Committee of the Whole Highlights – November 4, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights of the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 4, 2025.

The meeting can be viewed in full on our YouTube channel: Committee of the Whole November 4

All recommendations made at Committee of the Whole will return to Regular Council for review and/or adoption on November 18, 2025.

Presentations

Overview of the Bobcaygeon Dam Project

An overview of the Bobcaygeon Dam Project was presented to Council by Nancy Aspden, Director, Integrated Watershed Management, and Brett Tregunno, Aquatic Biologist, both from Kawartha Conservation.

The project to date has been studying fish populations and how waterflow at the Bobcaygeon dam is impacting these populations. Kawartha Conservation has been mapping high quality habitats, conducting fish use surveys, monitoring water quality and levels, and testing alternative water flows.

The project has received funding from Parks Canada for 2026 and is seeking $32,100 from the City of Kawartha Lakes to continue the research. Some priorities for the project in 2026 include: continuing the mapping of lake-bed conditions, recording annual variations of surface water quality, accessing difficult to reach locations with drone technology.

Read the Lake Management Implementation Action Plan, by Kawartha Conservation.

The presentation was received and the recommendation will be brought to Council at the next regular Council meeting.

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Water-Wastewater Rate Study

Council received an overview of the City’s Water and Wastewater Rate Study, which outlines how Kawartha Lakes will sustainably fund water and wastewater services from 2026 to 2035. Presented by Sean-Michael Stephen, Partner, Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., the study ensures the municipality continues to meet provincial regulatory requirements and supports future infrastructure needs through a full cost recovery model.

Key highlights include:

• Major capital investments planned over the next decade to renew and expand water and wastewater infrastructure, including upgrades to the Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls treatment plants.
• A projected investment of approximately $1 billion over the ten-year period, funded through a mix of development charges, debt financing, reserve contributions, and grants.
• Gradual rate adjustments to maintain service levels and support long-term sustainability

Read the presentation slide deck. The presentation was received and will be brought to Council for approval on November 18, 2025.

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Consent Matters

Municipal Election 2026 - Voting Method

Council is being asked to approve the continued use of internet and telephone voting for the 2026 Municipal Election and any by-elections held during the 2026–2030 Council term for the positions of Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee.

A by-law will be brought forward under Section 42 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 to formally authorize these alternative voting methods and advance voting.

The rationale highlights that internet/telephone voting is the most accessible and efficient option, particularly for:

• Voters with disabilities,
• Seasonal residents who may be away during the election period.

To ensure accessibility and inclusion, there will be multiple in-person voting support locations across the municipality (City Hall, Service Centres, Libraries) where voters can use tablets or computers with staff assistance. An Election Help Line will also be available, and staff will visit long-term care and retirement homes to assist residents.

Read the report. The report was received and will be brought to the next Regular Council meeting.

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Salt Management Plan Update

Staff presented the updated 2025 Salt Management Plan (SMP), which guides Kawartha Lakes’ use and management of road salt in accordance with Environment Canada’s Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salt. The Code requires municipalities using over 500 tonnes of salt annually to maintain and report on a formal plan.

Kawartha Lakes first developed its SMP in 2006–2007 and has provided updates in 2011, 2012, and 2016. The 2025 update reflects current operations, planned improvements, and evolving practices to ensure environmental protection and safe winter road operations. Future updates are planned to be provided every five years.

Read the report. The report was received and will be brought forward to the next Regular Council Meeting.

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Memorandums

Councillor Perry brought the Memorandum Regarding Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras which recommends that Council support the resolution by the Town of Midland, expressing opposition to the ban of automated speed enforcement, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Transportation and local M.P.P. Laurie Scott. The memo will be forwarded to Council for consideration at the next Regular Council Meeting.

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Councillor Warren brought the Memorandum Regarding Mental Health, Homelessness and Addictions The memo recommends that Council support a resolution from Niagara Region calling for a coordinated provincial approach between the Ministries of Health, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Children, Community and Social Services to better address mental health, homelessness, and addiction issues.

The resolution urges the Province to identify gaps in programs and services that support vulnerable populations in areas such as housing, addiction treatment, and mental health care. If approved, the resolution will be forwarded to the three ministries and local MPP Laurie Scott, and the recommendation will be considered at the next Regular Council Meeting.

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Councillor Warren brought the Memorandum Regarding a Support Resolution Urging the Federal Government to Keep Climate Change as a Foremost National Priority which recommends Council support a resolution from the Municipality of Bluewater. It calls on the Federal Government to maintain climate change as a top national priority, reflected in legislation, national planning, funding, and public policy.

If approved, copies will be sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Premier of Ontario, MP Jamie Schmale, FCM, and AMO. The recommendation will be considered at the next Regular Council Meeting.

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Next Council meeting

Council will return for a Special Council meeting for the Mayor’s Proposed 2026 Budget on November 12, 2025 at 7pm. 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.

Council will return for a Regular Council meeting on November 18, 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 Xfinity channel 548 at 1pm on the Sunday that follows the Tuesday meeting.

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