Ramara Bulletin – October 2024 Edition

Welcome

Welcome to the second edition of the new Ramara Bulletin style.  The Ramara Bulletin, which first launched in May 2021, plays a crucial role in keeping residents informed about upcoming projects, news, and information related specifically to Ramara.  To further this mission, the Bulletin has been revamped into a more reader-friendly newsletter format, making it easier for residents to stay connected and informed. The new format can be read online or in print, giving residents more access to the information they need. 

If you have an exciting way to keep residents informed, contact us at info@ramara.ca. 

Important Dates and Events

October Council and Committee Meetings

• Tuesday, October 1 - Committee of Adjustment - 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, October 7 - Committee of the Whole - 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday, October 10 - Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission - 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, October 21 - Council - 3:00 p.m. (Closed Session) & 5:30 p.m. (Open Session)
• Thursday, October 24 - Special Committee of the Whole - 2025 Budget 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.

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6 to 12, and this year's theme is "Smoke Alarms; Make them work for you!"

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Ramara Fire and Rescue Services will host their annual Open Fire House on October 9 from 6-8 p.m. at all three halls. 

• Station  #1 located at 3290 County Road 47 - Brechin
• Station  #2 located at 85 Patricia Drive - Atherley
• Station #3 located at 7305 County Road 169 - Washago

Come visit the fire halls, meet firefighters and learn about fire safety!

Ramara Fire and Rescue Services Annual Haunted House

Come and join the Ramara Fire and Rescue Services for an evening of spooky fun at their annual haunted house event! The event will take place on October 31st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Station #2, located at 85 Patricia Drive in Atherley. All ages are welcome to attend, and don't forget to dress up in your favorite costumes for an extra dose of Halloween fun!

Ramara Youth Halloween Dance

Hey everyone in grades 4 to 6! We're excited to invite you to the Ramara Youth Halloween Dance happening on Friday, October 18th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get ready for an awesome evening filled with dancing, delicious snacks, exciting prizes, and a live DJ. The admission fee is $10, and you can also enjoy concession stand items for $2 each. Don't miss out on this spooktacular event!

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.

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

Infrastructure Information, Updates and Closures

Box Culvert Replacement projects

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

Gondola Lagoon Canal Closure at North Footbridge

Gondola Lagoon at the North Footbridge from Old Indian Trail to Poplar Crescent is closed until further notice. Due to ongoing repairs at the footbridge and potential safety concerns, we are asking the public to avoid the area while contractors complete the work. The reopening of the Gondola Lagoon will be communicated; however, it will reopen with limited access, with 10 to 15 foot openings along the opposite sites of the canal.

We realize that this closure and the ongoing repairs are inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation during this project.

Load Restriction in Effect - Poplar Crescent Bridge

Please be advised as a result of our Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM) bridge inspection completed by Tatham Engineering, it was determined that Bridge 201 (Poplar Crescent Bride) exhibits structural deficiencies and that a gross weight restriction of 20 tones be imposed to ensure structural integrity until its repair or replacement in 2025.

As a result, effective immediately, the Township of Ramara has placed a weight restriction on Bride 201, situated on Poplar Crescent between Pinetree Court and Turtle Path, limiting the maximum weight to 20 tonnes. No vehicle or combination of vehicles, regardless of whether they are empty or loaded, may exceed a gross vehicle weight of 20 tonnes when crossing Bridge 201.

Confirmed Blue-Green Algae Bloom Update

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

• The south - east shoreline of Lake Dalrymple
• 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. 

Ramara Recreation Information, Events and 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

October is set to be one busy month at the library! Ontario Public Library Week will be celebrated between the 22 and 26 with two great draws for adults and children. Drop by to see how to enter! We will also be hosting a library video reveal on October 22 throughout the day. Enjoy snacks and see what your library staff and patrons have been up to. Be sure to register to save your spot via EventBrite, call or email the branch or speak with a staff member on your next visit.

ADULT PROGRAMS

• Virtual/In Person Trivia - Tues. Oct. 8, 29 @ 7 PM

• The Ontario Paranormal Society - Tues. Oct. 15 @ 6 PM at the Brechin Legion
• Spice Up Your Life – Grab and Go Cooking Kit - Tues. Oct. 22

CHILDREN PROGRAMS

• Pajamapalooza – Ages 4-12 - Oct. 18th from 5 – 6 PM
• After School Adventures! – Ages 8-12 @ Brechin temporary location - Thurs. Oct. 24 from 4 - 5 PM
• Little Adventurers – Ages 0-4
  • Fridays in Oct. at 10 AM, travelling between the Lovely Day Park, Bluebird Park and Lagoon City Park. In case of inclement weather, we will be meeting at the Ramara Centre library.
• Teen Hobby & Hang – Make a Ghost Tea Light Lantern! – Ages 12-18 - Tues. Oct. 22 @ 6:30 PM
• Pumpkinfest @ Udney Community Centre - Wed. Oct. 23 @ 6:30 PM
• Hungry Caterpillars – A Family Picture Book Club - Saturday, Oct. 26th - Brechin location 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Check out our social media pages for Oct. 25th PA Day programs as they will be released soon!

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