Committee of the Whole Highlights – April 8, 2025
Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights of the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 8, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald.
The meeting 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 April 22, 2025.
Storm Update from Emergency Operations Centre
On behalf of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Kawartha Lakes, CAO Ron Taylor provided an update on the March 29-30 Ice Storm:
“As of today [April 8], we still do remain in a State of Emergency and although in parts of the City it may feel different, we need to stay focused and stay within that state of response. We had just received reports, very recently, that as of late last night a significant majority of the community was finally back on power. Hydro One is out there 24/7, all of our forces are out there to support vulnerable residents and citizens throughout this week and a half. Our work is not done. As I said, a significant amount of power just came on to about half of the north of the City. There are still many areas where there are local outages, poles and hydro equipment are down, and that’s still causing or continuing outages in pockets throughout the entire City. I want to assure you, on behalf of our emergency operations group that we are solely focused on that emergency response and supporting all of those affected.”
For the latest storm information visit our Storm Update 2025 webpage.
Global Day of Autism Awareness – April 2
Mayor Doug Elmslie acknowledged that April 2 was Global Day of Autism Awareness:
“Autism awareness month is celebrated throughout the month of April, but especially on April 2 - the Global Day of Autism Awareness. It is a time to share stories, raise awareness, and support those affected by this disorder.
Local groups such as Kawartha Lakes Autism Support Group, are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for individuals with autism no matter where they fall on the spectrum. This group also works with caregivers, families, and other supports to provide information on services and treatments, while inspiring acceptance and promoting understanding.
We stand in solidarity with all those affected by autism - and we will continue to voice our support for you and your families and do what we can to foster inclusion and true acceptance."
April is Be A Donor Month
To bring awareness to organ donation, Mayor Elmslie also acknowledged that April is Be A Donor Month:
“April is Be A Donor Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about organ donations and transplants. The waitlist for organs in Ontario averages 1400 people, and every three days one of those people dies while waiting. In Lindsay, just over 50% of residents are registered on the list, placing us at 51 out of 170 communities in Ontario. If you would like to learn more, or to register yourself to become a donor, go to beadonor.ca. You will save a life."
One donor can help over 80 people get back to life, learn more on the Be A Donor website.
Agricultural Profile Update for Peterborough County and Kawartha Lakes
Paul Buckley and Greg Bacon from the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Federation of Agriculture presented an updated agricultural profile for Kawartha Lakes, based on recent census data and building on a study from the early 2000s. Agriculture has been a part of the region for over 200 years, with a broad range of farm types. While farm size has remained stable, there has been a 16.1% decrease in the number of farms over the past decade, along with reduced access to prime land and rising costs. Agriculture contributes between $500 million and $683 million to the local economy, with cash crops, cattle, and livestock as top sectors. The presenters asked for ongoing council engagement, education, and support, including attendance at the September VIP Agriculture Tour to better understand the industry and assist future growth.
Read the Profile Update Executive Summary for more information.
Kawartha Lakes Agriculture and Food Action Plan 2020 to 2024
Between 2020 and 2024, significant progress was made in advancing agricultural and food business development in Kawartha Lakes. Key priorities included maintaining excellence in business support services, enhancing workforce development, and ensuring that municipal planning and infrastructure supported agricultural growth.
Many activities were carried out during this period. A notable contributor to these efforts was the Agricultural Development Advisory Committee, who hosted the annual VIP Agricultural Tour to educate Council and staff.
Other initiatives included delivery of skills training, promotion of the Kawartha Choice FarmFresh program, and public education through events like Kawartha Farmfest. These efforts aimed to strengthen local agri-food businesses and ensure long-term sustainability. Many actions were completed, and others are ongoing to continue to address the needs of the agricultural sector. The report was received as printed.
Read the Kawartha Lakes Agriculture and Food Action Plan 2020 to 2024 report to Council.
2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Municipal Summary Report
The 2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM), held from October 1 to 5, 2024, at the Lindsay Fairgrounds, attracted over 51,000 attendees and showcased Kawartha Lakes to visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Kawartha Lakes supported the event through in-kind services and a municipal display, Showcase Kawartha Lakes. Staff and volunteers coordinated extensively with the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA), emergency services, and municipal departments to ensure smooth execution. The Showcase Kawartha Lakes exhibit featured immersive experiences reflecting our landscapes, culture, and industries. It was created in partnership with 30 organizations, offering a sensory-rich and accessible experience.
Overall, the IPM enhanced Kawartha Lakes’ reputation as a capable and welcoming host. Strong partnerships, community engagement, and broad municipal support were key to the event’s success and legacy. The report was received as printed.
