Economic Development Strategies and Reports
Our strategies, plans and reports help guide economic development priorities and investment in Kawartha Lakes. They provide direction for supporting local businesses, attracting investment, strengthening key sectors and planning for future growth.
Use this page to explore our current Economic Development Strategy, sector-specific plans and research about the local economy.
Economic Development Strategy 2025-2029
The Economic Development Strategy sets the direction for economic development in Kawartha Lakes from 2025 to 2029. It guides how the municipality will support business growth, attract investment, strengthen the local workforce and create vibrant economic and cultural spaces.
The Strategy is organized around five priorities:
- Stimulating investment
- Supporting business growth
- Building a skilled workforce
- Enhancing economic and cultural spaces
- Strengthening economic development resources
Read the full Strategy to learn more about the priorities, objectives and actions guiding our work through 2029.
Plans Guiding our Sectors and Communities
Our sector and community plans provide more detailed direction in specific areas of the local economy. They help guide municipal programs, partnerships and investment and are useful for businesses, community organizations, industry partners and anyone interested in how these sectors are developing.
Cultural Master Plan
The Cultural Master Plan provides long-term direction for arts, culture and heritage in Kawartha Lakes. It looks at cultural sector development, spaces and places, funding, collaboration, local identity and opportunities to strengthen the creative economy.
Use this plan if you are a cultural organization, creative business, community partner or anyone interested in the future of arts, culture and heritage in Kawartha Lakes.
Learn more about the priorities and actions guiding cultural development in Kawartha Lakes.
Agriculture and Food Action Plan
The Agriculture and Food Action Plan identifies priorities and actions to strengthen agriculture and food in Kawartha Lakes, including business development, local food, sector collaboration and opportunities for future growth.
Use this plan if you are a farmer, producer, agri-food business, industry organization or partner working within the local agriculture and food sector.
Explore the actions developed to support agriculture and food in Kawartha Lakes.
Kawartha Lakes Food Charter
The Kawartha Lakes Food Charter outlines shared values and principles for a strong local food system. It recognizes the connections between agriculture, food access, the local economy, health and the environment.
Use the Charter to understand the broader principles that support food and agriculture initiatives across the community.
Read the Food Charter and the principles supporting Kawartha Lakes' local food system.
Tourism Destination Development Plan
The Tourism Destination Development Plan provides direction for strengthening Kawartha Lakes as a visitor destination. It identifies opportunities related to tourism experiences, product development, partnerships and destination development.
Use this plan if you are a tourism operator, business, organization or community partner interested in the development of Kawartha Lakes' visitor economy.
Explore the priorities guiding tourism development in Kawartha Lakes.
Research and Economic Data
Our reports and research provide a closer look at the businesses, workforce and economic conditions shaping Kawartha Lakes. They support municipal planning and can also help businesses, investors, organizations and researchers better understand the local economy.
Business Count Reports
Business Count is our regular survey of local businesses. The reports provide information about business activity, employment, workforce needs and other trends identified directly by Kawartha Lakes employers.
Community Analysis
The Community Analysis brings together demographic, economic, workforce and community data to provide a broader picture of Kawartha Lakes and how the community is changing.
Situational Analysis
The Situational Analysis examines the economic conditions, trends, opportunities and challenges that helped inform Economic Development priorities and strategic planning.
Policies Supporting Economic and Cultural Development
Some of our work is also guided by municipal policies that establish how specific programs and initiatives are delivered.
Public Art Policy
The Public Art Policy provides a framework for how public art is planned, selected and managed in Kawartha Lakes and supports the role of art in creating vibrant and distinctive public spaces.
Looking for more information?
Our Economic Development team can help you find the strategy, report, data or program information you need.
