Kawartha Lakes and BGC Kawarthas Reaffirm Commitment to Community Services

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A renewed partnership between the City of Kawartha Lakes and BGC Kawarthas will help ensure youth, families, and children continue to have access to important programs and services across the municipality, for years to come.

At a recent meeting, on Tuesday, June 23rd, councillors approved a refreshed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BGC Kawarthas, replacing the original agreement signed in 2018. The updated document reaffirms the organizations' long-standing collaboration, while identifying new opportunities to work together on childcare, recreation, youth programming, and community services.

Council also directed, Chief Administrative Officer, Ron Taylor to develop a separate multi-year funding agreement which would provide ongoing financial support for BGC Kawarthas youth drop-in programs and related services beginning in 2027. A draft agreement is expected to return to council for consideration, in the first quarter of next year.

The partnership between the City and BGC Kawarthas dates back to 2017, when the organization first proposed a formal collaboration agreement. Since then, the two organizations have worked together, to expand recreational opportunities, childcare services, and youth programming, throughout Kawartha Lakes.

"The partnership between the City and BGC Kawarthas has continued to grow because both organizations share a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents," said Mr. Taylor, in his report to council. "Refreshing this Memorandum of Understanding recognizes the successful relationship, while creating a framework for future collaboration which aligns with the strategic priorities of both organizations."

Mr. Taylor and, BGC Kawarthas Executive Director, Amy Terrill jointly presented the updated agreement to council, highlighting the success of the partnership over the past several years and outlining plans to continue supporting youth through stable, long-term funding.

The report notes, the City has committed $250,000 in operating funding, between 2024 and 2026, to support BGC Kawarthas youth drop-in services and programming. According to staff, those programs continue to address an important community need, with BGC Kawarthas well-positioned to deliver services for young people across the municipality.

Ms. Terrill welcomed council's support for renewing the agreement.

"This updated Memorandum of Understanding reflects the strong relationship we've built with the City over many years," she said. "Working together allows us to reach more young people and families, with programs which help them connect, grow and thrive, while creating opportunities to expand services, as community needs develop."

The new MOU also encourages greater collaboration, on future initiatives, and better alignment between the City's strategic plan and BGC Kawarthas' organizational goals. While the agreement itself carries no direct financial commitment, it establishes a framework for pursuing joint projects, accessing grant funding, and maximizing shared resources.

Mr. Taylor's report noted, any future initiatives, requiring financial support, would be considered through separate agreements or council reports.

Council unanimously approved the agreement, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the new Memorandum of Understanding and directing staff to prepare the proposed multi-year youth services funding agreement, for council's review in early 2027.