City Hall

RESIlIENCY FUND FoR ARTS & CUlTURE

As a way to build resiliency in organizations that contribute to the arts and culture sector of the economy, Council approved $120,000 in the 2023 budget for a one-time funding program. The 2023 Arts and Culture Resiliency Fund will help cover the fixed and staff operating costs for cultural non-profits organizations.

Kawartha Lakes recognizes there are a variety of local volunteer based not-for-profit organizations that contribute to the community’s economy and quality of life, including art galleries, museums and live theatre.

The 2023 funding will be available on a sliding scale of assistance based on 2022 fixed and staff operating costs. Applications will be reviewed by an internal Review Committee to determine eligibility against program criteria.

“These organizations play an integral role in telling the stories of our community,” said Donna Goodwin, Economic Development Officer – Arts and Culture, Kawartha Lakes. “Kawartha Lakes simply would not be the same without them. The arts and culture sector has experienced unprecedented change over the last few years. Council’s support through this funding should increase the resiliency of these important non-profits.”

Applications are open until 5pm on June 30, 2023. For more details about the funding and to apply, please view the Arts and Culture Recovery Fund Application on the City’s website.

EMploYEES RECoGNIZED

FoR MIlESToNES

At Committee of the Whole on Tuesday May 23, a number of significant employment milestones were recognized by Council and staff.

This year’s milestones were for 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service, including the following employees: 40 years of service

• Terry Jones, Chief, Fire Services 35 years of service

• Linda Wilson, Customer Relations Representative, Human Services 30 years of service

• Randy Weatherall, Volunteer Station Coordinator, Janetville

Dr. Mark D. Black

• Kelly Novis, Eligibility Review Officer, Human Services – Housing

• Melissa Dunford, Registered Practical Nurse, Human Services – Victoria Manor

• Randy Barrett, Parks Crew Leader, Parks and Recreation

• Paul Atkinson, Volunteer Firefighter – Captain, Janetville

25 years of service

• Scott Elder, Volunteer Firefighter, Bobcaygeon

• Robert Cousineau, Volunteer Firefighter – Captain, Bobcaygeon

• Kevin Coppins, Volunteer Firefighter – Captain, Kirkfield

• Lyle Cully, Senior Arena Maintenance Administration, Parks and Recreation

• Darcy Finn, Equipment Operator – Eldon Depot, Public Works

• Bobbie Mitchell, Administrative Assistant, Municipal Law Enforcement and Licencing

• Shelley Clark, Administrative Assistant, Public Works

• Terry Farr, Supervisor – Overall Responsible Operator, Water-Wastewater

“I wanted to commemorate that May is Employee Appreciation Month here at the City,” said Ron Taylor, CAO of Kawartha Lakes. “It’s a tradition that we’ve been doing for a number of years now and it’s a time for us to pause, reflect, reconnect and recognize our exemplary City staff. Thank you to staff for your service and Mayor and Council for your ongoing support.”

CAO Taylor continued, “Along with our recognition, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has also sent for the Mayor to present to the Fire Chief his 40 year service bar. Join me in congratulating, Chief Jones!”

Do YoUR pART To REDUCE lITTER

Kawartha Lakes is made up of over 250 rivers and lakes and has over 600 kilometres of trails to explore. With so much of the area defined by natural landscapes and green spaces, it’s vital for all those who live, work and play here to do their part to keep the municipality healthy and clean.

Did you know that disposing of your household waste in and/or beside public waste containers is not permitted under Kawartha Lakes By-law? Fines could be imposed in the same manner as illegally dumping waste on roadsides or ditches.

If you witness or come across areas littered with garbage or hazardous waste (such as batteries, paint, gas containers, and needles) on public or municipal property, please contact Kawartha Lakes by calling 705-324-9411 or by reporting it through our Report It form on the City’s website. When using the Report It form, please be sure to provide as much detail as possible on the waste you’ve come across or the incident that you witnessed.

Here are some easy tips for reducing litter:

• Always use reusable items where possible, such as grocery bags, water bottles and food containers.

• littering or dumping on private property

Use public waste and recycling bins properly.

• When enjoying all of the outdoor activities available across the municipality always use the ‘bring it in, bring it out’ method. If it’s waste you brought in, then it’s waste you will bring out.

• Always have a spare waste bag in your car to throw away items if a waste bin isn’t nearby.

• Take advantage of our waste diversion programs to help divert items such as mattresses, bulky plastics, paints, textiles, and construction materials from our landfills.

• Stay informed on when your curbside collection takes place; weekly alerts can be set up through the Recycle Coach app.

• Use your 2023 Municipal Waste and Recycling Calendar.

If you come across areas involving private property that may be in violation of the municipality’s Property Standards By-law, please complete the Municipal Law Enforcement Office Complaint Form on our website, call 705-324-9411 extension 1212 or email bylawcomplaints@kawarthalakes.ca.

Adopt-A-Road program

Adopt-A-Road is a public service program for volunteers to improve local litter collection activities. It is a way for environmentally conscious individuals and groups to contribute to a cleaner and more beautiful municipal road system.

The municipality will erect a sign along the designated road recognizing volunteers and volunteer groups for their efforts. Volunteers agree to collect litter a minimum of two times per year for a period of three years on a designated area of road. The municipality will supply volunteers with garbage bags and the authorization to dispose of the waste collected at our Kawartha Lakes landfill sites. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Road program on the City’s website.

BAlSAM lAKE REVITAlIZATIoN

The Ontario government is investing 1.45 million to build, maintain and revitalize infrastructure at Balsam Lake, which will upgrade its water treatment plant to ensure that safe drinking water can continue to be provided to visitors.

“I am pleased to hear that the Park will receive all the required upgrades to its water treatment plant” said Laurie Scott, MPP. “The investment will ensure that safe drinking water can continue to be provided to visitors and prove to be a valuable asset to the community. I’d like to thank Ontario Parks for their timely support and attentive response.”

The investments into Balsam Lake will include