Local interest

Information about local environmental and political groups and related events.

Proposed Development North of Graham Lane

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This is an urgent call to protect Sturgeon Point!

A proposed subdivision north of Graham Lane threatens to alter the landscape and spirit of our community. The farmland and wetlands that buffer our village may soon face development pressure.

The following open letter, written by Heather LeCraw, explains the situation and how we can take action.

We need to come together – informed, united, and ready to protect the Point!

OPEN LETTER to Sturgeon Point Association (SPA) and Residents of Sturgeon Point

Date: November 2, 2025

Re: Urgent: Opposition to Proposed Development North of Graham Lane

Dear SPA Members and Residents,

We are writing to alert you to a serious and immediate threat to the character and heritage of Sturgeon Point. The owner of the farmland surrounding our village, Mr. Alan Webster, has engaged planning and environmental consultants to pursue a plan of subdivision that could introduce a new roadway and up to 12 residential lots through the wetlands and significant woodland north of Graham Lane, including 3 lots and 1 “block” along the Sturgeon Lake shoreline.The proposed subdivision as it appears on the permit issued by the conservation authority is included herein.

Heavy equipment has already entered the property under a permit from the Kawartha Conservation Authority to conduct test pit excavations. This activity includes encroachment on City-owned land, a one-foot buffer strip deliberately established decades ago by Dr. Bill Graham to prevent development access from Graham Lane and preserve the historic boundaries of the Village.

The City of Kawartha Lakes Official Plan (Section 20.6) clearly states that:

“The character and integrity of the former village shall be retained and enhanced.”
“The existing social, environmental and aesthetic qualities of the community will be recognized.”

The proposed subdivision directly undermines these commitments. Beyond environmental damage, it would funnel construction traffic through Irene Avenue, Forest Road, Henry Street, and Graham Lane, impacting the safety, tranquility, and heritage of our community.

Our legal counsel and City contacts confirm that Mr. Webster has a history of aggressive and litigious actions in similar cases. Preventing this development will require a united and visible community response.

Next Steps:
There is no formal subdivision application yet. Our collective action can help ensure it never reaches that stage. A community meeting will be held shortly to coordinate our response and determine next actions.

If you wish to attend (in person or via Zoom), please email Heather LeCraw at [email protected].
Your participation is critical. This is the moment to stand together to defend Sturgeon Point’s heritage, peace, and natural beauty.

Elbows up Sturgeon Point…let’s protect our village.

Sincerely,


Heather LeCraw
On behalf of concerned residents of Sturgeon Point

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Three Sturgeon Point Residents Receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

We are thrilled to share that on March 19th, three members of the Sturgeon Point community were awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal:

  • Tim Wisener
  • Lynne Manning
  • Chris Appleton

The Coronation Medal commemorates the crowning of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada and is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada, their province or region, or who have brought honour to our country through outstanding achievements abroad.

With only 30,000 medals awarded across the country, it is an incredible honour – and a point of pride for Sturgeon Point – that three of our own were recognized for their extraordinary volunteer contributions.

Please join us in congratulating Tim, Lynne, and Chris on this well-deserved national recognition. Your service and dedication is inspiring.

Learn more about the ceremony and other local recipients: Explore Fenelon Falls News

Spring 2024 News

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Spring has officially arrived, and with it, the promise of new beginnings and exciting events at Sturgeon Point!  As we welcome the changing seasons, we also celebrate a significant milestone—the Village of Sturgeon Point’s 125th Anniversary.

The anniversary planning committee is hard at work designing swag and planning commemorative activities and events to mark this special occasion.   As a special kickoff to the celebrations, we invite you to join us in a community tree-planting initiative to protect and replenish our canopy of trees. 

SPA has purchased 125 seedlings for members from Kawartha Conservation for planting this spring. To reserve your seedlings, you must be a current paid member of the Sturgeon Point Association. To join or renew your membership, go to the Membership page on the Sturgeon Point Association website and complete the information. Remember to click the link to your financial institution at the end to pay your membership. Completing the form does not complete the membership application. We must receive your payment.

Once you’ve joined/renewed, complete this form to reserve your seedlings.  The species available include: Red Oak, White Pine, or Bitternut Hickory. The limit is 2 seedlings per family, and supply is limited to 125 seedlings, so reserve your tree today! Any remaining seedlings will be available to non-members for purchase.

Seedling Pick-Up Details:

đź“… Dates: Saturday, April 27th, Saturday, May 11th, and Saturday, May 18th

đź•™ Time: 10-11 am

đź“Ť Location: Sturgeon Point Park

Renew your SPA Membership

If you don’t want seedlings, there are plenty of other reasons to renew your SPA membership!

SPA plays an important role in the Sturgeon Point community.

The funds raised through memberships help manage and maintain the following trust lands:

  • The Playground/Park 
  • The Leaf Dump 
  • The Public Beach 
  • The Upper Wharf 

Various social events are also coordinated and hosted through SPA including this year’s 125th anniversary celebrations,  Canada Day and the Civic Holiday.

Your support is extremely important so please take a moment to renew your membership online.

In addition to the online method, you can leave your renewal in the locked SPA mailbox at the park.


Public Meeting Announcement

The Planning Advisory Committee, on behalf of the Council of the City of Kawartha Lakes, is holding a Public Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 26 Francis Street, Lindsay, Ontario, to consider the proposed Rural Zoning By-law.

Information on how to watch or participate in the public meeting can be found here.

FENELON TRAILS – IMPORTANT UPDATE

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“Fenelon Trails” Development Overview & Public Information Session Recap

Applications have been submitted to the City of Kawartha Lakes for the “Fenelon Trails” subdivision development on County Road 121.  A public information session was held on Tuesday, November 14th in Fenelon Falls, the following is an overview of the development and a recap of the information session.

Development Overview: TOR Construction Ltd has submitted applications to the City of Kawartha Lakes for a residential development that includes:

  • 427 single detached dwellings
  • 242 townhouse dwellings
  • One mixed-use density block
  • Three medium-density residential blocks, totaling 894 dwelling units.

Public Information Session Recap: On Tuesday, November 14th, TOR Construction Ltd hosted a public information session to share details about their application and development plans for the Fenelon Trails subdivision. The event drew a significant turnout, sparking passionate conversations about existing challenges such as affordable housing and infrastructure strain, namely congested bridges, and limited school space. TOR Construction Ltd responded by indicating that they believe these issues fall within the city’s purview for resolution. However, the development team did share that, according to their analysis, the addition of 894 new homes would not necessitate the construction of another school.

Scott Waterhouse, the project’s planner, took the stage to provide a comprehensive overview of the submitted plans. He highlighted the inclusion of various studies, including archeological, environmental impact, and traffic studies. Scott emphasized that these documents are available as public records with the city and can be requested via email.

Link to plans

Community Input: Questionnaires were distributed at the session, aimed at capturing input. These responses will be shared with the City of Kawartha Lakes as part of the development application. You are encouraged to reflect on the following questions:

  1. What retail/commercial uses do you believe are needed in this area, and what would you like to see along Kawartha Lakes Road 121?
  2. What housing types are needed for the Fenelon Falls community? (e.g., bungalow, two-storey, townhouses, apartment units)
  3. In your opinion, what is one crucial aspect of the development for the Fenelon Falls community?
  4. What are the top three challenges you anticipate for the community as growth and development occur?

You can share your thoughts and comments with Scott Waterhouse at [email protected] or Allister Andrews at [email protected].

Next Steps: The City of Kawartha Lakes will schedule a public meeting on this matter, providing further opportunities for community engagement and dialogue.