Your feedback can help shape by-law enforcement and licensing services in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes – Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing (MLEL) Services help keep neighbourhoods safe, respond to community concerns and ensure local by-laws are followed. From property standards and parking concerns, to business licensing and short-term rentals, these services play an important role in everyday life across Kawartha Lakes.
Each year, MLEL responds to approximately 3,500 by-law related complaints and incidents. In 2025, it also administered approximately 1,200 licences.
As Kawartha Lakes continues to grow, the City is taking a closer look at how these services are delivered and how they can continue to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
Planning for the future
Kawartha Lakes is developing a new Strategic Plan for Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services, which will review how MLEL operates today and identify opportunities for improvement.
The review will focus on:
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Efficiency: Finding ways to respond to concerns more quickly, improve day-to-day operations, and make the best use of City resources.
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Effectiveness: Making sure services are delivered consistently, fairly, and in line with municipal by-laws and regulations.
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Satisfaction: Improving customer service and making it easier for residents and businesses to get the help they need.
The review will also consider how population growth, new housing developments, seasonal visitors, and changing community needs may affect these services in the years ahead.
The completed plan will help guide decisions about service improvements, staffing, resources, and by-law updates. It will identify short, medium, and long-term priorities to help the City plan for the future, with a long-term outlook to 2051.
The City has hired WSCS Consulting Inc. to carry out the service review and help develop recommendations.
Have your say: Complete the online survey
Residents and business owners are encouraged to share their experiences with Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services.
We want to hear from you:
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Have you contacted by-law enforcement? What was your experience?
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What is working well?
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Where could services be improved?
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What should MLEL consider as Kawartha Lakes continues to grow?
Whether you've used these services before or simply have ideas about how they could better serve the community, your feedback is welcome.
The survey will close on Thursday December 10, 2026.
What happens next?
Survey feedback will be considered alongside a review of current services, operational needs and future growth. The project will also include input from City staff, Council and other interested parties.
Together, this information will help build a plan for Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing that is responsive, efficient and ready to serve a growing community.
The draft strategy is expected to be presented to Council in Winter/Spring of 2027.
Subscribe to the project at jumpinkawarthalakes.ca/MLELstrategy for updates.
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