Additional funds granted to six community organizations involved in pandemic recovery in Kawartha Lakes

On June 15, 2021, the second round of funding under the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund (CPRF) was adopted by Council. The Fund was established in January 2021 and the first round of funding totalling $245,000 was awarded in March. The purpose of the funding is to provide support for programs and services that assist residents in meeting their basic human service needs.

The second round of funding was approved by Council in April and the successful applications are listed below. All six applications totalling $42,500 in requests were recommended to Council by the Evaluation Committee.

“We are thrilled that these community organizations were able to access the second round of funding. Coming out of the pandemic, their work will continue to be a critical lifeline in the health, safety and well-being of residents. It will benefit people of all ages, from children to seniors. We are grateful to Council for supporting this funding,” commented Heather Kirby of Kawartha Lakes Food Source, Co-chair of the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force.

The balance of CPRF funds not awarded ($6,662.48) under the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund will be returned to the City Reserve.

The pandemic has challenged all of us both personally and professionally and we know it has taken a toll on our mental health. The Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force is offering a free workshop on Mental Health Supporting Strategies on Monday, June 21 from 10am – noon. The workshop is free however registration is required.

Join Psychologist Dr. Vera Voroskolevska from Restore Balance Psychological and Counselling Services for this important workshop.

Participants will learn:

• The importance of recognizing mental health in the workplace for both employees and employers
• What mental health struggles may look like
• Duties and responsibilities of managers to accommodate employees
• How to approach colleagues when addressing concerns about mental wellness
• Examples of dialogue when communicating with employees
• How to promote mental wellness within the workplace
• Job protection and income support
• Community resources

The workshop will be held on Zoom and pre-registration is required. Visit https://kawarthalakes.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vce2tqD8iHdAHIwHYsuhnrodgE5XY0QLj to register. Once you have registered the meeting details will be forwarded to you by email and you can add the workshop to your calendar.

Tech support will not be available the day of the workshop, so please test your Zoom microphone and speakers in advance of the workshop.

The Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force and Pinnguaq Association are pleased to present four free digital workshops for non-profit organizations.

“The Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force is committed to helping local non-profit organizations build their capacity given the ongoing effects of the pandemic,” said Task Force Co-Chair Amy Terrill. “The partnership with Pinnguaq enables us to focus on specific needs related to adapting to the digital environment, that were identified by non-profits in our previous outreach.”

The workshops are designed to help expand knowledge of digital tools that are being used more widely because of the pandemic. Workshops will run on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3pm beginning May 19. There are no pre-requisites to attend and anyone can attend just one or all of them.

“For leaders of community organizations, improving your teams’ digital skills is easy to achieve. These workshops will help you operate smarter and leaner, and enable you to make a bigger impact in our community,” says Pinnguaq CEO Ryan Oliver. “That’s why we’re proud to offer our expertise in skills training in partnership with the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force and support our fellow non-profits in the Kawartha Lakes.”

To register please visit https://bit.ly/pinnguaqworkshops. Registration is free.

May 19 – Overview of Virtual Meeting Platforms

In this workshop we'll look at some of the most popular virtual meeting platforms including Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. We'll review how to setup and host your own meetings and look at the different ways meeting participants can join and engage with each other.

May 26 – Digital Literacy and Online Safety

Using SecurityPlanner.org learners will understand how to protect their personal information while online, source reliable information online for their ongoing protection and how to do a safety check-up on their devices and computer.

June 2 – Introduction to Social Media

This course is intended to provide a foundational knowledge of the most important social media platforms for small businesses and assist them with using those platforms. It will provide exercises in understanding your business’s audience, figuring out what to post about on social media and reviewing your business’s performance on social media.

June 9 - Graphic Design with Canva

This course is designed for adult learners interested in learning more about some basic graphic design skills that could be used in their small business or professional environment. Learners will explore basic design principles and resources that will make your company stand out and catch your audience’s eye.

These workshops build on previous learning opportunities hosted by the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force, as well as the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund which just announced a second round of funding opportunities.

About Pinnguaq

Working alongside rural, remote, Indigenous, and other underserved communities, Pinnguaq delivers programs to cultivate STEAM skills through innovative technology, art, and play.

Kawartha Lakes Council has approved a second round of applications for the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund (CPRF) to utilize the remaining funds from the first round. The funding is for programs and services that increase or maintain supports to residents in meeting their basic human service needs.

The balance of $49,162 that was not awarded in the first round in March will be made available to eligible organizations located outside the geographical boundaries for eligibility for the Lindsay CHEST Fund through a second application process of the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund, to a maximum of $7,500 per application.

The goals of the CPRF are to encourage the necessary collaboration and sharing of resources, foster the essential innovation of operations and practice, build capacity to foster long-term stability, and to establish intentional progressive planning.

