Celebrate Earth Week in Kawartha Lakes

Everyone is invited to Jump In and celebrate Earth Week 2022 in Kawartha Lakes. Running April 18-23, Earth Week will feature several free programs and activities to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage public participation. Kawartha Lakes is proud to be part of Municipalities Mobilizing Across Canada in celebration of Earth Day 2022.

Tracy Richardson, deputy mayor commented, “It’s urgent that we change our habits to repair and support our planet. We’re seeing the effects of climate change, emissions levels and consumption habits on the earth. It’s impacting the agricultural sector, other sectors of the economy, and our health and wellness. The time is now to make change. Every little action helps. We all make a difference together.”

Choose from several ways to Jump In to Earth Week:

• Visit your local Kawartha Lakes Public Library branchSelect branches are running a Seed Bomb Workshop for Children or an Earth Day craft program. View the events calendar for more details: kawarthalakeslibrary.ca/calendar

Check out the suggested reading material for children.

• Add compost and woodchips to your garden, compliments of community recycling effortsUsing materials collected during the spring and fall Leaf and Yard curbside collections, staff have helped create a nutritious compost and woodchips that are ready for your garden. Residents can visit the Lindsay Ops Landfill on Wednesdays from 8am to 4pm to pick up the materials. All material that residents load by hand is available free of charge. Any material that is loaded for a resident with landfill equipment using a loader into your truck will be subject to a fee of $100 per tonne. Quantities may be limited per person; while supplies last.
• Adopt a RoadThis popular program is a way for environmentally conscious individuals and groups to contribute to a cleaner and more beautiful municipal road system. We will erect a sign along the designated road recognizing volunteer groups for their efforts. How it works: Volunteers agree to collect litter two times per year, once in the spring and once in the fall for a period of three years on a designated area of road. We supply volunteers with garbage bags - and authorization to dispose of the waste collected free of charge once in the spring and once in the fall.

Registration for the program must be completed prior to your clean up events.To Adopt a Road in time for Earth Day, please submit application by April 7, 2022. Visit our website for more details.

• Weigh in on the Active Transportation Master Plan A first of its kind for the municipality, Kawartha Lakes is developing an Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) to identify a continuous and connected network of safe, comfortable and sustainable active transportation routes and facilities. The ATMP aims to create more and improved opportunities to use active modes of transportation, like walking, cycling and rollerblading, as well as mobility devices for people of all abilities. Have your say by filling out the survey, participating in the discussion board or leaving a question or comment on Jump In, Kawartha Lakes.
• Watch for a study on Future Waste Disposal Options – Keep an eye on Jump In, Kawartha Lakes for a new project on the future waste options for our municipality. Did you know? Over the next 15 years, we will have exhausted our landfill space. We need to prepare now for the future and we want to hear from you. Go to jumpinkawarthalakes.ca today to register and be notified when the project launches.

Corporate and Community Responsibility

• The Kawartha Lakes Healthy Environment Plan is just that – a community plan that takes action on climate change by reducing emissions in our municipal facilities as well as in all businesses and homes. Council recently received recognition for achieving Milestones 1 through 3 of the Healthy Environment Plan including: creating a baseline emissions inventory; setting an emissions reductions target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030; and developing a local climate action plan. Milestones are awarded through the People for Climate Protection Program from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. View the Healthy Environment Plan and other environmental initiatives on the Environment page of our website. kawarthalakes.ca/environment
• Corporate Waste Reduction VisionIn March 2022, Council received a report on how the municipality can take steps to lead by example for a healthier environment. The vision spans a number of corporate initiatives to contribute to waste reduction and a healthier environment. Initiatives include staff training for improved waste reduction, reduction of single use plastics and other practices at all municipal buildings and facilities.