Dear Residents, As we enter the second year of this term of Council, we have adopted the 2024 Budget and are getting ready for a big year for Kawartha Lakes. On behalf of Council, I’d like to share some highlights with you. In 2023, we dealt with unprecedented inflation and interest rates by using Council established stabilization reserves. This, along with other strategies, allowed us to pass the 2024 Budget at a 2.94 percent tax levy increase. Our commitment to maintaining assets in a state of good repair and enhancing infrastructure aligns with the needs of our growing community. This year, we’re addressing $22 million in deferred capital projects, spanning improvements in community centres, arenas, fleet, and equipment. Beyond the brick and mortar, our budget reflects a dedication to community well-being. We’re contributing to the Ross Memorial Hospital, Kawartha Lakes Food Source and BGC Kawarthas, positively impacting residents’ health. We’re investing in the economy with a new fund to support non-profit community organizations that are focused on economic growth across Kawartha Lakes. You may have heard of the Municipal Housing Pledge we made to the Province to facilitate the construction of 6,500 new homes by 2031. Most importantly, we’re committed to responsible community building. This includes having the right infrastructure, staff and services in place. It means advocating for investments from other levels of government. Our mission is to support vibrant and healthy communities, for existing and future residents. Changing times are ahead, and I encourage you to stay connected with all that unfolds. With respect,
Doug Elmslie, Mayor on behalf of Kawartha Lakes Members of Council
Winter 2024 Update
Mayor Elmslie recently toured all fire stations, focusing on fostering open dialogue. He was really impressed by the dedication of our volunteer firefighters. If you’re considering joining the team, we recruit every spring and fall: www.kawarthalakes.ca/vff
Committed to growing responsibly to serve current and future residents Where your tax dollars go:
Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative (KLHCI) hosts new Family Medicine Residents to visit Kawartha Lakes
Public Works: 30%
Community Services (parks and recreation, trails, cemeteries, customer service, building and property maintenance): 10% Emergency Services (Fire, Police, Paramedics): 29% Engineering and Corporate Assets: 2%
Contribution to Capital and Special Projects: 12% Human Services: 11% Library: 2% Development Services: 4%
Your infrastructure levy at work: The 1.5 percent infrastructure levy supports state-of-good-repair capital needs. A majority of the levy goes to roads. In 2024, we are addressing 220 kilometres of roads, a $33 million investment. For details, visit our website: www.kawarthalakes.ca/roads
Deputy Mayors at work In 2023, Deputy Mayor Tracy Richardson engaged with the community to understand communication preferences and customer service experiences. The ‘Did You Know’ campaign Tracy Richardson, Deputy Mayor received valuable feedback, shaping (2023), Charlie McDonald, our future services. We appreciate Deputy Mayor (2024) her commitment to her role and her advocacy for the Missing Children’s Society of Canada (MCSC) Rescu App. Download the app today — this simple act could help return a missing child safely home. rescu.mcsc.ca Council acclaimed Charlie McDonald as Deputy Mayor for 2024. As Councillor for Ward 7 and a Kawartha Lakes native and entrepreneur, he’s focusing on boosting tourism. Key initiatives include enhancing the Short Term Rental program and the International Plowing Match, which comes to Kawartha Lakes on October 1 to 5, 2024. Additionally, Charlie is committed to improving communication and customer service.
KLHCI is a non-profit, charitable organization with the mandate to recruit and retain family doctors for Kawartha Lakes. In the summer of 2023, they hosted 10 Family Medicine Residents, along with their partners, for a weekend of showcasing Kawartha Lakes as the perfect place to live and practice medicine. KLHCI is staying in touch with each Resident as they get ready to start their practice.
Be ready for the 2024 flood season Each spring when the snow melts and the ground thaws, areas of Kawartha Lakes are prone to flooding. Protect your family and property in three easy steps: 1. Subscribe to emergency alerts to stay informed by visiting www.kawarthalakes.ca/subscribe for flooding alerts and news. 2. Follow us on Facebook: cityofkawarthalakes and Twitter: @kawarthalakes Please note: Pingstreet Mobile App will not be in use after June 1, 2024. 3. Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit. View tips on emergency preparedness at www.kawarthalakes.ca/flood.
