🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. June 6th, 2026

 #Peterborough SIU Investigation Critical Crash in Cavan-Monaghan Following Police Chase: The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has officially invoked its mandate following a serious collision late yesterday morning. Shortly after 11:00 AM on Friday, Peterborough Police received reports of an erratic driver operating a Dodge Charger on Tupper Street in Millbrook. An officer activated emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver immediately fled the scene. Following a brief pursuit, the driver lost control, clearing multiple collisions before ending up in the ditch on County Road 10, south of Highway 115. An Ornge air ambulance responded directly to the scene, airlifting the male driver to a Toronto trauma centre with critical, life-threatening injuries. Three SIU investigators and two forensic specialists are currently managing the investigation; expect minor traffic anomalies or residual restrictions along that County Road 10 stretch this morning

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Matthew Good Slated for Peterborough #Musicfest Debut: In a major entertainment drop for the area's summer tourism calendar, festival organizers announced that Canadian alternative rock icon Matthew Good and his band will make their first-ever performance at Del Crary Park this summer on Wednesday, July 22. The three-decade rock fixture will headline the Fred Anderson Stage at 8:00 PM, with local artist Graeme Jonez opening. The free-admission landmark is expected to draw a massive county-wide audience to the downtown waterfront

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#Lakers Fall to Brooklin in Physical Battle on John Grant Jr. Night: Despite a packed, high-energy house honoring all-time great John Grant Jr. ahead of his Hall of Fame induction today, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers dropped a gritty 12-10 decision to the Brooklin Lacrosse Club on Thursday night at the Memorial Centre, evening their MSL record to 2-3.

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Hydro One Outage Advisory: Property owners and residents should note that Hydro One has finalized planning for a major scheduled power outage set for next weekend (Sunday, June 14). This planned interruption will impact a large volume of customers across the #Bancroft area to allow for critical grid upgrades and infrastructure maintenance.

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In regional sports, the Haliburton County Huskies Jr. A hockey team has officially announced its relocation to Cobourg for the 2026–27 season, ending a five-year run in #Minden. Owner Ryan Ramsay cited unsustainable operational deficits ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, driven by rising travel costs, league fees, and a shortage of local billet families. However, Ramsay is actively working on a plan to bring a more financially viable, locally owned Jr. C team to the area by the 2027–28 season under the same Huskies banner. On a brighter note for local recreation, the Minden Curling Club completed a major $180,000 renovation to re-insulate its facility using an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, with the township committing an additional $177,000 for a full roof replacement this year. Additionally, Help a Village Effort marked its 44th year by hosting the annual Walk for Water along the Minden Riverwalk to raise funds for clean-water artesian wells in India.

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#Haliburton Rotary Bike Share Relaunch: The free summer bike share program has returned to Head Lake Park in Haliburton village. Six bikes are available for adult rental during daylight hours (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) via smartphone log-in through Thanksgiving.

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#AlgonquinHighlands Deputy Mayor Jennifer Dailloux announced she will not seek re-election this fall, ending her eight-year political career. Dailloux weighed running for mayor versus leaving politics entirely, choosing to step aside to focus on her personal creative life, volunteer obligations, and a 70,000-word book she is currently writing. She intends to remain active on local boards, including Point in Time, the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust, and the Haliburton County Public Library.

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#KawarthaLakesPoliceServices (KLPS) Police Chief Kirk Robertson highlighted the exploration of AI technology to assist officers with administrative tasks like generating reports from body cameras and dispatch data. The plan aims for zero growth in violent, property, and youth crime compared to 2025 numbers, leaning heavily on public education and bail compliance initiatives.

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#OPSEU Local 358 Members Hit Picket Lines Over Job Security and Wages. More than 4,500 social workers and community service professionals represented by OPSEU Local 358 have gone on strike, impacting Community Living Trent Highlands locations in Lindsay, Peterborough, and Haliburton. The strike began after union members overwhelmingly voted (87% against) to reject a final forced offer from the employer. Strikers are demanding a 3% wage increase annually for the next three years—noting that many haven't seen a raise in three years

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#Lakelands Public Health is warning residents that much of the Kawartha Lakes region is considered high-risk for ticks, particularly in forested or waterfront locations. Environmental Health Manager Richard Ovcharovich advises individuals to take a cleansing shower and conduct thorough full-body checks (especially in warm, moist areas like underarms and behind knees) after spending time outdoors to prevent Lyme disease transmitted by deer ticks.

