Local Government Week

October 13 - 19, 2024

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What is Local Government Week?

Every year, Ontario celebrates Local Government Week during the third week of October to increase public awareness of local governments’ important roles in our communities.

Did you know that the Town offers services to Kirkland Lake and Swastika, with multiple departments serving each? They are:

• Administration
• Corporate Services
• Community Services
• Development & Enterprise Services
• Fire & Emergency Services
• Public Works
• Long Term Care

More information about each division can be found in the Town’s Organization Structure.

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Getting Students (and parents) Involved

As part of Local Government Week, we are calling upon local students of all grades (and their families) to draw for us  “What job I would love to have at the Town”

• Drop your work off at a Town Hall (3 Kirkland St. W.) during regular business hours.
• All submitted artwork will be posted on the Town's Facebook Page as they are received.
• All winning artwork will be displayed, in a frame, at the Main Office in the Municipal Building for the year.
• Winners will be recognized by Mayor Wight with Certificate and Prize.
• Submission deadline is Friday, October 18, 2024 @ 4:00 PM.

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Governments – Who does what?

Check out this quick video to learn about the service delivery responsibilities of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels of government:



The Levels of Government (YouTube)

Review "Our Services" drop down on the Town's Website Homepage for additional details on the services offered by our municipality.

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How can I speak or present at a Council Meeting?

Whether you want speak on your organization’s progress in the community, or are a resident that wishes to address matters that are managed by the Town, you can request to speak to Council at their Regular Meetings. On the Town's website please scroll down to the section “Requesting an Appearance Before Council” to review criteria and how and whom to make your request to: Council Meetings - Town of Kirkland Lake.

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How do I make a Service Request?

 
Service Requests can be made online using the Town’s website Service Requests page, or they can be made by calling the Public Works Department directly at 705-567-9365.

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Why get involved with Local Government?

It’s a chance to collaborate with passionate individuals who share your vision for your community and strive for a better tomorrow. Get involved, serve your community, and build a brighter future for all to enjoy!

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How do I find Town By-Laws & Policies?

Frequently requested By-Laws can be found in the Town’s By-Law Database.

Town Policies, Reports and Plans are also available on the Town’s Website.

To validate these types of records, residents are highly encouraged to contact the Municipal Clerk.

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How are Water Rates calculated?

The Town of Kirkland Lake issues two different kinds of water bills: Quarterly flat rate and metered.
What’s the difference? And how does that affect calculation?

Quarterly Flat Rate: January, April, July & October based on the number of rooms, number of toilets and number of bathtub and/or showers in the dwelling.

Metered: monthly billing based on consumption for the previous month.

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How are my taxes calculated?

 Residential Property taxes are calculated using the assessed value of your property, the municipal tax rate, and the education tax rate set by the Province of Ontario. The formula is:

• assessed value x municipal tax rate = amount of municipal property tax
• assessed value x education tax rate = amount of education property tax
• municipal property tax + education property tax = your property taxes

Check out this quick video created by MPAC to help you understand how your property taxes are calculated:
How Your Property Tax is Calculated (YouTube)

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What is a Notice of Assessment?

The Municipal Assessment Corporation, or MPAC, determines the assessed value for all properties across the Province of Ontario.
 
They administer property assessments and appeals of assessments and re-assessments in Ontario
 
Check out these quick videos from MPAC to learn more:

• How MPAC Assesses Property - YouTube
• How to read your Property Assessment Notice - YouTube

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What is the 10-Year Road Plan?

The 10-year Road Reconstruction Plan  is a strategic initiative aimed at scheduling road rehab projects over the next decade. It focuses on restoring and maintaining road surfaces while integrating essential infrastructure improvements & systems (water distribution, sanitary sewer, stormwater management). This approach allows the Town to tackle infrastructure elements simultaneously, reducing disruptions and enhancing resource efficiency. The plan promotes strategic budgeting and project coordination, aligning roadworks with municipal priorities like public safety, sustainability, and long-term growth, ultimately supporting the Town's goal of maintaining infrastructure integrity and improving service delivery.

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What is a municipal parking lot and where are they?

