🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 19th, 2026

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Demand Surges 2,000% for First Free Large Item Cleanup: A massive operational update regarding the recently launched #CleanStreets #Peterborough program. The City confirmed yesterday that residents registered more than 2,150 large household items for the initial June pickup block, completely obliterating the 2025 monthly average of just 98 items. This massive 2,000% surge follows the council’s June 1 initiative to waive the standard $60 collection fee for the remainder of 2026.

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Sage & Soul Collective Celebrates Grand Opening in #Millbrook: Expanding local lifestyle amenities on the western end of the grid, the Sage & Soul Collective officially marked its grand opening yesterday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 Union Street in Millbrook (#CavanMonaghan). Supported by Community Futures Peterborough, the wellness space combines a specialized movement studio and an artisanal micro-café highlighting "Taste of the Kawarthas" offerings—adding another great community destination to mention to incoming families looking at Cavan acreage.

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Clonsilla Convenience Store Robbery Arrest: #PeterboroughPolice deployed a conducted energy weapon (CEW) early Thursday morning to arrest a 21-year-old local man following a swift crime spree. Officers responded to a convenience store in the Clonsilla Avenue and Goodfellow Road area around 4:00 AM after a suspect threatened a clerk with a kitchen utensil. The individual fled on a bicycle and smashed windows at two other properties before being intercepted and arrested by patrol officers.

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Hellyer Spark-Plugs Wild 10-9 Lakers Comeback in Brampton: The #PeterboroughLakers moved to a 4-3 record last night, executing a spectacular third-period rally to defeat the Brampton Excelsiors 10-9 at the Brampton Memorial Arena. Late-Game Heroics: Trailing by two deep in the final frame after goals from Brampton's Mike Triolo and Curtis Ward, veteran playmaker Rob Hellyer completely put the offence on his back. Hellyer fired home two unassisted goals in under a minute to knot the match at nine. The Clincher: With just 35 seconds remaining on the clock, Hellyer delivered a brilliant pass to transition depth asset Nick DiLauro, who blasted home the game-winner from the outside to cap off a dominant six-point night for Hellyer. Between the Pipes & Floor Execution: Braedon Saris and DiLauro each finished with pairs, while Frank Coyle and Liam Patten wired home crucial coast-to-coast transition markers. Legendary netminder Nick Rose locked down the crease to secure the physical road win. Up Next: The Lakers pack the gear again this Sunday, June 21, heading down the highway for a 6:00 PM road matchup against the #CobourgKodiaks.

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Movies at the Park Returning to #QuakerFoodsSquare: The Peterborough DBIA, in partnership with the city's cultural services division, has unveiled its expanded outdoor summer line-up. Free "Movies at the Park" screenings will run every Tuesday night at Quaker Foods City Square starting July 7 with The Secret Life of Pets, followed by classics like Dirty Dancing and Jurassic Park later in the month.

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Former Constable Rogers Resignation Framework: Public clarity emerged surrounding the guilty plea of former Peterborough Police Constable Mackenzie Rogers for Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime. Chief Stuart Betts addressed community questions, confirming that while the OPP possessed a robust case to support a full trial on original breach of trust counts, accepting the plea directly guaranteed Rogers' permanent, immediate resignation from the force. This strategic resolution achieved maximum taxpayer cost-avoidance by completely bypassing a multi-year, salary-supported Community Safety and Policing Act disciplinary hearing. Rogers is remanded to an August 24 sentencing timeline.

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A preliminary municipal staff report anticipates a 6.62% increase to #Peterborough’s all-inclusive property tax rate for 2027. The increase is driven by general inflation (estimated at 15% outside of staffing), a projected 20% budget increase for Lakelands Public Health following the end of a provincial mitigation payment, a 3% increase for outside agencies and paramedics, and rising city insurance and fuel costs. Staffing costs remain unknown due to ongoing union contract negotiations. A major factor compounding the 2027 tax rate is that council previously shifted $3 million from the city's Legacy Reserve fund (from the 2021 sale of Peterborough Distribution Inc. to Hydro One) to artificially lower the 2026 tax rate. Meanwhile, staff are holding off on debt capacity adjustments until council receives a formal financing plan for the proposed $170-million downtown sport and event centre. Additionally, remediation work at the former Canadian Canoe Museum site on Park Street is on track to wrap up by midsummer to make way for a new transit garage.