Eligible organizations include non-profit and community service providers in the broader health and human services sector. Organizations must be an incorporated non-profit organization or registered charity.

Details on the application process and the application form is available on the municipal website at www.kawarthalakes.ca/CPRF.

Applications will be accepted until 4pm on Friday May 14 and then will be reviewed by an Evaluation Committee.

Notice regarding final funding decisions is expected to be released by June 4, 2021.

For questions, please contact Holly Russett at hrussett@kawarthalakes.ca or 705-324-9870 extension 3228.

The Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force is offering workshops on ‘Innovation for Non-Profits’ on Tuesday, March 30 from 9am – noon and Wednesday, April 7 from 1 – 4pm. The workshops are free but registration is required.

All formal and informal agencies, groups, clubs and organizations that provide programming in the community are welcome to attend. Multiple representatives are welcome although each representative must register individually.

Topics to be covered include:

• What is Innovation?
• Why you need to ‘think outside the box’
• How to look at your product or service delivery in a new way
• Tools and resources to help you at every step of the process

The workshop will be held on Zoom and pre-registration is required. Just click the link for your preferred date to register. Once you have registered the meeting details will be forwarded to you by email and you can add the workshop to your calendar.

Tuesday, March 30 from 9am – 12pm

Register at
https://kawarthalakes.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rcOispz8qGNWfLXS7FRRM_mmfWqVN_t1D

Wednesday, April 7 from 1pm – 4pm

Register at
https://kawarthalakes.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrc-2rrz0rHtzyP-3lykhhHAI0_rUmq6pr

Tech support will not be available the day of the workshop, so please test your Zoom microphone and speakers in advance of the workshop.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the community in many ways, including the ability for non-profit and community service providers to meet the needs of those they serve.

Kawartha Lakes Council has approved the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund (CPRF) to provide funding for programs and services that increase or maintain supports to residents in meeting their basic human service needs.

Council approved $500,000 for the CPRF which is comprised of funds from the municipality’s contingency reserve as well as the 2021 allocation from the Lindsay Legacy CHEST Fund.

“It is essential for the long-term growth of our community that we bolster our service providers so they can survive, thrive and continue to serve,” commented Heather Kirby of Kawartha Lakes Food Source, Co-chair of the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force.

The goals of the CPRF are to encourage the necessary collaboration and sharing of resources, foster the essential innovation of operations and practice, build capacity to foster long-term stability, and to establish intentional progressive planning.

Eligible organizations include non-profit and community service providers in the broader health and human services sector. Organizations must be an incorporated non-profit organization or registered charity.

Details on the application process and the application form is available on the municipal website at www.kawarthalakes.ca/CPRF. Applications will be accepted until 4pm on Monday, March 1 and then will be reviewed by an Evaluation Committee.

“The creation of the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund reinforces Council’s commitment to our community recovery,” continued Heather Kirby of Kawartha Lakes Food Source, Co-chair of the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force. “This funding will assist many local organizations in providing their much-needed services.”

Council received a presentation at the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 3 from the Economic Recovery Task Force. The presentation summed up the consultations that have taken place with stakeholders across various sectors of the economy since May. The Task Force was established to provide advice and recommendations to Council on resources to stimulate local economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Letham extended thanks on behalf of Council to all who have been involved in the process to date and noted, “We heard across the board that investments in our major development projects, downtowns and recreational assets are the best way forward for economic recovery. The Task Force recognized Council’s restraints and instead of asking for large amounts of funding, we looked to reprioritize the plans that were already in motion for the biggest impact in 2021 and beyond.”

Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development, presented an overview of the path the Task Force has followed and explained that Task Force recommendations coming forward fall into three strategic focus areas: Critical Infrastructure Investments, Planning and Development Stimulus and Business Recovery and Support.

Critical Infrastructure Investments
Improvement of broadband across Kawartha Lakes was the most important priority identified. The City is currently working with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) and the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus (EOWC) on the Gig Project to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds to homes and businesses. On November 4, it was announced by the Province that an additional $680 million is being contributed to connecting homes, farms and businesses across Ontario.

Projects that invest in downtowns, such as the Fenelon Falls and Omemee reconstruction projects, were another priority outlined to ensure continued vibrancy of our downtowns.

Planning and Development Stimulus

In order to improve the efficiency and timeliness of the Planning Application process, a Development Task Force Sub-Committee was established. Three initiatives that came out of this Sub-Committee include:

1. Fast tracking a number of “shovel ready” applications to ensure that these developments begin as quickly as possible. This includes 280 apartment units, 178 townhouses and 300 square metres of commercial development.

2. The creation of a planning application spreadsheet to provide staff, management and the public with more timely responses to inquiries on more than 130 pending applications.

