Committee of the Whole Highlights – October 7, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights of the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 7, 2025.

The meeting can be viewed in full on our YouTube channel:

·         Committee of the Whole October 7

All recommendations made at Committee of the Whole will return to Regular Council for review and/or adoption on October 21, 2025.

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Environmental Hero Awards

Awards were presented by Deb Pearson, chair of Environmental Committee, and Councillor Pat Warren to recognize environmental contributions to Kawartha Lakes.

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Bee a Hero: Katherine McNally

Environmental Business Hero: Zachary Steele – Kawartha Bird Control

Environmental Hero: Diane and Glenn Hunt

Environmental Hero: Ashton Goble, LilyAnna Goble, Caprice Henwood, Aiden Peel

Environmental Hero: John Bush

Environmental Hero: Julia Taylor

Environmental Hero: Kristie McCabe

Environmental Hero: Bonita O’Neill

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City of Kawartha Lakes OPP 2024 Annual Report

The 2024 Annual Report from the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment highlights significant progress in crime prevention, traffic safety, and community well-being. Through collaboration, data-driven enforcement, and strong partnerships, the OPP continues to focus on keeping communities safe, supporting residents in crisis, and building trust across the municipality. In 2024, officers responded to more than 21,000 calls for service, including nearly 6,000 urgent incidents. Targeted efforts helped reduce violent crime trends post-pandemic and expand support for victims of intimate partner violence.

Partnerships with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Ross Memorial Hospital helped officers support 433 residents in crisis, reducing repeat calls and improving outcomes. Road safety remained a top priority, with nearly 6,000 Highway Traffic Act charges issued for speeding, impairment, distraction, and lack of seatbelt use. Enhanced ATV and marine patrols reduced injuries and fatalities, while ongoing collaboration with community organizations—such as Victim Services and the Boys and Girls Club—strengthened trust and youth engagement. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the OPP’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing and community collaboration as they prepare the 2026–2029 Detachment Action Plan.

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Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan Presentation

The new Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan is a major update to the original 2004 plan, setting the direction for the next 15 years of investment and decision-making. Developed through extensive public consultation with thousands of residents, the plan responds to population growth, changing recreation needs, and aging infrastructure. It emphasizes community-driven priorities such as more arenas, pools, pickleball courts, trails, and accessible park amenities while focusing on inclusion, affordability, and accessibility for all ages and abilities.

The plan also promotes modern, multi-use recreation hubs that combine spaces for sports, community events, and wellness activities, replacing aging single-use facilities. It outlines upgrades to parks and trails, including more walking paths, shade, seating, and waterfront access, and seeks to expand recreation programming through new partnerships with schools and community groups.

The draft plan is open for public comment from October 7 to 21, 2025, before going to Council for approval in November. Visit the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan page on Jump In to view and comment on the draft plan.

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Angeline Street North Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Completion Presentation

The Angeline Street North EA identifies long-term transportation improvements to address traffic congestion, safety, and active transportation needs between Kent Street West and Colborne Street West in Lindsay. The study, led by Ainley Group, evaluated multiple alternatives and involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the Ross Memorial Hospital and nearby property owners.

Recommended Actions:

• Support the widening of Angeline Street North from Kent Street to Colborne Street: From a 3-lane road (with a centre turn lane) to a 5-lane road, maintaining a centre two-way left-turn lane and adding one through lane in each direction.
• Incorporate a multi-use path (MUP) on the east side of Angeline Street, extending from Colborne Street to north of Ross Memorial Hospital, improving pedestrian and cycling connectivity.

The recommendations will be available for public comment for a 30-day mandatory review period. Follow along with the Council highlights following the October 21, 2025 Regular Council meeting for further details. Read the report.

