EMERGENCY SERVICES PRESENT
REPORTS
At the March 10 City of Kawartha Lakes Council meeting, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service and Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service presented their 2025 annual report to Council.
The Fire Service highlighted public education, training and emergency response across the municipality.
• Firefighters responded to over 3,300 incidents in 2025, a 30% increase from the previous year. The increase was largely related to the March ice storm, which required thousands of firefighter response hours, along with several significant wildfires during the year.
• The Fire Service continued to focus on public education and fire prevention, including school programs, fire extinguisher training and outreach events in the community. A new program also began to help residents in municipal multi-unit housing buildings learn about fire safety and evacuation.
• Staff training remained a key focus in 2025, with firefighters completing courses in hazardous materials, rescue training and emergency response.
• Fire Service continues working to meet new provincial firefighter certification requirements while supporting volunteer recruitment across the municipality.
Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service shared its 2025 performance results as well, showing the service continues to respond to more calls each year while maintaining strong response times. Highlights include:
• In 2025, paramedics responded to over 14,000 patient calls, about one call every 37 minutes. Despite the increase in demand, the service met or exceeded all response time targets.
• New tools and service improvements, including the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), helped better match the response to the type of call. This reduced unnecessary emergent responses and significantly lowered the amount of time when no ambulances were available in the municipality.
• Council also heard that operating costs and fleet costs have stabilized, and a new ambulance replacement plan will help keep vehicles reliable. The service continues exploring new technology through initiatives such as a hydrogen fuel cell pilot project.
GO PAPERLESS TO WIN
The City of Kawartha Lakes is encouraging residents to ‘Go Paperless’ and switch to paperless billing for property tax and utility accounts.
Going paperless means residents can receive their bills online without worrying about lost mail, postal disruptions, or misplaced paper copies (or even wrestling the family dog to get them back). With online delivery, customers can access their bills any time and stay on top of important payments.
Even better, every account signed up to receive bills online automatically before November 30 will be automatically entered into the contest for 25 chances to win $100. Each City of Kawartha Lakes property tax or utility account enrolled to receive bills through PayReq counts as one contest entry.
City staff emphasize that this initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize how services are delivered to residents.
“This is more than a billing project; it’s a corporatewide initiative to change how we do business with our residents,” said Kawartha Lakes CAO Ron Taylor. “Every time we process a bill electronically, we are reducing the cost of paper, postage and processing time. We’re also supporting our environmental and sustainability goals.
The City currently spends more than $250,000 each year on paper-based billing for property taxes and utilities. Every account that signs up to Go Paperless reduces this number, frees staff time, and helps support the environment.
Residents are encouraged to make the switch and Go Paperless today to receive their Kawartha Lakes property tax and utility bills online: securely, conveniently, and on time. Here’s how to sign up: 1. Go to Payreq’s login portal at https://go.payreq. com
2. Create a new account.
3. Click “Add New Biller” and register for Kawartha Lakes - Utility or Kawartha Lakes - Property Tax.
4. Select “to register for Payreq”.
ßRefer to your Kawartha Lakes bill to enter the required information.
Once registered, you’ll start to receive email notifications when your bill is issued. Then you can log in to your Payreq account to view and download your bill.
2025 ICE STORM CLEANUP SUPPORT
The Provincial Government is stepping up to help local municipalities cover cleanup costs from the March 28, 2025 ice storm.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, Dave Smith, said, “The ice storm of March 2025 was one of the most significant weather events our region has ever faced. I am proud to announce that our government is providing up to $9,931,000 in provincial funding to help Peterborough-Kawartha cover the costs of emergency response and clean-up.”
