Council - March 27, 2023

Updates from Mayor and CAO

Mayor Update

Mayor Clarke opened up the meeting and announced that members of Council participated in the McIssac Indoor Golf Tournament hosted by the Brechin Mara Legion on Saturday, March 11. The Mayor advised that he could not travel home that day due to inclement weather, so he sadly missed the event. This annual event has occurred for over 30 years and raised over $4,000 through ticket, food and liquor sales.  

CAO Update

Clerk Connor provided a Township of Ramara update on behalf of CAO Drinkwalter. Upcoming Holiday Closure The Township of Ramara Administration Building will be closed from Friday, April 7 to Monday, April 10, 2023, for the Easter Holiday. During the holiday, residents are encouraged to utilize our online services to report concerns, pay bills or check out upcoming events and programs.

Reminders for the Community

• Name our Harvester contest closes on April 5. Ramara residents are encouraged to get their names in before the deadline for a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards.
• Ramara's 2023 Summer Camp guide is out. Registration is now open to Ramara residents, with registration for non-residents opening March 29 at noon.
• The third annual Eggsplore Ramara – family, fun scavenger hunt - takes place on April 3 to April 6, 2023. More details are to be released later this week.
• In support of Earth Day on April 22, Ramara is launching a month-long Community Clean-up initiative starting April 1. More details are to be released later this week.
• Half loads are still in effect on all Township roads from now until April 30 with a possibility of extension.

Presentations & Deputations

Agriculture in Simcoe County  

Dave Ritchie, President of the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture, presented to Council an overview of the history and impact of the Federation on the agriculture community in Simcoe County. Dave reported that for the past 83 years, the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture has advocated and supported the farming community with issues, programs and events. They have also developed communication and education programs to teach the community and schools about agriculture, including safety and food awareness. Dave reported the following statistics regarding farmers in Simcoe County:

• Farmers manage and cultivate approximately 500,000 acres of land
• Farmers contribute over 1 billion dollars in economic development activity
• One out of every eight jobs in Simcoe County is connected to agriculture.

Learn more about the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture 

Brechin Outdoor Market 

Joanne Cutler presented the history, benefits and operations of the Brechin Outdoor Market located at the Brechin Community Centre Ball Park (3227 Ramara Road 47). Before COVID-19, the Brechin Market was in place for over six years, running on Saturday mornings at the parking lot of the Brechin Community Centre Ball Park. With the lack of advertising and COVID-19, the market was shut down in 2020; however, in 2022, Joanne restored the event with help from volunteers and the Township of Ramara. In order to continue the Brechin Outdoor Market in 2023, Joanne provided some requests to Council that include the continuance of use of the Brechin Community Centre Ball Park location at no charge, advertising and cleaning supplies. Council approved receiving the presentation and for staff to develop a report.   

Consent Agenda

2022 Statement of Council Remuneration and Expenses

As outlined in Section 284 of the Municipal Act 2021, it states that the Treasurer of a municipality must report an itemized statement on remuneration and expenses paid in the previous year. For 2022, Council received remuneration in accordance with By-law 2022.78 as well as reimbursement of reasonable and permitted expenses incurred while carrying out their duties.

Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Council 

Reports from Committees and Boards

2023 Waterfront and Parking Strategy

Thank you to the community for reaching out and having a say on the 2023 Waterfront and Parking Strategy decision. Council approved Option A with amendments for the 2023 Waterfront and Parking Strategy for Ramara.

What does this entail? 

Paid Parking

1. Municipal Parking Lots at Lagoon City Beach and Park and Bluebird Park
2. On the street parking on Lake Avenue in Lagoon City and Courtland Street in Atherley

Permit Parking

1. On all municipal roadways within Lagoon City (starting at the intersection of Ramara Road 47 and Simcoe Road)
2. On Lakeshore Drive and all intersecting side streets from Simcoe Road to Con A. This does not include Concession Roads. 
3. Municipal Parking lots at Lagoon City Beach and Park and Bluebird Park
4. Defined on the street parking on Courtland Street, Whitney Road and Anderson Avenue 

Continuance of Parking Restrictions in the following areas:

1. Poplar Lane and Poplar Lane Boat Launch
2. Riverleigh Drive
3. Park Lane Crescent 

Similar to last year, each property owner would be eligible for two (2) free parking permits and a third at a cost of $25.00 plus HST. When applying online, a convenience fee will apply. 

When is the 2023 program active? Residents can start buying their 2023 Parking Permits on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Township Administration Building or online. The program comes into effect on Monday, May 1, 2023, and residents can use their 2022 Parking Pass until the program comes into effect. Learn more at www.ramara.ca/parking 

2023 Waterfront and Parking Strategy Media Release

Items Requiring the Immediate Attention of Council

Sale of Industrial Park Land by Tender - 3402 County Road 47

The Township of Ramara received two bids for the 1.95 acre parcel located in the Ramara Industrial Park at 3402 County Road 47. The bids are as follows:

Council approved to accept the tender and enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Griffith Management Services Ltd for the amount of $247,605.

Goose Management Pilot Project

The Township of Ramara, in cooperation with the Goose Management Committee, is implementing the Goose Management 2023 Pilot Project for Lagoon City in April of 2023. For the pilot project, the lands will include all Township of Ramara owned lands within the Lagoon City settlement area, including parks, beaches, lands abutting foot and road bridges, etc. It would also use various control measures such as pressuring geese to relocate using noises, vehicles and other methods, nest removal, habitat modification and resident education. The goal of the program is to reduce the goose population and human-animal conflict while enhancing the community’s enjoyment of its parks, beaches and other public spaces.

Council approved the Goose Management 2023 Pilot Project for Lagoon City and to enter into an agreement with Wildlife Management Group Inc. 

Learn more about the 2023 Goose Management Pilot Project, Lagoon City

Bills and Bylaws

Council passed the following Bylaws:

• Bylaw to provide for the Administration and Enforcement of the Building Code Act
• Bylaw to Stop-up, Close and sell the unopened road allowance between 8122 Laidlaw Avenue and the road
• Bylaw to Amend Zoning Bylaw for 2330 Concession Road 3
• Bylaw to Authorize a Site Plan Agreement for 3004 Monck Road
• Bylaw to Authorize a Site Plan Agreement for 4358 Fern Resort Road
• Bylaw to Amend Zoning Bylaw - Removal of Holding Symbol for 4358 Fern Resort Road
• Land Acquisition Bylaw 

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.