Ramara borders Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching and contains shoreline communities, rural properties, farms and recreational land.
2026 property taxes, zoning and permits
Ramara adopted its 2026 budget with a 4.05% municipal tax-rate increase, equal to about $25 more per $100,000 of assessed residential value on the municipal portion of the bill. Buyers should verify the final blended tax bill and assessment for the specific parcel. Shoreline, rural and agricultural zones can also create different development standards.
Additional units and servicing
Ramara-specific limits: The Township’s consolidated zoning by-law restricts ARUs in several situations. Among other requirements, ARUs are not permitted on certain private roads where emergency access may be limited, are prohibited within 30 metres of the high-water mark, and are not permitted within a mapped floodplain unless the proposed unit can be demonstrated to be outside the floodplain. Shoreline Residential properties have additional rules. Verify the exact parcel before relying on ARU potential.
Additional dwelling potential depends on zoning, building-code compliance and servicing. Private septic capacity is particularly relevant in unserviced areas.
Lake and rural property considerations
Investigate shoreline setbacks, conservation regulation, flooding, wells, septic systems, access and drainage where applicable.
Private servicing, access and drainage
Many rural and shoreline properties in Ramara rely on private wells and septic systems. Buyers should confirm the actual water source, septic location and condition, legal road access and year-round maintenance arrangements. Low-lying and waterfront parcels can also require closer review of drainage, flood susceptibility and conservation-authority requirements before additions or redevelopment are assumed feasible.
Permit history and existing structures
Older cottages, additions, decks, converted garages and accessory buildings should be compared with available municipal permit records where they materially affect value or intended use. If a property is being purchased for rental, redevelopment or an additional dwelling, verify zoning, parking, servicing and Building Code requirements before relying on projected income or future construction.
Official Ramara property resources
The Township’s interactive mapping can be used to identify a property’s zone category, but Ramara recommends confirming the zone and any applicable amendments with the Township.
Buyer checklist
- Confirm zoning and taxes.
- Review permits.
- Inspect well and septic systems.
- Check shoreline and flood constraints.
- Confirm road access.
- Verify additional-unit and rental potential.
Explore the Simcoe County Property Guide and nearby guides for Orillia, Severn Township and Oro-Medonte.
FAQ
Does lakefront ownership guarantee expansion rights?
No. Zoning, shoreline setbacks, conservation rules and septic capacity can restrict additions or redevelopment.
Is Ramara part of Simcoe County?
Yes. Ramara is one of the County’s 16 member municipalities.
General information only: Verify current information with the Township and applicable authorities.