2023 Council Highlights - October 30

Council Meeting - October 30, 2023

Remarks by the Mayor

Mayor Clarke opened the meeting and reported that members of Council are wearing pink in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women, with 1 in 36 not surviving the disease, and support those affected by the disease. Last Friday, Mayor Clarke was at the official Launch of the Poppy Campaign at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie with Barrie-Innisfil Member of Parliament John Brassard and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley. The Mara Brechin Legion will host their annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday, November 11, at 10:45 a.m.

Other members of the Council provided the following remarks:

Councillor Fisher announced she was invited to participate in the Garba Night hosted by the Orillia Indian Community. The event was held at ODAS Park and featured amazing music, dancing and dresses.
Councillor Fisher participated in diversity training through the County of Simcoe called 'Providing food access with dignity.' Through that training, she connected with the General Manager of the Sharing Place, who will collaborate with the Rooted in Ramara community on providing food access within Ramara.
Councillor Fisher and Councillor Bell participated in the 'Trick or Truck' event hosted by the Severn Bridge Agricultural Society. Ramara's Director of Infrastructure brought the Township's grader to the event to show off the equipment and give some tasty treats.
Deputy Mayor Bell and Councillor Fisher attended the Joyland Beach Community Centre's event - a Touch of Magic Brew HA HA - that raised $1,500 for Mariposa House Hospice.
Councillor Bell announced the launch of The Ramara Experience in partnership with the Ramara Chamber of Commerce. The launch event hosted on October 1 was a smashing success with dignitaries, such as MP Chambers, M.P.P. Dunlop, Mayor Clarke, corporate partners and representatives in attendance. The Ramara Experience also launched its 2023 'Shop With Us Ramara,' an exciting initiative to support local businesses and strengthen community ties. The 'Shop with Us Ramara' campaign officially started on October 16 and includes prizes for participating sellers and shoppers. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to discover the diverse range of goods and services offered by Ramara's vibrant business community. Learn more about the campaign at www.ramaraexperience.com.

Councillor Tuju announced that she attended two events in Rama:
- A pushing-in ceremony at the Rama Fire Hall to welcome the new 107ft ladder truck to its fleet. This truck, dedicated to the Rama veterans, lists all the veterans’ names inscribed on the cenotaph and the door of the truck and features a poppy and feather design.
- The 100-year commemoration of the Williams Treaties that were signed by the governments of Canada and by seven First Nations of the Chippewa of Lake Simcoe and the Mississauga of the north shore of Lake Ontario in 1923. The commemoration acknowledged the negative impacts the Williams Treaties had on the Williams Treaties First Nations, including the stripping of hunting and harvesting rights.

Remarks by the CAO

CAO Drinkwalter provided the following remarks:

The contractors for the playground equipment advised today that the playground equipment for Bluebird Park and Lagoon City Beach and Park will be installed over the next two weeks.
The first draft of the 2024 Budget was presented to the Council at the Special COW last week. Residents can review the budget and learn about the budget process on the township’s website. The budget will be returned to the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 13.
Ramara Fire and Rescue Services is hosting its annual Haunted House tomorrow (October 31) between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Fire Hall 2 in Atherley.
The Township Administration Office will be closed on Friday, November 10, to commemorate Remembrance Day. The Brechin Legion is hosting its annual Remembrance Day service starting at 10:45 a.m.

Public Meeting

The Township of Ramara held two public meetings last night.

A public meeting regarding the Municipal-led Official Plan Amendment (OP-2/23). The Draft Official Plan Amendment considers two components introduced by two different Bills passed by the province.
1. Delegate authority to staff to pass bylaws that are minor in nature, such as removal of a holding symbol, authorization for a temporary use bylaw, housekeeping bylaws for the purpose of correcting a clerical error or changes to assist in the interpretation of the Zoning Bylaw. This results from Bill 13 – The Supporting People and Businesses Act.
2. The timeline requirements for processing Planning applications and listing additional information and/or studies that could be required to deem a planning application complete within the Official Plan. This is a result of Bill 109 – Ontario’s More Homes for Everyone Act. Read Full Report
3. A Public meeting regarding the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments OP-3/23 & Z-9/23 for the transfer of roads between Ramara and Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The amendments ensure that properties fronting on the specific road sections are deemed to have frontage on an open public road to ensure the ownership change does not impact development capabilities. Read Full Report

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Michael Thompson regarding Marina del Ray Lease Renewal

Michael Thompson provided a deputation regarding the lease renewal for the small parcel of land adjacent to the marina property and along the marina’s shore wall. The lease was created in 1995 to allow the marina owner to undertake shorewall construction and maintenance. The lease expired in 2015; however, the owner has continued to maintain the area. Council approved for staff to provide a report at the next Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss proposed solution and next steps.

Congratulations Franchi Torchia

Congratulations to Franchi Torchia, the recipient of the County of Simcoe Bursary Program. The County of Simcoe Bursary Program provides a $3,000 bursary to a student from each municipality within Simcoe County attending a post-secondary institution in Canada. The recipients were judged based on who best demonstrated exceptional promise, commitment to their community and alignment with the programs’ objectives.

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

A Bylaw to Authorize an Agreement with Galcon Marine Ltd. For dredging various sections of Canals in Lagoon City.

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.