KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes is starting to turn its focus toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the May 26 Special Council meeting, two task forces were outlined to help restore the community both financially and socially: an Economic Recovery Task Force and a Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force.
“This pandemic has had far-reaching impacts on virtually all aspects of our lives,” said Mayor Letham, City of Kawartha Lakes. “While continuing our response efforts, it is time we begin to shift gears and focus on getting our community back on its feet. Working collaboratively with the community, these task forces will play a key role in leading that recovery.”
The Economic Recovery Task Force is focused on stimulating local economic and business recovery, across three strategic areas: critical infrastructure investments, planning and development stimulus and business recovery and support. The task force will consist of Mayor Letham, Deputy Mayor O’Reilly, Councillor Seymour-Fagan, Councillor Veale, City staff and representatives of the infrastructure, development and business community.
The task force will prioritize its efforts based off more than 500 responses received from the municipality’s business survey and work closely with Team Kawartha Lakes, which consists of members of Kawartha Lakes’ leading business organizations according to the City.
“In the past couple months our local businesses have faced a lot of unprecedented challenges,” said Deputy Mayor O’Reilly. “Many have made tremendous efforts to adapt their business processes and support our essential workers in the response to COVID-19, but it’s not enough. We want to support them further and work toward economic recovery by partnering strategically.”
“As a business owner myself, I understand the need for vital resources and support for local businesses at this time,” said Councillor Seymour-Fagan.
Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force
Council has also established a task force to provide advice on resources and support to facilitate the community and social recovery from the pandemic. Support will include non-profit and community services in the health and human services sector, recommendations for partnerships and working groups and the exploration of funding opportunities.
Members of the task force will include Councillor Richardson, Councillor Elmslie, Councillor Ashmore, Councillor Dunn, City staff and other community representatives to address the needs of specific sectors.
“Kawartha Lakes is home to a variety of vibrant communities,” said Councillor Richardson. “As we look toward recovery, it’s important we keep all members of our community and the services they depend on top of mind to ensure we maintain quality of life. The work of this task force is critical, not only to the health of Kawartha Lakes in the short-term, but also to creating a sustainable future for all residents for years to come.”