Attached ticks should be pulled straight out from the head using tweezers, photographed, and submitted to etick.ca for identification. If caught and removed within 72 hours, Lyme disease can typically be prevented with a single dose of doxycycline.

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Local resident Jerry Mous achieved a lifelong milestone by completing his 100th blood donation at the #FenelonFalls Community Centre. Mous set this goal at the age of 16 during his very first donation after meeting a man who was completing his 100th. He continues to donate four times a year and is now setting his sights on reaching 150 total donations.

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#HumaneSocietyofKawarthaLakes announced the return of its Annual Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday, August 21, at the Lindsay Golf and Country Club. The fundraising event includes 18 holes of golf, a BBQ lunch, dinner, a silent auction, and prizes. Registration is $175 per golfer until July 15, after which the price increases to $200.

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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.

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The Facts and Truth: How the Septic Re-Inspection Program Works in Douro-Dummer

An Objective Operational Breakdown for Property Owners

For property owners in the Township of Douro-Dummer, maintaining a private sewage disposal system is not only a matter of environmental responsibility, but it is also a strictly regulated legal requirement. The Township operates an active, formalized sewage system maintenance inspection program designed to ensure public health and preserve the water quality of local ecosystems.

To clear up any local ambiguity or misinformation, this article outlines the exact legal framework, operational workflows, and concrete requirements that dictate how this program operates and how it directly affects property owners.

The Legal Foundation: Two Distinct Programs

The Township's septic oversight is divided into two separate programs, each driven by different legislative mechanisms under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and governing municipal frameworks—specifically updated via By-law 2024-31.

1. Mandatory Maintenance Inspection Program

This arm of the program is legislated directly by the Province of Ontario under the Clean Water Act and the Building Code. It is entirely mandatory for any property containing a septic system located wholly or partially within a designated "vulnerable area" (such as source water protection zones near municipal drinking water intakes, mapped by the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority).

 Frequency: Every five years.

 Current Status: The previous mandatory cycle concluded in 2025. Properties falling within these source water protection zones are legally scheduled for their next mandatory evaluation cycle in 2030.

2. Discretionary Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program

The Ontario Building Code grants municipalities the discretionary power to establish localized inspection programs outside of provincial source protection areas. Douro-Dummer actively utilizes this provision to monitor properties that directly abut Township-identified waterbodies—most notably Dummer/White Lake, Stony Lake, Clear Lake, and Katchawanooka Lake.

 The 10-Zone Framework: The Township is mapped into ten distinct geographic zones. The program reviews properties sequentially on a rotating annual schedule.

 Current Status: While historical cycles faced temporary operational pauses due to staffing constraints, the program has been fully re-funded and modernized under By-law 2024-31. Inspections proceed systematically through the designated zones.

Step-by-Step: How the Inspection Process Works

If your property falls into an active zone for the current calendar year, the Township initiates a standard operating sequence. It does not occur unannounced. The typical timeline progresses as follows:

1 Notification: The Township dispatches an informational mailing package to the property owner of record, stating that their geographic zone is scheduled for evaluation.

2 Scheduling: A Township building inspector or designated representative contacts the owner to coordinate an inspection slot, typically conducted during standard weekday operational hours.

3 Pre-Inspection Site Preparation: The property owner bears full responsibility for physically preparing the site. The inspector will not excavate the land. Owners must locate and fully expose the lids/covers of the septic tank before the inspector's arrival.

4 The Evaluation: On-site, the inspector visually assesses the structural integrity of the tank, checks for signs of surface ponding or effluent breakout, evaluates the health of the leaching bed, and verifies that the system operates within standard parameters without discharging untreated waste.

