Township Reminders

Upcoming Holiday

The Township Administration Building and facilities will be closed on Monday, October 14, for the Thanksgiving long weekend and reopen on Tuesday, October 15, at 9 a.m. 

Yard Clean-Up

Before clearing your yard this fall, there are important reminders that you need to know about.

County of Simcoe Yard Waste Information

• Fall yard waste collection starts in October and ends in December
• Yard waste collection falls on your garbage weeks during this time
• Each zone receives 5 biweekly collections during the fall

Learn more about the pickup schedule, friendly tips and important information on the County of Simcoe's Yard Waste site.

Collection Schedule

View the garbage and recycling collection schedule to learn more about your collection days, what can go into your recycling bin and even how to set up service alerts and reminders.

Download the Simcoe County Collects app

Ramara Fire Danger Rating

Ramara's Fire Danger Rating is currently set to MODERATE. 

What does that mean?

Small campfires are permitted but require attention as surrounding grasses, and dry branches can easily ignite.

Where can I find the Danger Ratings?

The Fire Danger rating can be found many ways

• At the bottom left of Ramara's homepage 
• On the Fire and Rescue's webpage 
• At the entrances to Ramara Township
• Updates posted on social media
• Calling 705-484-5374 ext. 6 and listening to the recording.

Watch for Children

Reminder! Be alert when behind the wheel.

Starting this week, children are heading back to school.  Watch for school zones, children walking to and from school, getting on and off the school bus and parking restrictions.

Have a great start to the week!! 

Employment Opportunities

The Township of Ramara is hiring a new Chief Administrative Officer.  The hiring committee is reviewing applications, and interviews will take place in September.

The Township is currently accepting applications until September 22 at 4:30 p.m. for the Admin Support/Customer care position The full job description, rate of pay, benefits, and process can be found on our Employment Opportunities page.

Recruitment Video

When visiting our Employment Opportunities page, don't miss our new recruitment video that features all the GREAT work of our staff. 

View Video

Firefighter Recruitment

Ramara Fire & Rescue Services is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 recruitment. Applications for fall recruitment will be accepted until November 1st, 2024. Use the link below to apply now! 

Ramara Fire Volunteer Firefighter Application

Official Plan Update

The Draft Official Plan has been published in its final draft form on the website. The plan can be reviewed online on the Township's website at www.ramara.ca/OPR.

Mapping 

The 2024 Draft Official Plan mapping layers are now available on the public interactive mapping!

1. Visit our Maps page at www.ramara.ca/maps or Zoning Page
2. Click on Interactive Mapping
3. The Official Plan 2024 layers can be viewed on the left side of the screen

These layers include information related to the Secondary Plans, Transportation, Land Use and MORE

Visit the Official Plan Review page at www.ramara.ca/OPR to learn about the Draft Official Plan and Schedules, project timelines, and how the public can submit comments. 

Official Plan Review page

Infrastructure Updates

Summer Beach Monitoring Program

Each summer (between June and Labour Day), the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit collects weekly water samples from public beaches within Ramara to test for E.coli bacteria.  The beaches may be posted if the bacteria levels exceed the recreational water quality guideline of 200 E.coli per 100 mL of water. During a swimming advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs indicating that the most recent water samples showed bacteria in numbers that may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections or stomach illness. Avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water if you swim during a swimming advisory.

The summer beach monitoring program is now finished.  Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's website to learn more.

Confirmed Blue-Green Algae Blooms

The Township of Ramara has received notice from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit confirming blue-green algae blooms in the following areas:

• The northeast shoreline of Lake Simcoe.
• The north and south shoreline of Lake St. John, expanding the advisory to all of Lake St. John.

Many species of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals when exposed in large amounts.  Due to the confirmed presence of the bloom, we are asking residents and visitors to exercise caution and recognize that toxins may also be present.

As a precautionary measure, the SMDHU urges residents and businesses to avoid drawing or drinking water from private water supplies that are impacted by the lake where blue-green algae has been identified and to take the following precautions:

▪ Do not use a private water supply that is impacted or draws water from this area of the lake for the preparation of infant formula.

▪ Do not allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible.

▪ Fish taken from waters with cyanobacterial blooms have the potential to contain toxins. Exercise caution when eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur.

▪ Do not use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.

▪ Avoid water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible.

The health unit will continue to work together to monitor the algal bloom. Residents can learn more by visiting the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's website. 

Effluent Haulage

Beginning the week of September 3, Ramara Township’s contractor, Wessuc Inc., will start hauling effluent from the Bayshore Spray fields to the Lagoon City Sewage Treatment Plant.  The effluent transportation will occur Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Lovely Day Multi-Use Court

The Grand Opening of the Lovely Day Park multi-use sports court is officially open! 

Thank you to everyone joining us for the Lovely Day Park Grand Opening this afternoon. The construction and development of the court were made possible with the collaborative support of the Federal and Provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure—Community, Culture, and Recreation Stream.

Thank you to M.P. Adam Chambers, M.P.P. Jill Dunlop, Mayor Basil Clarke and members of Council for welcoming the community to this new, exciting space. A special shout-out goes to the Atherley Community Centre Board for their dedicated and tireless work in planning and advocating for the development of outdoor and active recreation spaces within the Atherley area.

Hot Mix paving and Spot Paving

Hot mix Paving will commence this week on the following roads:

• Concession Road 4 between Highway 12 and County Road 47.
• Simcoe Road from Ramara Road 47 to Laguna Parkway.
• Laguna Parkway from Simcoe Road to Paradise Avenue.

