Staying in the loop with local government decisions is crucial to protecting your property investment and enjoying the lifestyle we all love. As Council prepares for its upcoming meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, several key reports, financial statements, and staff recommendations are on the table.
📑 Agenda Topic 1: 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements & Audit Presentation
Staff & Auditor Details: Presentation by Joanna Park of Baker Tilly KDN LLP regarding the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and Audit.
The Details: The Township’s financial overview reveals solid net financial assets sitting at $11.57 million at year-end 2025 (up from $8.48M in 2024). Accumulated reserves and reserve funds stand at $33.87 million, positioning the municipality strongly for upcoming infrastructure demands.
🏡 Property Impact: Fiscal health in a municipality translates to stable property tax rates and reliable municipal services. Buyers are attracted to well-managed townships with solid reserves, preserving property values and making Cavan Monaghan a safer long-term investment.
🚜 Agenda Topic 2: 2025 Reserves & Development Charges (DC) Reserve Funds
Staff Report: Finance Report 2026-12 submitted by Director of Finance/Treasurer Kimberley Pope.
The Details: Report detailing the allocation of $24 million in Reserves & Reserve Funds and tracking growth-related infrastructure debt. This includes internal debenture arrangements totaling $10.8 million ($5.1M in growth-related development charges and $5.8M in municipal capital) used to build facilities like the Public Works Operations Centre, Parks & Public Works Depot, and Fire Station No. 1.
🏡 Property Impact: Development Charges ensure that growth pays for growth. Current homeowners aren't hit with massive tax spikes to build new infrastructure, which protects existing home values while enabling modern community additions that buyers look for.
🛷 Agenda Topic 3: Snowmobile Trail Agreement Extension (OFSC District 3)
Staff Report & By-law: Parks and Facilities Report 2026-04 & By-law 2026-54 presented by Chris Allison.
The Details: Recommendation to execute a 3-year agreement (December 1, 2026 – November 30, 2029) with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) - District 3. This grants snowmobilers legal permission to use designated municipal road allowances and crossings. The OFSC must maintain $5 million in liability insurance and handle all trail grooming and repairs at their expense.
🏡 Property Impact: Rural winter trail access is a major selling feature for winter sports enthusiasts looking for acreage or waterfront access. Having structured, insured trail networks nearby adds tangible lifestyle equity to rural homes without creating municipal tax liabilities.
🗣️ Agenda Topic 4: Communications & Accessibility Survey Results
Staff Report: ECD Report 2026-08 presented by Economic Development & Communications Officer Brigid Ayotte.
The Details: Analysis of 169 community responses showing that 66% of residents rely on the municipal website and 59% use social media for updates. The report outlines next steps, including simplifying language, launching an SMS text alert system (requested by 42%), and making updates easier to find.
🏡 Property Impact: Clear, fast communication keeps residents updated on road closures, water disruptions, and emergencies. Efficient municipal updates foster a connected community, which boosts buyer confidence when relocating to the area.
📋 Agenda Topic 5: Re-establishing Committees & Boards (2026–2030 Term)
Staff Report & By-law: Corporate Services Report 2026-13 & By-law 2026-55 presented by Clerk Cindy Page and Deputy Clerk Mark Froment.
The Details: Re-establishing local boards for the new term, including the Library Board, Millbrook BIA, Millbrook Valley Trails Advisory Committee, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Sustainability Advisory Committee, and Committee of Adjustment. It also proposes increasing Committee of Adjustment public member remuneration from $75 to $100 per meeting.
🏡 Property Impact: The Committee of Adjustment hears minor variance applications (e.g., setback adjustments for additions, decks, or garages). Streamlined committee operations mean smoother approval processes for homeowners wanting to upgrade their properties.
♿ Agenda Topic 6: IASR Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Annual Update
Staff Report: Corporate Services Report 2026-14 presented by Deputy Clerk Mark Froment.
The Details: Annual review highlighting recent accessibility upgrades, including reviewing site plans for accessible design, adding automated captions to Township videos, planning accessible voting stations, and ensuring temporary accessible parking during road closures.
🏡 Property Impact: Accessible public spaces and inclusive infrastructure make a township vastly more attractive to retirees and multi-generational families, broadening the buyer pool for local home sales.
🛍️ Agenda Topic 7: Millbrook BIA Board Request
Correspondence item 12.1: Request from the Millbrook BIA Board of Management.
The Details: The BIA is requesting Council support to permit Sarah Bedford to attend meetings on behalf of 4th Line Theatre when board member Kim Blackwell is unavailable for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term.
🏡 Property Impact: A thriving, well-represented downtown business district directly increases the desirability and market value of nearby residential neighborhoods.
🔄 Recapping the LAST Council Meeting (October 5, 2026)
To stay fully updated, here is what Council officially passed at their last regular meeting:
🏫 Old Millbrook School Flooring: Approved funding allocation from the Ministry of Education grant and Township ICIP grant to complete floor replacement.
💧 Tupper Street Pumping Station Expansion: Officially ratified the purchase of 24 Tupper Street for $690,000(plus legal costs) using Development Charges ($412,000) and internal borrowing from the Water/Wastewater reserve to allow for essential pumping station expansion.
🚓 OPP Policing Resource Plan: Formally requested a Policing Resource Plan (PRP) from the Solicitor General to evaluate transitioning to OPP policing services.
🚦 Traffic & Parking By-law: Passed By-law 2026-52 to regulate traffic and parking limits across the Township.
🌲 The Kawartha Lifestyle & Local Perspective
From expanding municipal water infrastructure and protecting heritage downtowns to preserving world-class snowmobile trails, Cavan Monaghan continues to balance vibrant growth with rural charm. Keeping public debt low through internal financing keeps property taxes predictable, letting residents focus on enjoying our local lakes, trails, and historic villages.
📞 Your Local Real Estate Partner
Navigating municipal bylaws, development charges, or zoning adjustments can feel overwhelming whether you are buying a waterfront sanctuary, a townhome, or a rural farm. Knowing how local decisions impact your property value personally is what I do best.
If you have questions about how these upcoming council topics affect your current home or future real estate goals, give me a call today!
Brad Sinclair | Realtor®
Re/Max Professionals North
📞 705-927-6236
📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.
Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it. 🏠✨
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📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.
Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it.