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Jason Seguya, 27, has been appointed as the next chief executive officer of #UnitedWay #Peterborough&District, succeeding Jim Russell, who is retiring after nearly 15 years in the role. The formal announcement was made during a news conference at the agency's Stewart Street office. Seguya, who is moving from Ottawa, stated his clear intention to maintain the agency's existing momentum and strict focus on local poverty and homelessness rather than changing strategic directions. During Russell's tenure, the organization implemented tracking tools like the "Housing is Fundamental" reports and biennial point-in-time counts. Board chair Karen Wilson noted that Seguya was unanimously chosen in April from an initial pool of applicants across Ontario and the United States. Seguya officially takes over on July 6

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#Lakelands Public Health officials are urging regional residents to incorporate regular tick checks into their outdoor routines as climate change causes tick populations to migrate further north. Dr. Stephen McCarthy and environmental health manager Richard Ovcharovich reported during a public health board meeting that confirmed regional Lyme disease cases have risen sharply over five years, climbing from roughly 80 cases in 2022 to nearly 180 cases last year. Roughly 70% of these cases occur during June, July, and August, aligning with the nymph stage of the blacklegged tick's life cycle. Risk increases if a tick remains attached for over 24 hours, though a single dose of antibiotics within 72 hours can significantly lower early Lyme disease risks. Officials also noted rising provincial trends in other tick-borne illnesses, such as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and the Powassan virus

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Trustees for the #KawarthaPineRidgeDistrictSchoolBoard reluctantly approved a compliant, balanced 2026-2027 budget to meet Ministry of Education deadlines, despite openly expressing dissatisfaction over ongoing provincial funding shortfalls. The finalized budget consists of a $552.3-million operating budget and a $60.76-million capital budget, featuring $80 million designated for special education programming and $60 million for new school construction. Board vice-chairperson Angela Lloyd and trustee Cathy Abraham emphasized that the board is operating roughly $18 million short of what is genuinely required to adequately support students, communities, and staff. The budgetary strains are further exacerbated by persistent cost pressures in special education and transportation, alongside an anticipated year-over-year enrolment drop of 477 students (303 elementary and 174 secondary).

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To commemorate its 70th year of local operations, the #Peterborough Rugby Union Football Club (founded in 1957) expanded its traditional annual "Rugby Day" into a full three-day weekend event at Nicholls Oval. The weekend highlights the massive growth across the club, which features a thriving Friday night "minis" program with nearly 100 new youth signups alongside three active competitive tiers for both men and women. High-profile home matches scheduled for Saturday afternoon include the #Pagans Senior Women’s top team (4-2) hosting the undefeated, first-place Ottawa Irish at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Pagan Men's 1st XV (4-1) taking on the Niagara Wasps at 3:30 p.m.

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Step & Stitch Inc., a new shoe repair and leather goods service provider, celebrated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the lower level of Peterborough Square, filling a multi-year service void in the municipality. Managed by cobbler Arash Aslami and owned by Parastoo Rasaie, the business features specialized Italian sewing machinery capable of cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing fine leather footwear, athletic sneakers, and watches. Mayor Jeff Leal attended the opening, noting strong pent-up local demand after previous repair shops closed down. Aslami moved from Toronto to open the shop following encouragement from his uncle, Masoud Akbari, who has operated Imperial Family Tailoring in the same mall for 27 years. The shop plans to expand into custom orthotics and lambskin golf shoes, is offering a 10% discount to health-care workers and first responders for its first six months, and is collecting used shoes for charitable donations.

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📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market

Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.