There will also be spot paving at the same time in the following areas:

• Concession Road A at James Dick.
• Ramara Road 46 from CR 169 to the tracks.
• Concession Road BC west of Pearl Carrick Road. 

Please note that during the construction, no parking will be allowed on the roads. Construction will take place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Capital Projects and Road Closures 

Each year, the Township of Ramara invests in improving parts of our infrastructure, such as canals, bridges, roads, facilities and water/wastewater infrastructure. View the Capital Projects page to see what major projects are scheduled or currently occurring in the Township.

Road Closures can also be found on the Township website or through our Alertable Community Information System.

Sign up today to receive an alert either by email, phone, text and more.

Summer Projects continuing over the Fall 

The Concession Road 9 (east of 169) Box culvert replacement project is underway, and it is anticipated to be completed by the end of November. A notice was sent to affected residents. The road will remain open to all residents via access on a bypass road constructed around the culvert to replace the structure.

The speed limit in the construction zone has been reduced to 30 km/h during the construction process.

Notice sent to residents

Similarly, the replacement of the Box culvert on Concession Road 9 (between Highway 12 and Sideroad 15) has commenced and is expected to be finished by mid- to late October. The entire road section will be closed to all traffic.

Other projects

• Culvert replacements will be done intermittently throughout the summer and fall
• Ditching is scheduled for the month of July and September
• Roadside mowing is on schedule to be done twice a year or as needed

Learn more about Road maintenance.

Ramara Trails Photo Contest

The deadline for the Ramara Trails photo contest has been extended to September 20, providing more individuals with the opportunity to capture and submit their photos while exploring the beautiful trails of Ramara. The five lucky winners will be rewarded with a $20.00 gift card that can be redeemed at a local business of their choice.

Starting from July 8, the Township has been showcasing the stunning trails, amenities, and landmarks in and around Ramara. To stay updated on all the captivating events and activities taking place in Ramara, we urge you to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @Ramaratwp. These platforms will serve as your guide to discovering all the exciting things to see and do in Ramara.

How to Participate

Entering the contest is easy!

• Submit your photos until September 20, 2024 to info@ramara.ca.
• The photos must showcase you, your friends or your family exploring one of the many trails found in Ramara.

Each photo will be featured on the Township of Ramara's social media channels throughout the summer and on our website and other promotional advertising throughout the year. The public can find all the information about our trails on our website at www.ramara.ca/trails.

Township Programming and Recreation Highlights

Ramara Recreation - Fall Recreation Guide

Get Active this Fall with Ramara Recreation! Registration is now open for residents and non-residents! 

Take a look at the Fall Recreation Guide and sign up for programs today!

Register online today

Ramara Township Public Library Events and Highlights

September is here and the library is kicking off fall with great program opportunities for all ages! Registration is available on our EventBrite page or by contacting the library.

• Combat Cooking for 1-2 (Cost: $10): Sept. 18th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Brechin Legion

Are you struggling to cook affordable, healthy meals for just 1-2 people? Join us for a special session in collaboration with the Brechin Legion and Rooted in Ramara. We'll be using fresh vegetables from this year's new community gardens and will teach you how to make delicious homemade stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls. You'll leave with meals ready to enjoy now or freeze for later! Space is limited, so register today.

• Ted Barris: Tuesday, September 24^th @ 6:30 pm at the Udney Community Centre

In his 22nd book of nonfiction, Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour, Ted Barris has assembled unknown stories of Canadian airmen, ground crew, as well as engineers, aeronautical designers, medical officers and civilians who answered the call.

• Crafty Creations: Wednesday, September 25^th & October 16^th@ 6:30 pm  (two part program)

Let your creativity shine at Crafty Creations, a gathering for adults who cherish the art of crafting by hand. Connect, experiment with various materials, and leave with an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind creation.  Our first and second craft sessions will be Gem Painting, which is the perfect mixture of paint-by-numbers and mosaic art, without the paint!

• PD Day Programming: Friday, September 27^th Stuffy Sleepover! @ 10:30 AM | Ages 0-8

Bring one of your stuffy’s and enjoy a story and activities together before leaving your stuffy to sleepover at the library! What interesting things will they get up to…?

• Let’s Build a Robot: Weekly @ 2 PM | Ages 6-12

In celebration of The Wild Robot hitting theatres today, we will be creating our own robots out of recycled materials and a robot hand!

• EarlyON Simcoe North Playgroup: Thursdays beginning Sept. 19^th from 10 – 11:30 AM | Ages 0-6

Adults and children together - Stay, Play and Learn drop-in allows opportunities for caregivers and families to take part with their children in a wide range of early learning inquiry based activities which enhance children's developmental skills.

• Pajamapalooza: Friday, Sept. 20^th from 5 – 6 PM | Ages 4-12

Put your PJs on and get ready for a story, craft and games in the library and gymnasium!

• After School Adventures: Thurs. Sept. 26^th from 4 - 5 PM | Ages 8-12

Come by the Brechin location after school for fun activities that change monthly! In September, we will be starting off with creating your very own finger skateboard park. Registration is required for each individual date.

• Murder Mystery Dinner (Cost: $65): Sat. Sept. 28th 7 PM | Over 18

Join in on 1920's Mafia Marriage Murder Mystery at the Brechin Legion to support the Friends of the Ramara Library Fundraiser. There is food provided, a cash bar and the tickets are $65 each. Purchase tickets at the Ramara Centre branch or by speaking with a Friend of the Ramara Library.  

Ramona Fall Fair

Join the Ramara Fire and Rescue Services this year at the Ramona Fall Fair.  The Ramona Fall Fair takes places on September 13 and 14 at the Ramona Hall located at 2212 Fairgrounds Road in Washago. 

Learn more

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