City Hall

CKL COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The following are highlights of the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 6, 2020.

2020 Budget Update and 2021 Proposed Budget

Earlier in June, Council received a presentation regarding the City’s cash flow for the year and Jennifer Stover, Director of Corporate Services, provided Council with another update on the 2020 Budget, as well as discussed the 2021 Proposed Budget.

Following Council’s direction, staff have found efficiencies to achieve a zero deficit budget at year end despite constraints due to the pandemic. The 2021 Budget will be approved in the new year, however staff are currently working on a limited capital budget of priorities that is recommended for approval in lateNovember. Mayor Letham proposed a one-time tax rebate on 2021 taxes equalling the $3 million surplus from the 2019 budget. Full details on the budget presentation to follow.

Master Fire Plan – Future Recommendations

Darryl Culley, President of Emergency Management and Training Inc., delivered a presentation to Council regarding an analysis of current operations for Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and future recommendations in order to improve efficiencies and continue to meet standards with anticipated growth. Fire Rescue Service will be bringing forward an updated Master Fire Plan in early 2021.

Coboconk Wellness Centre Feasibility Report

The Coboconk and District area is currently served by a temporary medical facility on the Coboconk Service Centre/Coboconk Lion’s Park property. The community, led by the Chamber of Commerce, have shown the need for a Wellness Centre in Coboconk and four potential locations were reviewed.

Craig Shanks, Director of Community Services, presented a proposal to establish a permanent Wellness Centre on the preferred location of Legion Park, including the historic Coboconk Train Station, to help address service gaps in the northern part of the municipality going forward.

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Municipal Road Drainage

In 2019, the municipality held a series of Roads 101 Roundtables in which the need for increased ditching appeared as a recurring theme. During the meetings, it was discussed that ditching is a key component for road structures in order to help prevent premature degradation.

Public Works staff presented the recommendation that two designated ditching crews be created under the Roads division. Council requested further information on the financial implications, both in staffing costs and future savings through increasing operations around ditching.

Proposed Expansion to Lindsay Transit Service

Public Works Transit brought forward a report that presented a proposed expansion of adding a fourth route to the current Lindsay Transit service. This proposed expansion is an opportunity to reach the Springdale Gardens area in the north west area of Lindsay and provide enhanced transit options for students and the general public throughout Lindsay.

Following the guidelines set out in the 10-year Transit Master Plan, the continued goal of Transit Service is to maximize growth opportunities while maintaining cost effectiveness. The report was received as written and will be brought forward to the October 20 Council meeting for approval.

Paramedic Service Response Time Performance Plan

Paramedic Chief Andrew Rafton brought forward the annual Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service Response Time Performance Plan (RTPP) to be received by Council, as mandated by the Ambulance Act.

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an analysis of current operations and any needed recommendations or adjustments for the 2021 RTPP. The report was received as written and will be brought forward to the October 20 Council meeting for approval.

Off Road Vehicle Use of Municipal Roads

Public Works brought forward a report recommending that the current By-law regarding off road vehicle use, such as ATVs, on municipal roads remain status quo with the exception of minor updates to helmet use and speed. A motion was adopted for Council to discuss at the October 20 meeting the creation of a Task Force to review ORV use across the municipality.

CKL BUDGET UPDATE

At the October 6 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation on the forecast for the 2021 Budget, including a check-in on the 2020 budget to date.

2020 Budget On Track For Break Even

Jennifer Stover, Director of Corporate Services,

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explained that going into the fall, the City’s finances are in better stead than anticipated. In April, $10 million was drawn from investments to cover cash flow pressures due to lost revenues and pandemic related expenses which totalled $5 million.

An additional $5 million draw was forecast for October but not required. Cash flow projections assumed an increased tax delinquency for 2020, however, actual delinquency is aligned with previous years. The $10 million draw will be paid back to investments by year end.