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🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 18th , 2026

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Reid Street Assault Arrest: #PeterboroughPolice took a 39-year-old local man into custody on Monday morning following a violent incident in the downtown core. A general patrol officer near Reid Street and Simcoe Street intervened after witnessing a group gathered around an older man who had been punched in the face. The victim was treated by paramedics and transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, while the suspect was held for a court appearance.
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#Petes Lock In 2026-27 OHL Schedule: Hot on the heels of the OHL Priority Selection draft, the Peterborough Petes officially unveiled their full regular-season schedule. The Maroon and white will open on home ice at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday, September 17, at 7:05 PM against the Kingston Frontenacs. Key promotional dates include a New Year's Eve afternoon clash against the rival Oshawa Generals and a Family Day matchup on February 15 hosting the reigning OHL and Memorial Cup champion Kitchener Rangers.
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Lake #Scugog Weed Trends Explained: In its newly released June edition of Watershed Watch, Kawartha Conservation addresses one of the most common inquiries from regional waterfront owners: why Lake Scugog sees such dense seasonal aquatic plant growth. The educational feature clarifies how these plants serve a vital environmental role in supporting native fish populations and wildlife, reminding property owners that a biologically healthy lake doesn't always mirror a clear swimming pool.
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The provincial government announced an investment of $57.7 million over four years for #TrentUniversity. Despite the funding, an internal report reveals the university faces a $31-million structural deficit prior to accounting for the new funds and a 2% domestic tuition hike. The deficit is driven primarily by federal restrictions that dropped international enrolment expectations down to 11,587 from over 12,300.  This major post-secondary institution resides directly in Peterborough; Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith noted the funding will help stabilize the regional economy.
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#Peterborough Police Service Const. Ethan Mamers had his careless firearm discharge case addressed during a prejudicial pretrial in Cobourg court. The charge stems from an off-duty incident on Dec. 31, 2025, when a single shotgun round was discharged inside his home, passing into a neighbour's house. No injuries occurred. Because of a conflict of interest, the Peterborough Crown Attorney's Office will not prosecute, handing it over to a different Crown jurisdiction. Involves an active member of the Peterborough Police Service. The case returns to the Peterborough courthouse on July 26
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Longtime YourTV producer and host Dan Malta is leaving Peterborough after 12 seasons to relocate to Chatham this fall. He is moving with his wife, Katrina Squazzin, who secured a role as communications director for the St. Clair Catholic School Board. Malta plans to complete the summer lacrosse broadcast season before departing. Malta has been a foundational media fixture producing local Peterborough Petes and Lakers broadcasts since 2014.
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The #PeterboroughLakers team is supporting the $70-million Campaign for PRHC (Peterborough Regional Health Centre). Their upcoming June 25 home game against the Brooklin Lacrosse Club will be "PRHC Night”. Includes player-signed hockey stick auctions, custom Canadian-themed jersey auctions, and a $10,000 matching fundraising pledge by the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough.
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Eastside Boxing and Wellness has partnered with YWCA #Peterborough #Haliburton to debut a new charitable initiative. The fund eliminates financial barriers for youth aged 12 to 16—particularly those who have survived or witnessed domestic and gender-based violence—by putting them through a structured, 12-week combat sports training program to foster self-discipline and healing.
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The 4th Line Theatre in #Millbrook is remounting Leanna Brodie’s play "Schoolhouse," directed and choreographed by Monica Dottor. Set in 1938 in rural Ontario, the play follows an 18-year-old teacher, Melita Linton (played by Alex Pearce in her professional debut), dealing with diverse student needs and a troubled youth, Ewart Rokosh (played by Alexei DeLuca). The production runs nightly at 6 p.m. from June 30 to July 25 (with an extra July 20 show) at the local Millbrook theatrical venue.
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Following Councillor Jane Lakatos’s sudden resignation over concerns that council was setting aside due process, the Marmora and Lake council voted on June 16 to quickly fill her vacant seat via appointment. The township clerk is currently calling candidates from the 2022 municipal election in order of their original vote finish—starting with Jason Carman and moving down to Launy Schwartz—until someone accepts the position for the remainder of the term. Mayor Jan O’Neill declined to comment on the sensitive details of the walkout but expressed absolute confidence in the integrity of the remaining council and staff. This vacancy comes as no residents have officially filed papers for the upcoming municipal election yet, including Mayor O'Neill, who is still considering whether to seek a third term.
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An ongoing OPP homicide investigation into the death of 61-year-old Geraldine Fulcher in #Greater Madawaska Township uncovered ties to a potential threat against a Winnipeg business. Acting on information from the OPP, Winnipeg police arrested a 52-year-old suspect from Calabogie who was found with a shotgun, ammunition, and gasoline jerrycans. The accused has since been transferred to Ontario custody and charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and multiple firearm offences.
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#Haliburton Governance Study & Municipal Vacancies: The County of Haliburton is actively progressing its widespread public survey and town hall platform for the "Exploring the Future of Haliburton County: An Affordability and Governance Structure Study" running until July 31. Concurrently, the Municipality of Dysart et al has announced plans to fill its vacant mayor’s seat via official appointment channels.
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Questions? Let’s chat.
📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

