Kawartha Lakes – Council met on November 3, 2026, for its Regular Council Meeting.

The November 3 Council meeting marked the final regular meeting of the 2022 to 2026 Council term. The meeting recognized progress across the municipality, thanked Council members for their service to the community, and celebrated staff achievements. Several municipal departments shared awards and accomplishments that reflect ongoing efforts to improve municipal services and make information more accessible to residents.

Paramedic Services: Recognizing 20 years of service

Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service celebrated two team members who received the Governor General's Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. Superintendent Autumn Campbell and Jordan Kaiser received their medals at a ceremony in Niagara Falls on October 1.

The award recognizes more than 20 years of outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to emergency medical care. Council congratulated both recipients and thanked them for their service to the community.

Watch the announcement during Council.

Corporate Services: Award-winning budget presentation

Kawartha Lakes received its first Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the City's 2026 Budget. The award recognizes the City's efforts to make financial information easier for residents to understand.

Over the past four years, the budget has evolved from a document focused mainly on financial tables. It is now a more accessible plan that explains where tax dollars go, why investments are needed, and how they benefit the community. Staff will continue improving the budget document to strengthen financial transparency and help residents understand municipal spending.

Read the 2026 Mayor’s Budget.

Information Technology and Communications: National recognition for website innovation

Kawartha Lakes received a 2026 International Data Corporation (IDC) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Award Canada for municiPal AI, the search tool introduced as part of the City's 2025 website redevelopment.

The tool helps residents quickly find reliable information about City services, programs and permits using AI to search and respond to queries using everyday language. It provides answers with 97 per cent accuracy, resolves nine out of 10 inquiries in a single search, and helps residents access information outside regular business hours.

The award recognizes the collaboration between Information Technology, Communications, Customer Experience and the City's technology partner to make municipal information easier to find.

 The municiPal AI search tool can be used at kawarthalakes.ca.

Community Services: Excellence in Parks and Customer Experience

Community Services recognized two achievements:

Ryan Smith received the Ontario Parks Association's Parks Champion recognition for his leadership in improving parks, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and public spaces across Kawartha Lakes.

The City's Customer Experience team received an honourable mention from the Municipal Service Delivery Officials for its work developing the Customer Experience Strategy and corporate customer service standards.

These efforts help create more welcoming public spaces and more consistent, resident-focused service across City departments.

Office of the CAO: Celebrating 25 years of Kawartha Lakes

Angela Fornelli, Manager of Records, gave a presentation highlighting the City's 25th anniversary celebrations. Events and activities throughout 2026 brought residents, volunteers, staff, and community groups together to celebrate the people and places that make Kawartha Lakes unique.

Highlights included community celebrations, historical displays, public art, and opportunities to recognize volunteers and employees. An anniversary book documenting the municipality's history and communities is in development. Council thanked the staff working group for organizing a year of activities that celebrated the City's past, while looking ahead to its future.

Watch the Anniversary presentation on YouTube, and find more information about the anniversary at kawarthalakes.ca/anniversary.

Heritage designation of the Pattie House

Council considered a recommendation to designate the Pattie House in Coboconk under the Ontario Heritage Act. Following discussion about the property's current condition, receivership, and potential future sale, Council voted to withdraw the proposed designation. The decision means the property will not receive the additional heritage protections that designation would have provided.

Watch the discussion on YouTube.

Closing a chapter: Thank you to the 2022 to 2026 Council

The meeting concluded with reflections and words of appreciation from Council members, City staff, and community representatives.

Longtime community volunteer Chris Appleton addressed Council to express gratitude for the work of elected officials and staff.

Council members also shared their thanks with residents, volunteers, colleagues, and employees who supported them throughout the term.

Chief Administrative Officer Ron Taylor recognized Council's collective achievements and the importance of working together, even when opinions differ.

"You are all community builders, and this doesn't happen overnight," said Taylor. "It's an accumulation of investments in our neighborhoods, our towns, our hamlets, our wards, and our people. And it's all for the greater community good."

Taylor also paid special tribute to Mayor Doug Elmslie for his leadership, guidance and many years of public service.

In his final remarks as Mayor, Elmslie reflected on the challenges and accomplishments of the past four years. These include major infrastructure investments, local health care initiatives, unprecedented growth, and the community's response to severe weather emergencies.

“I will tell you that this has been the most interesting and rewarding thing I have ever done outside of marriage and children,” said Mayor Elmslie. “I will treasure it and the memories for my lifetime. To the Council of 20226, thank you for your civility, respect, and advice. I could not have survived without you.”

His final remarks included, “I would tell this incoming Council; continue to have respect for each other, have respect and trust for staff. Together, you can accomplish tremendous things. Lastly, respect your constituents. You're here because of them and for them.”

The meeting marked the end of Mayor Elmslie's 20 years of service on municipal Council, including his final four years as Mayor.

The newly elected Council will officially begin its term at the Inaugural Meeting on Monday November 16, 2026, at 1pm.

Council Meeting Information

Residents can watch the full November 3 Council meeting on the City's YouTube channel. The Council agenda and meeting information is available at kawarthalakes.ca.