Two unknowns that could impact the municipality’s ability to meet Council’s direction for a break-even budget at year end: the cost of winter control could outpace the budget which has already been increased over last year, and the unpredictability of what the second wave holds for our community.

2021 Tax Levy Increases Targeted At 3.5%

Since 2018, the rate of tax increase has been below the target of 4% outlined in the long term financial plan. The plan was created to ensure adequate funds to maintain and replace existing assets across the City while providing stability and affordability to ratepayers.

Going into 2021, staff are preparing a budget consistent with 2020 tax levy requirements equaling a 3.5% increase. This will require a limited capital program to ensure that the 33 projects ($20 million value) that will be carried over from 2020 due to the pandemic can be completed with existing staff resources and that new 2021 projects are within the targeted 3.5% increase. This program will be presented in late November or early December.

“Our slow and steady approach is working. We have funding coming from Province, but we need to know what the balance of the pandemic will bring before we spend it. We should put the money aside so we have options in future. A reduced capital budget is an opportunity to catch up on reserves,” commented Mayor Letham.

Other known budget pressures for next year include winter control ($1.7 million), waste management ($1 million), fleet ($500,000) and lower than expected growth assessments from MPAC. To offset these pressures, all departments have held expenses in line with 2020 levels.

Option For One-Time Tax Rebate

Mayor Letham put forward a motion that was unanimously adopted by Council whereby Staff will report on how a one-time tax rebate could be applied to 2021 taxes using the $3 million surplus from the 2019 budget. This surplus equates to approximately 3% of the tax levy.

“I would like Council to consider using the surplus that was gained by staff efficiencies for a one-time tax rebate to all ratepayers in 2021. This would not use pandemic funding or other reserves. It would give back to the residents the funds they have already entrusted to us. We’ve all had a tough year, and this would help ease the inconvenience of some reduced services the public has borne over the last several months. This should help at a time when many are struggling.”

Council will consider this option in budget deliberations in the New Year. For a complete budget

FUNDING OPPS FOR CHARITIES

There are currently a number of funding opportunities open and available for charities and non-profits in Kawartha Lakes. To view more details about any of the options below, visit www. jumpinkawarthalakes.ca and choose Kawartha Lakes Recovery.

Current Opportunities

• Emergency Community Support Fund Round 2 • Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO) • Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund • Rural Economic Development (RED) program • New Horizons for Seniors Program -

Deadline October 20, 2020 • Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilience Fund -

Deadline December 2, 2020 • Bobcaygeon Legacy CHEST Fund -

Deadline October 30, 2020

LEAF & GARDEN WASTE SCHEDULE

As the fall draws to a close, residents are asked to please rake and place leaves in dry paper bags. You can keep your bags dry by placing them in a storage shed, or under a tarp until your day of collection. Items placed in plastic bags will not be collected. Please do not rake or blow leaves into ditches. This creates blockage and can cause drainage issues, especially in the winter months.

Leaf and yard waste is to be placed at the curb by 7am on your assigned collection date (see below). Additional yard waste can be bundled with string or twine, at a size less than 3 feet in length and 40 pounds in weight. Grass clippings, sod, root balls, stumps and branches over 3 inches in diameter will not be accepted for curbside collection.

Fall 2020 Collection Schedule

• For residents who have waste and recycling collection on Mondays and Wednesdays, fall leaf and yard waste collection dates are Friday,

November 6 and Friday, November 20. • For residents who have waste and recycling collection on Tuesdays and Thursdays, fall leaf and

NOW OPEN

yard waste collection dates are Friday, November 13 and Friday, November 27.

Please remember that low density residential homes (1 and 2 unit homes) and mobile home parks are the only locations eligible for curbside leaf and yard collection. All other locations are to bring leaf and yard waste to their closest landfill site.