Understanding Your Community: A Breakdown of the 2025 OSM Fire & Emergency Services Annual Report

As a homeowner in the Kawarthas, you invest a lot of time and resources into your property. But how much do you really know about the local services that protect that investment? Keeping a pulse on municipal reports is the best way to stay informed, and the 2025 annual report of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for Otonabee-South Monaghan (OSM) offers a revealing look at the state of our local safety infrastructure.

I’m Brad Sinclair, your local guide to the Kawartha and Highlands market. My goal is to make sure you have the facts you need to feel secure in your home. Below is a deep dive into the report, breaking down the operations, costs, and equipment updates that affect our community.

The Operational Breakdown: Calls & Response

The report makes it clear: the fire department is the first line of defence for a wide variety of emergencies.

• Total Call Volume: In 2025, the department responded to 441 calls for emergency help, marking an increase of 12 calls over the previous year.
• Station Activity: Collectively, the four fire stations managed 728 individual responses to these emergencies.
• Medical Response: This remains a critical function, accounting for 41.72% of the total call volume, with 184 medical incidents attended to in 2025.
• Fire-Related Incidents: The department responded to 17 fire-related incidents, which included 9 grass fires and 4 structure fires.
• Response Time: The department maintained an average response time of 15:41 minutes.

Costs and Financial Sustainability

The biggest challenge identified in the report is financial—specifically, the rising cost of maintaining high-quality emergency services.

• Average Cost: The department reported an average cost of $217.22 per incident.
• The Funding Gap: The cost of fire equipment is increasing faster than the growth of the township's reserves. The report explicitly states that as we look to the future, it will be tougher to maintain existing services without securing new grants and lobbying other levels of government.
• Budgeting for Protection: The department emphasizes that enforcement activities, such as fire code compliance, are time-consuming and costly, with those expenses borne by all taxpayers through the municipal budget.

New Equipment & Operational Upgrades

To meet these challenges, the department has been proactive in acquiring new technology and tools.

• Drone Integration: The department purchased a new drone and certified members of the fire and public works departments to operate it. It is already being used for emergency response and provides critical data for crew safety.
• Cancer Prevention: In response to the hazards of synthetic materials in modern fires, the department is prioritizing firefighter health. They have added extractors, dryers, field decontamination units, special soaps, and safer bunker gear to all stations. For 2026, they are adding fans and misters to decontaminate gear from airborne contaminants.
• Fleet Updates: The department ordered Pump 2, which was inspected and scheduled for delivery in January 2026.
• Paging & Communications: New pagers were put into operation in 2025 to align with the new paging agreement with Bell.

Training and Legislative Standards

The department is heavily invested in ensuring that its 81 personnel (as of Dec 31, 2025) are ready for any scenario.

• Training Hours: Personnel logged 2,807 training hours in 2025, in addition to over 4,265 hours spent on emergency responses.
• Certification Requirements: A major deadline is approaching: as of July 1, 2026, all fire personnel must be certified to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for the tasks they perform.

Property Impact: What This Means for You

When you buy or sell a home, you are investing in a community. The strength and capability of your local fire department directly affect your property’s safety and, by extension, its long-term value.

