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

Kawartha Lakes – At the November 12, 2025 Special Council Budget Meeting, Sara Beukeboom, Director of Corporate Services, presented detailed plans for the Capital Budget, Special Projects Budget, and the Water–Wastewater Budget, highlighting major investments that support infrastructure renewal, community growth, service modernization, and long-term sustainability.

2026 Capital Budget: More than $126 million in community investment

The 2026 Capital Budget focuses on high-impact investments that improve the daily life of residents in every ward, strengthen community safety, and support economic growth. More than $126 million is allocated to state-of-good-repair and expansionary infrastructure, facilities, and fleet renewal. Key priorities include transportation, recreation, and emergency services.

Major Transportation and Road Projects

•        CKL Road 121 resurfacing

•        St. Patrick Street reconstruction

•        Colborne Street Bridge construction

•        Colborne Street and William Street intersection

•        Colborne Street and Lindsay Street intersection

•        Salem Road resurfacing

These projects will improve travel reliability, support local businesses, and enhance safety for residents and visitors.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities

Investments continue across multiple community spaces, including:

•        Emily–Omemee Arena dressing room and lobby renovations

•        Improvements to Sylvester, Ops, McAlpine and Arbour Parks

•        City Hall Block, to support weddings and civic events

Emergency Services

To support growing community needs, planned investments include:

•        New ambulances

•        A replacement tanker truck

•        A replacement police cruiser

•        Development of a new Paramedic Headquarters and Fleet Centre

These investments ensure emergency response remains modern, efficient, and reliable.

2026 Special Projects Budget: Planning, studies, and system modernization

The Special Projects Budget, totaling $6.6 million, funds the behind-the-scenes work that shapes future decisions. While these projects don’t result in immediate construction, they ensure that future investments are cost-effective and strategically timed.

Key priorities include:

Infrastructure and Transportation Studies

• Roads Needs Study, $278,000

• Bridge and Culvert Structures Study, $247,000

• Roads Operations Master Plan, $232,000

• Facility Condition Assessments, $232,000

Information Technology and Finance

• Enterprise System Expansion, $401,000

• Property Tax and Revenue Systems, $342,000

• Financial System Modernization, $270,000

• IT Infrastructure System Expansion, $169,000

• Human Resources Information System Enhancement, $155,000

Emergency Services and Public Safety

• Fire Master Plan and Station Location Study, $361,000

• Fire Community Risk Assessment, $206,000

• Kawartha Lakes Police Strategic Plan, $206,000

• Fire Radio Gapping Study, $103,000

Housing and Human Services

• Housing Services Operational Review Implementation Plan, $103,000

• Financial Diagnostic Review Implementation Plan, $103,000

• Community Housing Providers Strategy, $52,000

Parks, Recreation and Community Development

• Recreation Facility Master Plan, $258,000

• Downtown Revitalization Action Plan (Bobcaygeon), $80,000

• Official Plan and Urban Zoning Updates, $150,000 each

Together, these initiatives help manage Kawartha Lakes’ assets wisely and plan responsibly for growth.

Water–Wastewater Budget: Stable rates and long-term reliability

For 2026, municipal water and wastewater users will see a proposed 4% increase in user rates, consistent with the 2025 Water–Wastewater Rate Study. The multi-year plan aims to maintain rate stability and affordability while funding necessary upgrades.

The Water–Wastewater Capital Budget, totaling $46 million, continues investment in treatment upgrades, pumping stations and system renewal, ensuring long-term reliability of services across all 21 water treatment facilities and six wastewater treatment facilities. Historical comparisons show Kawartha Lakes has moved from having the fifth most expensive user rates among 23 peer municipalities in 2016 to eleventh highest in 2025, reflecting increased affordability.

Strengthening infrastructure for the future

“The proposed 2026 Capital Budget reinforces Council’s commitment to maintaining essential services, preparing for growth, and supporting strong, healthy, and connected communities. We have some big growth years ahead, and we’re making sure we are ready for it,” commented Mayor Elmslie.

Read release: Kawartha Lakes presents 2026 Proposed Budget at Public Meeting

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