⚠️ Critical Operational Rule: Uncovered Lids

Failure to clear soil, grass, or decks off the septic lids prior to the arrival of the municipal representative is considered non-compliance with the prep criteria. The Township explicitly penalizes this by issuing an immediate administrative charge to recover the cost of the delayed or aborted visit.

Options and Exceptions: The Third-Party Alternative

Property owners who prefer not to have a municipal building official enter their property to execute the physical evaluation have a legal alternative pathway under the Building Code:

 Property owners may independently hire an authorized, qualified third-party professional (such as a licensed engineer or a certified BCIN private inspector) to perform the review.

 The third-party professional must complete the official Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) maintenance inspection form.

 Submission Deadline: The finalized, passing third-party certificate must be formally submitted to the Douro-Dummer Chief Building Official at least one week prior to the scheduled municipal inspection date. If submitted late, the Township will proceed with their own inspection and levy the standard fee.

Financial Realities: Fees and Tax Assessments

The program operates on a cost-recovery model, meaning property owners directly fund the administrative and field expenses tied to their specific inspections.

Under municipal policy, any inspection invoices that remain unpaid after their designated due date are systematically added directly to the property's municipal tax roll for the subsequent taxation year, collecting interest under standard tax penalty rates.

How to Verify Your Property's Status

Property owners do not need to guess when their system will be evaluated. The Township maintains an online, public-facing geographic information system (GIS) mapping tool dedicated to the Sewage System Maintenance Inspection program. By accessing this portal on the municipal website and inputting an address or roll number, owners can instantly view their assigned zone, see historical inspection data, and verify the exact year their next review is scheduled to occur.

This document represents a factual synthesis of the Township of Douro-Dummer's septic re-inspection frameworks, operating guidelines, and municipal by-laws. For real-time scheduling variations or specific administrative fee schedules, property owners should consult the Township Building Department directly.

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.

Just the Front Page News June 5th, 2026

🗞️ 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.🗞️

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High-Stakes Criminal Arrests in Lindsay: A coordinated early-morning tactical operation on June 3 involving the #Kawartha Lakes Police, the #OPP Tactical Rescue Unit, and the ROPE squad resulted in a major raid at a Lindsay residence. Two suspects were apprehended, including one individual wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for second-degree murder out of Saskatchewan, and officers successfully seized approximately 226 grams of fentanyl valued at $45,200.

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#Haliburton Sports Franchise Relocation: The Haliburton County Huskies Jr. A hockey program is officially closing its five-year tenure out of the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden. Team ownership cited unsustainable operational expenses and a yearly deficit averaging $30,000 to $50,000, confirming the franchise will relocate to Cobourg ahead of the 2026-27 season. Talk of launching a more affordable Jr. C team to keep hockey local is currently underway.

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Passing of a Regional Public Champion: #Haliburton County and the Township of #Dysart et al are mourning the loss of longtime Mayor Murray Fearrey, who passed away peacefully at age 84. Fearrey was recognized as one of the longest-tenured municipal politicians in Canadian history, dedicating more than 50 years to civic service and local infrastructure growth.

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Fatal Off-Road Collision in #Manvers: OPP investigators are seeking dashcam footage or witnesses following a tragic single-vehicle off-road vehicle accident on Century Farms Road in Manvers Township last Saturday. A 72-year-old male driver from Janetville sadly lost control of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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The Cheese Festival Returns: Culinary enthusiasts take note: the reinvented Great Canadian Cheese Festival has officially confirmed its return to the #Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building on June 13 and 14. Moving completely into the city this year, the festival will feature thousands of small-batch artisan cheeses, bakeries, wineries, and dedicated tasting seminars.

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Backyard Trespass & Fentanyl Arrest: A 39-year-old #Peterborough man and a woman were brought before the Water Street courthouse for a bail hearing after police responded to reports of unwanted persons hiding in a private residential backyard. Upon interception, officers discovered the man was violating a strict, active release order mandating he reside in a different municipality under house arrest. A subsequent search revealed quantities of Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine. He remains held in custody on charges of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and Failure to comply with a Release Order.

