Covid-19 Information

The health, safety and well-being of our community members and staff is the City of Kawartha Lakes' top priority. City staff continue to serve the community by providing essential services during this period of pandemic response and recovery.

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Food and Community Supports

COVID-19 Financial Help

Affected Municipal Services

Last updated August 28, 2020.

Municipal Administration

Currently all of our resources are solely focused on the emergency pandemic response to COVID-19.

All municipal buildings are closed to the public.

For fire, paramedic or police emergencies, please dial 911.
Call 705-324-9411 and dial 0 for assistance Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30 pm. Dial 4000 for a recording of the latest information on closures.
If you have a municipal emergency during business hours of 8:30am-4:30pm, requiring immediate attention, please call 705-324-9411 and press 0 to leave a message. Messages will be monitored on a regular basis but only emergencies will be responded to at this time. All other inquires will be managed when regular services resume.

For after-hours municipal emergencies between the hours of 4:30 pm and 8:30 am, please call 1-877-885-7337.

For information regarding the fire/flood index rating please call 705-324-9411 and enter 8.

Waste and Recycling

All landfills are open to the public and are running under regular hours of operation.
Cash will not be accepted until further notice, and there will be a limit to the number of vehicles allowed on site.

Illegal dumping is a crime. Please use our report it page if you have any questions.

Roads

Roads are being patrolled regularly to inspect conditions. Roads crews will commence limited road maintenance activity focusing on surface conditions to ensure motoring traffic safety.

Road maintenance services will consist primarily of pothole patching and grading activity as weather permits. Work will continue on a limited schedule to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.

Residents may report issues online that require attention. All requests will be recorded and processed as business operations return to normal.

Human Services

The Human Services offices at 68 Lindsay St. N. in Lindsay and 49 Maple Ave. in Haliburton remain closed for public access. All critical operations including social assistance applications and payments; housing support and the maintenance of all KLH Housing buildings are continuing.

Staff can be reached at 705-324-9870 or 1-877-324-9870. These numbers are being used for Haliburton County residents as well at this time. Alternatively, emails can also be submitted to CKLhumanservices@kawarthalakes.ca. We are operating with greatly reduced staffing levels. We will respond to all messages, but it may take slightly longer than usual.

Social assistance payments to ongoing recipients will continue to be issued on the same monthly schedule and by the existing payment method.

New applications for Ontario Works can be started using the online application or by phone at 705-324-9870 or 1-877-324-9870, and press “2”.

Effective immediately there is a temporary one-time discretionary benefit available to those in receipt of Ontario Works to address additional costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This benefit provides a maximum of $100 to single individuals or $200 to families of two or more.

Emergency financial support is also available to Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County residents who are not in receipt of Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program and are in financial crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Emergency Assistance may be available to people who haven’t yet accessed other financial supports, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or Employment Insurance Benefits.

To apply for either of these benefits, call our office at 705 324-9870 or toll free 1-877-324-9870 and press “7” to leave a message with your contact information. You can also email CKLhumanservices@kawarthalakes.ca and leave a contact number where you can be reached.

Applications for Emergency Assistance can also be started using the online application.

For information about federal supports for individuals related to COVID-19, please visit the Benefits please visit our Financial Help and Community Supports pages and the Government of Canada website for Support for Individuals and Families.

Fire and Paramedic Administration

All Emergency Services (Fire, Police and Paramedics) are being maintained.

All administration buildings (Headquarters) for Fire and Paramedic Services are closed to the public. This includes all Fire Stations across the municipality.

Council, Boards and Committee Meetings

Municipal Boards and Committee meetings remain suspended.

Council will begin meeting virtually on April 28, 1pm. Watch livestream via YouTube or watch archived from the Council Calendar.

Building Inspections

The Building Division is transferring all pending files and any permit files issued since January 1, 2019 to the appropriate area inspector/plans examiner during the week of April 20, 2020; all above mentioned files will now proceed to be processed/issued/inspected, provided inspections fall within those types deemed essential services by the provincial order.

