From road infrastructure to speeding, councillors talk priorities

As the first quarter of 2026 draws to a close, Kawartha Lakes councillors are sharing their thoughts on the issues they want to see progress on in the coming months.

Ward 4 Coun. Dan Joyce said there are issues both specific to his ward and to Kawartha Lakes at large where he wants to see progress.

In Ward 4, to the west of the city, Joyce said road infrastructure is a top priority, adding he is looking forward to the imminent release of the annual engineers’ report outlining roads needing repair and resurfacing. “Engineering bases their decisions on needs, not politics — as they should — so the spend is not equal between wards. My fingers are crossed Ward 4 gets a few roads on the 2026 Lifecycle Management list,” Joyce said.

From a regional perspective, Joyce said the No. 1 issue where he wants to see progress in the coming months is the Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy Engage ment Plan.

“Of all the various region-wide issues, this is a brand-new strategy. Therefore, I’m keen to see the whole-of-society outcomes and benefits to Kawartha Lakes,” he said. Ward 6 Coun. Ron Ashmore said he would like to see issues related to keeping downtown Lindsay safe for shoppers and merchants addressed, along with a focus on strengthening confidence in the city among developers.

“We are competing with many other jurisdictions to come here and build housing and set up businesses, (so) we need to do everything we can to achieve this,” he said.

Ward 5 Coun. Mark Doble, based in Lindsay, also emphasized the importance of development, adding council wants to start realizing the results of new commercial, industrial and multi-residential development “that is smart and responsive” to the growing city.

“I believe that much of the groundwork towards this is all but complete, and it is time to start seeing results.” 

Asked what issue he would like to see progress on in in the coming months, Ward 3 Coun. Mike Perry said reducing speeding is top of mind for his constituents in the Fenelon area. 

Perry noted he has been coordinating with the local OPP to help reduce speeding on streets in the ward. “They have been super to work with and are really showing up for us in Ward 3,” he said.

A recent report from city staff showed Kawartha Lakes met or exceeded its customer service goals in 2025, and Deputy Mayor and Ward 8 Coun. Tracy Richardson said she wants to see that

momentum maintained. Richardson, who represents the south end of the city, said the city’s processes will continue to evolve to improve efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring residents can easily connect with the municipality.

“By working closely with staff to meet the growing needs of our community, I am confident residents will see the positive, service-focused approach we are committed to delivering,” she said.