A bylaw is a living document and subject to debate and change.
That is what Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke stressed at Monday’s council meeting when Coun. Dana Tuju considered deferring – for a second time – a motion to move forward with a site alteration bylaw update presented by staff.
“We’re here to make decisions,” he said. “…I think we need to make the improvements that are suggested in this and get the bylaw more up to date.”
Tuju’s hesitance stemmed from the feedback and suggestions a resident formally provided the township. She said the resident had followed up and posed “thoughtful questions” but not in time for their considerations to be printed in the meeting’s agenda.
More time would allow further consideration from council, she noted.
The report presented on Aug. 10 was already postponed from the July 13 council meeting. Staff prepared an addendum, showing commentary and suggestions for the bylaw from Anna Bourgeois, as well as a memo outlining staff’s responses to her.
After his comments, the mayor asked if Tuju would like a motion to defer, which she declined on the grounds that further debate and amendments are possible.
“I think this is certainly an improvement over what we have currently,” she agreed.
The motion council approved was to receive the information and direct staff to bring forward a replacement for the outdated bylaw.
Ramara’s site alteration bylaw is meant to protect the quality of the land and prevent dumping, removing topsoil and activities that may impact groundwater.
It was established eight years ago and township staff recently identified a necessary update.
“Since 2018, Ontario’s excess soil management framework has evolved significantly with the introduction and phased implementation of Ontario Regulation 406/19 – On-site and Excess Soil Management under the Environmental Protection Act,” states the staff report.
Noted in this provincial regulation are rules for soil testing and classification; documentation and planning, transportation and reuse of excess soil; and set standards for soil quality and reuse.
The report from staff says the township’s bylaw is meant to complement provincial regulations — not duplicate them.
It “ensures that any soil brought into the township is placed appropriately and managed responsibly.”
Pertaining to what the site alteration bylaw covers, staff outlined key changes related to several topics. Some of the changes are meant to improve administrative efficiencies, better align with O. Red. 406/19, clarify practices, strengthen environmental protections, agreements and securities, and enhance enforcement tools.
Bourgeois agreed with the improvements, but made suggestions to strengthen other areas prior to adopting the bylaw. Her recommendations, she wrote, are “intended to improve transparency, public confidence and long-term environmental protection.”
At the committee of the whole meeting on Monday, council did not discuss Bourgeois’ correspondence or the response from staff. The bylaw amendments will be considered at the Sept. 14 regular council meeting.
By Danielle Pitman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Aug 13, 2026 at 07:28
Recent Comments