At the Regular Council Meeting on March 19, 2024, Council unanimously approved the staff recommended 2024 to 2027 Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan. The strategic plan is the municipality’s roadmap to follow, setting the priorities and direction for the years to come.

Mayor Elmslie remarked on the Strategic Plan, “This plan is not just a document, but a commitment to our future. It requires us to partner and collaborate with every sector of our community. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring Kawartha Lakes not only grows, but thrives.”

This Plan is a refresh of the previous 2020 to 2023 Strategic Plan and was created through consultation with Council, staff and the community in 2023 and the beginning of 2024. During the process, several key themes came to light as areas of continued focus within the municipality, including: affordable housing, sustainability and the environment, health care, transportation and preserving Kawartha Lakes’ unique culture and heritage.

To meet the community’s needs, the Plan outlines the core values of Accountability, Respect and Teamwork which will guide staff and Council as the municipality works to fulfill its Strategic Priorities. Balancing those priorities, all actions and decisions will also be directed by the Guiding Principles.

Strategic Priorities

• A Healthy Environment
• An Exceptional Quality of Life
• A Vibrant and Growing Economy
• Good Government

Guiding Principles

• Fiscally Responsible
• Open and Transparent
• Partner and Collaborate
• Service Excellence

Over the next four years, staff will monitor the progress closely and regularly report back to the public and Council on the strategic priority areas.