Committee of the Whole Highlights – September 9, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights from the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 9, 2025.

The meeting can be viewed in full on our YouTube Channel.

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Comments on the Long Term Financial Plan

Mayor Elmslie commented on the Long Term Financial Plan, in reference to the presentation that was received on August 26, 2025.

“Although media has stated that the Plan is a ‘tax increase,’ it is a plan, and is not a final decision. The plan shows what all the needs and wants for Kawartha Lakes add up to. In order to pay for it all, the Plan shows that a tax increase of 7% per year would be necessary. This number does not include any grants or other funding that could be received to decrease costs. It is subject to annual budget deliberations by Council, and will be adjusted to meet the needs each year. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Council needs a plan in order to move forward, but neither this Council, nor future Councils, have committed to any certain tax increase over the next 10 years.”

Read more about the Long-Term Financial Plan on our website: www.kawarthalakes.ca/budget

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Kawartha Lakes Tourism Brand Presentation

Laurie McCarthy, Economic Development Officer – Tourism, presented Explore Kawartha Lakes’ proposed new tourism brand. “Kawartha Lakes, Quietly Incredible” is designed to distinguish the region in a competitive travel market and complement the existing “Jump In” identity used for municipal branding.

Developed through extensive community input via surveys, interviews, and workshops with residents, visitors, and local businesses, the brand reflects what people value most: welcoming communities, peaceful outdoor experiences, charming historic towns, and the Trent-Severn Waterway. Positioned as “more than just lakes,” the branding shows that Kawartha Lakes offers a genuine, affordable alternative to busier, pricier destinations, within easy driving distance of Toronto, where many of the visitors come from.

“Quietly Incredible” highlights the region’s understated charm, emphasizing authentic Canadian experiences, year-round outdoor adventure, and space for both relaxation and excitement. The brand is proposed to launch officially this month, alongside a redesigned tourism website and a month-long promotional campaign. A two-year marketing plan will follow, boosting digital presence, showcasing seasonal attractions, and fostering business collaboration to strengthen Kawartha Lakes’ reputation as a uniquely welcoming escape.

Read the report, and view the Explore Kawartha Lakes Brand Guidelines.

The report was received as printed.

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Logie Street and Ridout Street Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades

Council received a presentation on the progress to date on the Environmental Assessment for the Logie Street and Ridout Street Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades. The report outlines a proposal to enhance wastewater infrastructure in Lindsay. The document details the Environmental Assessment for upgrading two sewage pumping stations to accommodate future growth in the south and southeast areas.

The primary recommendation is to replace the Logie Street Sewage Pumping Station (SPS) and construct a new force main, while also performing minor upgrades to the Ridout Street SPS, including pump and electrical replacements. This plan aims to increase sanitary service capacity, divert flows, and manage costs effectively by utilizing existing infrastructure where possible. The report also addresses financial implications, outlining an estimated budget of over $10 million for Logie Street and $1.6 million for Ridout Street, funded through development charges and sewage reserves.

Read the report. The report was received as presented.

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New Traffic Calming Policy in Development

Joseph Kelly, Supervisor, Traffic Management, presented to Council that the City is updating its traffic calming process to make neighbourhood streets safer and easier to navigate. The new system is simpler, fairer, and puts more weight on resident input. Streets will be screened using easier-to-meet criteria such as traffic volume, speed limits, and whether the area is primarily residential. If a street qualifies, it is scored on factors like speeding, pedestrian activity, schools, and collisions. Streets that meet the threshold move forward to public consultation, where residents decide whether measures like signage, speed cushions, or traffic calming designs are implemented.

For residents, this means your voice matters more than ever. Reviews will be triggered by community surveys, and projects only proceed if at least 55% of residents who respond support the plan. Even if a street doesn’t fully qualify, other improvements—such as speed limit reductions, pedestrian warning signs, or truck restrictions—can still be recommended. Parkside Drive is the main pilot moving ahead with a traffic calming installation, while the others are testing the new framework through alternative measures. Staff will bring forward a full Traffic Calming Policy for Council to consider by June 2026, making the process official across Kawartha Lakes. Until that time, a petition is required for all traffic management requests.

The presentation was received as presented.

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Heritage: Archaeological Management Plan and proposed Heritage Designation

Council received the proposed Archaeological Management Plan from Emily Turner, Economic Development Officer – Heritage Planning. The plan outlines a framework for good management of archaeological resources.

Council also received the Proposed Heritage Designation of 101 King Street, Lindsay (Johnson Paudash House) from Ms. Turner.

Both reports were received as printed.

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Next Council meeting

Council will return for the Regular Council Meeting on September 23, 2025 at 1pm.

Public attendance in Council Chambers is welcome. Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings will be broadcast live on the City’s YouTube Channel and on Cogeco cable television.

Please note that you can watch recordings of the City of Kawartha Lakes Regular Council Meetings on Cable Cable channel 26 and Rogers Ignite channel 548 at 1pm on the Sunday that follows the Tuesday meeting.

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