Have Your Say

The Township of Ramara is inviting residents, businesses, property owners and community organizations to help shape the future of the community as part of the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update.

Community Engagement Opportunities:

• Community Survey: Complete the community survey from May 28 to Aug. 5, 2026, to share your thoughts on housing, businesses, waterfront areas, agriculture, transportation, growth and other land use priorities across the Township. The survey is available online at ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate, with hard copies also available at the Township Administration Building, Ramara Centre and Ramara Public Library.
• Interactive Mapping Tool: Explore zoning information across the Township and provide comments and share feedback on existing land uses and future growth on specific properties, neighbourhoods, or areas through the interactive mapping tool available at ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate.
• Open House: Attend the introductory open house on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Township of Ramara Administration Building Council Chambers (2297 HWY 12, Brechin) to learn more about the Zoning By-law Update project, ask questions and provide feedback directly to Township staff and the project team.

Zoning helps guide what can be built, where development happens and how land can be used throughout the Township. It impacts many aspects of everyday life, including housing options, local businesses, natural areas and waterfronts, agriculture and rural areas, transportation and parking, and community character.

The Township’s current Comprehensive Zoning By-law, originally adopted in 2005, is being reviewed and updated to align with the Township’s recently updated Official Plan, current provincial planning legislation and the evolving needs of the community.

Feedback gathered through the survey, interactive mapping and open house will help inform draft updates to the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Additional public consultation opportunities, including future surveys, open houses and a public meeting, will take place as the project progresses. It is anticipated the project will be completed in late 2027.

For more information, to complete the survey or to learn more about the Zoning By-law Update, visit ramara.ca/ZoningUpdate. Questions or comments can be submitted to zoningupdate@ramara.ca.

The Township is updating Ramara’s Economic Development Strategy and creating a new Community Improvement Plan and we want your input.

Residents and businesses were encouraged to share ideas on business needs, growth opportunities, tourism, revitalization, and more by completing a community survey open until December 14, 2025. 

Your feedback will help guide future investment and support a vibrant, sustainable local economy.

The Township of Ramara is inviting residents, businesses, and organizations across the community to have their say on the future of two municipally owned buildings located at 2287 and 2291 Highway 12 in Brechin, known locally as St. Andrew’s Hall and the former Standard Bank.

Surveys:

From Oct. 31 to Nov. 21, 2025, community members can share their ideas and feedback for the future of the two buildings by completing one of two online surveys:

·        Residents, Seasonal Residents or Visitors

·        Businesses and Organizations

Hard copies of the resident survey will also be available at the Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12, Atherley) and at the Township Administration Building (2297 Highway 12, Brechin). Residents who complete the community survey have the option to be entered into a draw for a chance to win a Ramara Prize Pack.

Open House – Nov. 18, 2025:

To learn more and share feedback in person, community members are invited to attend one of two Open House sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12):

·        Session 1: 3:30 to 5 p.m. (presentation at 4 p.m.)

·        Session 2: 6 to 7:30 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m.)

Each session will include a short presentation outlining the buildings’ history, current condition, and next steps, along with opportunities for participants to share feedback and ideas. Surveys can also be completed on-site. No registration is required to attend.

Have Your Say Stations:

Have Your Say Stations will also be available at community centres across Ramara, including Udney, Longford Mills, and the Ramara Centre, as well as at the Ramara Township Administration Centre starting the week of Nov. 3, 2025. Residents can complete a short, three-question ballot and drop it into the marked ballot boxes by Nov. 21, 2025.

Background Information:

The Township purchased the two buildings in 2023 as part of its efforts to support downtown revitalization and explore new opportunities for use. Due to Ministry of Transportation setback requirements, the buildings cannot remain in their current locations if any significant redevelopment, reuse, or reconstruction occurs. Relocating the buildings further back from the highway or demolishing and rebuilding to meet Ministry standards would involve substantial investment.

Council is exploring several options for the future of the properties, including redevelopment, partnerships, sale, or demolition and rebuilding, and wants to understand the community’s priorities and funding preferences before making any decisions.

Feedback collected through the surveys, open house, and have your say stations will be summarized and presented to Council to help inform next steps.

For more information, visit ramara.ca/BuildingBrechin.

The Township of Ramara will begin discussions for the 2026 Budget on Oct. 23, 2025, when the Mayor’s Proposed Budget is presented at a Special Meeting of Council at the Township Administration Building at 9:30 a.m. 

This marks the first year Ramara is operating under Ontario’s new legislated budget framework for designated municipalities, commonly referred to as the “strong mayor” system. Under the Municipal Act, the Mayor is required to propose the Township’s annual budget on or before Feb. 1, 2026. 

How to Participate

Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Budget process by:

· Viewing the Budget Package 

· Contacting your Ward Councillor to ask questions or share feedback directly.

· Attending or watching the Special Meeting of Council on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in person at the Township Administration Centre or livestreamed on the Township’s YouTube Channel.

· Registering to speak during Open Public Forum at the Special Council Meeting on Oct. 23, 2025. Sign up by 9 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2025, to speak at the meeting. For more information on how to sign up, visit the Township’s Communicating with Council webpage.

How the 2026 Budget Process Works

Under the Municipal Act, the budget process follows these steps:

1. Mayor’s Proposed Budget – Presented no later than Feb. 1, 2026, (introduced Oct. 23, 2025, in Ramara)

2. Amendment Period (up to 30 days) – Council may propose changes to the Mayor’s budget through a vote

3. Veto Period (up to 10 days) – Mayor may veto Council’s amendments

4. Override Period (up to 15 days) – Council may override a Mayor’s veto with two-thirds support

5. The budget is considered adopted when:

• No amendments are made
• Amendments are not vetoed
• Vetoes are overridden

Ramara Council is seeking feedback on proposed updates to the Canine Control By-law, which will be considered at the September 22, 2025, Council Meeting.

Read the full report regarding the proposed changes and provide your comments by emailing info@ramara.ca or by contacting your Ward Councillor. Council contact information is available on the Township's Meet Ramara Council page.

The Official Plan describes how Ramara plans to accommodate future growth and development while meeting the needs of existing residents and businesses in the area.  

The 2025 Recreation Master Plan was presented to Council at the April 28, 2025, Council meeting and adopted in principle. Learn more on the Recreation Master Plan webpage.