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Kawartha Lakes launches new websites with Eastern Ontario Development Program Support

Screenhot of Kawartha Lakes website

News Release

For Immediate Release

Kawartha Lakes launches new websites with Eastern Ontario Development Program Support

August 1, 2017                                                                                     

Kawartha Lakes – The Kawartha Lakes CFDC is pleased to provide support for the website development and implementation of the City of Kawartha Lakes’ new online presence with an investment of $100,000 under the Eastern Ontario Development Program’s Community Innovation stream. 

The new municipal website, www.kawarthalakes.ca, has been completely redesigned with input from a variety of users. The site is mobile responsive, meaning it can be easily navigated using a computer, tablet or phone. Visitors can use the search bar, A-Z navigation or simplified menus to quickly find the information they need.

The City is proud to present a website that is fully accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA specifications, the highest standard on the web. The website development team, alongside vendor eSolutions, worked diligently throughout the design process to ensure the new platform will be user friendly for those with visual and other disabilities.

The site offers a subscription service to allow users to choose exactly what information about which they want to be informed – City news, Council news and meetings, road closures, waste schedules, emergency alerts and more. There’s even a mobile application that consolidates all City information into one place. Users can choose to subscribe to a certain page to be updated when any changes are made.

Residents and community groups can submit their own events through the calendar feature of the new site, making it even easier for the entire community to stay up-to-date about upcoming activities.

The Kawartha Lakes’ tourism website, www.explorekawarthalakes.com, also received a significant makeover. Planning a trip to Kawartha Lakes has been made even easier. The new website showcases the many attractions that set Kawartha Lakes apart, such as its waterways, downtowns, festivals and cultural attractions.

To coincide with the launch of the new websites, e-mail addresses for Kawartha Lakes staff have changed from the previous format of firstinitiallastname@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca to firstinitiallastname@kawarthalakes.ca, making it easier for residents to contact the appropriate staff member. The older format will forward to the new, ensuring that the transition is a smooth one.

Permanent and seasonal residents, as well as businesses and organizations, are invited to explore the new website and offer feedback about what they like, as well as where they feel there could be improvements. Staff will continue working diligently to ensure visitors to the new websites have a positive online experience.

The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) advances economic development in rural eastern Ontario. Through EODP, FedDev Ontario is collaborating with Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in eastern Ontario and Community Futures Ontario East to promote the growth of new and existing businesses in rural communities.

Quick Facts

  • The Kawartha Lake CFDC is one of the 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in eastern Ontario funded by the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). CFDCs deliver a wide variety of programs and services to support community economic development and small business growth. They employ local staff and are each governed by a volunteer board of directors, made up of local residents representing the community.
  • The Eastern Ontario Development Program is a $48-million economic development initiative focused on addressing economic challenges in eastern Ontario and taking advantage of innovative opportunities in the region. The five-year renewal of the program is expected to result in more strategic, long-term economic development investments and collaborative projects that will benefit eastern Ontario businesses and communities.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to support economic development in the regions. Community Futures Development Corporations such as the Kawartha Lakes CFDC are critical to making the link between Canada’s priorities and community needs at the local level. Initiatives like this, where the CFDC is helping to promote innovation and drive the local economy, are important for the prosperity of eastern Ontario, and Canada.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario

"Relaying timely information is a challenge for every level of government. I commend the City of Kawartha Lakes for taking the initiative and producing a user-friendly and informative website. A special thank you to the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation for providing the funding for this important community resource".

Jamie Schmale, Member of Parliament, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

 “The portrayal of our community to both visitors and residents is a huge piece in the marketing mix of the City of Kawartha Lakes. To be able to provide better, easier access in a more enjoyable and informative format can serve as a vital contributor to our community’s growth. Let’s not forget that site location specialists, businesses looking at relocating, and those considering a vacation all have the potential to significantly contribute to our economic well-being. This is why our Directors were pleased to provide support to this initiative.”

Paul Reeds, Board Chair of the Kawartha Lakes CFDC. 

“The City’s new website, above all else, will make it easier for residents, visitors, businesses and potential residents to stay informed about everything our municipality has to offer. The mobile application, events calendar, news and subscription features all make it easier for us to stay connected to our community.”

-       Mary-Anne Dempster, Director of Corporate Services

“Visitors and locals looking to entertain their friends will continue to find unique ideas in a new, mobile-friendly format. For tourism businesses, the website is a better platform for them to promote what they do and why Kawartha Lakes is such a special destination.”

-       Andy Letham, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes

Associated Links

Contacts

For MP Jamie Schmale:

Dylan Robichaud

705-324-2400

Jamie.schmale.c1c@parl.gc.ca

 

For the KLCFDC:

Andrew Wallen

705-328-0261 extension 24

info@klcfdc.com

 

For the City of Kawartha Lakes:

Cheri Davidson

Manager of Communications, Advertising and Marketing

City of Kawartha Lakes

705-324-9411 extension 1355

cdavidson@kawarthalakes.ca

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