Committee of the Whole Highlights – June 3, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights of the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 3, 2025.  

The meeting took place in two parts and can be viewed in full on our YouTube channel: 

All recommendations made at Committee of the Whole will return to Regular Council for review and/or adoption on June 24, 2025. 

Recommendation to waive fees to support storm water disconnection from sanitary sewer system 

The morning session of the June 3 Committee of the Whole meeting was a Statutory Public Meeting for the Building By-Law Amendment. Committee of the Whole recommended an amendment to Building By-law 2024-219 that introduces a new fee exemption for property owners who remove illegal storm water connections from the municipal sanitary sewer system. 

The change encourages property owners to disconnect sump pumps, roof leaders and downspouts that are currently discharging into the sanitary system, and instead redirect them to a storm sewer (where available) or discharge overland. 

“Reducing the amount of storm water entering our sanitary sewer system protects capacity and helps avoid costly upgrades,” said Councillor Perry, who brought the proposal forward. “This change supports residents in doing the right thing—for their property and for the community.”  

The recommendation will be brought forward to Regular Council on June 24. 

National Indigenous Peoples Day 

Mayor Doug Elmslie started the afternoon session of the meeting by recognizing that June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.  

“This is a day to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and historic contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada. Traditionally celebrated during the summer solstice, it is a time to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and acknowledge the deep connections we have to the earth and our environment. We can learn much from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in their respect and stewardship of our lands and waters. One way for us to honour National Indigenous People’s Day is to take the time to learn about how Indigenous People continue to protect and care for our natural resources and to appreciate their significant contributions to our area locally as well as across Canada,” said Mayor Elmslie.   

June is Pride Month 

Mayor Elmslie also recognized that June is Pride Month and he invited the community to a flag raising at City Hall on Thursday, June 5 at 11:30am.  

The Pride flag will also fly for one week in July in recognition of Kawartha Lakes Pride celebrations. 

June is Senior’s Month 

The mayor recognized June as Senior’s Month as well. He had this to say about the importance of our seniors in Kawartha Lakes: 

“June is also Seniors Month, a time to recognize the hard work and dedication of our seniors. Not only do they hold a great deal of knowledge that they pass on to the next generations, they also help strengthen our communities in many ways. You will see many as volunteers at our Legions, our Lions Clubs, our Rotary Clubs and so many other fantastic organizations that help to keep our towns and villages connected and supported. Seniors are also leaders in our businesses and reminders to us of the values of a hard work ethic and dedication. So this month, take some time to thank a senior for their contributions, or visit a retirement or long-term care home and spend a few minutes listening to their stories. They have much to offer.” 

National Trails Day 

Saturday June 7, 2025 is National Trails Day. Come celebrate with us at the Lindsay Recreation Complex on Saturday at 9am. We're hosting a guest speaker from the Kawartha Cycling Club that’ll teach you all about the local trail system and trail etiquette. Following the guest speaker, join us for one of our guided National Trails Day tours to connect with like-minded people through our awesome trail network. 

Read the Kawartha Lakes National Trails Day Tour news release for details on how to register.  

June is Recreation and Parks Month 

The Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation division is excited to offer numerous free programs for all ages to celebrate ‘June is Recreation and Parks Month’ (JRPM). JRPM is recognized by municipalities, community organizations, and schools as a way of promoting the benefits of being active and recognizing the contribution that recreation and parks make to quality of life. 

To learn more about what Kawartha Lakes is doing to celebrate JRPM, please visit our Kawartha Lakes Online Program Registration website.

Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards 

The City of Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards recognize individuals, businesses, community groups and City teams who are breaking down barriers for residents with disabilities. Throughout the years, approximately one hundred and sixty (160) awards have been presented. While full accessibility in the province is the ultimate goal, chosen recipients show that small changes can make big differences to people with disabilities.  

2025 Award Recipients are as follows:  

• Outstanding Contribution – Business: Wheatsheaf Cafe
• Outstanding Contribution – Business: Symposium Cafe 
• Outstanding Contribution – Business: Ken Reid Conservation 
• Outstanding Contribution – Business: Trinity United Church Bobcaygeon 
• Outstanding Contribution – Business: Celebrations 
• Outstanding Contribution – Business: CMS Web Solutions 
• Outstanding Contribution – New Build or Modification: Fieldside Yoga 
• Outstanding Contribution – Staff: Lindsay Schoenmakers, Economic Development Officer 
• Barbara McArthur Memorial Award of Distinction: John and Cheryl Hassan 

Check out the full 2025 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards news release to learn more. 

Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) Annual Update 

The EORN Cell Gap Project is working to improve cell phone coverage across Eastern Ontario, aiming for 99% of the region to have reliable voice service, 95% to support basic internet use, and 85% to handle high-speed activities like video calls and streaming. Funded by over $300 million from the federal and provincial governments, local partners, and Rogers Communications, the project is nearly 80% complete.  

In Kawartha Lakes, all upgrades and co-locations are finished, with 2 of 17 new towers already in service and the rest planned through 2026. The municipality invested $715,711, leading to over $20 million in new infrastructure—delivering a strong return on investment. EORN is also supporting other digital initiatives like speed enforcement, internet testing with CIRA, and filling remaining broadband gaps. Residents can visit performance.cira.ca to help test internet speeds and check with local Rogers outlets for improved service availability. 

View the City of Kawartha Lakes EORN Cell Gap Project Update presentation.  

Lake Management Implementation Action Plan 

Kawartha Conservation presented their annual Lake Management Implementation Action Plan and 2024 Accomplishments to Council. Their 2024 successes included 41,860 native trees and shrubs planted, 1,017.5 feet of shoreline restored, $262,951 in funds leveraged and 4,645 native species planted.  

Kawartha Conservation staff gave an overview of the different programs they offer and how they impacted our community. The programs include: 

Visit the Kawartha Conservation website to learn more.  

Memorandums  

Councillor Doble and Councillor Warren brought the Memorandum Regarding Concerns with Elements of Bill 5, Being the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act to Council. The memo states that the City of Kawartha Lakes objects to specific provisions in Bill 5 that would reduce environmental protections or override municipal planning authority. The memo requests that the Province of Ontario advance housing and infrastructure growth through policies that respect sound environmental planning principles and upholds the planning tools available to local governments. The memo was received and moved as printed. A copy of it will be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Minister of Health.