KAWARTHA LAKES- The City of Kawartha lakes is forecasting at $10.7 million tax-supported operating budget for 2026.
Council recently received the second-quarter variance report for the 2026 and made the projection based on results to June 30, although staff cautioned that the final amount could be lower as revenues and expenses do not occur evenly throughout the year.
According to the City some of the largest pressures include:
- winter road maintenance
- fuel and fleet costs
- additional firefighter training requirements
Winter control alone is currently forecasting a deficit of about $4 million, with the final result depending heavily on weather conditions during the rest of the year.
Staff are also continuing work on approximately $7.6 million in budget efficiencies as directed by Council according to the City. The variance report was received, with further financial monitoring and mitigation work to continue through the year. Staff also indicated the Audit Committee is expected to review the financial situation and mitigation strategies later this year.
Council also received a mid-year update on the City’s 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan, along with a review of progress made during the current Council term. The City is tracking 219 initiatives requested by the current Council, with 133 complete and 81 on track according to the City.
Work highlighted in the update included:
- affordable housing
- homelessness supports
- additional licensed child care spaces
- permanent funding for community paramedicine
- online permitting
- environmental initiatives
- modernization projects
Five initiatives have not yet started, largely because they depend on funding, other projects, or future planning work. Staff will continue advancing the remaining priorities and will work with the incoming Council to confirm direction for the final year of the current Strategic Plan and begin preparing the next four-year plan.
Source CKL
