🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Your 3-Minute Kawartha/Highlands Local News Catch-Up for July 28th, 2026

 

Good morning! Here are the top headlines and events you need to know around Peterborough and the Kawarthas today.

🚨 Local News & Public Safety

• Fatal Motorcycle Collision in North Kawartha 🏍️

  Peterborough County OPP responded to a severe single-vehicle crash on Northeys Bay Road near Fire Route 19 late Saturday afternoon. Tragically, a 54-year-old motorcyclist from Oshawa was pronounced deceased at the scene.

• Major Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to 4 Local Arrests 🚔

  As part of "Project Time"—a joint operation involving 26 police services—Peterborough police executed five search warrants, seized 24 electronic devices, and arrested three Peterborough men (aged 21, 48, and 73) and one youth on child sexual abuse material charges.

• Property Owner Appeals $895K Development Charge 🏢

  The owners of 280 Jameson Dr. (Bravo Awards) have appealed an $895,369 development charge to the Ontario Land Tribunal after Peterborough City Council upheld the invoice. The appeal raises fairness concerns comparing nearby exempt properties, while Council maintains statutory grounds were not met.

🏛️ Community & Local Government

• Dysart Council Debates Short-Term Rental Zoning 🏡

  Dysart et al Council recently denied requests to allow Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be used strictly as Short-Term Rentals (STRs), choosing to prioritize and protect long-term residential housing stock.

• Virtual Court Support Expands in Lindsay ⚖️

  To increase justice accessibility, new virtual court support services launched at the Lindsay courthouse. The program helps self-represented litigants and vulnerable residents navigate paperwork without needing to travel long distances.

• "Gear Up for Good" Backpack Campaign Expands 🎒

  Local business owner Dave Gauvreau announced that the annual back-to-school drive, partnered with United Way Peterborough & District, is expanding its reach across Central Ontario and western community initiatives to support vulnerable youth.

🏆 Sports & Community Wins

• Community Care Apsley Raises Over $21,000! 🎟️

  The 5th annual Community Apsley Gaming Night raised a record-breaking $21,411 for Community Care Peterborough’s Apsley office, boosted by a generous $10,000 matching donation.

• Major Series Lacrosse Forfeit Ruling 🥍

  Major Series Lacrosse announced that the Six Nations Chiefs forfeited their July 20 game against Oakville due to the participation of an ineligible player.

🎭 Arts, Music & Upcoming Events

• Dwayne Gretzky Returns to Peterborough Musicfest 🎶

  Pop-rock tribute favorite Dwayne Gretzky takes the stage at Del Crary Park this Wednesday at 8 PM. Coming up this Saturday, catch the Garth Brooks & Shania Twain Tribute! (Free admission)

• 4th Line Theatre Prepares "Wild Irish Geese" 🎭

  Millbrook’s outdoor theatre company is in final rehearsals for its upcoming major production, starting its summer run at Winslow Farm on August 4.

• Movies in the Park 🍿

  Enjoy a free screening of Jurassic Park this Tuesday at dusk (~9 PM) at Quaker Foods City Square.

• Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre Concert 🎺

  The Peterborough Concert Band performs this Thursday at 7 PM at Trent University's Traill College.

• Bus Trips & Community Activities 🚌

  • Activity Haven Theatre Trips: Bus trips to Stirling Festival Theatre (The Beaver Club, $125) and Capitol Theatre in Port Hope (Sept 4, $110). Call 705-876-1670.

  • Memory Lane Singalong: Free monthly singalong on the 1st Friday of each month (1–2 PM) at Activity Haven.

  • Advantage Charity Golf Tournament: Sept 12 at Baxter Creek Golf Club supporting Community Care Peterborough ($150/golfer).

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours! 🏫✨

🏡 Thinking About Real Estate in the Kawarthas?

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE? Call me for a consultation to help you get on the path to YOUR success...

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor®

🏢 Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

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

Life, Stewardship, and the Heart of the Highlands 🌲🚗✨

 

Blog Post: Life, Stewardship, and the Heart of the Highlands 🌲🚗✨

The morning started like any proper Sunday should—with a quiet cup of coffee on the deck, watching the fog roll off the water and taking a few moments to just reflect. Life moves fast, and if you don’t intentionally pause to set your sights on where you're heading and how you want to show up for your family, your clients, and your community, the day will gladly dictate its pace for you.

