Committee of the Whole Highlights - September 10, 2024

The Encampment Response Protocol presentation was given by Michelle Corley, Manager, Human Services and Aaron Sloan, Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing. The presentation provided Council with a glimpse into the work that staff and other key stakeholders have focused on while developing the protocol, as well as provided an update on the changing situation around homelessness in Kawartha Lakes. The new encampment response approach leads first with supports, predominately provided by the municipality’s homeless outreach team. The Encampment Response Protocol incorporates a plan that includes engagement, connection, support and planning. The protocol is based on the observance that every situation is unique and that standardized processes or timelines can’t be equally applied with each encampment occupant.

A new Homelessness Outreach webpage has been launched on the municipal website and discusses some of the unique challenges some of our residents are experiencing. The page also speaks to the municipality’s desire for all members of the community to respect the dignity and human rights of people experiencing homelessness.

An additional web page is under development that is specific to the Encampment Response Protocol. The page will host information regarding the Protocol, quick reference documents and reporting pathway for residents to report encampments. 

Watch the full presentation on our YouTube channel. 

Release of Fenelon Falls Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Funds 

The Fenelon Falls Volunteer Firefighters Association (FFVFA) request $6,000 in funds from the Fenelon Falls Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund to support the restoration of their antique fire truck. The antique fire truck has been a fixture at the fire station since it opened its doors to the community. The truck is regularly used in parades, funerals, community days, and other local events. The requested funds will only cover a portion of the approximate $60,000 restoration project. The FFVFA is pursuing other funding programs and fundraising locally to cover the remaining costs.  

For more information, view the Release of Fenelon Falls Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Funds report.   

Proposed Heritage Designations  

The following proposed Heritage Designations were brought to Committee of the Whole:  

Kawartha Lakes Membership in Farm 911  

Farm 911: The Emily Project began as a result of a tragic farm accident that took the life of Emily Trudeau in Northumberland County in 2014. First responders were delayed in reaching the scene due to difficulties identifying where the incident occurred on the farm’s property. The Emily Project took root and blossomed into a province-wide campaign led by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and several local county federations in East-Central Ontario. The mission of the project is to improve emergency service response in rural communities by ensuring landowners can request a civic address from their municipality for entrances to their vacant farm fields. 

The Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Development Advisory Committee recommended to Council that Kawartha Lakes officially join the Farm 911: The Emily Project. The motion was to move as printed and it passed.

For more information view the Kawartha Lakes Membership in Farm 911 report. 

Visit the Farm 911: The Emily Project website to learn more about Farm 911. 

Memorandums

Councillor Warren brought the Memorandum Regarding Becoming a Willing Host for Solar and Wind Developments to Council. In late 2023, the provincial government made moves to rejuvenate renewable energy by announcing that they were developing a program to allow corporations to buy renewable power from new clean electricity generators. In the past, Kawartha Lakes has not declared itself a “willing host” for renewable energy projects. In the memo, Councillor Warren asked staff to report back on the changes to the Provincial Renewable Energy Program and she asked Council to reconsider becoming a “willing host”. The memorandum was received.

Next Council meeting
Council will return for a Regular Council meeting on September 24, 2024 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.

Edit - September 12 - 9am: A previous version of this news release stated that the Willing Host for Solar and Wind Developments memorandum was "moved as printed and it passed", that was incorrect. The memo was only received and will be brought to September 24 Regular Council for review.

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