MILESTONE CROP FOR

COMMUNITY GARDEN Submitted by Mallory Cramp-Waldinsperger

Edwin Binney’s community garden has exceeded 10,000 lbs of produce harvested this season. The community garden is in its second year of production, and provides food to 11 local food banks, 10 charity organizations, as well as additional clients and school groups from May to October. The garden came about through community consultations with local stakeholders, Crayola Canada and Fleming College becoming lead partners with UWCKL. Last year, the final total was 5,500 lbs of produce donated. This year, the size of the plowed area was expanded in order to produce larger yields, and multiple crops were planted in succession throughout the season.

Reaching the milestone was an important moment for UWCKL’s team, explains Executive Director Penny Barton Dyke, “We have had a fabulous team working to create substantial leaps in the yield this year in anticipation of greater need for fresh food during Covid-19,” she said. “Our team is excited about reaching this milestone and they worked tirelessly through some tough weather and within COVID-19 restrictions. Knowing this garden is helping people is what drives all of us.”

As the season wraps up, their team is as busy as ever. Not only is work at the garden continuing to prepare for its third season, but UWCKL’s work in providing funding to community programs is facing greater demand than ever, explains Shantal Ingram, Community Investment Coordinator. “Donations to this year’s campaign will help UWCKL address essential needs in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we recover and rebuild over the long term. Every donation will make a difference to the lives of your friends, neighbours and colleagues who are experiencing challenges due to the pandemic.” You can find out more information on Edwin Binney’s Community Garden online at http://cklunitedway.ca/edwin-binney-community-garden/.

LIVE YOUR DREAM Submitted by Susan Peirce

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards are cash awards given to motivated women who are the primary financial supporters of their families. The recipients of the awards seek to improve their lives by gaining additional skills, training or education, but do not have the resources to do so. These cash awards are meant to offset any costs associated with the recipient’s efforts

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to attain higher education, including tuition, books, supplies, child care or transportation costs.

Since 2011, Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes (SIKL) has awarded $14,500 to 14 women. This year, SIKL is offering a total of two cash awards -- $2,000 and $1,000 respectively to 1st and 2nd place. The 1st place recipient becomes eligible for the Eastern Canada Region award of $5,000 USD. Regional award recipients then become eligible to receive one of three international level awards of $10,000 USD.

You are eligible to apply if you: • Are a woman with primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependent(s). • Are attending or have been accepted to an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program. • Have financial need.

Over half of the Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction.

The application deadline is November 15, 2020. Recipients receive their awards in March 2021. to apply, go to bit.ly/LYDA-apply. If you have questions or cannot access the online application, contact LYDA Chair, Carolyn LaPorte at soroptimist.kawarthalakes@ gmail.com.

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards is the signature project of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA). Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes is one of nearly 1,300 clubs that make up SIA, a volunteer organization for women committed to improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to economic empowerment.

For more information about Soroptimists in our area, visit www.sikawarthalakes.org.

RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CONTINUES Submitted by Margaret Cunningham

Launched on May 19, 2020, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes invested $136,400 in Round 1 of the ECSF towards local Kawartha Lakes charities and qualified donees supporting populations experiencing heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 Crisis. This fund was intended to support local charities responding to COVID-19 in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. The local effort in Kawartha Lakes, including the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, aimed to support our vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

To date, the following charities have been supported by the organization: • Community Care of Kawartha Lakes: $45,000 for specialized transportation service requirements • Tri-County Community Support Services: 41,887 for new virtual services for people with developmental disabilities • Women’s Resources Kawartha Lakes: $13,229 for additional staffing to support and shelter women

during isolation • John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and

Haliburton: $10,000 for staffing to deliver outreach services • Boys & Girls Club Kawartha Lakes: $19,889 for cleaning staffing, additional PPE and supplies for children’s return • Spinal Cord Injury Ontario – Kawartha Lakes: $6,395 for supplies to keep essential workers and clients safe

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, our local charities and non-profit organizations have stepped up and continue to provide emergency support of all kinds—specifically recognizing our most vulnerable,” states Mike Perry, Foundation President, “Demand for their services has increased significantly, and the Foundation is proud to partner with the Government of Canada to offer the financial support still needed at this time.”

