Ramara Bulletin – March 2025 Edition

Important Dates and Events

March Council and Committee Meetings

• Monday, March 3 - Special Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting
• Tuesday, March 4 - Committee of Adjustment - 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, March 10 - Committee of the Whole - 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday, March 13 - Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting
• Wednesday, March 19 - Trails Committee - 10 a.m.
• Monday, March 24 - Council meeting - 6:30 p.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.

Load Restrictions start March 8

Starting Saturday, March 8, reduced load restrictions are in effect for all Township roads. 

The Township of Ramara experiences an annual spring thaw period from early March to May. During this time, the township enforces "half-load" or "reduced/seasonal load" restrictions on most roadways. Township staff begin monitoring the thaw progression as warmer temperatures arrive by conducting patrol inspections and utilizing temperature data. Depending on the speed of the thaw, these restrictions may be implemented quickly, sometimes with only a few days' notice. Restrictions are lifted once the pavement strength is restored.

Load restrictions protect the road and its base from damage caused by heavy loads. In spring, as the frost melts and moisture seeps into the roadbed, the roads become softer and weaker, making them susceptible to permanent damage from heavy vehicle wheel loads. The seasonal load restriction aims to extend the lifespan of municipal roadways and safeguard them from this type of damage.

Learn more

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) increases to $50.00 each. Get your dog licensed—either online, by mail, or in person—before the price goes up. 

Apply for your 2025 dog tag

Township News

2025 Parking Program

Ramara Council approved the 2025 Parking Program that outlines enforcement measures aimed at managing parking in high-demand areas. Similar to last year's program, it includes a resident parking permit system and a paid parking program in designated areas of the Township.

Resident Parking Program

Starting on Monday, March 17, 2025, 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 will be valid until Sunday, March 16, 2025.

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.

Paid Parking Program

Ramara Council also expanded the Paid Parking Program which establishes paid parking at specific municipal lots and on-street locations. The parking rate is $5 per hour between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Find the full details about the Township of Ramara's 2025 Parking Program at www.ramara.ca/parking.

Parking in Ramara in 2025

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.

Employment Opportunities

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

• Director of Infrastructure 
• Deputy Treasurer/Manager of Financial Services - 12 month contract
• Legislative Services Coordinator - 18 month contract
• Legislative & Records Management Coordinator - 18 month contract

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

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 will be released on March 26 and registration for Ramara residents opens on April 2 at noon and non-residents on April 9 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

Will March come in like a lion or lamb? Enjoy books, movies, puzzles and more while you patiently wait for the snow to melt.

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.

Sign up online 

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.

Our entire March Break line up, with daily FREE programming can be found online. Don’t delay – spaces are going quickly!

• Grandparents Meet Up Tuesday, March 4^th @ 10:30 AM
• Fibre Friends (Drop In Crafting Club) Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 PM
• EarlyON Playgroup! Thursdays from 10-11:30 AM | Ages 0-6
• Ramara Quilting Club (Drop In) Thursdays from 2:30 – 4:30 PM
• Saturday Hub Club (Drop In) Saturdays from 9 AM – 3 PM
• Little Adventurers Fridays at 10 AM | Ages 0-4
• Ramara Book Club Wed. March 26^th @ 1:30 PM Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
• BookTok Book Club Thursday, March 27^th @ 7 PM The Inheritance Games by Jennfer Lynn Barnes
• Pajamapalooza Fri. March 28^th @ 5 PM | Ages 4-12

- 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.