Ramara - Storm Update

Township of Ramara terminates emergency declaration

Effective April 10, 2025, the Township of Ramara has officially terminated the State of Emergency declaration due to stabilized conditions following the widespread impact of the recent ice storm.

When does a municipality declare a State of Emergency?

Emergency declarations can be made by the Head of Council, in consultation with the Emergency Control Group as outlined in the Township of Ramara's comprehensive Emergency Response Plan.

A state of emergency declaration would be considered if there was a situation or impending situation that:

• Threatened public safety, public health, the environment, critical infrastructure, property, and/or economic stability.
• Exceeded the capacity of the community's emergency response.

By declaring a state of emergency, the municipality is able to:

• Streamline its purchase/tender policies
• Extend Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage to volunteers
• Make claims for financial assistance for disaster recovery

All laws must still be obeyed during emergency situations by both the public and the municipality.

Flooding Response

The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a Flood Warning for the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District, specifically affecting residents of Ramara in the Black River area, including Lake St. John. In response to the flooding, the Township of Ramara is providing sand and sandbags at six designated self-serve locations.

Road Closure

• Effective April 6, 2025, Sheba Drive, from Airport Road to Bluebird Stree

The County of Simcoe provides brush and debris disposal through curbside brush collection or at waste drop-off sites.

All brush and debris cleanup on private property is the homeowner's responsibility. The Township of Ramara is working on cleanup efforts at township-owned parks, trails, graveyards, green spaces, and roads.

The County of Simcoe will continue regular brush collection services weekly following the waste collection schedule. As the trucks can only collect branches and limbs up to 2 m long and 10 cm in diameter, the yard and waste crews ask residents to do the following:

• Please sort your debris into larger and smaller brush piles.
• For the smaller brush piles, please ensure they are manageable so one person can clear them.
• Bundling of brush is not required, but it is preferred, as it will help the County get to the communities faster.

Leaf and Yard Waste crews will collect what they can when servicing your property, and crews will return later for larger branches and limbs.

Please follow these guidelines for brush piles that will be picked up later:

• Place the brush and branches in front of or on the side of your property, away from any roadway.
• Do not block roads, storm drains, fire hydrants, or hydro infrastructure.
• Do not place tree brush and branches on public property, including trails, parks, or roads.

For more information, visit https://simcoe.ca/waste or download the Simcoe County Collects app.

• To assist with cleanup, the County of Simcoe's waste drop-off sites will accept brush debris at no charge until May 31, 2025.
• Private debris contractors will not be charged unless the material is clearly unrelated to the storm.
• Root balls will have a charge applied, as they require additional processing.
• For Ramara residents, the Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open Thursdays to Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It also has extended hours for brush-only drop off.
• A full list of County waste drop-off facilities, including details on expanded operating days and temporary brush drop-off sites, is available at simcoe.ca/waste.

The sites will operate on their regular schedules; however, some may lack power, may only accept cash transactions, and may charge by volume rather than by weight.

For more information on other waste drop-off locations and brush and debris collection, visit simcoe.ca/IceStorm.

Financial Support for Residents

Residents who were affected by the ice storm are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers. Insurance policies may cover damage from tree limbs falling on a home or business premises, associated debris removal and disposal, and loss of freezer food due to a prolonged power outage.

The Province of Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program has not been activated for the ice storm at this time. The DRAO program is not intended to replace insurance and does not cover all costs (e.g. insurance deductibles are not eligible).

Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access emergency assistance through Ontario’s social assistance programs. An online application form is available on the Province’s website under “Apply for Emergency Assistance” at https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance.

Food Access

• The Sharing Place is resuming regular Food Bank hours. Community members, including Ramara residents, in need of an emergency food order may come to 95 Dufferin St. between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with ID to receive a six-day supply of food.

Please note that the Sharing Place is closed on the weekends. 

• Ramara residents can contact 211 to be connected with emergency food access.
• 211, a three-digit helpline answered by Community Navigators, is available to help residents access information about local resources every day and during times of emergency.

Visit 211

Food and Waste Collection

The County of Simcoe is the residential waste collection provider for the Township of Ramara. The County of Simcoe is maintaining its regular waste collection schedule.  

What do I do with my spoiled food?

Waste Drop-Off Station

• Residents can bring spoiled food that is placed into an organic or compostable bag (small or large).
• Remove all food packaging before placing the spoiled food into an organic or compostable bag.  

