Municipal

Jim Riches, treasurer of the North Taylor Road Cottagers Association and a candidate for Kawartha Lakes mayor last October, lives right next door to a short-term rental (STR).

Kawartha Lakes newly proposed short-term rental (STR) bylaw came in for a rough ride at the last Committee of the Whole meeting.

As Kawartha Lakes council debates the merits of a new short-term rental (STR) by-law that could be in place as early as this May, councillors Charlie McDonald and Emmett Yeo believe the Ontario Provincial Police need to play a far larger role than they currently are in keeping the peace and enforcing nuisance laws that are part of the Ontario criminal code.

In a report presented to the Committee of the Whole on April 4, David Kerr, manager for environmental services, recommended council approve a permanent bulky plastic recycling program (BPRP) for Kawartha Lakes.

Kawartha Lakes is seriously considering turning a piece of city owned property on Juniper Street in Fenelon Falls into a public park with the help of local fundraising and promises from neighbours to assist in maintaining the property.

Despite considerable pushback from numerous short-term rental owners, Kawartha Lakes council has decided to take another step forward with its plan to license and inspect the 600-800 short-term rentals (STRs) in the city.

The city and local police force believe things are improving at 68 Lindsay Street North (LSN) after a slew of policy changes were made in the past year.