Of that, the Municipality of Trent Lakes will receive $503,000. Mayor Terry Lambshead said, “The Municipality of Trent Lakes is tremendously thankful for MPP Smith’s advocacy for the Trent Lakes community and having received this financial assistance through the Ontario Government. We were in a Declaration of
Emergency for 14 days. The devastation left roadways blocked with debris, buildings without power, and residents isolated in their homes. To this day, we still have impassable trails and damaged forests which will take years to restore. In the days following the storm, municipal Council, staff and volunteers went above and beyond the scope of their roles to support the community and ensure every resident was safe. As we mark one year later, we are reminded of the unity our region sets forth and that we will continue to support each other in challenges that come our way.”
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, the province will provide a maximum of just over $25 million. Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock said, “The end of March 2025 brought a storm like no other to the communities in our region. Our provincial government recognized the need to financially support our municipalities, who played a critical role in cleaning up the widespread devastation.”
CKL Mayor, Doug Elmslie, added, “The Ice Storm last year was a significant event for Kawartha Lakes, one that affected every resident in all corners of our municipality and severely impacted our natural environment. The clean-up efforts took months to complete, and we are thankful for this funding from our partners at the Province which supported our response and recovery process. It’s a great example of provincial and municipal governments working together to provide assistance to residents and property owners during emergency events.”
In addition to support for municipalities, the province’s Business Ice Storm Assistance program is providing up to $5 million for small businesses, small farms and not-for-profit organizations to assist with storm-related clean-up and essential repairs not covered by insurance.
PROVINCE EXPANDING ALCOHOL PERMITS
To help support local tourism and drive economic growth, the Ontario government is expanding “bringyour-own” event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events, including farmer’s markets, movie screenings, art exhibits and neighbourhood festivals. The expanded permit will allow people who attend these events to bring their own alcohol for consumption in designated areas.
“Starting this spring, Ontario is giving communities more flexibility to safely and responsibly enjoy cultural and outdoor events,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “The ‘bring-your-own’ event permits will help save attendees money, lower overhead costs for event organizers and contribute to local economies.”
Municipalities will be required to pass a bylaw authorizing the use of alcohol in public, if they do not already have one in place, and establish a local process that would determine whether an event qualifies as community or cultural. Starting April 30, 2026, event organizers in participating municipalities will be able to apply for bring-your-own permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
“Our government is always working to find new
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Branch 77 Lakefield (705) 652-7988
• March 28 – Open Mic – 1pm to 5pm
March 28 – Loonie Auction in support of the Freshwater Summit Festival – Doors open at 6pm
– Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door – Limited Seating
• Tuesdays – Euchre – 1pm
• Tuesdays – Open Darts – 7pm – Three games $5
– Monthly lunch – 11:30am to 1pm - $15 per person
• To commemorate the centenary of the Royal Canadian legion in 2026, the Legio is offering “new members” a free 2026 membership
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
ways to empower local communities, boost economic activity and increase tourism,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By giving Ontario municipalities the choice to make use of this new initiative, our government is directly contributing to their economic well-being while ensuring adults can continue to safely and responsibly enjoy their favourite products.”
The “bring-your-own” permit change will be enabled by an amendment to a regulation under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, giving community and cultural organizations greater flexibility ahead of the spring and summer event season.
FLOOD WATCH ALONG TSW
Otonabee Conservation has issued a Flood Watch for the Trent-Severn Waterway and a Watershed Condition Statement for local watercourses.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the Trent-Severn Waterway within the Otonabee Region watershed. Recent warmer temperatures and precipitation in the Haliburton-Reservoir Lakes area have caused a significant increase in water runoff, leading to higher flows in rivers and streams that drain south into the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River. As a result, there is potential for nuisance to minor-level flooding of low-lying, flood vulnerable areas, starting this week and continuing through next week.
The Flood Watch message will expire Thursday, March 26 unless updated earlier.
A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety remains in effect for local watercourses as they continue to flow at hazardously high levels, but flooding is not expected. Residents are reminded to stay away from shorelines, and off the ice due to unsafe conditions.
Stay informed by monitoring weather updates and water levels, or subscribe at www. otonabeeconservation.com to receive flood messages directly.
Kawartha Conservation has also issued a Watershed Conditions Statement for the Kawartha watershed through until Monday.