Sunday was all about simple, hard work and being present. After wrapping up morning routines, I rolled up my sleeves to give my truck a deep clean, vacuum, and wash, then moved right along to giving my wife’s car the same thorough care. There’s something deeply satisfying about putting honest effort into maintaining the tools and spaces you rely on every single day.

Between helping out around the place and taking care of minor family moments—like dressing an injured finger for my son—nature gave us a sudden, beautiful reminder of why we live here. A river otter came gliding right down the creek in front of the cottage! I managed to snap a few photos as it swam past. Moments like that remind me why this region holds such a special place in people's hearts.

By afternoon, it was time to hit the open road. Cruising down the secondary highways back home on a warm $29^{\circ }\text{C}$afternoon with smooth roads and sunny skies gives you plenty of time to think. My focus kept returning to one core mission: how to cut through the noise, eliminate confusion, and give genuine, transparent clarity to families trying to navigate big life moves in our local area.

Later in the afternoon, I sat down to film, edit, and schedule video content to outline a transparent plan for our community's future. I also spent time fielding inquiries for clients, answering specific property details about heating setups and road access, and ensuring buyers had every piece of information they needed to feel confident.

Living, working, and raising a family in the Kawarthas and Highlands isn't just about owning property—it’s about finding a place where you can build real memories without feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or left in the dark by unexpected local roadblocks.

Navigating municipal rules, property specifics, and market shifts alone can easily lead to costly mistakes, hidden stress, and second-guessing your biggest choices. You deserve an insider who has walked these roads for decades, who listens first, and who protects your goals every step of the way.

When you have experienced, local guidance in your corner, the guesswork disappears. You get total clarity, peace of mind, and a smooth journey toward living the lifestyle you’ve always wanted for your family.

Ready to make your next move with total confidence? Call or text me today at 705-927-6236 to get started.

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. Check me out here: brad-sinclair.remax.ca

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Local Headlines You Need to Start Your Day in Less Than 3 Minutes ☕ Monday July 27th, 2026

 🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Local Headlines You Need to Start Your Day in Less Than 3 Minutes ☕

Good morning, Kawarthas & Highlands! Grab your coffee and catch up on the top local stories shaping our community today—from municipal politics and community initiatives to police updates and local events.

🏛️ Municipal Talks Sparks NDA Controversy

Confidential discussions led by a provincially appointed facilitator have officially begun between Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township, and Peterborough County to explore future municipal growth and industrial land servicing.

However, the talks quickly hit friction:

 Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark and Cavan Monaghan Mayor Matthew Graham strongly condemned Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal for issuing a press release regarding the discussions, accusing him of playing election politics and breaching a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

 Mayor Leal defended the release, stating Peterborough urgently needs to expand beyond its current 60 square kilometres to secure its economic future.

 MPP Dave Smith noted that neither the city nor the county currently has the serviced industrial land needed to attract major employers, stressing that all parties need to explore creative solutions like shared economic zones.

🌲 Federal Environment Minister Pays Surprise Visit to Tourism Centre

Julie Dabrusin, Federal Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, made an unannounced private tour of Peterborough’s new tourism centre following a provincial announcement in Kawartha Lakes.

Hosted by Mayor Jeff Leal, Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, and Councillor Lesley Parnell, the visit was kept closed to media. Mayor Leal noted discussions focused on Parks Canada's work on the Trent-Severn Waterway, U.S. tourism numbers, and funding for the Trent Canal Rink.

🎆 Rescheduled Canada Day Fireworks Set for August 1!

Mark your calendars! The Canada Day fireworks show that was rained out on July 1 has been officially rescheduled:

 🗓️ Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

 📍 Location: Del Crary Park

 ⏰ Time: Starts around 9:30 p.m. (immediately following the Peterborough Musicfest concert)

 🚧 Road Closures: Perry, Lake, Crescent, and Lock streets will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

🏳️‍🌈 Maynooth Silent Demonstration Finalized for August 1

Local advocacy group Queers of the Area is finalizing plans for a peaceful demonstration next weekend. Protesters plan to gather at the Maynooth Farmers' Market and march to the Hastings Highlands municipal office, standing in a silent circle around the flagpole to protest council's decision against raising the Pride flag. Municipal officials previously noted that local policy limits non-governmental flags while supporting inclusive programming through public libraries.

