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Kawartha Lakes – Today in Council Chambers, the 7th term of the City of Kawartha Lakes Council was sworn in. The procession was accompanied by Town Crier Athol Hart and Musician Martin Neuland. The proceedings were officiated by the Honourable Drew S. Gunsolus, Superior Court Justice. Musical performances were provided by the ReUnion Choir out of Fenelon Falls.
Ron Taylor, CAO, brought greetings and congratulations on behalf of Jamie Schmale, MP and Laurie Scott, MPP, the Premier of Ontario and Chief Knott of Curve Lake First Nation. Taylor introduced senior staff and noted, “City staff are looking forward to working with you, Mr. Mayor, and Councillors, to implement our collective mission to deliver the highest standard of municipal services while creating a healthy and sustainable future for all Kawartha Lakes residents and businesses.”
Councillor Tracy Richardson was acclaimed as Deputy Mayor for another one-year term. She held the position during the 2022 year and shared, “I’m looking forward to continuing in the role of Deputy Mayor. Customer service and communications are critical to our residents. We’ve built a lot of momentum with education and communication in the past, and are currently reaching out to residents about their customer experience on the Jump In website. We need to make decisions based on what our community needs. I’m really excited to see what four years looks like from now. We’re going to be bigger and stronger than we are now.”
In his inaugural speech, Mayor Doug Elmslie commented, “These eight individuals and I are the electors’ choice to be the Municipal Leaders for the next four years. We are mothers, fathers, grandparents, business owners, community volunteers, educators, activists and above all else, we are passionate champions of this beautiful place we call home. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly. Some of us have been on Council previously, and we know many of the challenges that lie ahead – from balancing budgets to juggling multiple committee meetings to making time to hear from constituents. Others are brand new to this role. I look forward to hearing their fresh insights. It is only by challenging the way we have always done things that we can improve. Kawartha Lakes is a municipality that has shown its commitment to continuous improvement and I know this Council will embrace that value.”
Elmslie outlined the many priorities needing Council’s attention, including the 2023 budget, the need to continue investing in roads and infrastructure, tackling affordable housing with other levels of government, ensuring community growth is healthy and supported and looking after the environment.
To watch a recording of the meeting, visit the City’s YouTube channel.
The next Council meeting is November 22 at 1pm. Subscribe to the council calendar to receive updated agendas and information.
Photo Captions:
Photo 1: Town Crier Athol Hart starting the proceedings
Photo 2: Mayor Doug Elmslie and Deputy Mayor Tracy Richardson
Photo 3: Mayor Elmslie reading his inaugural speech to the new Council, and the City's Senior Management Team
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