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Balanced-Day School Schedule Sparks Heat: A major administrative debate is picking up steam across the local educational grid this morning. Parents and teachers are raising significant logistical and developmental concerns over the #Peterborough-area Catholic school board’s "balanced-day" schedule. The specialized framework—which splits the standard school day into two equal blocks of instructional time and two distinct 40-minute nutrition/recreation breaks—is drawing sharp criticism from families tracking child fatigue, sports transit logistics, and daily routine consistencies.

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Kawartha Lakes Considers Garbage Bag Limit Exemption: The #CityofKawarthaLakes council is evaluating a proposed amendment to its upcoming one-bag garbage-limit bylaw, which takes effect on June 15. Initiated by Ward 2 Coun. Pat Warren, supported by other council members, proposed allowing an extra clear bag exclusively for diapers and incontinence products to prevent families from facing up to a $200 entry-tag penalty annually. The matter goes to the council on June 23.

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Harness Racing Returns to Kawartha Downs: The #Fraserville standardbred racing facility opens its shortened 54th season on Saturday with a 12-race card starting at 6 p.m.. The season was cut from 18 to 16 dates and delayed two weeks due to industry funding disputes and the sudden closure of Ottawa's Rideau Carleton Raceway.

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 Leafs/Sens Alumni Game Announced: Tickets go on sale for a "Battle of Ontario" fundraising game scheduled for November 6 at the #PeterboroughMemorialCentre. Proceeds from the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators alumni matchup will support the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s Concussion Fund.

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Notice of Public Meeting (Township of #CavanMonaghan): Two public meetings will be held regarding proposed Development Charges Bylaws on Monday, June 22, 2026, and Monday, August 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 988 County Road 10, Millbrook, ON.

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YWCA Walk A Mile Fundraiser Success: The annual YWCA Walk A Mile In Their Shoes event held on May 22 in downtown #Peterborough raised over $38,300. The funds will support local survivors of domestic abuse through the YWCA Peterborough #Haliburton programs, specifically "HER Journey of Care”.

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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 Highlands May 11th, 2026

 🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands 🗞️
Community, Municipal and Crime Notes. Your local headlines for today:

Lock 20 Bridge Removal: Parks Canada is closing the Trans Canada Trail in #Peterborough at the crossing at Lock 20 (Ashburnham) today for approximately four hours starting at 8:00 AM. Crews are removing the temporary "Bailey" bridge following the successful completion of the gate replacement project.

#Bancroft Pickleball Season: The 2026 season officially kicks off today at the Bancroft Curling Club. A "Pickle Meet and Greet" is scheduled for 5:00 PM, followed by the first league games from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

#Bancroft Infrastructure Alert: Annual spring watermain flushing begins today at 4:00 AM. Residents on Hastings St. North, Cleak Ave., Flint Ave., and Madawaska St. may experience temporary water pressure drops or discoloration. It is recommended to run cold water until it clears before doing laundry or using appliances.

#Selwyn Water Investment: The township is moving forward with the $1.38M provincial investment to rehabilitate the George Street watermain and trunk sewer. This is a critical piece of the puzzle for supporting future housing growth in the #Lakefield core.

#PeterboroughLakers Trade Alert: The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have significantly bolstered their defense, acquiring 6’1” righty Liam Patten from the Brampton Excelsiors. Patten, a Barrie native with NLL experience in Philadelphia and Buffalo, brings much-needed size and veteran presence to the back end..

The 2026 #NLL Finals feature a high-stakes, all-Canadian battle between the Toronto Rock and the Halifax Thunderbirds. Toronto returns to the championship stage for the first time since 2015, looking to end a 15-year title drought after a dominant semifinal win. They face a surging Halifax squad that transformed from an eighth-seed underdog into a finalist, marking the franchise's first NLL Cup appearance since moving to Nova Scotia. The best-of-three series begins May 15 in Toronto, pitting legacy against momentum in a historic Northland clash.

