North Pigeon Lake Association

City calls on residents to help stop illegal dumping

Kawartha Lakes – The City has become aware of two recent incidents involving large quantities of waste containing hazardous materials being illegally dumped on City roads.

“These types of illegal dumping incidents cost thousands of dollars to clean up,” explained Bryan Robinson, Director of Public Works. “We are asking residents with information to come forward so we can hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

How you can help:

• Report any illegally dumped waste by calling 705-324-9411
• Report any suspicious activity such as trucks with large loads parking on back roads – especially at night, by calling Kawartha Lakes OPP at 705-324-6741, or Kawartha Lakes Police Service at 705-324-5252
• If possible note the license plate number, type of vehicle, time of day and location when reporting suspicious activity
• Require proof of disposal (such as tipping receipts from the landfill) when a contractor is disposing of waste on your behalf
• Always dispose of your waste during curbside collection or at City landfill sites

Illegal dumping facts:

• City of Kawartha Lakes tax payers end up paying the costs to clean up illegally dumped waste
• Chemicals from illegal dump sites can contaminate wells and surface water
• Dumped tires and mattresses can be infested with disease carrying mosquitos
• Illegal dump sites attract rodents, insects and other vermin
• Pets and wildlife near dump sites can be harmed by ingesting hazardous materials, injured by sharp objects and suffocate if they become stuck in the debris
• Dump sites often contain broken glass, syringes, medical waste and toxic substances like asbestos
• Illegal dumping prevents the natural runoff of water during heavy rain and can cause flooding and property damage
• Illegal dumping sites are a fire hazard
• Illegal dumping negatively impacts tourism and quality of life for residents

Illegal dumping is a crime. The City will continue to actively investigate and report all illegal dumping incidents.

By Pamela Vanmeer – March 19, 20180114

KAWARTHA LAKES- “We are in a beautiful area and all of a sudden it will be gone,” Ruth Pillsworth says. “People don’t know unfortunately because we are a seasonal area a lot of people aren’t aware of the issue that when they come to the Bobcaygeon area it’s not going to be the same anymore.”

Pillsworth is one of about 11 residents who are in the middle of a “David and Goliath” battle to stop a mega quarry from coming to the area. The group who call themselves “Citizens for Responsible Aggregate Development” say the Dewdney Mountain Quarry will irrevocably change the Bobcaygeon area and not for the better. “Am I going to be wanting to fight the trucks, am I going to be wanting to go fishing, oh wait there may not be any fish left here.” Pillsworth says. Continue reading »

Flood Watch

For road closures and other flood updates, please visit our Newsroom.

Heavy precipitation, combined with snowmelt and frozen ground conditions are resulting in significant runoff. Water levels in local rivers and streams are currently rapidly increasing and are expected to exceed their bankfull conditions in multiple locations. Smaller steams are responding faster, while it takes longer for larger watercourses to react.

Flooding in low lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches is anticipated. Roads overtopping have been reported in several locations. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff or clogged with snow, ice and debris. Rapid deterioration of the ice cover on local rivers and streams has been observed.

Under these watershed conditions all local watercourses should be considered extremely dangerous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover where it exists is unstable and hazardous.  Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.

Trent-Severn Waterway officials are closely watching this current situation and will be adjusting dam settings throughout the system when the situation warrants. Staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are monitoring water levels of the Burnt and Gull rivers.

This Flood Watch will be in effect until Friday February 23, 2018.

Read this news update on our website

View more Surveys notifications.
View more Public Information Sessions notifications.
View more Environment and Waste Management notifications.
View more Public Notices notifications.
View more Construction Updates notifications.
View more News notifications.
View more Fire, Paramedic and Police notifications.
View more Road and Sidewalk Closures notifications.
View more Business and Growth notifications.
View more Weather and Emergency notifications.
View more Emergency Alert Banner notifications.
View more Water and Wastewater notifications.
View more Facility and Program Changes notifications.