2024 June Tax Insert

Message from your Council

As we enter the much-anticipated summer season, we’re pleased to share an update on the direction we’re headed. You can read more in our newly adopted Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan 2024 to 2027 at www.kawarthalakes.ca/strategicplan Thank you for being involved in the creation of this important document.

We’re committed to approving 6,500 new housing units by 2031 and we’re well on the way. In 2023, we approved 431 units and this year we’re targeting 542 units.

To support new and current residents, we’re working with other levels of government to ensure health, education, child care, transportation and other services are in place for what will soon be double the current population in Lindsay. Read more inside.

Municipal master plans are taking into consideration the future needs for roads, active transportation, recreation and leisure, long term care at Victoria Manor, and much more.

Council has committed to an organics waste collection program (green bin) as part of our commitment to a healthy environment. This will roll out in Lindsay in 2025 and will make a significant difference to the amount of waste we divert from landfill. Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Omemee may also be included, cost permitting, stay tuned.

Summer 2024 Update

Contact your Councillor

Mayor Doug Elmslie

705-324-9411 ext. 1310 delmslie@kawarthalakes.ca

Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, Ward 7 705-324-9411 ext. 3807

cmmcdonald@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Emmett Yeo, Ward 1 705-324-9411 ext. 3801 eyeo@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Pat Warren, Ward 2 705-324-9411 ext. 3802 pwarren@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Mike Perry, Ward 3 705-324-9411 ext. 3803 mperry@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Dan Joyce, Ward 4 705-324-9411 ext. 3804

djoyce@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Eric Smeaton, Ward 5 705-324-9411 ext. 3805 esmeaton@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Ron Ashmore, Ward 6 705-324-9411 ext. 3806 rashmore@kawarthalakes.ca

Councillor Tracy Richardson, Ward 8 705-324-9411 ext. 3808

trichardson@kawarthalakes.ca

Charlie McDonald Deputy Mayor (2024)

1. Short Term Rentals

From the Deputy Mayor

Here are three projects I’m working on this year:

The new Short Term Rental (STR) By-Law is being enforced. This was designed to address specific concerns, while supporting the majority of our responsible rental operators.

Licensing Requirement

All STRs in Kawartha Lakes must now be licensed. This requirement is crucial for ensuring guest safety and maintaining respect for the rights of neighbouring properties.

Monitoring and Enforcement

We’ve implemented a 24/7 monitoring service to ensure that STR operators swiftly address any issues, typically within 30 minutes. Violations related to parking, noise, pets and waste will result in fines for guests. Owners face inspection fees and demerit points for each infraction, potentially leading to losing their license.

How to Report Issues

• STR Hotline: 705-990-2497

• Online complaint form: www.kawarthalakes.ca/STR-Tips

For more details, please visit our website: www.kawarthalakes.ca/STR. Together, we can ensure that Kawartha Lakes remains a beautiful and peaceful place for everyone.

2. International Plowing Match and Rural Expo

October 1 to 5, 2024

Lindsay Exhibition

It’s coming this fall and we’re excited to show off the proud agricultural roots of Kawartha Lakes. I’m also looking forward to the economic impact that up to 80,000 visitors will bring to our municipality. There’s a number of ways you can volunteer at this well-run event. Find out more at www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2024

3. Making Your Customer Experience Better

We’ve been listening to your feedback and we get it—you’re looking for more transparency and accountability from us. We’re taking this to heart, especially where it counts the most, such as with road issues and common service requests. We’re setting some clear targets to make sure we’re meeting your expectations. Keep an eye out for more details coming this fall. I’m excited about these changes and we think you will be too.

Lindsay developments on the go

Housing approvals for up to 4950 residential units are under way in Kawartha Lakes, with the majority of development in Lindsay. To help prepare for the growth, the Province provided $1.5 million from the Building Faster Fund in April 2024.

Commercial development shown on the map below includes Home Depot, 3 retail pads and 2 restaurants in the north end of Lindsay. In the south, a Site Plan Application proposes a retail and commercial complex, hotel, auto service station, carwash and restaurant.

Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Laurie Scott, MPP, members of Kawartha Lakes Council

(units are approximate)

Stay Connected to Municipal News

Tax reminders

Registered Charity Rebate and Tax Reductions due to demolition, fire or change of use of property:

Application deadline is February 28, 2025 for the 2024 tax year.

Low-Income Seniors and Disabled Persons — Property Owner Rebates

• Property Tax Assistance Program: depending on your income, you may be eligible for up to $300 rebate. Application deadline is June 30, 2024. www.kawarthalakes.ca/taxes

• Utility Billing Water Relief Program: depending on your income, you may be eligible for a credit of 20% of water billed in the previous year. Application deadline is September 30, 2024. www.kawarthalakes.ca/utilitybilling

Water Meter Replacement Program

successful rollout continues

We are nearly finished with the water meter replacements in Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls and have already halved the reading time. These new meters also help detect unusual consumption patterns promptly, ultimately saving you money. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation throughout this process.

Meter replacements are now underway in Lindsay East and Lindsay North. Find out more: www.kawarthalakes.ca/watermeters

Road work continues

Road reconstruction and lifecycle enhancement: Find out how we look after the Kawartha Lakes roads network. Look up which roads are being addressed over the next five years. www.kawarthalakes.ca/roads

Road closures and construction delays: Visit www.Municipal511.ca for all road and traffic related notices in Kawartha Lakes, and beyond.

Round Up Days

*dates in Municipal Calendar have changed

• Saturday June 29 – Carden: Carden Recreation Centre

• *Saturday July 6 – Manvers (new date): Rolling Hills Public School

• *Saturday July 20 – Coboconk (new date): Coboconk Road’s Depot, 2863 CKL #48

• *Saturday August 24 – Bobcaygeon (new date): Bobcaygeon Public School

All events will be from 8am to 12pm. www.kawarthalakes.ca/roundupdays

New on our website

• Check out our new Form Index: www.kawarthalakes.ca/forms

• Apply for and purchase Burn Permits online: www.kawarthalakes.ca/onlineportal

• Request a Day of Significance to be recognized: www.kawarthalakes.ca/daysofsignificance