The Mara Waste Drop-off site, located at 5200 Country Road 169, is open Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Waste Collection

• Residents with spoiled food can dispose of it in their green carts.
• Remove all food packaging before placing spoiled food in the green cart.

Park and Trail Closures

As a result of the March 30 ice storm, many parks, beaches, and trailheads across the Township of Ramara remain closed for public safety while crews assess damage and complete cleanup.

This list will be updated as sites reopen. Please check back regularly for the latest status.

🚫 Closed Parks and Green Spaces

• Bayshore Drive Park (128 Bayshore Dr. and 166 Bayshore Dr.)
• Kurtis Drive Park (4682 Kurtis Dr.)
• Thicketwood Place Park (44 Thicketwood Place)
• Lovely Day Park (3 Winchester St.)
• Val Harbour Park (3758 Harry's Lane)
• Bluebird Park (6314 Bluebird St.)
• Lagoon City Park (116 Lake Ave.; both sides of the road)
• 1418 Florida Ave. – Closed to water
• 3744 Glenrest Dr., 3784 Glenrest Dr.
• Southeast corner intersection of Ramara Rd. 47 and Ramara Rd. 47
• 3 Laguna Parkway

 Partially Open

• Brechin Community Centre Park (3227 Ramara Rd. 47)
  • Ball diamond and picnic area: ✅ Open
  • Dog park and swing set area: ❌ Closed

🏖️ Closed Beaches & Boat Launches

• Point of Mara Beach (2336 Lakeshore Dr., 2384 Lakeshore Dr.)
• Brechin Beach (2464 Lakeshore Dr., 2648 Lakeshore Dr.; both sides of the road)
• Lagoon City Park Beach (116 Lake Ave.)
• “The Steps” Beach Area (Ridge Avenue)
• West End Amilia Drive Beach Area
• Longford Boat Launch

🚧 Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Properties – All Closed

• North Beach
• South Beach and walkways
• Footbridges and pathways (north and south)

Closed Trailheads

• Atherley Trailhead (Queen St.)
• Lagoon City Trailhead
• Note: Trans Canada Trail sections are being cleared. Trailheads will be closed as contractor work progresses.

✅ Open Green Spaces

The following areas remain open to the public:

• 2958 Suntrac Dr., South Ramara – Open space
• 2961 Suntrac Dr., South Ramara – Open space and boat launch
• Brechin Community Centre Park – Ball diamond and picnic area only
• Ramara Centre Fields (5482 Highway 12)
• Ramara/TransCanada Trail System from Atherley Road to Washago

We thank all residents for their patience and understanding as we work to reopen public spaces safely. Please stay clear of closed areas, and report safety hazards or damage via www.ramara.ca/ReportIt

Wellness Checks and Mental Health

• Residents are encouraged to call or text 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 service is available 24/7 and interpretation is available in 150+ languages.
• 211 is available 24/7 and connects callers with trained professionals who can guide them to the appropriate local supports.

Visit 211

Water Access

Residents can access potable water in the following locations:

• Outdoor water tap located at Fire Hall #1 (3290 Ramara Road 47) in Brechin near the Canine Shelter.

The municipal water systems are operational but under pressure. Water users are asked to not use water unless absolutely necessary, including flushing, laundry, and dishwashing, to prevent backups and limit water usage to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. 

Brechin and Lagoon City Residents

On April 2, 2025, the Township issued a water conservation notice due to elevated turbidity levels in the raw water (lake water before treatment) Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential water use during this period. By limiting water usage, residents will help maintain sufficient water storage and system pressure.

If turbidity levels continue to rise, a Boil Water Advisory may be issued. There is also a possibility of reduced water pressure or water supply interruptions until turbidity levels decrease and normal plant operations resume. Residents are advised to ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water and other necessities during this time.

Protect our Wastewater System

Residents are reminded that sump pumps, downspouts, and building drains must not be connected to the municipal wastewater system. These illegal connections can:

• Overwhelm wastewater treatment systems, leading to environmental discharge.
• Cause sewage backups in homes.
• Lead to fines and other penalties.

What to Do:

• Check your property to ensure sump pumps and downspouts are not discharging into sanitary sewers.

• Redirect any improper connections to a safe area (e.g. lawn or rain garden).
• Contact the Township for support or questions.

Help protect your home and the community — Make the Right Connection.