A municipal parking lot is a designated, owned and operated by the town for public parking. These lots are typically located in areas where parking demand is high, such as near downtown areas with limited parking. Their purpose is to provide convenient parking options for residents and visitors while helping to manage traffic and congestion in urban areas. KL’s municipal parking lots are found here.

Please note: there is no overnight parking in municipal lots.

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Where can I find accessible parking in KL?

Accessible parking spaces are designated and reserved for individuals with disabilities. These spaces are typically located near building entrances and are designed to provide easier access for those who may have mobility challenges. Proper use of these spaces is essential to ensure that persons who require them, can access these spaces safely and conveniently.

Note: unless you have a valid (not expired) provincially issued Permit you are not permitted to park in these designated spots. Please ensure your entire permit is visible in your dash to avoid parking tickets.

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When do snow removal and sidewalk clearing get done?

Town crews will begin snow clearing operations on roads/ sidewalks when accumulation is over 5 cms; a service which is over Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards Regs. and the Town’s 2024-2025 Winter Maintenance Manual. Being proactive allows crews to maintain safe & accessible roadways.

Snow clearing involves plowing snow to ensure road access, while snow removal is a more intensive process of lifting and hauling snow away when accumulations pose safety risks or reduce space for storage.

Key factors for snow removal include:

1. Public Safety: Keeping roads and sidewalks safe for all users.
2. Snow Storage Capacity: Managing space for accumulating snow as winter progresses.
3. Emergency Access Routes: Ensuring clear pathways for emergency vehicles.
4. Street Parking Requirements: Maintaining parking availability and preventing congestion.

By integrating routine snow clearing with necessary snow removal, this supports functional and safe transportation throughout the Winter season.

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Requesting Flag Raisings, Proclamations and Commemorative Lighting 

The Town is happy to coordinate Proclamations, Flag Raisings, and Commemorative Lighting requests/ceremonies. We recommend submissions be made a minimum of 30 days in advance of the event. 

Requests should be directed the Municipal Clerk by regular mail, or email to [email protected], or can be dropped off at Town Hall during regular business hours (8:30 AM-4:00 PM).

Ceremonial events may be held at Town Hall /Miners’ Memorial, upon request.

Flags are flown and commemorative lighting is installed for 1 business day, unless otherwise requested and approved.  

Proclamations are declared by the Mayor at a Regular Meeting of Council prior to the event taking place.

The Town also ensures that Proclamations and photos of Flag Raisings/Commemorative Lighting are posted on its’ social mediums for public knowledge.

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Requesting Certificates from the Office of the Mayor

The Mayor is happy to coordinate Certificates to residents and businesses in the Town, upon request. Please allow two (2) weeks for preparation.

Examples of Certificates issued:

• Congratulatory
• Milestone birthdays
• Conventions, trade shows, festivals
• Town-wide sporting tournaments
• Tourism events
• Cultural celebrations
• Charity fundraising galas/events
• Significant awards programs
• Business, institution and organizational anniversaries

Note: Certificates or Letters of Greetings will not be issued for the following:

• Anything that violates Town policies or by-laws; and
• Matters of political controversy, ideological/religious beliefs or individual conviction.

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How to Petition Elected Municipal Officials (Council)

Citizens have the right to petition their elected representatives. This is one of the various ways the public can bring grievances or concerns to the attention of a municipal council.

A petition is a written request signed by citizens that asks a council to do something within their power (jurisdiction) about a particular issue.

Instead of many people writing individual letters to a council, it is much easier to create a petition.

Even when a petition does not result in an immediate or obvious resolution, petitions are important because they communicate your opinion to your elected representatives and other citizens.

Visit the Town’s Civic Petitions Page or call the Clerk’s Office at Town Hall to find out more on who can petition, the rules governing petitions, as well as preparing and collecting signatures for a Petition.

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Why Choose a Career in Local Government

Choosing a career in local government offers:

• Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in people's lives.
• Diverse Opportunities: Explore various roles that match your interests and skills.
• Stability and Benefits: Enjoy stable employment with competitive salaries and benefits.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from reasonable hours and a focus on employee well-being.
• Professional Development: Access training and advancement opportunities.
• Civic Engagement: Engage directly with the community and promote participation.
• Collaboration: Work alongside dedicated professionals in a collaborative environment.

If you're passionate about serving your community, local government could be a great fit!