TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Ramara will hold a public meeting to consider municipally-led Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, pursuant to Sections 17, 21, and 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13.

Purpose and Effect:

The purpose of this municipally-led amendment is to bring the additional residential unit policies into conformity with provincial legislation, as well as updating density policies in conformity with the County of Simcoe Official Plan Policies. The amendment also provides for policy regarding renewable energy systems. The implementing Zoning By-law Amendment additionally provides for some minor definition changes for clarity on interpretation, adds policy regarding floating decks and edits setback requirements for retaining walls.    

The repeal of the Green Energy Act in 2019 provides municipalities with zoning controls on renewable energy systems.  The proposed Official Plan Amendment provides guidance on which areas the municipality would permit renewable energy systems that would not otherwise be exempt from the Planning Act.  The County of Simcoe Official Plan provides for density targets within settlement areas, the proposed amendment brings the Township policies in line with the Simcoe County provided targets.  Changes are proposed to the existing additional residential unit policies allowing for two additional residential units within the principal dwelling as directed by Provincial Policy. Consideration has also been made to allow for a maximum of one (1) additional residential unit within the Shoreline Residential Areas, subject to certain provisions.   

The meeting will be a Hybrid Meeting, on the Zoom platform and in person in the Council Chambers and will be live streamed on the Township’s You Tube Channel. You have the option to attend the meeting in-person or virtually.  If you wish to attend virtually please advise the Township of your email address so an invitation to join the public meeting can be sent to allow the public the opportunity to speak at the meeting. 

Any person may make written representation either in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment. Signed, written submissions will be accepted by the Clerk prior to the meeting.  Written submissions referencing files OP-1/24 & Z-1/24 can be sent electronically to jconnor@ramara.ca, can be dropped in the mail drop box at the Township Administration Centre at 2297 Highway 12, Brechin or faxed to (705) 484-0441.  Please ensure your name and address are included as required for the public record.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Council of the Township or Ramara on the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Township of Ramara, 2297 Highway 12 Box 130, Brechin, Ontario, L0K 1B0. jconnor@ramara.ca

If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Council of the Township or Ramara to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Ramara before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Township of Ramara before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.

Additional Information relating to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments may be obtained, by contacting the Municipal Office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., (705) 484-5374, ext. 251 or by email to planning@ramara.ca

Posting Requirements:

It is requested that this Notice of Public Meeting me posted in a location visible to all residents if there are seven or more residential units at this location.

Dated at the Township of Ramara this 27^th Day of March, 2024

Jennifer Connor, CMO, AOMC

Director of Legislative Services/Clerk

Ramara Township

2297 Highway 12

Box 130, Brechin, Ontario

L0K 1B0

Telephone: (705) 484-5374

Email

Resources

View Draft Zoning Bylaw Amendment

View Draft Official Plan Bylaw Amendment