HIGH-SPEED TRAIN CONSULTATION
The Federal Government’s plans to create a highspeed train route connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City. The project is being managed by Alto, a federal Crown corporation, and the public consultation period is currently open until April 24, 2026.
There is also a virtual information session on March 23, 2026 at 7pm for residents to learn more.
The corridor is approximately 10 km in width, allowing members of the public, civil society organizations, Indigenous communities, governments at all levels, and other stakeholders to share their perspectives before a more refined route is proposed. It has been noted that the anticipated right-of-way for the future high-speed rail network will be around 60 m wide on average.
Alto has indicated that the narrowing of the current corridor study area will be based on a rigorous
analysis that combines the technical requirements of high-speed rail, social and environmental impacts, social acceptability, costs and feasibility.
The community is invited to participate in this first phase of public consultation whether to learn more about this project, to voice concerns or to share opinions.
You can find out more and sign up for the virtual session at www.altotrain.ca.
SPRING EQUINOX IS HERE!
As you’re sitting wherever reading this, probably with the furnace on and swearing at yet another snowfall coming, it’s officially Spring! The Vernal Equinox happened at 10:46 this morning, the official beginning of the spring season.
Today we’ll receive roughly an equal amount of sunlight as the Southern Hemisphere as neither hemisphere is tilted more toward or away from the Sun than the other. After the spring equinox, we’ll have more daylight than darkness in each 24-hour day. The amount of daylight each day will continue to increase until the summer solstice (in June), when the longest period of daylight occurs.
With The Weather Network forecasting consistent below normal temperatures and the probability of more snow and ice, we haven’t seen the last of winter yet. But have faith, as we will have a summer!
SCANDAL HITS CLOSE TO HOME
In 1977, former Prince Andrew studied for a semester at Lakefield College School. To honour that relationship with the Royal Family, two islands in the Otonabee River were named Prince Andrew Island and Gordonstoun Island.
Now, given the legal controversy about the former Prince’s alleged involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, Selwyn Township is asking the Ontario Geographic Names Board to remove the current names. Once that happens, the Township will consult with the community to come up with names that better reflect the community.
CLOTHING DONATIONS
If you’re spring cleaning your closets, there is a clothing donation drive coming up that can use your spring and summer clothes.
New and gently used, clean clothes for all ages and sizes can be dropped off at Knox Presbyterian Church, 6 Joseph Street in Bobcaygeon from April 1 to May 28.
They will hold their 3rd Annual Clothing Giveaway May 29 and 30 from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
LEARN ABOUT WORMS
Ever wondered what worms can do for your garden? The Buckhorn Community Centre has a Lunch & Learn for you!
On Tuesday, March 31, experts will talk about the benefits of vermicompost as a natural fertilizer in
gardens. You can learn how to build your own compost bin (supplies included), purchase worms and worm castings at a discount price.
The event is free. Doors open at 11:30 with lunch served at noon, followed by the presentation. Contact the BCC to register at 705-657-8833.
SUMMER DAY CAMP GUIDE AVAILABLE
Summer Day Camp programs provide an opportunity for all children to try different activities, meet new friends, and develop important skills. This summer, the City of Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Department will offer a variety of Day Camps for children aged 5 to 12, along with a Leaders in Training program for youth aged 13 to 15.
The Summer 2026 Day Camps Guide is now available online through the City’s website at www. kawarthalakes.ca. Registration will begin Tuesday, April 14 at 9am through a link on the site.
COUNTRY LIVING SHOW
Submitted by Greg Ferguson
Kick off your summer at the Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show, April 17-19 in Fenelon Falls. Get inspired and find solutions from over 100 booths filled with products and services specifically targeted to the country home, farm, and cottage owner. The show features an on-site restaurant, family activities, and everything you need to enhance your home or cottage.
The show runs Friday, April 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre.
Admission is by donation at the front entrance. For more details and to see a full exhibitor list, please visit countrylivingshow.ca.