• Stay Vigilant: With the report noting that equipment costs are rising faster than reserves, pay attention to upcoming municipal budgets—these decisions will dictate how our department manages its resources and how it might impact property taxes.
• Burn Safety: The report highlights a 7-week burn ban in 2025 due to dry weather. Always use the automated burn permit system to avoid significant fines and keep our community fire-safe.

Let’s Chat

Navigating municipal reports shouldn't be another chore on your list. That’s where I come in. As your local expert with over 20 years of experience, I am here to help you understand the landscape of our region so you can make confident decisions about your home.

Don't wait for a problem to arise. Call or text me today at 705-927-6236 to discuss your real estate needs.

Brad Sinclair, your Kawartha and Highlands Realtor®. I'll come to you to solve your real estate needs. DM or text me to get started.

Questions? Let’s chat. 📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market.

Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.

#KawarthaRealEstate #OSMFire #PropertySafety #BancroftRealtor #LocalExpert #BradSinclairTeam #HighlandsLiving #CommunityFirst

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 17th, 2026

City Renames Knights of Columbus Bowl in Honour of Bobby Allan: #Lacrosse heritage is being permanently etched into the local grid. Peterborough City Council has officially approved a motion to rename the newly renovated outdoor sports bowl at Knights of Columbus Park as the Bobby Allan Bowl. The Park Street facility is currently undergoing extensive upgrades to its floor, boards, and structural gating. Allan, a Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Famer who grew up blocks from the park, captured four Mann Cups as a player before coaching the Senior Lakers to a national title in 1973 and leading Team Canada to a world field lacrosse championship in 1978.
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Reid Street Assault Arraignment: A 39-year-old #Peterborough man was brought before the Water Street courthouse for an expedited bail hearing following a general patrol intercept on Monday morning. An officer in the area of Reid Street and Simcoe Street observed a crowd gathered around an older man who had been violently punched in the face by an individual known to him. The victim required paramedic treatment on-site before being transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Officers intercepted the suspect a short distance away and charged him with a single count of Assault.
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Former Constable Rogers Sentencing Window: Court administrators are setting scheduling frames ahead of an August 24 sentencing date for former Peterborough Police Constable Mackenzie Rogers. Rogers entered a formal guilty plea to Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime, concluding an #OPP-led criminal investigation from last autumn and guaranteeing his permanent, immediate removal from the municipal police service.
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 Invasive Species Crackdown Launches with $2 Million Provincial Fund: Moving directly into our watershed lines across #Selwyn, #NorthKawartha, and #DouroDummer, the Ontario government officially rolled out a $2 million investment targeting invasive species containment. Administered via the Invasive Species Centre, the capital funds are being deployed across 112 local field projects, utilizing water-testing monitoring frameworks and 3,000 volunteers. Expect heightened conservation enforcement and specialized cleaning checks at boat launches throughout the Kawartha Lakes network to stop the spread of aquatic hazards impacting tourism and waterfront values.
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$260,000 Provincial Rural Economic Development Boost: Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith announced that the Ontario government is injecting $260,305.50 through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program to support local economic sustainability. The investment targets several crucial regional projects, including $30,000 for Community Care Peterborough to conduct a Rural Peterborough County Transportation Feasibility Study, $20,000 to equip rural entrepreneurs to compete beyond the region, and over $15,000 for the Peterborough Community Farm Business Plan.
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Early Momentum for Summer "Lock & Paddle" Event: #ParksCanada and local coordinators are reporting surging early registrations for the signature Lock & Paddle showcase, slated to fill the historic Peterborough Lift Lock on July 18. The massive open-water gathering routinely draws well over 1,400 canoes and kayaks into the lift lock chambers simultaneously.
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Tourism Strategy Approved: Despite structural confusion and intense questioning by some city councillors regarding long-term safeguards for downtown and arts budgets, #PeterboroughCityCouncil voted 10-0 to adopt a new tourism strategy. Councillor Alex Bierk criticized the plan for a lack of concrete, immediate action for independent local businesses and cultural arts sectors, though city staff clarified that specific funding increases remain a council decision to be evaluated during normal budget cycles.
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Development at Alexander Court: Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment allowing for a 16-unit, four-storey mixed-use residential building at 835 Alexander Court. This expansion represents roughly $808,238 in typical development fees (though reduced by half to just over $400,000 under the new DCRP motion).
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Norwood Community Events: The #Norwood Lions Club officially installed its new 2026–2027 executive team, led by President Rick Serrao. The community also announced several upcoming regional festivities, including a Legion Father’s Day Breakfast, a Strawberry Luncheon, the regional Forage Expo equipment trade show, and the return of the annual Norwood Pride "Rainbow Country" event on July 12.
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Impaired Driving Charges: #Peterboroughpolice arrested and issued automatic license suspensions to two men following separate suspected impaired driving calls on Sunday. A 23-year-old Lindsay man was caught driving the wrong way on George Street, and a 25-year-old Peterborough man was arrested after hitting a curb near Lansdowne Street and Webber Avenue.
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Fleming College TV Feature: Bill Smith, a blasting techniques coordinator at #Fleming College's Frost Campus in Lindsay, will be featured in an upcoming second-season episode of TVOkids' program Trading Skills. The appearance aims to inspire younger generations to look into high-demand careers in skilled trades.
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A new Veterans Crosswalk will be officially unveiled at the intersection of Queen and Albert streets in the Village of Lakefield on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 a.m. Created through a collaboration between Peterborough County, #Selwyn Township, and the Royal Canadian Legion, the crosswalk honours the service and sacrifices of Canadian veterans. Residents are welcome to attend the ceremony, which will feature local officials and a Colour Party, and visitors are asked to park on Water Street to save closer spaces for Second World War veterans and their families.
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Questions? Let’s chat.
📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 16th, 2026

