My Thoughts on Housing

I spoke with Roderick Benns of the Lindsay Advocate, in partnership with Kawartha Lakes Matters, on the topic of housing.

Community Roundtables Coming to Your Ward

"I’m very excited to have discussions with our residents about topics important to them,” said Doug Elmslie, Deputy Mayor. “There’s no shortage of smart ideas out there. These roundtables are an opportunity to gather intelligence from the community while sharing information about how we deliver municipal services. We want to hear opinions, concerns and feedback on how we’re doing and how together we can improve.”

Civic Engagement 101 in City of Kawartha Lakes

There will be a public consultation sessions on a downtown parking strategy March 5 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Lindsay Rec Complex (more details in this Advocate article) and on the City’s 10-year housing and homelessness plan on March 13 at the Ops Community Centre (details here). Two examples of opportunities to keep informed and weigh in on issues. A newly-created, rotating position in council is deputy mayor and one of the responsibilities of the City’s first deputy mayor, Councillor Doug Elmslie, is to initiate “community conversations.” Details are yet to come, but the target is fall 2019 for the first of these.

A behind the scenes look at the budget deliberations at City Hall

Even with the addition of 13 new staff, the tax rate came in much lower than the anticipated 4% at the start of the process. The final increase is pegged at 2.85% CAO Ron Taylor said that the positions are needed due to growth and efficiencies. The Mayor also commented that we need to improve the product we supply. Highlights of the budget deliberations included motions by Councillor Dunn to put off three positions to 2020. A good discussion ensued on the need for a GIS specialist, a records management clerk and a coach/bus technician. The position of a bus and coach technician with allow savings in outsourcing services.

New pilot program in Fenelon encourages people to become Active Again

Would you like to try a new sport or activity but just don’t know where to start? Or do you need a program that helps with special needs you may have? There is a now a new low-cost program that can help you be Active Again. The new pilot program being run in Fenelon Falls will enable City of Kawartha Lakes residents to try various recreational activities in a comfortable environment with other participants who may require an ‘adaptive’ or modified approach to participating.

Media FeatureMegan BartonFebruary 23, 2019Active Again, Fenelon Falls, City of Kawartha Lakes

Council steps up to fund paramedic project to support vulnerable seniors

Vulnerable seniors in Kawartha Lakes may get the help they need after Kawartha Lakes City Council endorsed the idea of a three-month pilot run by local paramedics.

Mayor Andy Letham brought forward the proposed project idea by Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service today after the Local Health Integration twice turned the paramedics down for $25,000 to fund the pilot.

Media FeatureMegan BartonFebruary 23, 2019Lindsay Advocate, Roderick Benns, City of Kawartha Lakes, Andy Letham

Kawartha Lakes seeking 2.85% more from residents in 2019

At Wednesday’s meeting, Mayor Andy Letham wondered if the rebranding efforts might be coming too soon.

“My concern is the timing of it,” he said. The idea behind the project is to sell to the public what the city has to offer. But he said improvements are still being made to “the product.”

Kawartha Lakes council green lights retail cannabis stores

Kawartha Lakes Coun. Doug Elmslie says the nation is stuck with its legalized cannabis legislation, so it may as well make the most of it. Elmslie, who says he didn’t support the federal decision, was the first Kawartha Lakes councillor to move a motion asking council to back the idea of “opting in” — a move that clears the way to allow the retail stores in the municipality.

Media FeatureMegan BartonFebruary 1, 2019City of Kawartha Lakes, Doug Elmslie

Elected as Deputy Mayor

Yesterday I was honoured to be elected by my peers as Deputy Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes for a 1 year term. Kawartha 411 was in attendance at the swearing in ceremony and (cont.)

Municipal Election Results Announcement

I just wanted to share the following from the City of Kawartha Lakes:

“Municipal Election results to be announced at the Armoury on October 22.”

Fenelon Falls BikeShare Launch [Updated]

Yesterday I was honoured to attend the official launch of the newest way to get about town, the Fenelon Falls BikeShare. The bikes are located beside TSW Lock 34 and were made possible by the hard work and support from, Kawartha Works, The City of Kawartha Lakes, RTO8, the TSW and Enbridge.

Response to the Balsam Lake Association

In an effort to encourage property owners on Balsam Lake to participate in the upcoming election, I was approached by the Director and Treasurer of the Balsam Lake Association, David Donais, to submit information and viewpoints relevant to the Balsam Lake community.