✊ Striking Community Living Workers Collect Donations for Displaced Families

In an inspiring display of community solidarity, striking Community Living Trent Highlands employees in Haliburton—currently in their ninth week on the picket line—have organized a regional drive. OPSEU members are collecting essential goods, hygiene kits, and clothing to support northern Ontario families evacuated due to active northwestern wildfires.

💰 $715,000 OLG Payment Injected into Peterborough Treasury

The City of Peterborough confirmed receipt of a $715,551 first-quarter hosting payment from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough. These non-tax revenues are slated to support local infrastructure projects and community development funds.

🏡 New Peterborough Tenants Union Officially Launches

Local community organizers have officially launched the Peterborough Tenants Union. The new organization aims to provide legal education, local support, and collective bargaining power for renters across the city.

🩺 New Family Doctor Recruited to Omemee

Great health news for local families! The Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative confirmed that Dr. Jeremy Fletcher will officially begin taking new patients strictly through Health Care Connect at the Omemee Medical Centre starting August 4.

🥫 4Cs Food Bank Launches "Christmas in July"

The 4Cs Food Bank in Haliburton has launched its "Christmas in July" fundraising campaign to replenish low pantry shelves following an unprecedented summer surge in regional family demand. Consider donating non-perishable goods or funds if you are able!

 🔬 Trent University Study Tracks Invasive Species in Regional Waterways

A multi-lake mapping study conducted by Trent University researchers Meagan Shier and Vidhushi Hatwal, in partnership with the U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research, tracked aquatic invasive species across Haliburton County and Algonquin Park waterways using an interactive ArcGIS database.

 The Good News: No strictly prohibited species under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act were found.

 The Watchlist: Restricted species—including spiny waterflea, zebra mussels, Chinese mystery snails, and purple loosestrife—are established, with hotspots around Boshkung and Beech Lakes.

 Why It Matters: Because these headwater lakes feed into major downstream watersheds like Muskoka, Lake Simcoe, and Gull River, establishing this baseline is critical for catching new introductions early and encouraging boaters to adopt clean-drain-dry practices.

🚨 Local Police Briefs

 Hunter Street Incident: A 36-year-old Peterborough man remains held in custody following an early-morning intervention near Hunter Street and Mark Street after video surveillance captured him knocking on windows, shouting, and exposing himself toward a residence. Officers located a quantity of cocaine during the arrest, resulting in charges including Indecent Act and Possession of a Schedule I Substance.

 Downtown B&E Arrests: Peterborough Police processed two major break-and-enter files this week. A 44-year-old Cobourg man was arrested for a July 13 residential break-in on King Street involving stolen bicycles, antiques, and tools. Additionally, a 42-year-old Ottawa man was charged following smashed-window burglaries on Hunter and Charlotte Streets that yielded over $5,000 in cash and merchandise.

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours! 🏫✨

🏡 Thinking of Making a Move?

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get on the path to YOUR success…

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor®

🏢 Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

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

Rebuilding Stairs, Clearing Friction, and Keeping It Real in the Highlands 🛠️☀️🌲

There is something deeply satisfying about getting your hands dirty and leaving a place better than you found it. 🛠️✨

This weekend, I took on a project that had been on my list: putting the handrail back up on the steps leading down to the water. 🪵🌊 It wasn't just about fixing a piece of wood; it was about ensuring that anyone walking down to the shoreline—whether it’s family, friends, or kids heading out for a swim—has a safe, sturdy path to lean on. 🏊‍♂️💙

After finishing up at the water, I grabbed the mower with my family to tackle the lawn, sprayed down the driveway weeds, and took time to review property files and keep up with what’s happening across our local community. 🚜🏡 Later in the afternoon, while taking a breather with my family, my phone buzzed. It was a potential home buyer standing outside a property in our area, asking key questions about the road maintenance and heating systems. 📱🏠

Right then, sitting outdoors in the fresh air, I realized how much I love this work. Whether it’s fixing a broken railing on the dock, walking a rural property line, or helping someone figure out if a cottage road is plowed all winter, my day-to-day life is rooted in one simple motive: clearing out friction and helping people build a solid, reliable path forward. 🌲🤝

