Kawartha Lakes begins 2026 budget process with a focus on growth and planning

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes has officially launched its 2026 municipal budget process, with the Budget Committee receiving an orientation presentation from, Director of Corporate Services, Sara Beukeboom, during a meeting, on Tuesday, June 17th.

The presentation offered an overview of the various components of the municipal budget, including Capital, Special Projects, Operating, and Water-Wastewater budgets. Drawing on examples from the 2024 budget process, Ms. Beukeboom explained how this year's approach will build on previous experience, while preparing the municipality for continued growth.

“We're already planning and forecasting for the pressures we expect in 2026,” explained Ms. Beukeboom. “Last year’s increase was 6.2 percent, and we’re now working to ensure transparency and clear communication as we move through this year’s process.”

Ms. Beukeboom also revealed, a new Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) is in development, as the previous plan from 2022 is no longer sufficient to address the municipality’s expanding needs. “We’re entering a new phase of growth,” she said. “The expansionary side of our budget will grow accordingly, and we want the public to understand where that money is being spent.”

The City is planning to roll out an engagement strategy, in the coming months, with outreach to external agencies and internal variance reporting already underway. The LTFP is scheduled to be presented to Council, on August 26th.

Among the special projects and plans, underway for 2026, are the redevelopment of the City’s websites, an environmental assessment of solid waste operations, the commemoration of the municipality’s 25th anniversary, and a range of master plans including: stormwater, library, parks, culture, and downtown revitalization.

Ms. Beukeboom shared a full calendar of key dates in the 2026 budget cycle. Council members are expected to submit budget request memos to the Mayor, by September 5th, with departmental and agency presentations set for later that month. Budget Committee deliberations will take place in early October, followed by the Mayor’s budget release meeting, on October 20th. A public meeting is scheduled for November 12th, and final deliberations by Council are set for November 25th and 26th.

“Staff will be highlighting the major investments the City is making, both to inform Council and to help residents see the bigger picture,” Ms. Beukeboom said. “It’s a busy calendar, but it’s about building a budget which reflects our shared priorities for the future.”