Kawartha Lakes launches “Your Budget - Your Say” campaign to hear from residents

Kawartha Lakes – The municipality is inviting residents to weigh in on the 2026 municipal budget through a new public engagement campaign: Your Budget - Your Say. 

Running for the month of August, the campaign encourages everyone to learn about the budget and share their thoughts on where the City should invest more, less, or the same dollars, from health care and road maintenance to community safety, homelessness supports and more. 

“Budgets are about choices,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “Council and I want to hear from residents about their priorities. This input will help shape our decisions on the part of the 2026 budget that is discretionary. After fixed costs, and the variable costs of delivering 200 services, there is a small part of the budget that is discretionary. This can be amended to meet community priorities as long as taxes remain affordable. I will review your feedback, and take it into consideration as I make recommendations to the Budget Committee. It’s always a balance between what priorities are requested and what the taxpayer can afford. The online tool is a great way to gather those priorities. After we’ve had our public meeting to hear from residents, the proposed Budget will go to Council for deliberation.” 

The Budget Committee will work closely with staff and take into account resident input through the online engagement in August and at the November 12, 2025 Public Budget Meeting.  

About the Budget Process 

1. Budget preparation (June 2025-September 2025) 
The Budget Committee takes direction from the Mayor, and hears from staff, Boards and Agencies of Council about their requirements. Public input is gathered and taken into account. 

2. Draft Budget presented to Mayor (October 2025) 
The Budget Committee prepares a draft Budget for the Mayor to review and comment on. 

3. Further Public Input (November 2025) 
Public input on the draft budget is welcome at an evening meeting. Education on the budget is provided. 

4. Council deliberation (November 2025) 
Mayor presents the Budget to Council for deliberation. The Mayor can veto Council’s amendments during a defined period of time. 

5. Mayor’s veto period  
Once the Mayor’s period to veto any amendments has passed, the Budget as adopted by Council is final. 

6. Final budget published (December 2025) 
Mayor’s Budget Book published. 

The Budget Committee members are: Charlie McDonald, Chair, Deputy Mayor, and Councillors Dan Joyce, Tracy Richardson and Pat Warren.  

Budget Committee meetings are live streamed on YouTube and open to the public for viewing in Council Chambers. For a full schedule of Budget planning activities, visit our municipal budget page: www.kawarthalakes.ca/budget.

Your Budget - Your Say  

Through an interactive tool, explainer videos, and ‘Did You Know’ facts, the campaign helps you understand how the municipal budget works, and how your voice can make a difference. An online budget simulator allows residents to explore different spending scenarios using up to an additional 1% tax levy to submit their recommendations. 

To take part, visit www.jumpinkawarthalakes.ca/2026budget and follow us on social media.