Growth management strategy projects population boom in Kawartha Lakes

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: At a recent City of Kawartha Lakes council meeting, Leah Barrie, Director of Development Services, alongside representatives from Watson and Associate Economists Ltd. and Dillon Consulting Limited, presented an update on the municipality's Growth Management Strategy (GMS).

The GMS update, currently in Phase 1, outlines plans to accommodate significant growth, as the city’s population is forecast to reach 130,000 by 2051. This growth includes 21,600 new homes and 16,900 new jobs. Currently, the city is home to approximately 80,000 residents.

“The Growth Management Strategy is critical for ensuring our city grows in a way which is both sustainable and aligned with provincial policies,” Ms. Barrie explained. “This update provides a clear path forward, for optimizing our land use and urban planning priorities.”

Key findings, from the Phase 1 study, indicate varying land needs across the region. While Lindsay is projected to have a surplus of community and employment lands, both Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon face deficits. To address these imbalances, the GMS recommends adjusting intensification targets, designating new employment lands, and refining urban boundaries, in priority areas.

“These recommendations ensure we can support future housing, economic development, and community needs, while maintaining a high quality of life,” said a representative from Dillon Consulting.

The GMS will play a central role in guiding updates, to the municipality’s Official Plan, to align with provincial growth policies. It aims to provide a framework for orderly and balanced development, with a strong emphasis on managing resources effectively.

Public engagement remains a priority, with a draft, of the updated Growth Management Strategy, set to be released in January 2025. The final report is expected to be completed by March 2025.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of our community,” Ms. Barrie emphasized. “The feedback we receive from residents and stakeholders will be integral to getting this right.”