CURLING CLUB REALLY CARES
Submitted by Doug Newton
In February, curlers, sponsors, local businesses and visitors came together at the 23rd Annual Bobcaygeon Curling Club Cares Bonspiel, raising $23,854.03 for
Left to Right: Heather Strang, representing the Bobcaygeon Helps Food Bank, Trevor Trotter, Murray Thompson, Angie Thompson and Barb Hetherington, representing the Bobcaygeon Curling Club Cares Bonspiel
the Bobcaygeon Helps Food Bank.
The event was made possible through the generous support of title sponsor Kawartha Lakes Marina, along with core sponsors The Co-operators (Willock Co-operators Insurance), Ball Real Estate (Margaret Weikmann), and Denure Tours. In addition, 43 local businesses and more than 40 club members generously donated items for the raffle and silent auction tables.
“The generosity of our curlers, sponsors, and local businesses continues to amaze us,” said Murray Thompson, Event Organizer for the Bobcaygeon Curling Club Cares Bonspiel. “This event is about more than curling — it’s about neighbours helping neighbours. Seeing the community come together year after year to support important causes makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
The Bobcaygeon Helps Food Bank, the only independent food bank in Ontario, is operated entirely by volunteers and supports over 225 local families made up of over 465 individuals on a regular basis. This year’s bonspiel brought together 96 enthusiastic and generous curlers who took part in recreational play while also supporting a silent auction, 50/50 draw, and raffle. The strong participation and community spirit were key factors in the event’s success.
“As an independent, volunteer-run food bank, community support like this is essential to helping us meet the growing needs of local families,” said Heather Strang, representing the Bobcaygeon Helps Food Bank. “We are incredibly grateful to the Bobcaygeon
Curling Club and everyone who participated for their outstanding generosity and continued commitment to our community.”
By all measures, the 2026 Bobcaygeon Cares Bonspiel was a tremendous success. Since the event’s inception in 2000, the Bobcaygeon Curling Club has donated an estimated $189,000 to local charities, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the community.
LET THE CRITTERS FEND FOR THEMSELVES
It’s natural to want to help local wildlife with some vittles at this time of year, but the City of Kawartha Lakes is asking you to let the critters fend for themselves.
City officials have recently noticed more coyote sightings and clear signs that food is being placed on trail pathways by people. Even when meant with good intentions, leaving food out can create unsafe and unhealthy situations for both wildlife and the community.
• When wild animals learn that people give them food, they can lose their natural fear of humans. This may lead to unpredictable behaviour, property damage, or increased risks for children, families, and pets. When animals gather in busy places, the chances of bites, scratches, or vehicle collisions also go up.
• Human food is not appropriate for wild animals. It can cause sickness, malnutrition, and other longterm health problems. When many animals crowd
around one food source, diseases can spread more easily, and their natural feeding habits can be disrupted.
• Leaving food in parks or along trails creates litter, attracts rodents and invasive species, and harms natural habitats. It also goes against municipal bylaws designed to protect the environment.
• Feeding wildlife or dumping food waste on public land may lead to fines or other enforcement actions under municipal by-laws.
Protecting wildlife means giving animals the space and conditions they need to stay wild. We appreciate the community’s help in keeping parks and trails safe, clean, and healthy for everyone.
YOUNG MUSICIANS SHOWCASE CONCERT
Kawartha Art Gallery is proud to announce its second concert as part of the 2025/26 series, the Young Musicians Showcase. The event takes place Wednesday, April 15 at 7pm at Celebrations Lindsay (35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay, Ontario), and will feature young musicians from four local schools. Tickets are only $10, available in advance and at the door.
Proceeds from the concert will go towards supporting music programming for youth in the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the Kawartha Art Gallery. The April 15 concert will feature music students from Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute, Mariposa Elementary School, Rolling Hills Public
School, and the newly formed Kawartha Lakes Youth Concert Band. As with many of KAG’s initiatives, this concert is meant to bring awareness to the importance of music programs in schools.