The application portal for Round 2 of ECSF funding is now open. Since the start of the pandemic, charities and non-profit organizations have been leading the charge to assist those who need it most in the fight against COVID-19. We know the need for funding is still significant. Please go to https:// communityfoundations.ca for more information and links

COVID-19 TRACKER

Peterborough Public Health has launched its new local COVID-19 data tracker. This interactive online tool is updated by 5pm daily and allows residents to stay on top of all COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and related statistics for the Peterborough area.

“This COVID-19 Tracker allows residents to sort local data by different filters, such as time frame and type of outbreak,” said Jane Hoffmeyer, Manager of Foundational Standards whose team developed the COVID-19 Tracker. “It also uses charts and other graphics to visualize the data, making it easier to understand how the pandemic is affecting us locally.”

The COVID-19 Tracker includes local data about new, active and resolved cases; sources of exposure; hospitalizations; and outbreak information for longterm care, retirement homes and schools. It also includes links to data resources available on provincial and federal websites and from neighbouring public health units.

You can get the tracker at https://localcovidtracker. ca.

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HELP FOR FESTIVALS

Ontario is investing $9 million through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program to support municipalities and event organizers during COVID-19. This funding will be used to maintain public safety requirements and allow people to reconnect with their communities through online, drive-through and other innovative experiences.

Organizers will be developing creative programs such as virtual Remembrance Day events, reverse holiday parades with drive-by static floats, drive-in music concerts and movies, holiday tree lightings and New Year’s Eve displays that light-up iconic buildings.

“COVID-19 has had an unprecedented and devastating impact on our local festivals and events,” said Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture industries, Lisa MacLeod. “This important investment through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program will continue to support Ontarians as they reconnect and experience all their local communities have to offer.”

Funding may be used for eligible expenses such as programming and production, promotion, mobile applications and website development, and implementation of health and safety measures.

The application period for the Reconnect Festival and Event Program runs until December 1, 2020.

ONE LETTER AT A TIME Submitted by Caleb Kim

The arrival of the second wave of COVID-19 has led many retirement/long-term care homes to adopt stricter lockdown regulations to prevent infection of their residents. As a result, many residents haven’t been able to have family and friends visit, which can make this an incredibly lonely and depressing time.

As a word of kindness can go a long way, The Caring and Connecting Kawartha Lakes initiative invites you to write letters to older residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

We’ve tried to make this as easy as possible for you. Compose a letter on your computer – you can draw/paint, write poetry or jokes, or include anything that you think might bring a smile to a resident’s face. Then, just upload it to the appropriate section of our form. Instructions and helpful hints can be found on the form online at https://cutt.ly/uygMAXR.

Whether you are looking for a social distancingfriendly volunteer opportunity or simply want a meaningful way to spend your time, your participation will make a positive impact on residents in lockdown. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at caringandconnecting.ckl@gmail.com.

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PROVINCE SUPPORTS RMH

The Ontario government is investing $175 million this year to address critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance in 129 hospitals across the province, including $50 million for COVID-19 related and other urgent projects.

Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Lindsay will receive $500,000 for 2020 and 2021 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. This funding will support their Pharmacy Clean Room Project to meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) standards. Ross Memorial Hospital also received funding in the amount of $210,000 in December through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund.

Maintaining hospital infrastructure is important to ensuring that residents have access to the health care services they need. Investments and support for essential capital projects can make a big difference to our plan to build the capacity we need to end hallway health care in Ontario.

This funding is in addition to another $3.7 million in funding for Ross Memorial Hospital as part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 to address current and future demands for regular services.

As the government continues to work toward bringing Ontario’s world class health care system into the 21st century, this funding will help hospitals address urgent issues such as upgrades or for the replacement of roofs, windows, security systems, backup generators and fire alarms. These projects will also help to support the hospitals in their ongoing response to COVID-19.

