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Ramara Bulletin – April 2025 Edition
Important Dates and Events
April Council and Committee Meetings
- Monday, April 14 - Council (Committee of the Whole) - 9:30 a.m.
- Thursday, April 17 - Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting - 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 23 - Trails Committee - 10 a.m.
- Monday, April 28 - Council (Committee of the Whole) - 9:30 a.m.
All Council meetings are streamed on the Township of Ramara's YouTube channel and available in person in the Council Chambers in the Administration Building at 2297 Highway 12. Learn more about Council meetings, including reading Council Highlights, how to communicate with Council and more at www.ramara.ca/CouncilMeetings.
Earth Day Community Clean-up Event - Postponed
The ice storm on March 30 caused significant damage to trees throughout the Township, resulting in a widespread cleanup effort by staff and property owners to remove fallen trees, brush, and debris. Consequently, the Township is postponing the Earth Day Community Cleanup initiative that was set to begin on April 1, 2025.
A new date for the cleanup event will be communicated to Council and the community once staff have completed many of the recovery efforts.
Ice Storm Response
The Township of Ramara has established a dedicated Ice Storm Response page that offers real-time updates regarding the impact of the ice storm that struck on March 30. This page details ongoing recovery efforts and the resources available to residents affected by the storm.
To stay informed about the latest developments, including information on brush and debris cleanup and safety tips, we encourage residents to subscribe to this page.
Summer Camp Guide
Are you looking for engaging s
ummer activities for your child(ren)? Look no further—Ramara has an exciting array of camp programs tailored just for them! Our camps are mainly hosted at the Ramara Centre, a fantastic facility equipped with spacious indoor and outdoor play areas designed to foster creativity and active play.
Please remember to verify your registration details, as the locations for our camps may differ based on the specific program selected. This ensures you have the most accurate information for planning your child's summer activities.
Registration for these popular programs opens on April 29 at noon for residents of Ramara. If you live outside the area, don’t worry—registration for non-residents starts a week later, on May 6 at noon. Make sure to mark your calendars so you can secure a spot for your child!
Township News
Procedural Bylaw Update
Starting April 1, the new Procedural Bylaw will come into effect
At its March 24 meeting, Ramara Council adopted an updated procedure bylaw that will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
Here are a few highlights from the updated procedure bylaw:
- The start time for the meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be recorded and streamed with a one-year retention.
- Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will take place on the same day. Regular meetings will begin in Council and recess to Committee of the Whole, then return to Council.
- Enhanced consent agenda: reports that will receive same-day ratification will appear under this section.
- Standardization of all submission dates, including delegations from members of the public. Under the updated bylaw, anyone wishing to present to Council will need to make a request in writing by noon on the Monday prior to the Council meeting. Presentation materials must be included with the request for deputation.
- Expanded guidelines for the open forum period.
- Inclusion of a clause to enable Council to pull a matter out of closed session and into open session.
- Removal of Liaison Councillors chairing their areas of accountability. This will revert to the mayor. Members will still introduce and speak to their items.
- Clarification on verbal motions, including introduction to postpone a motion to a specific date and ability to verbally recess a meeting.
- Enhanced reconsideration clause and notice of motion requirements for members of Council.
- Removal of verbal items from the Committee of the Whole agenda and removal of Mayor/CAO comments during Council. The mayor will still be able to provide comments via Announcements.
- Introduction of an Enquiry section. This section enables Council to ask for staff reports, which will still require advance notice to the Clerk.
- A Council Information Package will be circulated weekly on Fridays, except when there are no items. This package will include copies of communications from the public, organizations, committees, or municipal staff.
Residents can find details about Council and Committee meetings, including how to subscribe and view agendas and access council highlights, at www.ramara.ca/CouncilMeetings.
2025 Resident Parking Pass
Residents can register for their two free parking passes, and if needed, one paid parking pass, online at ramara.ca/parking or in person at the Township Administration Building located at 2297 Highway 12, Brechin, during business hours. The 2024 resident parking permit are no longer valid.
To apply, residents must know the following information:
- The first and last name(s) on the request form must match municipal records.
- The resident parking permits will be mailed to the address the Township has on file (the same as the address tax bills are sent).
- The license plate(s) information for each parking permit is entered on the form.
Find the full details about the Township of Ramara's 2025 Parking Program at www.ramara.ca/parking.
Automated Speed Enforcement
The Township of Ramara is taking steps to deter speeding and enhance road safety for its residents by launching an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program. This program will feature three fixed cameras located in designated Community Safety Zones and is scheduled to go live in early summer, with the first phase set for County Road 169, Muley Point Road, Creighton Street, and Simcoe Road.
A Community Safety Zone is a designated area along roadways where public safety is a primary concern. These zones often include locations such as schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, parks, hospitals, and senior citizen residences, as well as areas within a community that have a history of collisions. Traffic-related offenses committed within these zones incur increased fines.
Before the program is executed, the Township is awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Transportation. Once approval is completed, the Township will then post the regulated speed enforcement signs 90 days before the installation of the cameras. Further updates, including specific information on speed limits, fine structures and timelines for implementing the program will become available.
Water Usage Customer Portal
Have you signed up for our Water Usage Customer Portal allows water users to monitor their water consumption?
The portal allows water users to monitor water usage, understand current and previous billing and optimize water conservation through water usage monitoring.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to technical difficulties, the Township of Ramara has temporarily suspended the ability to set up Alerts on the Customer Water Portal for water users. The Township and the manufacturer are actively working on a solution, and the alert system will be restored once the issue is resolved.