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Application to Rename Pinewood Park, Pontypool

There was an application to rename Pinewood Park in Pontypool to Richardson Park, submitted by resident S. Carriere under the City’s Street, Municipal Facility, and Park Naming Policy (CP2022-001). The application was complete and endorsed by three property owners adjacent to the park. Pinewood Park, established in the 1980s as part of the “Pinewood Subdivision,” serves as a passive recreational space with a playground, pathways, and a dog park. City records show no formal naming origin for “Pinewood,” and the applicant’s research suggests it was likely a descriptive reference to local pine trees.

The proposed name “Richardson Park” recognizes the Richardson family’s long-standing contributions to Pontypool, including local business development, civic leadership, and community involvement dating back to the late 1800s. Historical records confirm that Bert Richardson served as a Manvers Township Councillor, Deputy Reeve, and Reeve between 1922 and 1931, and Councillor Tracy Richardson continues that legacy today. City staff have confirmed the proposed name meets policy criteria, representing both former elected officials and prominent citizens.

The report was received, which recommends that Council approve the application to move forward with public consultation, with results to be brought back by Q4 2025. Read the report.

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Fenelon Falls Downtown Action Plan Report

At the July 22, 2025 Council Meeting, Council received the Discover Downtown Fenelon Falls Action Plan. Council also directed staff to report back by the end of Q3 2025 with a summary and analysis of projects from the Action Plan that fall under municipal responsibility. This report fulfills that directive by outlining the municipal-related projects and evaluating their alignment with current municipal workplans and timelines.

The Action Plan outlines four key goals: enabling growth through infrastructure, expanding business diversity, improving pride of place, and enhancing placemaking. A total of 48 initial actions were identified to support these goals, with 34 requiring municipal or shared responsibility. Of these, 26 actions are either already integrated into current municipal plans or have been prioritized. The report provides clarity on the lead organization for each initiative, whether the action aligns with current municipal workplans, and the estimated timeline for completion. A comprehensive update on all municipal and community-led actions is scheduled for Q1 2027.

Read the report.

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Right of Way Widths Policy Update

The Right of Way Widths Policy Update recommends updating the City’s Right of Way Widths Policy to align with current master plans, infrastructure guidelines, and development needs. As growth accelerates toward the City’s goal of 6,500 new homes by 2031, the update ensures consistency across policies while protecting municipal interests in operations and maintenance.

Key changes include revising definitions for local, collector, and arterial roads to match the Transportation Master Plan; introducing a new “window street” classification; increasing the local road width from 18.5 to 20 metres; consolidating minor and major collectors into a single 26-metre standard; reducing arterial road width from 30 to 26 metres; and setting a minimum 6-metre width for other public corridors such as drainage or pedestrian blocks.

Read the update.

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Source Separated Organics Update and Considerations

The Source Separated Organics Update and Considerations outlines proposed improvements to the City’s curbside Source Separated Organics (SSO) program, launched in January 2025. The program, serving Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Omemee, and Fenelon Falls, has diverted over 800 tonnes of organic waste but currently sees only 38% household participation, below the province’s 50% diversion target. Staff reviewed options to boost compliance and efficiency following feedback from the Waste Management Advisory Committee.

To strengthen results, staff recommend that beginning June 15, 2026, the City amend its Waste By-law to ban organics in garbage, reduce the limit to one untagged clear bag per week, and collect garbage and organics on the same day. Organics would be consolidated at the Lindsay Ops Landfill, with minor upgrades costing about $100,000, offset by annual savings of roughly $225,000. These changes aim to improve convenience, increase diversion, extend landfill capacity, and support the City’s Healthy Environment and Service Excellence goals.

Read the update.

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Memorandums

Councillor Ashmore brought the Memorandum Regarding Minimum Maintenance Standards which recommends that Council review how higher road maintenance standards could be implemented in Kawartha Lakes. The review will be undertaken by the Roads Task Force, which will consider the staffing, costs, and equipment needed to achieve improved service levels beyond the provincial Ontario Regulation 239/02 standards. The goal is to explore options to enhance road safety, response times, and overall maintenance quality based on resident feedback and local priorities.

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Next Council meeting

Council will return for a Regular Council meeting on October 21, 2025 at 10:30am.

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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