New applications are being currently accepted via email submission (depending upon formatted size) or via Canada Post, with payments being accepted via Canada Post or online banking.

Commencing the week of April 27, 2020 staff will be instituting a drop off system to allow applicants to make appointments to drop off larger format application packages directly to the Building Division at the 180 Kent Street West, Lindsay office.

Although provincial timelines have been relaxed currently, it is not anticipated that there will be additional delays outside of those associated with using scheduled submission timings, Canada Post and those attributed to less frequent staff office assignments.

Building Division goal is to have permits issued in advance of the revocation of the provincial order, where applications are complete, in order to allow for industry partners to be shovel ready at that time.

Planning and Development

Planning and Development is continuing to process existing applications, but no new applications will be accepted at this time.

Lindsay Transit

Lindsay Transit has resumed full services, including regular hours of operation.

In addition to the HKPR District Health Unit requirement, the City of Kawartha Lakes is encouraging patrons to wear a mask or face covering at all times during their travels. Physical distancing also remains in place.

Municipal Airport

The airport is closed. It will remain open for Orng and any emergency vehicles.

Community Services - Parks, Recreation and Culture

Public Boat Launches

Public Boat Launches re-opened May 14.

Physical distancing is required, use at own risk. Visit the Boat Launch page for further information.

Beaches

Public Beaches in Kawartha Lakes are now open unless otherwise posted.

Limited Services are available at some beach properties.

Follow beach safety protocols and procedures as posted
Practice physical distancing
Stay home if you or any member of your family is sick
Visit a beach close to home to reduce travel and the spread of the virus
If you arrive at the beach and it is crowded and you are unable to physically distance, considering having a back up plan to go elsewhere

For further information on COVID-19 beach safety guidelines visit the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit website.

Municipal Parks

Municipal Parks are open to casual and pass-through visitors.

Observe physical distancing
Be aware of high-touch areas
Wash hands thoroughly after touching any surface
If the park you are visiting is busy and physical distancing is difficult, consider leaving and heading to a less crowded area
Avoid visiting the park if you are sick

Visit the Parks and Forest Tracts page for further information.

Park Benches

Park benches are available for use.

Observe physical distancing
Be aware of high-touch areas, wash hands thoroughly after touching any surface
If the area you are visiting is busy and physical distancing is difficult, consider leaving and heading to a less crowded area

Stay home if you are sick

Picnic Shelters and Picnic Tables

Picnic Shelters and Picnic Tables are open for casual use.

Observe physical distancing
Be aware of high-touch areas, wash hands thoroughly after touching any surface
If the area you are visiting is busy and physical distancing is difficult, consider leaving and heading to a less crowded area
Stay home if you are sick

Tennis Courts

Effective May 19, Public Tennis Courts are open and available on a first come, first play basis.

Tennis players must practice physical distancing
Limit play to singles or doubles with partners from the same household
Players should clearly mark their balls and refrain from picking up others’ tennis balls
Players are advised not to share racquets or equipment

Use at own risk

For further information visit the Tennis Courts page.

Community Halls

Effective July 24 select Community Halls re-opened under specific COVID-19 safety and health guidelines. For details on locations available and for booking inquiries contact the Facility Booking office at: facilitybooking@kawarthalakes.ca or by calling 705-324-9411 extension 1226.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds in the City of Kawartha Lakes re-opened on Friday, July 17.

Playground equipment is not sanitized, use at own risk

Stay home if you are sick
Practice physical distancing
Wash hands with soap and water frequently

If the playground is busy consider returning when it is not so crowded or moving to a less crowded place

Washroom Facilities

Public Washroom facilities in most locations are open 11am to 7pm. For further information call 705-324-9411 extension 1301

Splash Pads

All 3 Municipal Splash Pads opened on June 26.

Splash Pads are daily 11am-7pm.

After August 3, Splash Pads will no longer have no flow times and will flow daily 11am-7pm.

Use Splash Pads at own risk
A limited number of participants will be allowed into the Splash Pad at one time
If the Splash Pad is busy consider returning when it is not so crowded or have a back up plan
Physical distancing must be observed
Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use

For additional details visit the Splash Pads page.

