Kawartha Lakes moves ahead with early-start approval for 2025 capital and special Projects

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

KAWARTHA LAKES: In a significant move towards improving infrastructure, the City of Kawartha Lakes took proactive steps, by approving early-start recommendations for the proposed 2025 capital and special projects, at the council meeting held on Tuesday, September 24th.

A report by city staff, outlined a series of essential projects which need to proceed ahead of the standard budgeting schedule, citing critical financial and operational reasons.

Among the projects greenlit by the council are the replacement of six ambulances and the acquisition of a new ambulance, with advanced equipment. The replacement of five buses, in cooperation with the City of Peterborough, also received swift approval. The deal will see Kawartha Lakes secure like-new buses, surplus to Peterborough’s needs, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement.

The King Street Bridge in Omemee, is a key infrastructure project which requires the replacement of its expansion joints. This project, partly funded by Ontario’s Connecting Links Program, was fast-tracked to meet grant application deadlines. Additionally, the Emily/Omemee Arena is set to receive a much-needed ice pad system replacement. In regards to this, the council is applying for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

In addition to these major capital initiatives, the council approved the redesign and enhancement of the city's websites, a necessary upgrade, as current technology approaches the end of its lifecycle. This project must be completed by mid-2025, to ensure continued online service delivery.

Council’s actions come as part of a broader strategy, to avoid service disruptions, secure funding, and meet pressing deadlines for grant applications. The approved projects align with the city’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, particularly in ensuring responsible financial and asset management, under the "Good Government" priority.

As the city heads into the new year, the early-start approval will allow critical infrastructure, public services, and technology projects to move forward without delay, securing essential resources and funding in the process.