Says Susan Taylor, Executive Director of KAG: “We are thrilled to celebrate the talent and dedication of our local young musicians,” says Susan Taylor, Executive Director of Kawartha Art Gallery. “The Young Musicians Showcase is more than a concert— it’s an opportunity to highlight the vital role of music programs in our schools, foster community pride, and inspire the next generation of artists.”
Added Beth Wilson, Music Teacher at Mariposa Elementary School: “Giving elementary school students an opportunity to perform is essential because it gives a chance for the music they have become invested in to come alive. It builds confidence, teamwork and a sense of responsibility while allowing students to see that their hard work matters outside of the classroom. When young musicians step on stage, they aren’t just playing notes but are showing courage, using communication as well as supporting one another. These experiences shape how they see themselves for years to come!”
Kawartha Art Gallery is grateful for the support of Canadian Heritage, through its Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF). In December, it presented its first concert of the season, featuring brass and clarinet artists from the Kawartha Lakes Concert Band. With this CAPF funding, the Gallery continues its commitment to offering diverse and engaging programming that strengthens community connections and celebrates
Tickets are only $10, and available in advance or at the door (online in advance encouraged). You can get them in advance through www.kawarthagallery. com.
MARY BROWN’S JOINS RMH FAMILY
The RMH Foundation is happy to welcome the team from Mary Brown’s Chicken in Lindsay as the newest member of the WE ARE THE ROSS Business Community!
Peter Patel recently presented the proceeds of the Mary Brown’s Guest Appreciation Event fundraiser to Kim Coulter, RMH Foundation Communications Specialist. Over the two-day event oin early March, $1,550 was raised to support critical investments at Ross Memorial Hospital.
The WE ARE THE ROSS campaign supports the hospital’s highest priority projects, funding essential facilities and technology improvements including the expansion of the Emergency Department and ICU, precision diagnostic technology and life-saving bedside equipment.
“We are grateful to Peter, his team, and everyone who visited the Lindsay restaurant to participate in their Guest Appreciation Event,” said Kim Coulter. “When business leaders such as Peter choose to support the hospital through their special events, their giving impacts everyone who lives and works in Kawartha Lakes. Together, WE ARE THE ROSS.”
For more information about the WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign, visit wearetheross.ca.
SOROPTIMISTS SUPPORT WOMEN AND BABIES
Submitted by Nancy Newton
Members of Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes celebrated International Women’s Day on March
8 by helping local women and their babies.
Club members donated diapers, clothing, baby food and other items to the Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre. Michelle Botting, the Centre’s Executive Director acknowledged the impact of the donation.
“The Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre (KLPC) walks alongside anyone facing challenges related to pregnancy or pregnancy loss, providing confidential support and empowering education. Part of this support includes providing practical help, which we can only do through generous donations from groups and individuals. Like the Soroptimist club, we do not receive government funding.”
A registered charity, Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes is part of a global women’s volunteer service organization supporting women and girls. The club’s mission is to help women and girls achieve their full potential as individuals and members of our
community. New members are always welcomed. For more information visit www.sikawarthalakes.org, or send an email to: info@sikawarthalakes.org
SOROPTOMIST RAFFLE
Soroptomist International Kawartha Lakes is holding a raffle to support programs for women and girls in Kawartha Lakes.
Up for grabs is $400 cash, a queen-size handmade quilt, golf for four with carts at Whispering Ridge in Brooklin and a Crayola Gift Basked valued at more than $300. The draw will be held on May 8, 2026.
Tickets are $10 each or three for $20, with only 1,000 tickets printed.
Visit their website at sikawarthalakes.org for more information about purchasing tickets.
(left to right): Kim Coulter (RMH Foundation) and Peter Patel (owner of Mary Brown’s Lindsay)
Photo: Sue Smith, Administrative Assistant and Michelle Botting, Executive Director, Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre with baby items donated by members of Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes
Photo Credit: Marci Stainton.
