting.  

Items Requiring Immediate Attention of Council

Brechin Subdivision Earthworks Agreement

Council approved entering into an agreement with Earthworks to start clearing the Brechin subdivision site to facilitate spring construction

Ramara Business Park - Road, Water and Sewer Construction

Council approved to accept the bid from Four Brothers Construction to complete the construction of the new road section at the Ramara Business Park for the contract price of $933,536.40 plus taxes. The funds to complete the construction have been allocated through the sales of the properties within the business park.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment Z-4/22 - Additional Residential Units

Through the More Homes, More Choices Act (Bill 108), the Province of Ontario expanded the requirements and removed barriers for municipalities to permit 'additional residential units in their Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws. Over the past month, staff have presented different concepts to Council on the placement of additional residential units (ARUs) for Agricultural and Rural properties and other zoning. Council passed the bylaws and approved the following:

• The same entrance as the principle building will be used for all additional residential units regardless of zoning.
• The 30 metre maximum distance requirement from the principal building has been removed only from Rural and Agriculture zoned properties.

Bills and Bylaws

Council Salaries and Honorariums 

Council passed the salaries and honorariums bylaw for Council with updates to the Committees represented

Accessory Building Provisions Update

Council passed the amendment to the Zoning Bylaw that entail the following:

• Allowing 15 square metre sheds that have a maximum height of 3 metres to be within 1.2 metres of an interior or rear sideyard and 5 metres to a front or exterior side yard, if permitted.

• Allow for some accessory buildings to be placed closer to the street than the dwelling in shoreline residential lots.

•  Allow for an increase in height in an accessory building when an additional residential unit is established within the building by permit.

 Note: all buildings and structures are prohibited from being constructed within 15 metres of the average high water mark

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