3. The Development Concierge Pilot Project is a nine month project focused on Site Plan applications. This project will not only improve customer service but reduce some of the time Planning staff are required to spend guiding the applicant through the process.

Business Recovery and Support

As the business landscape has changed, so too has the supports that businesses need. The Economic Development division along with its partners, are supporting businesses to upgrade digital skills in marketing and online presence and ensuring they have the tools needed to compete in today’s economy. Many actions have already been taken in 2020 such as continuing the Digital Mainstreet Program, Million Dollar Makeover, Shop Kawartha Lakes and Tourism marketing campaigns and a successful pilot incubator with the Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Additional actions to support business recovery are outlined below and in the Task Force report.

Task Force Recommendations

• Permit fees for park use, patios and events in 2021 be waived, with forecasted reduced revenue be identified in the 2021 budget
• The downtown Fenelon Falls reconstruction project be included as a decision unit in the 2021 capital budget
• An increase in garbage cans and frequency of waste pick up in our downtowns and major parks be costed and included as a decision unit in the 2021 budget
• Portable washrooms and associated directional signage in our downtowns and parks be costed and included as a decision unit in the 2021 budget
• Accelerated investment in our boat launches and trails for improved access and enjoyment be costed and included as a decision unit in the 2021 budget
• Council supports the work of EORN and EOWC for the Eastern Ontario “1 GIG” proposal for increased broadband capacity
• Council directs staff to develop a cultural sector recovery grant program for 2021, which could be applied to operating costs for our arts and culture community, and report back to council on the scope of the program by end of March 2021
• Council approves a modified extension to the Kawartha Lakes Innovation Cluster Pilot program until December 31, 2021, through in-kind support to provide specific support for high growth businesses

Council will consider the adoption of the above recommendations and the Economic Recovery Task Force Action Plan at the November 17 Council meeting. Join the recovery conversation at Jump In, Kawartha Lakes.

Image: John Gillis, President, Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development, Kawartha Lakes

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 3, the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force presented its recommendations to Council. The Task Force was created on May 26 to provide advice and recommendations to Council and Staff on resources and support to assist with community recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Task Force established working groups to better understand local challenges and concerns and to identify potential opportunities. After gathering information from local partners, exploring all the options and weighing the priorities, the Task Force brought forward four key recommendations:

1. Establish a new Kawartha Lakes Community Recovery Fund for 2021 and 2022, to encourage collaboration, foster innovation and build strength and capacity to move forward in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Allocate funds from the Lindsay Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund Committee in 2021 to the Kawartha Lakes Community Recovery Fund, as the C.H.E.S.T. Fund Committee has decided to suspend their normal programing for 2021 to support COVID-19 recovery.

3. Waive the requirement for a matching contribution from applicants to the 50/50 Community Project Capital Funding Program for 2021 and 2022, so staff can proceed with the application process and release the City’s contribution of up to 50% toward projects aimed at improving facilities and parks.

4. Leverage internal resources and external support to offer a series of workshops to develop and promote safety protocols for operations, planning events, strategic planning, innovation and technical training during COVID-19.

“The pandemic has caused transformational change. It is essential for the long-term growth of our community that we bolster our service providers so they can survive, thrive and continue to serve,” commented Heather Kirby of Kawartha Lakes Food Source and Amy Terrill of Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes, Co-chairs of the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force. “Results have shown that the community is ready to move forward and these recommendations will help provide the necessary funding and resources to continue to innovate on the road to recovery.”

Council will consider the recommendations during the next Regular Council Meeting on November 17, 2020. For more details on the Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force’s recommendations, please see online their Report to Council and presentation during Committee of the Whole.

The Community Pandemic Recovery Task Force in cooperation with Kawartha Lakes Economic Development are offering free Grant Writing 101 workshops on September 30th from 6-9pm and October 1 from 9am - noon.

Staff and volunteers from all formal and informal agencies, groups, clubs and organization that provide programming in the community are welcome to attend. Multiple representatives are welcome although each representative must register individually.

Topics to be covered include:

• Different types of grants: project vs. operating vs. capital
• Demystifying the process
• Types of funding opportunities for non-profits

The workshop will be held on Zoom and pre-registration is required. Just click the link for your preferred date to register. Once you have registered the meeting details will be forwarded to you by email and you can add the workshop to your calendar.

September 30 from 6 - 9pm

Register at https://kawarthalakes.zoom.us/j/93426335885?pwd=UWhiUklySjIraE9SUWtQQzgvSm5yQT09

October 1 from 9 – noon

Register at https://kawarthalakes.zoom.us/j/93678861582?pwd=MFRmUTBpN09yMGpJbUNUeUF3aTdPZz09

Tech support will not be available the day of the workshop so please test your Zoom microphone and speakers in advance of the workshop.