#Kirkfield Military Radar Dispute: Residents northeast of Kirkfield have petitioned the City of Kawartha Lakes council to block the sale of road allowances to the Department of National Defence (DND). The DND plans to build a 163-hectare radar site as part of a multi-billion dollar Norad modernization project, but locals cite concerns over health, emissions, and safety

#Hantavirus Precautions: Public health experts are advising residents to take precautions against hantaviruses (specifically the Sin Nombre virus carried by deer mice) when opening cottages or sheds this spring. Recommendations include airing out buildings and using a bleach solution on rodent droppings while wearing a mask.

Kindergarten Curriculum Overhaul: Hundreds of Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board educators are beginning training for a new kindergarten curriculum launching this September. The updated program emphasizes foundational literacy and math, introducing direct instruction on phonemes and adding topics like coding and fractions

Selwyn Public Library Book Sale: A book sale by donation is taking place this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lakefield Library, and on May 23 at the Ennismore Library./
NHL Playoffs

Montreal Canadiens 6, Buffalo Sabres 2
Series: Montreal leads 2-1 The Canadiens exploded for six goals at the Centre Bell to take a series lead against the Sabres.

Anaheim Ducks 4, Vegas Golden Knights 3
Series: Tied 2-2 The Ducks evened the series in a back-and-forth thriller at the Honda Center, overcoming a Vegas team that had momentum from the previous game.

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 #DouroDummer #CavanMonaghan #LocalGovernment #PeterboroughLakers #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

The Quiet Before the Candy Floss: A Springtime Stroll Through the Kinmount Fairgrounds

There is a specific kind of stillness that only exists in a place designed for thousands of people when it’s currently holding zero.

I used a drone to tour through the Kinmount Fairgrounds today, and the contrast was striking. Right now, in late April, the grounds are quiet. The grass is just starting to think about turning green, the wind whistles through the empty grandstands, and the only "traffic" on the track is the occasional bird looking for a nesting spot.

But if you stand still long enough near the Pines Bandstand, you can almost hear the ghost of a fiddle tune or the distant roar of a demolition derby engine.

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A Century of Tradition in Every Acre

For those who don’t know, the Kinmount Fair isn’t just another weekend event; it’s a heartbeat for this part of Ontario. As we look ahead to September 4th–6th, 2026, we are staring down the 154th year of this tradition.

Viewing the empty grounds today, you realize how much history is soaked into the soil here. From the agricultural roots of the livestock barns to the legendary "Pines" where generations have shared a cold drink and a dance, these grounds are a vessel for memories.

Why the "Empty" Phase Matters

It’s easy to drive past the fairgrounds in the off-season and see just a field. But for those of us who mark our calendars by the Labour Day weekend, the empty grounds represent potential.

• The Track: Currently just a muddy loop, but in a few months, it will be the stage for the heavy horse pulls and the mud-slinging chaos of the derby.

• The Midway Space: A vacant lot today, but soon to be a neon-lit wonderland of spinning rides and the irresistible scent of tiny donuts.

• The Exhibit Halls: Quiet and cool right now, waiting for the arrival of prize-winning pumpkins, intricate quilts, and local photography.

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Looking Ahead: Kinmount Fair 2026

While today was about the peace and quiet, the countdown to the chaos is officially on. The 2026 edition promises to be one of the best yet. Whether you’re coming for the world-class agricultural shows, the live music, or just to see old friends you haven't spoken to since last September, the Fairgrounds are getting ready for you.

The Details You Need:

• Dates: Friday, Sept 4 – Sunday, Sept 6, 2026.

• Location: Kinmount, Ontario (The border of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton Highlands).

• The Vibe: Authentic, community-driven, and loud!

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Final Thoughts

If you have a moment this week, take a drive past the grounds. Enjoy the silence while it lasts, because once that gate opens on Friday morning of Labour Day weekend, Kinmount transforms into the center of the universe.

See you at the Fair! 🎡🍎🐴

Did you take any photos at the fair last year? Share your favorite memories in the comments below and let's get the hype started for 2026!

Do you have a specific memory from the demolition derby or the midway that always stands out to you?

Brought to you by: Your Local Realtor®: Brad Sinclair Re/Max Professionals North 705-927-6236 https://brad-sinclair.remax.ca