Combined Committee of the Whole & Council - November 6, 2024

Committee of the Whole

Procedural Bylaw (presented by John Daly)

John Daly, a retired Clerk, presented the updated Procedural By-law to members of Council. As stated in Section 238 of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, C.25, municipalities pass a procedure by-law for the governing the calling, place and proceedings of Council and Committee meetings.  Moreover, the Procedural By-law outlines the governance process on how decisions are made and what is expected at the meetings. Members of Council provided their amendment feedbacks to enhance the consistency and clarity of the updated bylaw. The Committee approved to receive the amended draft Procedural Bylaw and for the bylaw to be placed on the next Council agenda for adoption.

Internet Background and Update

Staff provided a report on the background and update on Ramara’s internet strategy that was developed in 2021. Ramara’s 2021 internet strategy detailed a comprehensive report detailing how internet provides can provide high-speed internet connectivity to homes within six identified areas.

Currently, there are two large internet programs are occurring in Ramara Township: Township Gap area initiatives and Universal Broadband Fund projects.

For the Township Gap area initiatives, Service Gap areas A, C, F and E are complete with either wireless or buried fibre. With Area Gap B, aerial and buried fibre installations are currently taking place with Rogers anticipating the completion of aerial work by mid-November. With Service Gap D, Rogers Canada will no longer use wireless coverage but will be connecting the area with fibre by the proposed date of December 31, 2025.

For the Universal Broadband Fund projects, Bell Canada was awarded funding to execute their project in the north area of the Township. Rogers Canada was awarded funding to construct fibre for all the remaining underserved areas within Ramara Township. As outlined by the Governments of Canada and Ontario, the proposed construction end dates are December 31, 2025.

The Council approved to receive the report as information and for staff to request a legal opinion with respect agreement with Rogers Communication.

2025 ROMA Annual Conference Delegation Requests

The Council directed staff to submit ROMA delegation requests for the following:

• The Ministry of Environment – Bayshore Sprayfields
• The Ministry of Sport and Leisure – Recreation Initiatives – Sports Dome, Pickleball and potential development of a library and community spaces at St. Andrew Hall and Standard Bank.
• The Ministry of Transportation – The Highway 12 corridor, train crossings and the Ontario Northlander
• The Ministry of Infrastructure – Water and Wastewater servicing
• The Ministry  of Energy – Natural Gas expansion
• The Ministry of Municipal Affair and Housing – Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) and Short-Term Rentals

2025 Budget

Staff has provided an updated proposed budget for 2025, reflecting the amendments received during the meetings on October 24 and October 28. The Council has approved the 2025 budget, which includes a 5.14% increase in the municipal portion of the tax rate. This equates to an additional $30.64 per $100,000 of assessed value. The budget prioritizes investment in Ramara’s core infrastructure, including roads, water, and wastewater, with $12.9 million allocated for capital projects. The budget, along with the approved water and wastewater rates, will be ratified during the Special Council meeting on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Additionally, Council has approved the 2025 rate increases for water and wastewater services to achieve financial stability and the long-term goal of making these services self-funded. More specifically, there will be a 8% increase on water rates and a 13% increase on wastewater rates.

The public is invited to provide written comments regarding the draft budget, either online or in paper format, during the Special Council meeting on November 25, 2024, starting at 9:30 a.m. Please ensure that all comments are submitted no later than 9 a.m. on that day.

View Full Notice

View Final Budget

Recreation Master Plan – Communication Initiatives Follow-up

As requested by the Council during the meeting on October 21, staff provided a report summarizing the engagement results for the Recreation Master Plan. This report includes findings from surveys and interviews, as well as past engagement data collected by the Township during previous initiatives.

The report also suggested various paid engagement strategies aimed at increasing participation and awareness for the upcoming open house regarding the Ramara Recreation Master Plan. This open house will present residents with the results from the consultations conducted.

The Council approved a budget of up to $500 for staff to spend on a paid advertising initiative of their choosing to boost attendance at the upcoming Recreation Master Plan Open House.

The Community Engagement Results of Lake Ave parking lots proposed expansion

Staff provided a report detailing the results of the Lake Avenue Parking Lot survey, which was open from September 16 to October 15 at 4:30 p.m. The Township placed a signboard on the property to inform the public about the engagement opportunity and communicated through various channels. The survey received 54 responses, offering comments and feedback on the proposed ideas as well as additional suggestions for the space. The Council approved the report for informational purposes.

Council Meeting

Remarks by the Mayor

Mayor Clarke opened the meeting by reminding residents that Monday, November 11, 2024, is Remembrance Day. He encourages everyone to reflect on and honor those who have served our country by participating in a Remembrance Day ceremony or pausing for two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. Residents are reminded of various events happening throughout the Township, including the Brechin Mara Legion's annual Remembrance Day Service, which will begin at 10:45 a.m. Mayor Clarke urges everyone to purchase a poppy and observe a two-minute moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 to honor fallen soldiers and all those who fought for our country.

Councilor Tuju reported her participation in two haunted houses on Halloween, including the annual haunted house hosted by Ramara Fire and Rescue Services at Fire Station 2 in Atherly, as well as the Deputy Mayor’s haunted house on Fairground Road in Washago.

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

5179 Highway 12

Adam Ray Kitchener presented a deputation to the members of Council regarding the challenges he faces with his apartment unit located at 5179 Highway 12. The Council approved to receive the deputation as information and directed staff to prepare a report.

Consent Agenda

Congratulations Taylor Bechthold-Coon

Congratulations to Taylor Bechthold-Coon, 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.  

County Council Update

The highlights from the October 22 County Council meetings are now available.

View October 22 County Highlights

Announcements and inquiries – Members of Council

Ramara Historical Society’s Pancake Breakfast

The Ramara Historical Society and the Yesteryears 2025 Committee are hosting a Fall Pancake breakfast at the Udney Community Centre (2347 Concession Road 10) on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $12.50 per adult and $4 per child under 10.

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.