“Having a sterile environment where pharmaceutical drugs are stored and drawn is essential to providing quality patient care. This funding will allow RMH to meet important safety standards and continue to deliver accessible and high-quality care for the patients and families in our community,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

“This funding for our Pharmacy Clean Room project will support safe and effective medication delivery for our patients and ensure that our pharmacy program can meet required safety standards. We’re grateful for the support of the MOH on this important project,” added Kelly Isfan, Ross Memorial Hospital President and CEO.

DRIVE THROUGH + ONLINE AUCTION

Drive Through Dates: Nov, 12, 13, 14, 15 & Nov. 19, 20, 21 Each night from 6-9pm Tickets: ticketscene.ca/festivaloftrees

Tickets are $20 per car and need to be purchased in advance. (online or in office)

Our online auction will be live from Nov. 12th - 22nd through McLean's Auctions.

Kawartha Settlers’ Village 85 Dunn Street, Bobcaygeon 705.738.6163

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THANKFUL HEARTS WALK

For people who have had a heart attack or heart surgery, those with heart disease or at risk of developing heart disease, safe exercise is medicine.

That’s why the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team at Ross Memorial Hospital is encouraging the community to join its Thankful Hearts Walk until October 30.

Unable to gather for a group walk with patients, families and friends, the Cardiac Rehab Team hopes people will participate individually or in small groups. They’re asking participants to walk, hike, bike — just get active — and celebrate your heart health.

The Thankful Hearts Walk will support Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the Ross, and help transition outpatient clinics to virtual classes. Participants and those wishing to sponsor them can give online at www.rmh.org/foundation or by calling 705-328-6146.

As the pandemic began impacting hospital services early in 2020, Cardiac Rehabilitation classes and chronic disease outpatient clinics in the Ross Memorial’s Health First program were paused and staff deployed to other areas of the hospital. The team is excited now to offer virtual classes to patients, beginning today.

It was with heavy hearts that the Cardiac Rehab Team cancelled its annual Walk of Life fundraising event in the spring due to the pandemic. More than a fundraiser, the Walk of Life was a day to celebrate the efforts of the hospital’s heart patients to manage their health, and the friends and family who support them.

“We’ve missed our patients, and can’t wait to see them again through our virtual classes,” said Sue Evans, physiotherapist. “We hope people throughout the Kawartha Lakes will join us in our Thankful Hearts Walk and share pictures of their exercise activities. October is the perfect month to get out, enjoy the fall colours, and be good to your heart!”

Do you have a thankful heart? Send a picture or video of your exercise activity (email to foundation@rmh.org) and we’ll share it on social media to encourage others to get moving for good heart health.

THE ECONOMICS OF HYDRO

It’s that time of year again when our hydro rates go up. Starting November 1, the winter rates for Time of Use billing will be Off-peak at 10.5 cents/kWh, Midpeak at 15 cents/kWh and On-Peak at 21.7 cents/kWh.

Customers with Hydro One will have the option now, though, of switching to a tired-rate pricing, which will provide a set rate for electricity up to a certain level of consumption. From November 1 to April 30, you’ll pay 12.6 cents/kWh for up to 1,000 kWh of use, then 14.6 cents/kWh above the 1,000 kWh per month threshold.

In addition, the Ontario government has revised the eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance program (CEAP) and COVID-19 Energy Assistance program for Small Business (CEAP-SB). As well, Ontario is introducing a new streamlined Energy Affordability Program (EAP) for households struggling to pay their electricity bills. Beginning the week of January 4, 2021, EAP will: • Provide free electricity saving measures to help participating households manage their electricityuse and lower their electricity costs by up to $1,000 per year; • Tailor energy-efficiency upgrades based on household income, home heating system, location, and an energy needs assessment; and, • Simplify access to new and updated electricity saving measures through a single program that replaces the Affordability Fund Trust and Home

Assistance Program, which are ending in 2020. You can find out more at www.hydroone.com.

