Regular Council Meeting Highlights – June 23, 2026

Kawartha Lakes – The following are highlights from the Regular Council Meeting on June 23, 2026.

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

The Regular Council minutes from May 19, 2026 were received and adopted.

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Presentations

2025 Financial Statements presented to Council

Council received the City’s 2025 audited financial statements following an independent review by the external auditor and recommendation from the Audit Committee. The 2025 Audited Financial Statements Report recaps the City’s 2025 year-end financial position, with a final overall deficit of $18.48 million. Most of this deficit had already been addressed through previously approved reserve transfers, leaving a remaining deficit of approximately $1.59 million. The audit identified a small adjustment of $62,023, which Council approved to be funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Several factors contributed to the 2025 financial results, including costs related to the:

• March ice storm
• winter maintenance
• forest fire response
• lower-than-expected supplemental tax revenue and interest income
• market adjustments for CUPE staff
• contracted snowplowing services.

The report also noted positive year-end results for both the Water and Wastewater system and the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation, with those surpluses transferred to reserves or returned to the municipal partners as appropriate.

Watch the presentation on YouTube starting at the 43:38 mark.

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Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Kawartha Lakes and BGC Kawarthas

Council approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BGC Kawarthas to continue their long-standing partnership. The agreement updates the original MOU created in 2018 and outlines how the two organizations will continue working together to provide childcare, recreation, and youth services for residents across the community.

The report also recommends creating a multi-year funding agreement to support BGC Kawarthas youth drop-in programs and other youth services beginning in 2027. The City has already provided $250,000 in funding from 2024 to 2026, and the report notes that these programs continue to meet an important community need. Staff will prepare a draft funding agreement and bring it back to Council for review in early 2027.

For more information, read the report on the MOU or watch on YouTube from 1:16:38.

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Correspondence

7.1 Request for a pedestrian crosswalk connecting the BGC Kawarthas Club to George Street Park

BGC Kawarthas asked Council to consider adding a pedestrian crosswalk between the Club and George Street Park. Many children, youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community members cross this road every day to take part in sports, camps, and other recreation programs. With traffic increasing on George Street, a marked crosswalk would make it safer and easier for everyone to reach the park. The crosswalk could also connect directly to the existing bus stop on the south side of the street.

This request supports both the City’s Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan and BGC Kawarthas’ Strategic Plan by improving access to recreation and reducing barriers to participation. A crosswalk would help keep children and families safe while encouraging them to stay active and involved in community programs. It would also benefit residents and visitors who use George Street Park and nearby neighbourhoods.

The correspondence from Amy Terrill, Chief Executive Officer for BGC Kawarthas, was received and Council provided direction for the request to be forwarded to staff for review and report back during the next term of Council. Watch on YouTube from 41:40.

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Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole minutes from June 2, 2026 were adopted.

9.3.2 Deputation requesting the implementation of an Integrated Aquatic Biomass Remediation Framework

Council discussed a deputation about aquatic plant growth (biomass) in Mitchell and Canal Lakes. A motion was brought forward asking staff to prepare a report with options to address the issue, including consultation with residents, Indigenous communities and other parties.

After debate, the motion did not pass. Council decided to take no further action at this time.

Watch Council’s discussion on YouTube.

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Planning Advisory Committee – June 3, 2026

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

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Consent Matters Extracted for Discussion

11.1.3 Update - Fence Encroachment at 72 Wellington Street, Lindsay

Council considered a report about a fence at 72 Wellington Street that extends onto City property. A motion was made to allow the fence to remain through a license agreement with the property owner.

Read the full report, or watch Council’s discussion.

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11.1.5 Debt Policy and Reserve Fund Policy

Debt and Reserve Policies Adopted

Council adopted two new financial policies that will help guide how the City manages debt, reserves and reserve funds. The new policies replace the City's previous Financial Management Policy and are part of an ongoing effort to modernize financial practices, improve transparency and align with commitments made in the Long-Term Financial Plan. The policies provide clear guidance on when debt should be used, how reserve funds should be managed, and how the City plans for future expenses and infrastructure investments.

