Council - February 27, 2023

Updates from Mayor and CAO

Deputy Mayor Update

Deputy Mayor Keith Bell opened up the meeting on behalf of Mayor Clarke who was away. He reported that he and fellow Councillors attended many events around the Township over the past month.

On the Saturday of Family Day long weekend, Deputy Mayor Bell volunteered at the Ramona Winterfest and saw roughly 300 participants participate in the poker-run event. He reported that the day was a huge success with the food and liquor selling out, crowded tables for the euchre tournament and overall great time had by all.

This past Saturday, he participated in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser that raised more than $200,000 for the Lighthouse Orillia with pledges still coming in.

He also advised that the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission launched their contest, 'Name Our Harvester' - a contest to come up with creative names for Lagoon City Parks and Waterways large and small harvester and barge. The contest is open until April 5, and the winner could win one of three $50 gift certificates to a local Ramara business.

Contest Details

As well, members of Council attended the snowmobile drag race event on Lake Couchiching the past weekend. The event was successfully organized by Ron Shilling and had many spectators watching the snowmobiles.

Lastly, on March 11, the Brechin Mara Legion is hosting the Infamous McIssac Indoor Golf Tournament with registration starting at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are available at the Legion or on the day of the tournament. 

CAO Update

CAO Drinkwalter advised that half load restrictions start on March 1. Vehicles will be restricted to a load limit of five (5) tonnes per axle until April 30 or later. Staff will advise when restrictions are lifted. As well, the Spring Recreation guide is out and there are great programs and events for all ages. Ramara’s summer day camp guide releases March 15. Residents can register on March 22 and non residents on March 29.

Public Meetings

Proposed Stop-up, Close and Sell a Portion of the Unopened Road Allowance Between 8122 Laidlaw Avenue and the Travelled Road. 

Council reviewed the submission and comments from the applicant and approved for staff to present the appropriate bylaw at the next Council meeting on March 27, 2023.

Previous Staff Report

Proposed Building Bylaw

Council reviewed the proposed building bylaw submission and approved for staff to present the appropriate bylaw at the next Council meeting on March 27, 2023. 

Previous Staff Report

Presentations & Deputations

Community Development Corporation 

Wendy Timpano, General Manager of the Community Development Corporation (CDC), presented to Council an overview of the products and services offered at the CDC and how the CDC can be an economic resource for businesses within the Township of Ramara. Wendy advised that the CDC provides one-on-one advice, training, loan support, and services like the Biz Link program. The Biz Link program connects and supports businesses and sellers in the transition and life cycle of a business. The CDC also provides the path to employment program that connects youth to job-related skills and work experience. 

Learn more about the CDC

Deputations Regarding Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licence Fee Increase

Council received six deputations regarding the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Licence fee increase and how the increase will negatively affect their STRA business. Listen to each deputation:

• George Karaolis
• Brian Fairman
• Farhad Eric Shirzad
• Robert Charlton
• Teresa Tso
• Conner Harris 

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

• Council Salaries and Honorariums Bylaw
• Township of Ramara Staff Salaries and Honorariums Bylaw
• Appointment of Councillor Snutch as an Alternate Member to the Council of the County or Simcoe during the Absence of the Mayor Deputy
• Rate of Speed Bylaw (Amend Bylaw 2020.94)
• License, Regulate and Govern Short-Term Rental Accommodation Uses Bylaw (Amend 2020.11)
• Amend Zoning Bylaw 2005.85 (7628 Oak Point Road)
• Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Procedural Bylaw
• Council Benefits and Amenities Bylaw (Amend 2022.94)
• Authorization of the Execution of a Collective Agreement with CUPE
• Execution of a License Agreement between Xplore Inc and the Township of Ramara for the Installation and Operation of Telecommunications Equipment
• Assumption of Fawn Bay Road
• Authorize the Borrowing of Money to meet current expenditures
• Fees and Charges Bylaw (Amend 2017.18) 

Short-Term Rental Accommodation Fee Increase 

At the January 16, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting, staff recommended to Council to increase licensing and penalty fees to help offset the costs of the Bylaw Enforcement department and other related expenditures. Tonight, Council approved the following:

• Increase Licensing Fees for STRA from $1000 to $3000
• Increase Administrative Monetary Penalties by $500
• Increase Appeal hearing fees from $150 to $300 

Reminders

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For More Information

For more details on any of these items, see the full meeting Agenda or view the meeting on the Township of Ramara's YouTube Channel.

The Meeting highlights are prepared to give residents a timely update on decisions of Council. The Council Meeting Minutes are the official record of the meeting.