Kawartha Lakes passes 2021 capital budget

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: City of Kawartha Lakes council has passed the 2021 tax supported capital budget.

The budget was passed at a special council meeting, held on Tuesday, December 1st.

The capital budget totals $55.6 million in projects, including $25 million in projects from 2020 which were delayed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable projects in this budget include: Phase 3 of 4 for the Downtown Lindsay reconstruction project; Mill Pond Bridge replacement in Omemee; Downtown Fenelon Falls reconstruction on Colborne Street, from Water Street to Bond Street; $8 million worth of road resurfacing; and the relocation and expansion of the Bobcaygeon library branch.

Some of the passed items were recommended by the city’s Economic Recovery Task Force as ways council can help the community recuperate from this pandemic.

“We have some amazing people, all across Kawartha Lakes, who put a lot of time and effort into fundraising, organizing events and supporting wherever is needed. We want to keep them engaged and keep the momentum going. These capital projects will benefit the entire municipality, and were highly recommended by the Economic Recovery Task Force as the best ways to help stimulate the economy,” read a statement from Mayor Andy Letham.

Council will deliberate the operating budget in 2021.

#capitalbudget #KawarthaLakes