Roses and Thorns

What we liked – and didn't like – in 2024.

Roses

• The walkability of our communities. Isn’t it nice to live somewhere this size?
• Local writers and historians who collectively completed a book about the former Victoria County started by the late Rae Fleming. Our own writer, Ian McKechnie, was involved.
• The fullness of our downtowns. It wouldn’t be surprising to have some vacancies in our three largest communities – Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls. But it’s rare – let’s keep it that way by showing our support, no matter how big Kawartha Lakes gets.
• Speaking of downtown, it’s great the BIA now has cameras in downtown Lindsay to help police do their work to keep people and property safe. Cameras at our landfill north of Lindsay is also a great idea, which helps citizens navigate busy line-ups.
• Green bins for organic waste. Can we say finally? This is a great initiative by the city for our most densely populated areas.
• The long-awaited cultural centre for Kawartha Lakes is one step closer to reality. The city is experiencing tremendous growth and a thriving cultural scene must be part of that.
• Catching up with friends over tea and eats at Kindred, whether planned or by chance. The venue’s name is so apt. And now there’s a beautiful location in Bobcaygeon, too.
• LCVI for successfully pulling off a production of Little Shop of Horrors this past spring, thanks to support from the broader community.
• Local churches that continue to host well-attended suppers and other special events, despite a shrinking volunteer base.
• The new art installation that is coming to downtown Lindsay in 2025, finally covering up a painting of Kansas from a movie that was shot here long ago. This is long overdue.

Thorns

• Bad drivers: that’s not how a four-way stop works.
• Bad drivers again. The speed limit was reduced to 40 km, not 20 km – if scooters can pass you, you’re going too slow.
• Annoying drivers. Obnoxiously loud vehicles and their owners – you’re not impressing anyone, only informing us that you’re insecure.
• What happened to the bars and what is there for people in late evening? There’s not enough nightlife, and we don’t mean we want a return to rowdy drunkenness. The Halloween party at the Armoury was great and we need more events like this Lion’s Club initiative.
• Litterers. It’s sad how too many residents use our shared space as a garbage can.
• Awful behaviour at Kawartha Lakes Council chambers by audience members and a handful of presenters. Trying to hijack local democracy and insulting city officials does nothing to help their causes.
• Speaking of that, the loss of civility and keyboard warriors are repugnant aspects of the internet age.
• The abysmal lack of cycling infrastructure in downtown Lindsay. Even the absence of places to properly tie up a bicycle on Kent Street is not ideal.
• The Premier of Ontario, for his insensitive comments about the homeless and how they are unwilling to work. We need real solutions to this problem here in Kawartha Lakes and beyond, not gaslighting.