KAWARTHA LAKES-The current term of Council met for the last time at the Council meeting on November 1, 2022,
Ron Taylor, CAO, presented a review of the accomplishments of the current Council. He began with a comment that 60 percent of Council’s term of office was during the pandemic, a reality that no one could have expected.
Taylor then presented some of council’s other “accomplishments”:
- Mainstreet transformations – following Bobcaygeon’s lead in the previous Council term, have invested in significant reconstruction in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls and Omemee downtowns
- Million Dollar Makeover program delivered grants and loans for over 60 projects throughout the City, exceeding $2 million in project value
- Planning, programming and investment in local arts, culture and heritage sectors, including the completion of the Cultural Master Plan
- Creation of two new destination parks: Logie Park and Bobcaygeon Beach Park
- Developed Active Transportation and Trails Master Plans
- Took an active role as members in the new Kawartha Lakes Ontario Health Team
- Launched the first Community Paramedicine Program in Kawartha Lakes, later adopted by the Province
- Invested $1.5 million in startup funding and an additional $10 million in debenture funding for the Summit Wellness Centre to join the community fundraising and Chamber of Commerce support
- Transit investments in Lindsay Transit (new route in 2023) and ongoing advocacy for regional transit connections
- Began implementation of Lake Management Plans in partnership with Kawartha Conservation
- Ongoing waste reduction and diversion including many new diversion programs such as mattress, construction and demolition material recycling
Taylor concluded the presentation with the comment, “Congratulations to all of you on leading this community through and out of the pandemic, while still maintaining core service delivery throughout and accomplishing several foundational projects and initiatives. Our community is better for your combined efforts, and you have set the tone for an even better future in Kawartha Lakes.”
Mayor Letham added his own thoughts on the Council term. “Council is a team sport. When we worked together we made a great team. Anytime we can respect and challenge each other and our staff, we make good decisions. I hope that will continue. This has been one of the highlights of my life. I believe we’re leaving the municipality better than we found it.”
Congratulations were extended to Mayor Elect Elmslie and returning Councillors Richardson, Ashmore and Yeo. Outgoing Councillors Seymour-Fagan, Dunn, Veale and O’Reilly were thanked for their service to the community.