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Impaired Patrols Clamp Down on Main Arteries: Traffic units managed a highly volatile weekend rotation, executing multiple targeted arrests. Notable stops included a 25-year-old local driver arrested in a commercial parking plaza near #Lansdowne Street and #Kawartha Heights Boulevard after hitting a curb at high speed, and a 23-year-old driver stopped at 3:20 AM Sunday morning after blowing through general patrols going the wrong direction down George Street. Both received immediate 90-day licence suspensions and 7-day vehicle impounds.
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#Buckhorn Public School is receiving $6.4 million from the Ontario provincial government to build a substantial new addition. The expansion will accommodate 98 additional elementary students and create a new licensed child-care centre for 49 preschoolers. Principal Jennifer Forsythe and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith announced the funding, noting that unlike stagnant trends elsewhere, Buckhorn is experiencing an influx of young families. Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark added that the county’s growth is currently outpacing the City of Peterborough by a four-to-one margin
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A cottage on an island on Lower Buckhorn Lake was entirely destroyed by a fire on Saturday evening. Firefighters from the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Selwyn Township responded by boat at around 7:00 p.m. Selwyn Township Deputy Fire Chief Howard Jinkerson reported that no one was at the cottage at the time and no injuries occurred. While unconfirmed, lightning from passing regional storms is suspected as the cause. The local community rallied quickly on social media to help the displaced co-owners find alternative accommodations for their vacation week
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 Multiple local hockey players from the Peterborough area were selected during Saturday's OHL Priority Selection draft held in Kingston.

• Evan Fitzgerald: The Peterborough native was drafted 41st overall (second round) by the reigning Memorial Cup champions, the Kitchener Rangers.

• Henri Packalen: The Kingston native, who played for the Peterborough U16 Petes and attended Lakefield College School, was selected 26th overall by the Ottawa 67's.

• Other Regional Drafts: The Erie Otters picked U16 Petes defenceman Cash Harper (15th round). The Central Ontario Wolves saw Kyler Lauder (24th overall to Saginaw Spirit), Finn Ellery (31st overall to Brantford Bulldogs), Kai Milne-Ross (9th round to Flint Firebirds), and Ethan Davidson (10th round to North Bay Battalion) selected. Ronan Quinn was taken 49th overall by the Sudbury Wolves.

