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Kawartha Lakes – Council met on September 22, 2026 for its Regular Council Meeting.

With the 2026 Municipal Election this October, Council is currently in a “lame duck” period. This means certain powers are restricted until the new term of Council begins on November 16, 2026. For information about the upcoming election, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/election

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Brittany Taylor, an Indigenous educator and member of Curve Lake First Nation, addressed Council with remarks in acknowledgement of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Her presentation provided an opportunity for Council and the community to hear an Indigenous perspective on the significance of the day and the ongoing work of reconciliation.

“We inherit this land, but we do not own its future. We are temporary caretakers within a much longer story,” said Ms. Taylor. “Reconciliation cannot be something that we acknowledge for one day and then put away for another year. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives us an important moment to remember. But remembering is only the beginning.”

The presentation is an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect ahead of September 30. Watch Brittany Taylor’s remarks.

Kawartha Lakes Climate Change Strategy

The Kawartha Lakes Climate Change Strategy will outline the City’s approach to addressing climate change and planning for its impacts on the community.

This work will guide future decisions about buildings, transportation, infrastructure, land use and the natural environment. The strategy will provide a long-term direction, with individual projects and initiatives coming forward through future budgets and work plans.

To learn more about the strategy, watch the full presentation and follow the engagement project on Jump In, Kawartha Lakes.

Environmental Advisory Committee update on Tree Preservation By-Law

The City of Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee has been exploring additional tree protections, with a future recommendation expected to focus on a by-law for the preservation of trees along shorelines. Shoreline trees can play an important role in maintaining natural shorelines and protecting the surrounding environment. Further work and a future recommendation would need to come back to Council for consideration before a by-law could be put in place.

Watch the full presentation to learn more about the committee’s work and Council’s discussion.

Regional consolidation of Conservation Authorities

Conservation Authorities provide services that can directly affect residents, property owners and development. This presentation outlines how the transition to a Regional Conservation Authority structure will impact how those services are governed and delivered locally.

The municipality will continue to follow the transition and consider how the new structure may affect Kawartha Lakes and the services residents currently receive.

Watch the full presentation for more detail on the changes and Council’s discussion.

More from the Regular Council Meeting

For more information on these and any other topics discussed during the Council meeting, read the meeting agenda or watch the meeting on YouTube.