Council – September 25, 2023

Ramara Awards Ceremony

The Ramara Awards Committee, members of the Council, and the public recognized Eileen Cronk, Jane Ste. Marie and Gail Seaward for the Spirit of Ramara Award and Cliff Martin for Ontario's Senior of the Year Award. The Spirit of Ramara Award recognizes and showcases community groups, organizations or individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the Township of Ramara through accomplishments or contributions that significantly enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Ramara. The Ontario Senior of the Year Award honours an Ontarian who, after age 65, has enriched their community's social, cultural or civic life.
Congratulations to all recipients!

Read the full media release

Mayor Update

Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting and congratulated all the recipients of the Spirit of Ramara Award and the Ontario's Senior of the Year Award. Mayor Clarke reported attending the Ramona Fall Fair on September 16, and the Terry Fox run on September 17 in Lagoon City.

CAO Update

CAO Drinkwalter advised of the following township information:

• The Township Administration Building will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Monday, October 9, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 10, at 9 a.m.
• Staff are working diligently on the 2024 budget that will presented to Council near the end of October.
• The site preparations at Bluebird Park and Lagoon City Beach and Park for the new playgrounds begin this week, with the playground structures arriving in late 2023.

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Point of Mara Trailer Park Zoning By-law Amendment

Larry and Wayne Barton provided a deputation regarding their concerns with the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment for the Point of Mara Trailer Park Zoning By-law Amendment. Specifically their concerns with decreasing the setback to Lakeshore Drive to 4 metres and increasing the number of permanent year-long trailer sites.

Items Requiring the Immediate Attention of Council

Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing. Re: Draft Response to the Housing Affordability Task Force's Recommendation

The Housing Affordability Task Force is comprised of industry leaders and experts who consult with stakeholders and groups to identify and implement measures to address the housing supply crisis and build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031. As the Task Force reviews identified initiatives and actions, it has reached out to municipalities to prioritize the top five recommendations that will be useful in increasing their local housing supply.
View the top five recommendations

Bills and Bylaws

• Council passed the following Bylaws: A By-law to Amend Zoning Bylaw 2005.85, as amended (2268 Lakeshore Drive). View Staff Report. Please note that Council approved to not change the current six meter set-back.
• A Bylaw to Deem Part of a Plan of Subdivision Not to be Registered Plan of Subdivision. View Staff Report
• A Bylaw to Amend Zoning Bylaw #2005.85 - Removal of Holding Symbol (5801 Rama Road). View Staff Report
• A Bylaw to Amend Zoning Bylaw 2005.85, as amended (Lagoon City Settlement Area Zoning Amendment). View Staff Report