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The #Buckhorn Lions Club Electronic Sign Debate: Trent Lakes Council hit a complete procedural gridlock over a request from the Buckhorn Lions Club to erect an electronic community information sign at the busy four-way intersection of County Road 36 and Lakehurst Road. Municipal planning staff strongly recommended denying the request because electronic signs are restricted in the local Community Improvement Plan (CIP) zone and present a potential roadway hazard. Council ultimately settled on a neutral motion simply to "receive the report for information," leaving the sign in limbo.
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A proposed pedestrian crosswalk planned for Bobcaygeon Road in downtown #Minden has transformed into a major point of contention. Local business owners and residents have stepped forward to criticize the project, claiming that the municipality is moving far too quickly on its implementation without answering critical lingering questions regarding traffic bottlenecks, parking impacts, and downtown visibility.
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This June, in celebration of Recreation and Parks Month and Seniors Month, #cityofpeterborough is waiving the fee for Adult Leisure registered programs and drop-in activities! It's the perfect opportunity for older adults to try something new, stay active and build community!
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A 29-year-old man from #Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township was arrested and charged with impaired driving after a significant single-vehicle crash on County Road 50 on Saturday night. Clayton Dunk allegedly fled the scene into a nearby ditch to avoid police after his vehicle's airbags deployed, but officers quickly located and apprehended him. Dunk faces multiple charges, a 90-day license suspension, and a vehicle impoundment, with a court date set for July 14 in Peterborough.
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The Township of #MindenHills has called a Special Meeting of Council for June 18, 2026. The session will feature a facilitated consultation with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) regarding a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study. Council members from across the county are prioritizing regional infrastructure capabilities and long-term affordability frameworks to better address rural development challenges and local service deliveries.
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The #Bancroft OPP is warning residents about a widespread bank and police impersonation scam that primarily targets seniors and cost Canadians over $28 million in 2025. Scammers contact victims claiming account urgency and trick them into handing over cash, bank cards, PINs, or remote computer access to a courier. Police emphasize that legitimate institutions will never send couriers for cash, demand immediate action, or threaten arrest, and advise residents to verify calls by hanging up and contacting their bank directly.
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During a week-long #ATV safety campaign from June 1 to June 7, Central Ontario OPP issued 72 charges and 70 warnings across regional trail systems. Officers from 13 detachments focused on high-risk behaviours and compliance, addressing violations such as dangerous driving, lack of insurance, helmet infractions, and equipment deficiencies. The OPP is reminding riders to operate responsibly and promises continued trail patrols throughout the riding season to ensure public safety.
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 Lakelands Public Health has issued a drug poisoning alert for the #Peterborough region, effective until June 29, following a sudden spike in overdoses linked to an unidentified substance. Health officials are urging people who use drugs to carry naloxone, avoid using alone, and take extra safety precautions like testing with smaller amounts. The public health unit advises anyone witnessing signs of irregular or stopped breathing to call 911 immediately.
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Questions? Let’s chat.
📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 15th, 2026

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#Bancroft Mayor Defends Photo with Local Business Selling Bikers' Support Gear: Bancroft Mayor Paul Jenkins is addressing significant public blowback after posing for an official photo at Choice Cuts, a new storefront in town. The photo—posted to the town's social media pages—shows the mayor shaking hands with a co-owner while holding a T-shirt. The OPP's Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau clarified that the business sells merchandise supporting Satan’s Choice, which police classify as a "one per cent" outlaw motorcycle gang that re-emerged in Ontario in August 2025. Mayor Jenkins stated he was simply welcoming a new local business, was uneducated on their current status, and has no intention of taking the photo down since no bylaws or provincial laws are being broken.

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#HastingsHighlands Outlines Broad Road Closures for Summer Maintenance: The Municipality of Hastings Highlands, just north of Bancroft, has issued an updated public bulletin outlining targeted road closures and traffic delays scheduled throughout June and July. Heavy road-surfacing, ditching, and dust-suppression crews are prioritizing major rural corridors to reinforce them before peak summer cottage traffic peaks.

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Great Canadian Cheese Festival Draws Thousands to Morrow Building: Food lovers from across Ontario converged on #Peterborough over the weekend as the historic Morrow Building on Lansdowne Street hosted the massive Great Canadian Cheese Festival. The reinvented two-day culinary showcase featured extensive small-batch dairy tastings, artisan food pairings, and educational masterclasses highlighting regional craft creators, wineries, and breweries.