Family Medicine Residents at The Grove Theatre
The Kinmount District Health Services Foundation and KLHCI were pleased to recruit Dr. Ponraja in 2023 to replace Dr. Mihu at retirement. If you are looking for a local family doctor, contact Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822 or www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect.
New supports for residents from Kawartha Lakes Ontario Health Team The new online navigation platform focuses on enhancing access to programs and services for older adults, as well as mental health and addictions services, and child and youth services. It also serves as a means of supporting referrals Kawartha Lakes Ontario between local service providers so Health Team website that the team can work together to ensure residents have access to all available supports and services. Visit www.klhoht.ca/find-services or contact the team at 705-934-1439.
Digital Service Squad Through Economic Development, the Digital Service Squad is here to assist your business with website and social media support. To date, the Squad has worked with over 153 local businesses, and helped 24 businesses secure grants to help with their digital Edward Hilton, transformation. Don’t miss out! Book before March 31, Digital Service Squad 2024. www.kawarthalakes.ca/digitalservicesquad
Full steam ahead with the Summit Wellness Centre The historic train station in Coboconk has been braced and moved off of its foundation and the entire lower level has now been excavated. Footings Construction on the Summit are in and foundations have been Wellness Centre poured, ready for the train station to be moved back to its new foundation. We will start to see the new building structure come to life over the coming year.
Short Term Rental program launch The new Short Term Rental program has launched and is receiving applications from property owners. Apply online today to be ready for the summer rental season. This program will make sure rentals are safe and welcoming for visitors, while ensuring all residents can enjoy their homes and cottages. To promote ‘good neighbour’ use of properties, you can report at any time: 24/7 Hotline: 705-990-2497. Online form available at www.kawarthalakes.ca/str
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Tax Notes
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You now have the choice to opt in to a new service called Payreq to electronically receive property tax and utility bills. Payreq provides a personal and secure digital mailbox to easily receive and store bills. Help the environment! www.kawarthalakes.ca/ebilling
Report It
Program applications
Need to report a service request? Have a question? Report it online at www.kawarthalakes.ca/reportit. You’ll receive a confirmation number to help track your case. You can also report your concerns over the phone with the help of our Service Administrators by calling 705-324-9411.
Jump In, Kawartha Lakes Did you know? You can help shape the future of our municipality by joining the Jump In, Kawartha Lakes engagement community. You’ll be kept informed of new projects and can choose to weigh in on topics of importance to you. Ongoing projects include: • Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan 2024-2027 • Tree Preservation By-Law • Transportation Master Plan Refreshed website launched January 1, 2024. It’s even easier to join and stay connected: www.jumpinkawarthalakes.ca
New electronic billing option
Registered Charity Rebate and Tax Reductions due to demolition, fire or change of use of property: Application deadline is Feb. 29, 2024 for the 2023 tax year. Low-Income Seniors and Disabled Property Owners Rebate: Depending on your income, you may be eligible for the following relief: • Property Tax — up to $175 rebate, application deadline is June 30, 2024. • Utility Billing — a credit of 20% of water billed in the previous year. Application deadline is September 30, 2024. Applications will be posted on the municipal website on May 1, 2024. Contact us for details by emailing taxes@kawarthalakes.ca or utilitybilling@ kawarthalakes.ca
Water Meter Replacement Program coming to Lindsay in 2024 We are continuing the water meter upgrade program to replace aged water meters. All residents who receive a notice are required to change their water meter. There is no cost for the upgrade. All eligible properties will receive a letter in the mail from the contractor, Wamco Waterworks, to make an appointment. Participation is mandatory under Kawartha Lakes Water By-Law 2021-162.
Jump in, Kawartha Lakes website
Visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/watermeters to find out more.
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