Ramara Bulletin – February 2025 Edition

Important Dates and Events

February Council and Committee Meetings

• Tuesday, February 4 - Committee of Adjustment - 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, February 10 - Committee of the Whole - 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, February 24 - Council meeting - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 27 - Economic Development Meeting - 9:30 a.m.

All Committee and 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 Committee and Council meetings, including reading Council Highlights, how to communicate with Council and more at www.ramara.ca/Councilmeetings.

Upcoming Office Closure

The Township Administration Building and other township facilities will be closed on Monday, February 17 for the Family Day long weekend and will reopen on Tuesday, February 18 at 9 a.m.

2025 Dog Tags

Ensure the safety of your furry friends! In the Township of Ramara, all dogs over the age of three months must be licensed. Having a dog tag makes it easier to reunite lost pets with their loving families. Please note that starting March 1, the price for each dog license (tag) will increase to $50.00. Get your dog licensed—either online, by mail, or in person—before the price goes up. 

Apply for your 2025 dog tag

Township News

Employment Opportunities

We’re hiring! We are looking for individuals to fill full-time, contract, seasonal and summer positions. Some of the available positions include:

• Manager of Operations
• Executive Assistant to the CAO/Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
• Infrastructure Summer Student
• Seasonal Bylaw Officer

What do we offer?

• Competitive Wages
• Great Benefits
• Opportunity for growth and experience

Join a team of diverse and dedicated employees and learn valuable skills and work experience. Don’t miss out—these positions will be closing soon. Send in your resume today and take the first step toward an exciting new career with us!

Please visit our website to learn more about each position at www.ramara.ca/employment.

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. 

Learn more and sign up

Official Plan Update 

The proposed Official Plan final draft is posted below, along with a Comment Matrix that addresses agency/public input submitted in response to the proposed plan.  

A staff report and recommendation will be provided to Council for discussion at the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting anticipated for April 2025, provided that the outstanding comments from agencies are received.

Draft Official Plan (Final)   

Comment Matrix

Visit the Official Plan Review page to view the Draft Official Plan, updated Schedules, Frequently Asked Questions, etc. 

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

Winter Operations

The Township of Ramara follows its Winter Control Policy, which complies with the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. This includes services such as snow plowing, sanding, ice treatment, and ice blading.

To help our snowplow operators clear the roads safely and efficiently, please follow these guidelines:

1. Do not push snow from your property onto public streets or sidewalks. It is illegal to push or blow snow onto the roadway or sidewalk. Instead, direct snow onto your own yard.
2. Avoid pushing large amounts of snow into ditches. This can cause ice buildup and block culverts.
3. Please ensure your vehicle does not obstruct snow removal operations. Also, please refrain from overnight parking on all municipal roadways from midnight to 7 a.m.
4. Clear storm drains of leaves and snow. Doing so helps prevent flooding.
5. If there's a fire hydrant in front of your house, consider helping the Township of Ramara and Ramara Fire and Rescue Services by clearing a three-foot perimeter around the hydrant and creating a clear path from the hydrant to the street.
6. Keep children away from snow banks. Do not allow children to tunnel into snow banks, as they can collapse or be pushed back by snowplows.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe during winter!

Learn more about our winter operations in Ramara on our Winter Control page.

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.

Sign up

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 cose 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

Property Tax - Interim Tax Due Dates

The installment due dates for your Interim tax bill is February 25 and April 25.

Property taxes can be paid the following ways:

• Online/Telephone
• Credit Card
• In Person - Cash/Debit
• Cheque

Tax Bills and Statements

The Township of Ramara will be charging $10, per property, for copies of Interim or Final Tax Bills or reprint or email PDFs of Tax Statements. Each request by the property owner will have the amount charged to the property owner’s tax account. Residents can pay the same way they pay their taxes online through the website with a credit card, check, cash, or online banking. To request a tax bill or statement, please email or phone the Tax Inquiry Clerk.  

Learn more about property taxes

Ramara Recreation and Ramara Township Public Library Information, Events and Highlights

Upcoming Events and Important Information

• Spring Guide Release: The Spring Guide will be available starting February 12. This guide will include all the exciting programs and activities planned for the spring season. Additionally, Resident Registration will open on February 19, allowing you to secure your spot for various programs and activities.
• Queen of Hearts Youth Dance: Mark your calendars for the Queen of Hearts Youth Dance on February 21st! Get ready to dance the night away with a live DJ providing music and a fun photo booth to capture memorable moments. Admission is just $10, and this event is open to students in grades 3-6. It’s a great opportunity for socializing and having fun!
• March Break Camp: Don't miss out on our March Break Camp—sign up today! This year's theme is "A Wickedly OZ-some March Break," promising exciting activities and adventures. The camp costs $165, and if you need extended care, it is available for an additional $15. This is a perfect way for kids to stay active and engaged during their break.
• 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

What a true Canadian winter we are having! Spring is just around the corner; we can feel it. In the meantime, spend some time enjoying FREE and entertaining library programming to pass the time.
Update: The temporary Brechin branch has moved to the Township Administration Building and is open Thursday 12-6 and Saturday 10-2. Send your holds and save the drive up the highway this winter.

Programming Highlights – Registration Required (Online or contact the library)

Adult Programs:

• Pop-Up B.I.N.G.O.: Wednesday, February 19^th - 6:30 pm @ Brechin Legion
• Blind Date with a Book: Borrow a wrapped up book from the Ramara Centre branch with no clue what you are about to read! Rate it by filling out the provided form and return it to the library for a chance to win a basket full of goodies!

Children/Youth Programs:

• Pajamapalooza - Fri. Feb. 28^th from 5-6 PM
  • Come decked out in your favourite PJs to enjoy a story, a craft and games in the gym. 

• Little AdventurersFridays @ 10 AM – Jan. 31^st – May 30^th| Ages 0-4
  • Guaranteed fun with songs, stories, and open play activities for the family.

• Grandparent Meet-UpTues. Feb. 4^th @ 10:30 AM
  • Come and meet other grandparents in the area who may be involved with raising their grandchildren!
• Art Explorers! - Wed. Feb. 5^th @ 6:30 PM | Ages 8-15
  • Explore a different type of art media each month and see what you can create!
• Youth Hub - Tues. Feb. 25^th @ 6:30 PM | Ages 8-15
  • Bring a friend and get creative making no sew fleece blankets, repurposing figurines, painting your pet portrait and Minecraft influenced crafts. Limited spaces available.

- Your Ramara Public Library Staff:  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.