Sports Fields

Sportsfields are open for use. All formal games/activities should be booked through the Facility Booking Office.

On July 24 Wilson Fields in Lindsay will re-open for formal organized sports and league play. Bookings must be made in advance through the Facility Booking Office at 705-324-9411 extension 1226.

For further information on municipal sportsfields visit the Ball Diamonds, Courts and Fields page.

Skate Parks

Skate Parks are open for casual play.

Physical distancing should be observed

Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use

Municipal Trails

Municipal Trails re-opened May 12. All Municipal Trails are open to walking, cycling and other active transportation.

Victoria Rail Trail is open to motorized vehicles (i.e. ATV’s) where permitted.

Observe physical distancing
Share the pathway or trail. When approaching others, step off the pathway unless the path is wider than 6 feet. Both parties should do this.
Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use
Avoid visiting the trail if you are sick

Pools and Aquatics Programming

The pools at the Lindsay Recreation Complex re-opened on Monday July 20 under strict new COVID-19 safety protocols for Public Swimming.

Public Swimming must be booked in advance through the Online Registration website: https://kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com

The Forbert Memorial Pool in Bobcaygeon is receiving significant capital improvements and will not be open for the remainder of the summer 2020.

Aquatics programming has been cancelled for the Spring and Summer 2020 sessions.

For details on COVID-19 safety protocols and pool schedules visit the Swimming page.

Ice Pads

All Arenas are closed until further notice with the exception of the Lindsay Recreation Complex. The Lindsay Recreation Complex Ice Pads are scheduled to re-open on August 17.

To book ice or for further information contact the Facility Booking Office at 705-324-9411 extension 1226 or e-mail facilitybooking@kawarthalakes.ca
For further information on Ice pads visit the Arenas and Outdoor Ice Rinks page.

Municipal Cemeteries

Municipal cemeteries re-opened as of May 15 under strict COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Decoration Day Services at all municipal cemeteries have been postponed until further notice.

For further information visit the Municipal Cemeteries page.

Centennial Trailer Park

Centennial Trailer Park is open to seasonal residents.

For further information on COVID-19 affected services at Centennial Trailer Park e-mail: trailerpark@kawarthalakes.ca or call 705-324-9411 extension 1301

Camps

All municipal day camps have been cancelled for the summer of 2020.

Lindsay Milk Run

The Lindsay Milk Run/KL21K has been cancelled for 2020.

Concerts in the Park

The 2020 Concerts in the Park series has been cancelled.

Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre

The Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre in Bobcaygeon will not re-open during the summer of 2020 as the facility is undergoing significant capital improvements.

Lindsay Recreation Complex - Fitness Studio, Weight Room, Classes and Memberships

Fitness Classes at the Lindsay Recreation Complex will resume on August 10.

Pre-registration will be required for Fitness Classes.

The Lindsay Recreation Complex Weight Room and Cardio Suite will be available for use as of August 31.

Pre-registration will be required for Weight Room workout blocks.

Fitness Memberships will resume on August 31.

Personal Training will not be available until further notice.

For further information visit the Fitness page or contact the Fitness Coordinator at 705-324-9411 extension 1555

Lindsay Recreation Complex - Squash Courts

The Squash Courts at the Lindsay Recreation Complex are closed until further notice.

Leisure Programming

Spring and Summer 2020 Leisure Programming has been cancelled.

Municipal Forest Tracts

Municipal Forest Tracts are open for casual day use.

Observe physical distancing
Share the pathway or trail. When approaching others, step off the pathway unless the path is wider than 6 feet. Both parties should do this
Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use
Avoid visiting the Tract if you are sick.

For more information on municipal Forest Tracts visit the Parks and Forest Tracts page.

Disc Golf Course

The Disc Golf Course at Memorial Park, Lindsay is open for casual play under strict COVID-19 safety directives.