Visit our Water Usage Customer Portal page to learn how to sign up, set up your account and navigate the portal.
Council Information Package (CIP)
As outlined in our updated Procedure Bylaw, the Council Information Package (CIP) provides information and updates to council and the community and includes copies of communication from the public, organizations, committees or municipal staff.
The CIP is circulated each Friday by noon, except when there are no items to be circulated. Residents can also subscribe to receive the CIP directly to their email once it's published to the community.
Township Reminders
Township's Community Information System - Alertable
Our Community Information System (CIS) provides alerts about emergencies and other important Township and community news directly to all your devices including e-mail, home phone, cell phone and even fax. Ramara CIS uses the Alertable system to allow for multiple means of communication for both Emergency Alerts and relaying Township and Community information.
Sign up today to receive an alert either by email, phone, text and more
Pre-Authorized Payment - Utilities ONLY
The Township of Ramara is introducing a new 12-month Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) Plan to make it more convenient for you to pay your utility bill. The current PAP plan, which involves regular instalments four times a year (April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31), is still available.
The new program will take effect on January 1, 2025. Users can sign up at any time, but it takes three weeks after signing up for the program to come into effect.
How does it work?
The monthly PAP amount will be calculated based on usage in the previous year. For 11 months of the year (January to November), the same PAP amount will be automatically withdrawn from utility users' accounts. December of each year will be an adjustment month. During the adjustment month, any remaining balance for the year will be cleared, leaving the account with a zero balance or possibly a credit balance.
Please note that credit balances will not be refunded but used towards future billings. Refunds will only be issued if a property is sold. You can also sign up during the year if you meet all the requirements below.
Program Criteria
- The utility user must own the property for at least one year.
- The current utilities must be at a zero balance.
- The utility user must not miss their PAP payments. If a user misses payments less than twice a year, they can stay on the PAP if they make an agreement with the Utility Clerk and follow through with the agreement.
- The utility user must agree to the terms above.
How to Sign up
You can complete the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan form online, in person, or by mail. The electronic form can be found on our website.
Don't remove YOUR water meter
Unless authorized by the Township, property owners are prohibited from removing their water meter. If your meter needs to be winterized, a licensed plumber can do that without removing the meter.
If you are going away this winter, a licensed operator can turn the water off at the curb stop at a price of $50. This cost will be billed on the next billing cycle. When turning the water back on in the spring, an additional cost of $50 will be billed.
Contact OCWA at 705-484-5600 to book an appointment
Ramara Recreation and Ramara Township Public Library Information, Events and Highlights
Upcoming Events and Important Information
- Spring Guide Release: The Spring Guide registration is now OPEN!! View all of the programs, old and new, including youth baseball and flag football.
- Ramara Day Camp Guide: Mark your calendars! The Ramara Day Camp Guide is released and registration for Ramara residents opens on April 29 at noon and non-residents on May 6 at noon.
- Volunteer Coaches Needed: We are currently looking for volunteer coaches for our Youth Flag Football, Tee Ball, and Baseball programs. If you are enthusiastic about sports and enjoy working with children, we would love to have you on our team! Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of young athletes.
Learn more about recreation in Ramara on our Recreation and Registration page, including facility rentals, senior services, programs and courses and more.
Learn more about Recreation in Ramara
Ramara Township Public Library Events and Highlights
April at the Library! 🌷
The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and friends are returning from warmer climates. It's the perfect time to celebrate new beginnings, and we’ve got exciting things happening at the library!
We are excited to announce that all infants and children under the age of 4 who live in Ramara can sign up for their first library card! Start the process online or drop by either branch.
Looking for FREE fun to enjoy for all ages? Why not sign up and participate in these great programs! All registration can be found on EventBrite or by calling 705-325-5776.
Puzzle Swap @ Your Library
Spring is here, inspiring everyone to organize and tidy up their homes! Puzzles are one of the most popular hobbies, so we’re hosting our first puzzle swap.
Adult Programs (Registration Required):
- Author Talk with Susan Wadds: Tues., April 15th @ 6:30 PM (In Person)
-
Pop-Up B.I.N.G.O.: Wed., April 23rd @ 6:30 PM at Brechin Legion. Thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring prizes!
- Glass Fusion with The Bougie Mermaid: Cost - $30. Tues., April 29th @ 6:30 PM at the Udney Community Centre
- BookTok Book Club: Thurs., April 24th @ 7 PM
Children/Youth Programs:
-
Little Adventurers: Fridays @ 10 AM until May 30th | Ages 0-4. Guaranteed fun with songs, stories, and open play activities for the whole family. Registration is required.
-
Saturday Hub Club: Drop-In & Self-Led Activities: Saturdays 9 AM - 3 PM | Drop by the Ramara Centre branch with a parent or guardian (ages 12+) to participate in different activities each weekend! No registration needed.
- Your Ramara Public Library Staff: Elise, Jo-Hellen, Lori, Rebecca and Vanessa
Community Calendar
Have you ever wondered when a Committee or a Council meeting takes place or what our wonderful Ramara Recreation and Library team is up to? Check out our community calendar that highlights various events, public meetings or programming that are happening in the Township.
Please note that our community boards or the public can also add an event to the calendar as long as it falls within our policy.
- Organized or funded by another level of government.
- Organized by a government-funded agency or board.
- Organized by a Township of Ramara affiliated committee.
- Funded in full or in part, the Township of Ramara.
- Sponsored by the Township of Ramara.
- Organized by a registered charitable organization or service club operating within the Township of Ramara.
- Located in a facility owned by the Township of Ramara.
Visit www.ramara.ca/calendar.
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