Kawartha Lakes Council adopts the 2026 Budget centered on strategic priorities

Kawartha Lakes – At the Special Council meeting on November 25, 2025, Council deliberated the 2026 Budget as proposed by Mayor Doug Elmslie under Strong Mayor powers. The $472 million budget is comprised of four parts: Operating, Capital, Special Projects and Water-Wastewater. 

After reviewing motions from Council, Mayor Elmslie moved that the budget be reduced further, to 5.9% from the original proposed 6.75% (2.9% General Operations, 2% continued support for the dedicated capital levy and 1% for the special area rates of policing and Lindsay Transit). The general operations and dedicated tax levy translates to an average increase of $160 on a $267,000 average assessed property value. The impact of the area rate increases for policing and Lindsay transit are in addition to the $160 and will be confirmed once the OPP 2026 budget is known.

Mayor Elmslie commented:

“What we’ve done is in the best interests of our residents, especially in a challenging economy. I’m grateful to the Budget Committee for listening closely to feedback from the public and our community partners. I’m thankful to Council for their questions and priorities, and to staff for their collaboration through the Strong Mayor process. This has been a difficult year in many ways. We’ve weathered multiple winter storms, and are still dealing with the recovery costs of the March ice storm. We had an initial $13 million gap to close to be able to bring an affordable budget to the table. Today, we’ve added another $7.5 million in savings that staff will find through efficiencies in the Operating Budget. We’ve heard our residents loud and clear: this was the year to tighten up wherever we could. At the same time, we are maintaining commitments across strategic priorities from community safety to housing to recreation.”

With this budget, Kawartha Lakes is advancing several long-term goals:

• Continuing to build up Asset Management Reserve contribution ($21.1 million) so major projects can be funded while keeping taxes stable

• Addressing a backlog of deferred capital needs with projects totaling more than $126 million

• Reducing reliance on debt for State of Good Repair assets

• Investing in a sustainable and competitive workforce to carry out over 200 services and advance strategic priorities

“Managing this $7.5 million budget pressure will be a challenge, and all departments will be working together to develop a plan to meet our targets,” said Sara Beukeboom, Director of Corporate Services. “As we continue to modernize the City’s systems, services, and operations, we’ll look for efficiencies across all business units. Our staff understand the importance of affordability. We’re taxpayers and community members too, and we support the Budget Committee and the Mayor for their commitment to this shared goal.” 

Serving current residents needs and preparing for growth in the Capital Budget

“This year involved a lot of important planning. Three major growth studies were completed in 2025, and they helped guide the 2026 budget. We focused on making sure the tax-supported Capital Budget is the right size, improving how we plan for repairs and service levels, and preparing for the growth we’re seeing now and expect in the future. The Water and Wastewater Capital Budget is larger than ever to make sure our systems can support that growth,” noted Dr. Adam Found, Manager of Capital Assets.

The Capital Budget focuses on strong, visible investments that improve daily life across the municipality; from safer roads and modern bridges to upgraded parks, arenas, and emergency services.

More than $126 million in capital projects will renew the infrastructure connecting our communities, support local business, enable growth, and enhance quality of life.

Major road and bridge projects such as CKL Road 121 ($4.5 million), St. Patrick Street ($4.9 million), and the Colborne Street Bridge ($8 million) will ensure smoother, safer travel for residents and visitors.

The Emily-Omemee Arena Dressing Room and Lobby Renovations Project ($6.8 million), and revitalization of community spaces such as Ops, MacAlpine and Arbour Parks ($8.1 million total), will create better recreation and gathering places for people of all ages.

Other significant capital projects include:

• Salem Road Resurfacing, $1.1 million

• Colborne Street / William Street Intersection, $2.7 million

• Colborne Street / Lindsay Street Intersection, $2.7 million

• Mustang Drive Bridges, $1.2 million

• Lindsay-Ops Landfill Weigh Scales and Drop-Off Area, $4.6 million

• Paramedic Services Headquarters and Fleet Centre, $10.7 million

Council adopted the following changes to the Proposed Budget: 

• Patterson Road, ($123,000) and Cameron Road Bridge Design ($150,000) were removed and in their place Rodeo Drive ($188,000) and Lake Breeze Drive ($357,000) were added.

• King’s Wharf Rd from Sturgeon Lake Rd to Pigeon Lake Rd ($225K) will be pulverized.

• Taylor’s Rd will be deferred to 2027 for the advancement of Brunon Ave, Robinglade Ave, and Riverview Rd, for a difference of $29,000.

• Emily Forest Tract and Rest Area Project was deferred to a future year ($243,820) with the cost of the project being used to lower the pressure on the operating budget.

• In the Operating Budget, $25,000 was awarded to Women’s Resources.

Next Steps

The Mayor has notified Council that he has shortened the original 10-day veto period to December 1, 2025 at 4:30pm. After that time, the budget will be final. An amended copy will be posted online by year end.

Learn more about the 2026 budget

• Press releases:

Kawartha Lakes presents 2026 Proposed Budget; focus on affordability, infrastructure renewal and long-term financial stability

The 2026 Capital Budget: Infrastructure renewal, modernized services, and long-term stability lead the year’s investments

• Visit www.jumpinkawarthalakes.ca/2026budget for educational videos, and to learn how public priorities influenced the budget.
• Visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/budget for a copy of the Proposed Budget and find a final budget posted on the page by year end.       
• Read more about Strong Mayor Powers, Duties and Decisions.

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