Strategy, Reports and Studies

About the Economic Development Strategy

In January 2016, Council adopted a 5 year Corporate Strategic Plan (Plan) to establish a vision for the Kawartha Lakes and guide activities, programs and resources. The Plan was established on three strategic goals. Of the three strategic goals, a vibrant and growing economy was identified as the highest Council priority for 2016. To achieve this, Council requested the development and execution of a comprehensive economic development strategy to facilitate a stronger and more diversified economy with an emphasis on business attraction and employment growth.

Across the City, local businesses, organizations and associations contribute significantly to the economic development of the City as a whole, and individual communities. Current and future economic vitality will be heavily influenced by working partnerships between and within the City and these key stakeholders. Collaboration with these groups is an important part of the strategy process.

The Economic Development Strategy project has six objectives:

1. Review the current economic development program;
2. Benchmark and recommend best practice for each program area;
3. Recommend actions to strengthen existing industries;
4. Identify new opportunities to diversify the economic base and position the City for future economic growth;
5. Improve policies and processes to attract and support business investment; and
6. Develop an action based implementation plan including projects and programs with performance metrics

For more information contact:

Rebecca Mustard
Manager of Economic Development
E-Mail the Economic Development Manager
Telephone at 705-324-9411 extension 1395

Downtown Revitalization Action Plans

• Coboconk and Norland
• Fenelon Falls
• Lindsay
• Omemee

Agricultural Reports

• Kawartha Lakes Food Action Plan
• Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Action Plan (2010)
• Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Action Plan Appendices
• Kawartha Lakes Food Charter
• What is a Food Charter
• Agricultural Economic Impact & Development Study (2006)
• Right Actions in the Right Places - Environmental Stewardship through Responsible Agricultural Nutrient Management

Arts, Culture and Heritage

• Cultural Master Plan
• Heritage Master Plan
• Music Feasibility Study

Youth and Young Adult Action Plan

The Economic Development division is currently in the process of creating a Youth and Young Adult Action Plan for the City of Kawartha Lakes. This Action Plan is intended to attract, retain and engage youth in Kawartha Lakes to ensure a prosperous economy and diverse local culture. An update on the Action Plan will be presented to Council on August 14, 2018. A copy of the draft Youth and Young Adult Action Plan is available below.

• Youth and Young Adult Action Plan (DRAFT)

For more information on the Action Plan, or to provide your comments, contact:

Carlie Arbour
Economic Development Officer - Community
Email the Economic Development Officer - Community
705-324-9411 extension 1396

Business Reports

• Ongoing Survey Program: Retention Expansion and Youth
• First Impressions Community Exchange - Pembroke to Lindsay