When Municipal Disputes Escalate: Lessons From Ramara
When Municipal Disputes Escalate: Lessons From Ramara A small Ontario township is making headlines—and not for the reasons any community would want. The Township of
May 15, 2026
Photos reviewed by South Algonquin Matters show handwritten enforcement notices left beside a small shoreline tent occupied by a man who says he is homeless and living outdoors in South Algonquin….. More…
Emails Show Building Inquiry Sent to Non-Owner in Whitney Property File Emails from March 2022 show that a building inquiry by the Township of South Algonquin…. More…
Municipal councils play an important role in shaping the economic environment of a community. Local governments set policies, approve infrastructure investments, support economic development programs, and work with local organizations that promote business activity. In small rural municipalities especially, Table conversations can have a direct effect on residents, entrepreneurs, and investors.
During an Asset Management Committee discussion in April 2023, a councillor made a comment indicating that he did not care if all the businesses in the community went bankrupt. The meeting itself was part of a discussion that included a request for support from the South Algonquin Business Alliance (SABA), a volunteer organization formed to advocate for economic development in the township. The request and related discussion appear in the committee agenda and minutes for the April 12, 2023 Asset Management Committee meeting.
Multiple investigations are currently underway and under review by the Ombudsman.
We will report back here once the results are published.
What happens when you file a complaint Documents Raise Questions About How Municipal Complaints Are Handled Municipal policies point residents to instructions for how to…. More….
The Township of South Algonquin has updated its Integrity Commissioner webpage following a recent review by South Algonquin Matters. The sequence of events raises questions about how and when public information is updated and made accessible…..More…..
When a Facebook Post Tries to Clarify a Law Questions Surround South Algonquin’s Noise and Nuisance By-Law A Facebook notice from the Township of South… More…
Is South Algonquin as Healthy as We Want it to Be?
To explore that question, we used a tool called the Municipal Health Checklist, developed by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.
The checklist is a municipal self-assessment tool developed by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities to help communities examine potential strengths and risks.
South Algonquin’s population is roughly the same as a typical Ontario high school. We can still fix it if we start now.
In October 2024, South Algonquin Council received another report from the municipality’s Integrity Commissioner concerning the conduct of Councillor Joe Florent. The report was prepared by municipal lawyer Tony Fleming of Cunningham Swan and presented to council in accordance with the oversight framework established under the Municipal Act.
When Municipal Disputes Escalate: Lessons From Ramara A small Ontario township is making headlines—and not for the reasons any community would want. The Township of
A Committee Member Was Appointed. Then Removed. The Process Is Unclear. In July 2024, the Township established Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Committee.
Township Tells Homeless Man To Leave Survival Site, Threatens Trespassing Charges And Disposal Of Belongings This is a developing story. Photos reviewed by South Algonquin