Read the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Municipal Summary report to Council.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service 2024 Annual Report Presentation
In 2024, the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service responded to 2,520 emergency calls, including fires, medical incidents, and rescues, while continuing to protect lives and property across the municipality with both career and volunteer firefighters. The team focused on public safety through award-winning fire education programs, expanded community outreach, and inspections that helped raise awareness and prevent fire-related incidents. They also invested heavily in training, certifying new recruits and advancing firefighter skills in areas like live fire response, hazardous materials, and rescue operations. With the launch of a new online permit system, updates to key bylaws, and strong mental health support for staff, the department reinforced its commitment to excellence, safety, and community service, earning recognition for long-standing dedication and innovation. The report was received as printed.
Encampment Response Update
Kawartha Lakes is working to balance public safety, human rights, and park by-laws when responding to homeless encampments. A new protocol now outlines clear rules about where encampments can be, how people are expected to behave, and how staff should respond. It also helps guide decisions when enforcement is needed.
Community feedback showed that more public education is needed to build empathy and reduce the stigma around homelessness. The municipality encourages learning more through resources like our Homelessness Outreach webpage.
Our main goal is to make sure no one needs to live unsheltered for long. While emergency responses are important, solving homelessness takes long-term planning. Staff are finishing a detailed housing and homelessness strategy, including a 10-year plan and financial roadmap focused on real, lasting solutions. The update was received as printed.
Read the Encampment Response Update and Proposed Council Policy report to Council.
Read our draft Encampment Outreach and Response Protocol report.
Rental Protection By-Laws Update
Staff were asked to look into ways to better protect renters and stop renovictions. The report suggests creating two new by-laws—one to stop renovictions, and another to stop large apartment buildings (with six or more units) from being turned into non-rental homes. The report was received and moved as printed.
Read the Rental Protection By-Laws – Preventing Renovictions and Conversion of Rental Housing to Non-Rental Use report.
Request for All-Way Stop – Cambridge Street and Peel Street, Lindsay
Staff looked into the request to add an all-way stop at Cambridge Street and Peel Street in Lindsay. They found that the intersection meets one of the all-way stop requirements in the Ontario Traffic Manual, so they recommend putting in the all-way stop. The report was received and moved as printed.
Read the Request for All-Way Stop – Cambridge Street and Peel Street, Lindsay report.
Request for Speed Posting and All-Way Stop – Valentia Road and Valentia Road and Ramsey Road, Little Britain
Since the Elm Tree Road bridge will be under repair this year, staff looked into whether changes were needed to help manage traffic nearby. They recommend adding an all-way stop at Valentia Road and Ramsey Road, and setting the speed limit to 60 km/h on Valentia Road between Little Britain Road and Ramsey Road. The report was received and moved as printed.
Read the Request for Speed Posting on Valentia Road and All-Way Stop at Valentia Road and Ramsey Road report.
Request for changes to Speed Transition Zones
The municipality is recommending a change to how speed limits transition near small towns, called hamlets. Right now, a 60 km/h zone must be 500 metres long before drivers slow to 40 km/h in these areas. But in some places, this long stretch doesn’t match the road or environment, so drivers ignore the limit, leading to safety issues. The new plan suggests reducing the minimum length to 250 metres where it makes sense, which could help drivers follow the speed limit better and reduce accidents. This change would also fix some current issues on roads like Woodville Road and Pigeon Lake Road. The report was received and moved as printed.
Read the Request for Changes to Speed Transition Zones report.
Request for All-Way Stop – Mary Street West and Adelaide Street South, Lindsay
Staff looked into the request for an all-way stop at Mary Street West and Adelaide Street South in Lindsay. They found that the intersection meets one of the all-way stop requirements in the Ontario Traffic Manual, so they recommend adding an all-way stop with flashing red lights at the intersection. The report was received and moved as printed.
Memorandums
Councillor Joyce brought the Memorandum Regarding an Ontario Digital Public Library to Council. The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries is asking local councils and governments to support creating the Ontario Digital Public Library. This would let all Ontarians access high-quality online learning and digital tools through their local libraries. It could also help libraries save up to 40% on digital subscription costs by using the province’s buying power. The memo was received and moved as printed.
Councillor Perry brought the Memorandum Regarding an Exemption to Building By-Law Fees for Building Permits to Remove Storm Water Connections from the Municipal Sanitary Sewer System to Council. The memo proposes to exempt applications related specifically to the plumbing modifications required to remove storm water connections from the municipal sanitary sewer system. Doing so may encourage residents to get the work done, which could lead to fewer wastewater treatment plant by-passes during storms or other high water events. The memo was received and moved as printed.
Next Council meeting
Council will return for a Regular Council meeting on April 22, 2025 at 1pm.
Public attendance in Council Chambers is welcome in the public gallery on the main floor, and overflow seating is available in the Victoria Room on the second floor. Please note that no video and/or audio recording is permitted in Council Chambers during meetings.
The Regular Council meeting will be broadcast live on the City’s YouTube Channel as well as Cogeco cable television. A recording of the meeting will also be available on Cable Cable channel 26 and Rogers Ignite channel 548 at 1pm on the Sunday that follows the Tuesday meeting.
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Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
