CKL COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS - December 15, 2020
On December 15, Kawartha Lakes held its last Council Meeting for the 2020 year. Here were the key topics:
Councillor Pat O’Reilly elected Deputy Mayor for second term
An election was held to name the Deputy Mayor for the 2021 term. Councillor O’Reilly, who was Deputy Mayor for 2020, has been renamed Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year. “By the looks of it, 2021 is going to be a busy year. The capital budget is a good reflection of the projects we have coming forward, as well as the progress we’ve already made,” commented O’Reilly. “I am looking forward to being Deputy Mayor for 2021 to help keep the momentum going and provide further support where I can.”
Amendments to City Official Plans and Zoning By-laws
Following public consultation through the Planning Advisory Committee, Planning Division Staff brought forward amendments to the Official Plans and Zoning By-laws for Additional Residential Units (ARUs). Council adopted the amendments, which will allow additional dwelling units on properties that contain a detached house, semi-detached house or townhouse, as well as within accessory buildings associated with these dwellings. Additional Residential Units are also now permitted City-wide, even on private services.
Previously, only one new unit was permitted in the same building as a primary residential unit, and only in urban areas on full municipal services. This amendment supports the City’s priorities to improve the quality of life and growth of Kawartha Lakes by helping increase the amount of available rental housing, gently increasing the density of residential neighbourhoods and creating opportunities for additional income for homeowners.
Extension of Kawartha Lakes Innovation Cluster Pilot Project
Council approved the extension of the Kawartha Lakes Innovation Pilot Project from January 1 to December 31, 2021. The Kawartha Lakes Innovation Cluster Pilot Project launched officially at 180 Kent Street, Lindsay in February 2020 as an incubator for high-growth technology-focused entrepreneurs and businesses, providing expertise and resources across key industries like agriculture, specialized manufacturing and engineered products. Despite the pandemic and having to shift to virtual programming this year, the Pilot Project was successful in supporting 12 local companies, as well as training opportunities for many others.
Amendments to Charitable Road Tolls
Charitable road tolls, also known as boot drives, are a lucrative fundraiser for many charitable and not-for-profit organizations. As municipally authorized events, there is a level of accountability and expectancy on the City to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. To that end, Council has permitted staff to amend the by-laws on charitable road tolls to improve their transparency, coordination and to enhance both the safety of the volunteers conducting the tolls and the safety of motorists.
Council approves By-Law to help regulate municipal road occupancy and use
At the December 15 Council meeting, Public Works brought forward a report outlining the need for a by-law to help regulate activity that occurs on municipal road allowances. This includes requests for activity causing temporary need to occupy roadways or requires road closures including residential requests such as driveway installation. There is currently an application process in place that requires approval prior to any road allowance work being conducted, however by implementing a by-law to help regulate the approval process, the municipality will be able to better manage risks, liabilities and conflict related to obstructions or modifications being made within municipal right of ways. Kawartha Lakes encourages a full review of the by-law prior to planning any activity that may take place on a municipal road allowance.
A Place Called Home priority housing expansion project
Council endorsed the redevelopment of A Place Called Home (APCH) in Lindsay as a priority housing and emergency shelter project for Kawartha Lakes. The redevelopment of APCH will see a new 19 bed shelter along with five new affordable housing units.
Council approved the City to allocate a variety of financial support towards the project, including:
One-time capital funding of $1.5M through the provincial Phase 2, Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF)
Relief from a number of municipal fees and charges including Development Charges and Permit fees
Annual financial contributions required to provide rent supplement funding for a period of 10 years, for five new affordable housing units, starting in 2022
Cash flow assistance during the construction phase of the project, not exceeding $500,000
On December 11, Ontario announced Kawartha Lakes will receive an additional $349,500 through the SSRF, which the City will also put towards the APCH expansion.
Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Task Force
The creation of a Task Force was approved to help determine an updated list of possible roads, streets and trails that would allow the use of Off Road Vehicles across the municipality. The decision to create a Task Force came forward after the October 20 Council meeting, where staff presented upcoming legislative changes and recommendations to address such changes in the City’s Trails Master Plan. Council wanted to create a Task Force of both staff and members of the public to help analyze the possibility of extending allowance of ORV throughout the city in joint with current legislation in place. The Task Force has been asked to report back to Council in 2021.
Former Highway 7 roads to be renamed
A report was passed that the newly created service roads on the former Highway 7 alignment at Meadowview Road on the boundary of the former Emily Township and the Township of Selwyn have been successfully renamed. The new service road north of Meadowview Road has been renamed to Fallaise Court and the new service road south of Meadowview Road has been renamed Cityview Heights.