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Welcome to the Municipality of Trent Lakes
In the heart of the internationally acclaimed Trent-Severn Waterway system.
Welcome to our website.
Mayors Update: May 8, 2013
Spring has finally arrived (at least we hope so). Most of us were fortunate enough to keep our feet dry and not be affected by the flood waters and that is a very good thing. Through the recent flooding situation we have learned a valuable lesson. In the future, emergency training exercises will include preparation for flooding as well as preparation for storm damage and hazardous material spills.
On the Finance page of this website you have access to the 2013 Budget Presentation. As you can see, our municipal finances are once again in good shape. A media story in April reported a projected 5.6% tax increase and this figure was mistaken by some to represent a tax rate increase. In reality the number represented a projected dollar increase for properties with an average assessment increase of 3.96% as determined by MPAC. In the end, Council approved a 2.05% municipal tax levy increase that mathematically results in a decrease in the municipal tax rate. The key point to note is that the municipal tax rate actually went down. Property tax increases, experienced by some ratepayers this year, are a result of increased assessments as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Another significant financial positive for our municipality has been achieved through our new waste management regulations. The new policy is working very well and it has resulted in savings of $32,265.60 over the first three months of its existence. The transfer of waste to the Bensfort Road Landfill Site in Peterborough was reduced by 300 tons over that same time period resulting in the reduced trucking costs. Citizens of this municipality are to be congratulated for your efforts in reducing the amount of waste taken to the transfer stations. Keep up the good work!
In the roads file, your municipality is being proactive as well as financially responsible. Much of this year’s roads budget is allocated to resurfacing the roads before they deteriorate to the point of needing major repairs. Avoiding the extensive road work has proven, over time, to be a much more economical approach.
In an effort to pay off the debt incurred for the installation of the roof over the Buckhorn Outdoor Sports Pad, fundraising efforts are continuing. The next fundraising event will be the 3 rd Annual Golf Tournament. The event will be held on May 28 at the Quarry Golf & Country Club. For more information on the golf tournament please click here. This is our major fundraiser for the year so we hope that some of you will join us. The golf tournament fundraiser will be followed by a pie-throwing fundraiser. On July 1 st the Buckhorn Community Centre will be hosting a pie throwing contest. Save your pennies and toss a pie at me for a good cause – or just to vent your frustrations. I am not sure if other members of Council will be joining me on the firing line but I will keep you updated. It will be a great way to enjoy Canada Day.
On a much more serious note, our municipality in partnership with the economic development committee is organizing a bus trip to Ottawa on May 23 to protest the cuts to the Trent Canal system. We will keep a low profile and we won’t make a fuss for too long but we will voice our message on Parliament Hill. At the County Council meeting of last Tuesday the Board Chair of the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPA EDC) led off his presentation by informing us that tourism is responsible for $200 million of economic activity in our area every year. Cuts to the Trent Severn Waterway system will affect a great deal of that economic activity. We cannot let that happen. The system was built many years ago when there was NO MONEY. We need to guarantee its survival. I feel that this issue has been talked about for so long that people are becoming complacent. Please, if you are interested in this issue, call me at 705-657-3315 to reserve a space on the bus.
Janet Clarkson, Mayor
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Some Community Events:
Heritage Day at the Buckhorn Community Centre on February 16, 2013 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Lakehurst Carnival at the Lakehurst Hall on February 8 (evening) and February 9, 2013 (all day).
Career & Information Fair at the Buckhorn Community Centre on March 27, 2013 (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
Raise the Roof Dance at the Buckhorn Sports Complex (May 4, 2013).
Cavendish Plant Sale at the Cavendish Community Centre on May 25, 2013. For more information call 705-657-8912.
Kids Fishing Derby sponsored by Harvey Community Policing Committe, at Sunrise Resort on May 26, 2013. For more information call 705-657-3315.
Raise the Roof Fundraising Golf Tournament at the Quarry Golf and Country Club on May 28, 2013. For more information call 705-657-3315 or click here.
Strawberry Supper at Galway Hall on July 6, 2013. For more information call 705-488-2217.
Kids Fishing Derby sponsored by Cavendish Community Policing Committee, at Catchacoma Marina on July 13, 2013. For more information call 705-657-8737.
Cavendish Carnival at the Cavendish Community Centre on July 20, 2013. For more information call 705-657-8912.
Brush Strokes Art Show at the Cavendish Community Centre on July 27, 2013. For more information call 705-657-1091.
The Buckhorn Farmers and Craft Market
The Buckhorn Farmers and Craft Market runs every Tuesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (May to September) at the Buckhorn Community Centre Parking Lot and Building.
No More Parking Problems!
Come See our New Vendors and Meet Your Old Friends
Interested Vendors/Artisans please contact Mayor Janet Clarkson at 705-657-3315 if you are interested in having a space.
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