The Debt Policy recognizes debt as a tool to help fund growth and major state-of- good-repair capital projects and long-lived assets while maintaining financial stability. The Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy outlines how savings and reserve funds are used to manage planned and unexpected costs, stabilize taxes and user fees, and support long-term financial sustainability. Together, the policies establish best practices and clear targets to help ensure the City remains financially responsible while planning for future community needs.

Read the full report, or watch Council’s discussion.

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11.1.6 Long-Term Financial Plan Update Received

Council received the report and directed staff to update the City’s Long-Term Financial Plan for 2026 to 2035. The updated plan will be published by August 31, 2026. The plan serves as a financial roadmap to help guide future budgets, infrastructure investments and service delivery while balancing affordability for taxpayers.

The updated forecasts show ongoing financial pressures to maintain current service levels, while growth continues to create demand for infrastructure and services. Staff will use the updated plan to guide future budget decisions and support the City’s long-term financial sustainability. Council also approved increasing the maximum debt service ratio from 10% to 12.5% to provide greater flexibility for future capital projects.

Read the full report.

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11.1.7 Revised Council Computer Systems Policy

City staff reviewed the Council Computer Systems Policy and met with Council members to get their feedback on proposed changes. Based on these discussions, staff updated the policy by restoring funding for security cameras and adding mandatory cyber security training for Council members at the start of each Council term. Staff also noted that they will work with Council members to help them switch smoothly to City-provided technology.

The updated policy recommends that Council members use City-issued computers, phones, and software instead of buying their own equipment. This change will help improve cyber security, make technical support easier, and ensure all devices are updated and protected. Using standard City equipment will also reduce the risk of data breaches and help the City manage technology costs more effectively.

Council received the report and approved the revised policy. Watch Council’s discussion on YouTube.

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11.1.11 Electric Vehicle Charger Grant

Staff secured a $93,000 provincial grant to install a public EV charger in the Cambridge Street/Peel Street parking lot in downtown Lindsay. The charger would be installed as part of the parking lot resurfacing project already planned for 2026, helping reduce costs and disruption. The total project cost is estimated at $148,000, with the remaining $55,000 funded through the Capital Contingency Reserve.

The report was received and staff recommendations were approved to accept the grant and add the charger to the project scope.

Read the full report, or watch Council’s discussion at the 1:54:15 mark.

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11.1.12 Request for Traffic Control - Ski Hill Road and Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden Entrance

Staff reviewed a request to install a stop sign or traffic light at the entrance to the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden on Ski Hill Road in Bethany.

Staff studied traffic during a busy holiday weekend, and reviewed collision data. They found that the intersection does not meet provincial requirements for either an all-way stop or traffic signals.

Several improvements have been completed to help improve safety, including:

• Adding parking restrictions along nearby roads
• Installing clearer signs and pavement markings
• Painting double yellow centre lines to prevent passing
• Improving traffic flow at the temple entrance
• Increasing visibility for drivers leaving the site

Staff will continue to monitor the area, allowing time to see how these safety improvements perform before considering additional changes.

The report was received as printed. Read the full report, or watch Council’s discussion.

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11.1.19 Development Charges Relief Request, Greenfield Road, Lindsay

The owner of Lighthouse Cabinetry asked the City to reduce the development charges for a new manufacturing facility planned on Greenfield Road in Lindsay. The new building would be much larger than the current facility and would create space for cabinet production and a new lighting manufacturing line. The project would bring jobs, investment, and economic growth to the community, but the new development charges would cost about $1.7 million.

The request was denied because provincial law does not allow municipalities to give exemptions or discounts on these fees unless specific exceptions apply, and this project does not qualify for one. Development charges help pay for infrastructure needed to support growth and must be applied fairly to all developments. Staff also noted that if a site plan application had been submitted before the end of 2025, the project could have qualified under the previous by-law with lower charges.

Read the full report, or watch Council’s discussion.

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Next Council Meeting

Council will return for a regular Council Meeting on July 21, 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.

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