TL HAMPER PLANNING UNDERWAY Submitted by Marylou Bowles

The Municipality of Trent Lakes Christmas Hamper Committee is now planning their 2020 program. All those who are a resident in the Municipality and in need of a Christmas Hamper can call the Municipal office at 1-800-374-4009 or 705-738-3800 and request an application. The completed application must be returned to the Municipal office by Friday, December 4 at 4pm.

It is important that those in need of a hamper fill out and return their application by the deadline, so that the volunteers who shop for the hampers can use this time to get the shopping done. The hampers can be picked up at the Buckhorn Community Centre between noon and 1pm on Saturday, December 19.

Those wishing to donate can do so by delivering or mailing a cheque or taking cash to the Municipality of Trent Lakes Municipal Office, 701 County Road 36N, R.R. # 3, Bobcaygeon, Ont. K0M 2A0, with clear indication that it is for the Christmas Hamper Fund. An income tax receipt will be issued for donations over $10.

Also look for the decorated collection boxes and jars at local businesses for donations of toys, nonperishable food items, and loose change. Drop-off boxes and /or jars will be located at the Municipality of Trent Lakes Office, Cavendish Community Centre, Buckhorn Foodland, Buckhorn Public School, Pirates’ Cove, Buckhorn Community Centre, Flynn’s Store, Buckhorn General Store, Buckhorn Pharmacy, Buckhorn Home Hardware, Country Market, Buckhorn LCBO and the Lakehurst Hall.

We believe that the need this year will be greater than ever with the world situation and high level of unemployment in our rural areas. Please do what you can to help make the holiday season a little brighter for many families in our area.

PORTRAITS by MAX MILLER from life or photograph from $350

TO RAKE OR NOT TO RAKE For those of us with plenty of deciduous trees on our property, raking leaves in the fall is definitely on our todo list. But, according to the David Suzuki Foundation, that might not be the case for environmental reasons. DO NOT rake your leaves from your lawn! Butterflies begin in leaves, as larvae. Those brown, dead leaves are the planet’s butterfly nursery. They’re home to butterfly larvae, microbes and worms. And leaf litter is where many species of butterflies and moths overwinter as pupae. Animals like toads, shrews and salamanders benefit from leaf litter to hide and hunt, too. This fall, let your rake collect only dust. Here are a few alternatives: • Mulch leaves in your planter beds: Rake leaves off the lawn and into your planter beds. • Mulch leaves on your lawn: Use your mower to mulch leaves on the lawn and improve your lawn health by suppressing weeds and fertilizing the soil. • Collect browns to compost: Backyard Composting Dos and Don’ts tells us to balance “greens” with “browns.” Store leaves in a bin and add them to your backyard composter throughout the winter months. • Craft with leaves: Have children collect their favourite leaves in your yard and throughout the neighbourhood and try your hand at nature weaving. Remember, though, do rake leaves out of sewers, drainage pathways and take them out of your rain gutters.

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WINTER CLOSURE OF

BOBCAYGEON SWING BRIDGE

Parks Canada says that the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge on Main St. (at Canal St.) will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic over the winter months. The bridge will be closed on or after October 26, pending the approval of Contractor submissions, and will open in the spring of 2021, prior to the opening of navigation on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

A temporary, accessible pedestrian bridge will be installed across the canal near the downstream lock gates. The area around the cenotaph will remain outside of the construction site.

Public safety is a priority for Parks Canada. Residents and visitors are advised to follow detour signage and to exercise caution.

Engineering inspections in recent years have indicated that this bridge requires intervention. Parks Canada is leading this important infrastructure work along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

To ask questions or register to receive updates about any Trent-Severn Waterway construction project, please contact them by email at Ont. TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca and include the project name in the subject heading. More details about this work, or other construction work in your region, can be found at www.pc.gc.ca/tswKawarthaLakes.