Annual Ratepayer Meeting

Are environmental studies adhered to and followed once completed?

When environmental studies are completed for a site-specific planning application, the recommendations are typically incorporated into a Site Plan Agreement between the Municipality and Property Owner. We ensure the Agreement is followed and sometimes have taken securities (money) to be held until the work has been completed. The Agreements are registered on Title and should we receive a complaint, or know of a violation of the Agreement, the Municipality can enforce the Agreement and request compliance or remedy to the violation. 

What is the current process for septic inspections, now that the Municipality has taken over responsibility from Peterborough Public Health in 2024?

Residents may request a sewage system information package by emailing development@trentlakes.ca. This package will include an application, proposal, declaration forms as well as the knowledge of how to complete them. It also includes the list of fees and charges, site plan detail requirements and expectations for site visits that will be required.

Please visit our Septic Systems page for more information.

Can the Municipality purchase materials in Canada when able to support our country?

The Buy Ontario Act, 2025 mandates public sector organizations to prioritize Ontario-made goods and services in procurement, then prioritize Canadian-made goods and services for the sectors that are outlined in the directives. In 2026, the Buy Ontario Procurement Directives that apply to municipalities were released. As of April 13, 2026, the fleet vehicle requirements for municipalities are in effect, and as of May 15, 2026, the capital infrastructure requirements for municipalities are in effect. Although these changes were released quickly by the province, Trent Lakes staff are using the directives to shape procurements for those specific areas. The Purchasing Policy outlines that no local preference will be given for the purchase of goods or services to be compliant with the Discriminatory Business Practices Act and trade agreements but Trent Lakes will continue to ensure compliance with all legislation and directives, where applicable.

What is the current update on cell and fiber optic installation in Trent Lakes?

Please see table below for the March 2026 update on EORN’s Cell Gap Project:

For further updates on the Cell Gap Project, please contact EORN.

Can the Municipality take over responsibility of Fire Routes?

Trent Lakes currently has over 400 fire routes that are privately owned. The Municipality is not responsible for maintaining these fire routes. Any increases in service levels would require more budget money for additional equipment and manpower due to the sheer size of the Municipality.

Due to many of the fire routes being inaccessible during certain times of the year, it would be extremely costly to ensure these roads continuously maintain Municipal Standards.

The Municipality understands fire routes experience deterioration, especially with the uncertain weather Ontario has been experiencing. To aid this, the Municipality introduced the Private Road Grant program.

Road associations are eligible to apply for a grant to reimburse the cost of road grading, tree removal, road surfacing and more.

Learn more about the Private Road Grant Program.

Will surface treatment be completed on East and West Clear Bay Roads?

If there is surplus within this year’s budget, staff will look to surface treat East Clear Bay Road. Staff are developing a gravel road upgrade policy to determine if West Clear Bay road will receive surface treatment and if so, any associated timelines.

Can the 2023 Roads Needs Study be added to the Municipal website?

The 2023 Roads Needs Study can now be found on our website under the Road Construction Projects page, along with a list of road projects for 2026.

Can the Municipality provide a summary sheet on what roads are completely annually, including additional ones completed if there are surplus funds, as well as a list of future work planned?

A table summarizing the road construction to be completed in 2026, along with a visual map is now available on our Road Construction Projects page. These will be updated on an annual basis moving forward.

This page also contains our Road Needs Study, which is used by staff to determine future work.

Which transfer stations accept organic waste?

The Municipality recently expanded its Organics Program.

Semi-underground organic waste receptacles are currently available at the Bobcaygeon and Buckhorn transfer stations.

In the fall of 2026, these receptacles will be available at the Crystal Lake and Cavendish transfer stations.

Small counter-top “kitchen catchers” are available at the Municipal Office to purchase for $5. Compost bags will need to be purchased separately.

Learn more about our Organics Program.

Why is garbage required to be disposed of in a plastic bag?

While it is true that we are trying to reduce our reliance on plastic, there is no effective alternative for garbage disposal at this time. For now, it is more important to be able to screen what goes into our landfills by using clear bags. That being said, we are always looking for viable alternatives and are open to suggestions.

We are concerned about fireworks posing as a fire risk.

At the May 5, 2026 Council Meeting, Council approved an “Amend AMPS By-law”, which provides additional enforcement measures through AMPS regarding fireworks.

An Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) is a penalty imposed directly by the Municipality to an offender.

Fireworks are only permitted in Trent Lakes on:

• New Year's Eve - between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. the following day;
• Canada Day- between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 1st and the Weekends directly preceding and following it;
• Civic Holiday - between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the statutory holiday and the Weekend directly preceding it;
• Labour Day - between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the statutory holiday and the Weekend directly preceding it;

Residents must obtain a burn permit and phone the Burn Hot Line, leaving their name, address, phone number, and date and time of when they intend to be burning. Failure to obtain the necessary permit or leave a message with the Burn Hotline may be liable for a fine.

Obtain a Burn Permit

Call Burn Hot Line: 1-800-374-4009 ext. 301.

After hour by-law complaints are accepted through TAS-Page Communication Services.

Call TAS-Page: 1-800-374-4009 ext. 311

*After hours are defined as 4:30 PM to 8:30 AM, weekends, and statutory holidays.

How can residents further fireproof their properties?

FireSmart Canada has a Home Ignition Scorecard that allows residents to complete a self-assessment of their home and property. Take the self-assessment to see how resilient to wildland fire your home is, and which actions to take if you’re not.

How would individuals know if they had to evacuate?

The Municipality has provided a complete list of where to go for information such as evacuation directions when an emergency occurs in Trent Lakes. Under our Emergency Preparedness page, view our “Stay Informed” tab under During an Emergency.

Can the Fire department host an Emergency Preparedness information night?

Trent Lakes Fire Rescue provides educational sessions to the public throughout the year, such as at local schools and libraries. For educational opportunities, please contact the fire department directly.

The Municipality also has an Emergency Preparedness page which goes in depth for what residents can do before, during and after an emergency.

Will cooling centres or warming centres be available in Trent Lakes in the future?

The Trent Lakes Fire department is currently working on a new Emergency Master Plan. This plan will include suggestions towards possible cooling and warming centres for the Municipality.

Read what to do before, during, and after a heat wave or winter storm on our Types of Emergencies page.

If Trent Lakes is experiencing an active emergency, our Emergency Updates page will be updated to include information on safety measures, including any cooling/warming centres available.

Can the Municipality ban businesses from selling fireworks?

The Municipality of Trent Lakes does not intend to ban the selling of fireworks at this time.

When is the next Municipal Election?

The next Municipal Election will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Visit trentlakes.ca/election to learn about voter registration, candidate information, third party advertising and more.

Make sure you are on the voters list by heading to RegisterToVote.ca.