Play should be modified so participants do not touch or handle the same disc
Do not approach first tee until it clears
Only one disc in the basket at a time
Retrieve disc without grabbing chains or touching the basket
Do not touch or share equipment of others
No congregating in parking lot before or after play
Use at own risk

For more information the Disc Golf Course visit the Ball Diamonds, Courts and Fields page.

Basketball and Sports Courts

Municipal sports courts are open for casual use.

Players should observe physical distancing
Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use
Avoid gathering in parking lots before or after play

For further information visit the Ball Diamonds, Courts and Fields page.

All arenas, community halls, libraries, recreation centres, museums and service centres are closed unless noted below.

Victoria Manor

In order to provide the highest level of protection to residents, effective March 14, Victoria Manor in Lindsay has implemented limited visiting to the home as directed by the Government of Ontario. Learn more about how Victoria Manor has launched new tools to help families stay in touch.

earlyON Programs

earlyON programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County are closed to participants, consistent with the direction taken by the province, school boards and many other public sector organizations as a public health measure, until further notice.

Kawartha Lakes Public Library

Starting September 8, the Library is excited to begin allowing patrons into the building at the Lindsay and Fenelon Falls branches. Pickup service will expand to include Coboconk and Dalton at that time. Dunsfurd and Little Britain remain closed at this time, but will re-open later in September.

Virtual programming is available at www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.

Starting the week of July 20, the Library will offer its Curbside Pickup service at an additional six branches, for a total of ten locations across the municipality. The new locations include: Bethany, Bobcaygeon, Norland, Oakwood, Omemee and Woodville. The service is currently offered at Fenelon Falls, Kinmount, Kirkfield and Lindsay.

The service will be available Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm. Book returns will also open at these branches.

All library material that is already checked out has had the due dates automatically extended until July 2, 2020.

The use of masks will be required for Curbside Pickup while the provincial Emergency Order remains in place or until such time that the Medical Officer of Health lifts the requirement.

Provincial Offences Act Matters

All Provincial Offences Act matters: Until further notice, no in-person Provincial Offences Act matters will be heard until at least October 16, 2020. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not need to attend court. A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court. For more information, please contact your local Provincial Offences court.

Property Tax

To lessen the financial burden on residents impacted by COVID-19, the City is deferring the payment of property taxes for 60 days. The installment due on April 29 is extended to June 27. Please visit our property tax and utility billing page for details.

Final Tax Bill
The due dates for the final property tax bill are also deferred for 60 days. Typically scheduled for June and September, this year the final tax bill will be due in August 28 and November 20. Residents can expect to receive the final tax bill in the mail by early August.

Water/Wastewater

Water and wastewater operations are being maintained.
The City is waiving penalty and interest on water and wastewater bills for the period of April 1 to June 30. Additionally, water services will not be disconnected during this period. Please visit our property tax and utility billing page for details.

Bulk water stations remain accessible for emergency operations only.
Haulers performing an essential service such as providing drinking water to residents/businesses or cleaning equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 may purchase bulk water and reload SmartVend cards. Requests can be submitted by leaving a voicemail on the City’s general phone line 705-324-9411.

Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing

Offices are closed to the public and services are limited. Complaint queries are still being processed but there will be an extended delay in any additional action. We continue to monitor complaints at 705-324-9411 extension 1212, bylawcomplaints@kawarthalakes.ca and the By-law and Municipal Law Enforcement page.

Accounts Payable Information

Our Accounts Payable department is still running and processing payments on a weekly basis. All invoices should be sent to ap@kawarthalakes.ca.

We encourage vendors who are currently getting paid by cheque to please sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Please complete our EFT Vendor Form and return it to ap@kawarthalakes.ca.

Invoices must include the following additional information:

City of Kawartha Lakes PO number (if applicable)
City of Kawartha Lakes department name
City of Kawartha Lakes staff name (if possible)
Vendor's email address (if possible)
Vendor's contact information

Questions and concerns related to Accounts Payable can be directed to Leanne Mitchell, Supervisor, Cost Accounting, at 705-324-9411 extension 1333 or by email at lmitchell@kawarthalakes.ca.