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 Former Media Executive Takes Reins of Lakefield Landmark: A notable face from regional business is making waves in #Selwyn Township. Darren Murphy, the former publisher of the Peterborough Examiner, has officially transitioned full-time into his new role as the owner of The Market in #Lakefield. Murphy, a Young's Point resident who took over the gourmet grocery business, announced over the weekend a heightened focus on partnering strictly with local producers, small businesses, and Canadian manufacturers to elevate the storefront's rural and cottage-country footprint.

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The historic 1890 red-brick boiler house of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital on Armour Road has been successfully converted into a modern, industrial-style office space for the engineering firm GHD. The engineering firm, which has been in #Peterborough for 38 years, leases the unique space from developer TVM Group. While its materials testing lab stays on Pido Road, approximately 60 engineers, scientists, and technicians have relocated to the new facility. GHD plans to expand its local workforce to 100 employees within the next three to five years.

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Trustees for the #Peterborough #Victoria #Northumberland and #Clarington Catholic District School Board expressed frustration upon learning that $300 of the province's announced $750 classroom supply allocation must come out of the board's existing budget. The Ministry of Education plans to implement a central online portal handled by Supply Ontario to source discounted supplies, naming Staples and Brant Basics as potential central vendors. Trustee Kathleen Tanguay questioned the efficiency of a single mandated vendor, noting that teachers are already adept at finding bargains. A final board budget proposal for 2026–2027 is expected at the June 23 meeting. 

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The #PeterboroughPetes used their first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2026 Priority Selection to draft right-shot centre Landon Roulston from the GTHL champion Vaughan Kings. Standing 6'1'' and weighing 189\text{ lbs}, the 16-year-old St. Catharines native is regarded as physically ready to transition directly into junior hockey. In the third round (59th overall), the Petes selected right-winger Mason Quinn, a Little Britain native who previously skated for the Central Ontario Wolves and Toronto Marlboros. Quinn already trains closely with Petes head coach Rob Wilson and assistant Nate Oke during summers.

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Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Units (CSCU) from the City of Kawartha Lakes and Grey Bruce have recovered approximately $290,000 worth of stolen property.

The items—including heavy equipment, vehicles, and tools—were originally stolen on April 27, 2026, from a rural property in Southgate Township. Following a tip on May 28, 2026, officers executed a search warrant at a vacant property in Woodville that had recently been damaged by a house fire. The investigation is ongoing. Police have identified **two persons of interest**, and charges are currently pending.

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The Township of #MindenHills has called a Special Meeting of Council for June 18, 2026. The session will feature a facilitated consultation with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) regarding a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study. Council members from across the county are prioritizing regional infrastructure capabilities and long-term affordability frameworks to better address rural development challenges and local service deliveries.

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#Peterborough County Economic Development, in partnership with local townships, has rolled out a new #tourism and #small-business support initiative called The Kawarthas Quest. Operating via the Driftscape app, the program aims to drive foot traffic directly into local retail storefronts through interactive, community-based experiences. The very first adventure launched this month is the #LakefieldScavengerHunt, which guides visitors and locals through downtown Lakefield to explore vibrant independent shops and historical points of interest.

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Early Saturday morning, June 13, #PeterboroughPolice successfully utilized their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) drone to apprehend a suspect. Officers responded to a 4 a.m. break-and-enter call at an enclosed business compound near Ashburnham Drive and Lansdowne Street. Because officers could not immediately breach the secure fencing, the drone was deployed to track a 43-year-old man as he tried to slip out the back onto a nearby walking path. He was intercepted, taken into custody, and charged with break and enter and possession of break-in instruments. 

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 Local services remain impacted as #CommunityLiving #Trent #Highlands developmental service workers enter their second week of a province-wide strike. The pickets in Haliburton are part of a broader labor dispute involving roughly 4,000 workers across nearly two dozen community organizations in Ontario. Families relying on regional respite and adult day program services are watching closely as the union pushes for improved wages and increased provincial funding to address chronic staffing shortages

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