Dr. Mark D. Black

Speed Reductions In Ckl

At the recent City of Kawartha Lakes Council meeting, approvals were given for a few speed reductions on area roads.

• Emily Park Road: The speed limit of Emily Park Road (CKL Road 10) between Peace Road (CKL Road 14) and Grassy Road be reduced to 60km/ hour.

• CKL Road 8: The 60km/h speed limit on CKL Road 8 located from 500 metres west of West Street to a point 900 metres westerly be extended a further 900 metres westerly.

• Approaching Hamlets: 60km/hour speed limits to be established in approach of hamlets and communities which have a 40km/hour or 50km/ hour speed limit.

New 40km/hour school area coming to Downeyville

A school area will be established on Sturgeon Road (CKL Road 7) 150 metres north and south of St. Luke’s Road. The rate of speed for the school area will be 40km/hour when school is in session, which will be identified with the appropriate flashing signs on approach.

Customer Experience Is Key

At the City of Kawartha Lakes Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday June 20, Manager of Customer Service, Steve Babcock and Director of Community Services, Craig Shanks provided Council an update on the municipality’s Customer Service Journey and Community Hub Model. Recovering from the pandemic, the municipality is taking a customerfocused approach to service delivery and shifting towards central access points with a full range of services.

“What I really want to talk to you more about today is Customer Experience,” said Manager Babcock. “There are a lot of different stages a customer has to go through when being served by us and regardless of what department a member of our staff works in they deliver a service, either internally or externally. By breaking down the Customer Experience journey and taking a holistic approach to service delivery, we can do a better job of building trust and confidence in the services we provide.”

In an effort to consolidate services, the municipality is developing a Customer Experience Strategy to address service delivery gaps and enable staff to serve the community better. The consolidation of services will be implemented through a Community Hub Model, featuring a full counter inventory, onestop-shop for general inquiries, digital services where possible and a framework for sustaining a quality customer experience.

“The intent through Community Hubs is to streamline the more than 50 tasks across over 200 services our staff provide to the community,” commented Director Shanks. “This model will provide us with consistency to help ensure tasks are being done the same way, so it’s easier for staff to provide services and in turn a better experience for residents.”

The municipality made its first major step towards the Community Hub Model with the reopening of City Hall in January of this year and will look to expand on its progress with further partnerships with libraries and other key community stakeholders. To inform the Customer Experience Strategy and Community Hubs, the municipality is also launching an engagement campaign this summer.

A Customer Experience Feedback survey is currently available on the municipality’s online engagement platform Jump In Kawartha Lakes to provide a baseline for serving the community better -www.jumpinkawarthalakes.ca/customerexperience. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and everyone is encouraged to fill it out following an interaction with the City.

“When we came out of the pandemic I wanted to recognize what we learned and Customer Service is key,” commented Deputy Mayor and Ward 8 Councillor, Tracy Richardson. “As councillors, we deal constantly with a variety of issues and explaining the process is a critical step towards informing our residents and building that trust and confidence. We are making steps with what we’ve done in the last few years to bring the level of service up and I think this is a great opportunity to push that education out.”

2023 Accessibility Awards

At the Committee of the Whole Meeting on June 20, 2023 the 15th annual Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners were announced. These awards recognize individuals, groups and businesses that have exceeded expectations while working to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities or increase public awareness within the community.

Councillor Charlie McDonald spoke on behalf of the Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee, saying “I’m pleased to be here with you today and announce that over the last 15 years we have recognized close to 140 individuals and businesses who have contributed to breaking down barriers to accessibility in our community.”

Mayor Doug Elmslie echoed Councillor McDonald’s sentiment, saying “I am so proud of the dedicated efforts of our Accessibility Advisory Committee. Having sat on the Committee myself for a number of years, I can say without a doubt that their endless commitment to reducing barriers and social stigmas is admirable.”

The following awards were presented by Elizabeth Peeters and Gigi Porteous, members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee:

Outstanding Contribution - Business

• Aunt Laura’s Tearoom: Aunt Laura’s Tearoom is located in an old farmhouse that is at least 175 years old, not a business you would expect to be accessible and yet, owner Kathy Morton does her best. There is a path and ramp to allow access, and tables and washrooms are accessible. Lighting is great for those patrons with visual impairments.

• Country Side Pharmacy: Countryside Pharmacy has worked hard to reduce barriers for customers, having recently installed an automatic door. They we will remember them.”