Regular Council Meeting Highlights – April 21, 2026

Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights from the Regular Council Meeting on April 21, 2026.

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

The Regular Council minutes and Special Council Meeting minutes from March 24, 2026 were received and adopted.

Committee of the Whole – April 7, 2026

The Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of April 7, 2026 were received and adopted as printed.

Planning Advisory Committee – April 8, 2026

All recommendations from the Planning Advisory Committee were adopted as printed in the minutes.

Consent Matters

11.1.1: Summit Wellness Centre Update

The report by the CAO provided Council with a status update on the Summit Wellness Centre. It recommends adjustments to funding as construction nears completion. Originally approved in 2021 and expanded in 2025, the project is now expected to cost $25.5 million, up from the previously approved $16.5 million. The increase is largely due to expanded project scope, higher-than-expected construction costs, and unsuccessful grant applications, along with broader economic pressures like inflation, tariffs, and supply chain impacts.

Despite these challenges, the project is progressing well and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. The community has also contributed over $1.7 million in fundraising, demonstrating strong local support. Costs may be offset by a pending $2.4 million provincial grant, ongoing fundraising efforts, HST rebates and debenture (loan). Completing the project supports Council’s goal of enhancing quality of life by providing a much-needed health and community hub. The Summitt Wellness Centre Update report was received as printed.

11.1.3: 2026 Tax Policy Decisions

The 2026 Tax Policy Decisions report (CORP2026-021) recommends only a few small changes to the current tax approach. Staff recommend not adding any new property tax classes or tools for 2026, such as small business tax breaks, affordable housing discounts, or a vacant home tax. Existing policies continue, including no tax reduction for vacant commercial and industrial land and a 25% reduction for certain undeveloped farmland. The City will also keep the same tax ratios, meaning no major changes in how taxes are shared between property types.

The main update is to the property tax relief program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, increasing the rebate from $300 to $350. The report also reviews new tax tools from the Province but suggests taking more time to study them before making any changes. The City reviews provincial optional tax subclasses each year when setting tax policy. Overall, the focus is on keeping taxes stable and predictable, with only a small increase to better support those who need it most.

The report was received as printed.

11.1.4: 2025 Financial Year End Position

At the close of 2025, the City faced an unprecedented potential deficit of $44 million, including approximately $36.6 million related to unforeseen weather response and clean-up expenses.

Events included:

• March ice storm with a cost of $29 million that was largely offset by one-time provincial support of $25.6 million
• Significant forest fires in August, $2 million
• Extreme winter events and record snowfall increased operational costs, including higher contracted snowplowing needs and added staffing pressures, $5.5 million

Inflation and broader economic pressures:

• $1.1 million shortfall in supplemental tax revenue due to slowing market development of new homes
• $1.1 million in reduced investment income
• $5.6 million in wage-related pressures, including costs tied to a union compensation review

Despite these challenges, the City will not pass these costs onto taxpayers. Instead, the deficit will be funded through reserves. Area-specific impacts will appear on final tax bills:

• Rural properties serviced by OPP will include a $921,000 levy to address the 2024 provincial cost reconciliation.
• Lindsay residents will see a $605,000 special levy for Lindsay Transit. This is primarily due to increased costs associated with expanded service routes and with forecasted revenue not increasing proportionately.

The report also highlights a $528,000 surplus in water and wastewater operations and a $609,000 surplus from the KLH Housing Corporation, with funds returned to the City and Haliburton County. Following these adjustments, reserves remain stable at approximately $30 million, supporting the City’s continued focus on long-term financial resilience.

The 2025 Financial Year End Position report was received as printed.

11.1.5: Council Remuneration (2027 to 2030)

Council approved updated compensation for the 2027–2030 term. This includes a 3% annual increase to Council salaries, to reflect inflation and support long-term financial planning. By the end of the term, the future Mayor’s salary will reach approximately $139,760, with proportional increases for Councillors. Council also approved an increase to the Deputy Mayor’s salary, for additional compensation of $12,000 annually, recognizing the growing responsibilities of the role.

As with past practice, these changes will not apply to the current Council but will take effect for those elected in the next term. Setting compensation in advance helps ensure transparency and avoids conflicts of interest. The financial impact will be incorporated into future budgets as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to responsible financial management.

11.1.6: City Hall Campus Parking Impact Review

The City Hall Campus Parking Impact Review report was received by Council, with further discussion and possible revisions to the proposed options to follow.

Petitions

A petition to request the installation of an All-Way Stop at Bond Street and Cambridge Street North and at Bond Street and Victoria Avenue North, Lindsay was received. The first page of the petition can be found here. A complete copy of the petition with 53 signatures is available at the Clerk's Office upon request. The petition was referred to staff for review and report back by September 30, 2026.

Next Council Meeting

Council will return for Committee of the Whole on May 5, 2026 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 Xfinity channel 548 at 1pm on the Sunday that follows the Tuesday meeting.