Navigating the real estate market in the Kawarthas and Highlands isn't always smooth sailing. 🚣‍♂️ It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and full of unknown variables. 🤯 Buyers and sellers often find themselves facing unexpected obstacles—from unpredictable municipal road maintenance and complex septic/well regulations, to confusing property boundaries and fluctuating market values. 📑❓

When you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, the internal stress of "what if I make a wrong move?" can be paralyzing. 😬 You deserve to know that the ground beneath your feet is solid and that the advice you're getting comes from real, hands-on experience, not just a glossy brochure. 📜 Check out my latest local market insights and guides here: https://brad-sinclair.remax.ca  

My plan is straightforward: I put over 20 years of hands-on local knowledge to work for you so you can make confident, stress-free decisions for your family. 🏡✨

When you partner with a seasoned local guide, you avoid the costly missteps, hidden property headaches, and administrative delays that trap so many buyers and sellers. 🚫💸 Instead, you get total clarity, peace of mind, and a smooth journey to your waterfront or rural retreat. 🌅 Imagine waking up in your dream home, sitting on the deck with a hot cup of coffee, knowing every detail was handled right the first time. ☕🌲

Ready to take the next step toward your real estate goals without the guesswork? Let’s talk! 🗣️

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.

🌐 Check me out here: https://brad-sinclair.remax.ca

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Local Headlines in Less Than 3 Minutes 🗞️ Sunday, July 26th, 2026 Edition

 🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE

Your local headlines in less than 3 minutes! ☕✨

Stay in the loop with what’s happening across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and the Highlands today. Here is your quick daily breakdown! 👇

🏛️ Local Heritage & Community Upgrades

 📜 Downtown Lindsay Historical Banners: The City and Lindsay BIA announced a set of new street banners celebrating downtown heritage! They’ll be formally unveiled across the main business district next week.

 🪧 Kawartha Lakes Wayfinding Strategy: Council approved an 8-year phased plan for updated regional signage inspired by local water, trees, and canoes. Upgrades to entrance signs and pedestrian navigation will start in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon!

 📚 Faraday CAO Clarifies Library Position: Faraday Township CAO Bernice Crocker clarified that while the township has voluntarily given nearly $400k since 2005, no binding agreement exists requiring a $35k contribution to the Bancroft Public Library. The board is now reviewing potential non-resident fees as it prepares to move into the North Hastings Inspiration Place.

🏗️ Redevelopment & City Work

 🚜 Mark Street Church Demolition Progresses: Heavy equipment has begun clearing the 1957 Christian Education Centre at 90 Hunter Street East. This work makes room for TVM Group's proposed 17-storey residential build, all while preserving the historic 1928 church sanctuary!

 🚰 Sewer Flushing in Fenelon Falls: Annual sanitary sewer flushing is underway! Crews from Sewer Solutions are working daily (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) for the next two weeks before heading over to Bobcaygeon.

 🩺 LifeLabs Timeline Uncertain: Discussions continue in the Highlands as representatives confirm there is still no concrete date to reopen the closed Haliburton location, leaving residents reliant on local hospital labs.

 🌾 Regional Infrastructure Maintenance: Public works departments in Selwyn, Otonabee, and Douro-Dummer are carrying out routine summer maintenance. Rural landowners are asked to keep ditches clear of debris following recent mid-week rain cells.

📈 Real Estate, Safety & Community Good News

 🏡 June Real Estate Metrics Hold Steady: Data from CLAR shows 216 residential sales across Peterborough County in June (up 5.4% from May). Average county prices held steady at $708,815, while the City of Peterborough median price settled nicely between $544,500 and $570,000.

 🏒 Little Lakers Night Raises $19,000+: Community support showed up big! The 4th Annual Little Lakers Night raised over $19,000 for the Five Counties Children’s Centre through auctions and donations to support local pediatric therapy. ❤️

 🚔 Senior Driver Charged: Following a serious spring collision investigation, Peterborough Police charged a 79-year-old driver with Careless Driving Causing Bodily Harm, Operating an Unsafe Vehicle, and Improper Braking Systems.

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours! 🏫✨

💬 Thinking About Making a Move in the Kawarthas or Highlands?

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get on the path to YOUR success! 🏡📈

 📞 Phone: 705-927-6236

 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

 📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.