Hastings Highlands Council Decision Digest: Growth, Safety, and Community Milestones 🌲🏠

The Municipality of Hastings Highlands held its Regular Meeting of Council on September 16, 2026. Council tackled critical rural land-use decisions, building permit updates, emergency services, and community economic initiatives.

Below is an extensive breakdown of the decisions, background details, real estate impacts, and local perspective from the September 16 agenda and official past minutes.

🪵 Topic 1: The Proposed Maynooth Wood Festival

Summary of Decisions

Council received a delegation from Steve Wilkins representing the Bancroft Area Stewardship Council (BASC)regarding a proposal to launch the Maynooth Wood Festival at the community Loggers Field. BASC requested that the municipality, as the landlord of Loggers Field, collaborate with BASC (the tenant) to host an annual festival celebrating woodcrafting, forestry heritage, sustainability, and local economic growth.

The Big News/Controversy: Why It Matters

Loggers Field was originally secured and developed through community drive and municipal cooperation. BASC's proposal leverages proximity to downtown Maynooth to boost local business revenues. Bringing new festivals into Maynooth helps revive the local artisan and timber culture while generating tourism dollars.

The Real Estate Impact

• Community Vibrancy & Tourism: Dynamic local events enhance Maynooth’s reputation as an artistic hub, driving buyer interest for nearby residential properties and small businesses.

• Property Impact: Increased recreational infrastructure and active community spaces in Maynooth support long-term property values and make surrounding acreage listings attractive to out-of-town buyers.

The Local Perspective

Forestry, woodworking, and outdoor stewardship are deeply ingrained in the lifestyle of North Hastings. Reutilizing Loggers Field for forestry-based gatherings reinforces regional identity while respecting the surrounding natural environment.

📐 Topic 2: Zoning Bylaw Amendment R-2026-005 (Cross Country Road / Monteagle)

Summary of Decisions

Council passed Bylaw 2026-035 to amend Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw 2004-035 for Part of Lot 21, Concession 8, Monteagle Township (1077 Hybla Rd / Cross Country Rd). The zoning changed from Marginal Agriculture (MA) to a site-specific Special Rural Residential (RR-143). This satisfies Condition 9 of Provisional Consent File B101/24 from Hastings County, recognizing a reduced setback from an unlicensed, adjacent Mineral Extractive (MX) zone and formalizing the 2.06-hectare severed lot size.

Staff Report Highlights

• Planner: John Jardine.

• Lot Frontage: 121.92 metres on Cross Country Road (a year-round municipal road).

• Policy Compliance: The proposal complies with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024) and Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) guidelines. The database shows no active pit licenses, and the front yard setback of 20 metres maintains a 103.2-metre distance from the MX zone.

• Agency Feedback: Hastings Highlands Interlake Land Use Planning Committee reviewed the file and noted no environmental concerns.

The Real Estate Impact

• Severance Approvals: Finalizing site-specific zoning allows newly created severance lots to be fully building-permit ready.

• Property Impact: Turning vacant land into buildable rural residential parcels increases available housing stock and inventory in Monteagle Township.

The Local Perspective

Ensuring compatible land use between historical aggregate/extractive zones and new rural homes protects residential quiet while preserving existing municipal road infrastructure.

🏹 Topic 3: Zoning Bylaw Amendment R-2026-010 (Hunt Camp on Herschel Forest Trail)

Summary of Decisions

Council passed Bylaw 2026-036, amending the zoning for Lot 16, Concession 11, Geographic Township of Herschel, from Marginal Agriculture (MA) to a site-specific Special Limited Service Residential-144 (LSR-144). All Environmental Protection (EP) areas remain unchanged. This site-specific exception allows for a 34' x 50' seasonal, 3-season hunt camp on a 100-acre parcel surrounded by Crown land that does not front on a publicly maintained municipal road.

Staff Report Highlights

• Planner: John Jardine.

• Site Details: Land is accessed via Herschel Forest Trail (unopened/unmaintained). The proposed building sits in an existing clearing with no plumbing, heated by wood fireplace.

• Natural Heritage: Located in a Deer Yard (Stratum 1) and within 1,000 metres of the historic, abandoned Peever graphite mine. Planners determined the small seasonal scale poses no environmental risk, avoiding the need for a full Environmental Impact Study.

• Agency Feedback: No public or agency objections were received.

The Big News/Controversy: Why It Matters

Developing off-grid acreage or hunt camps without public road frontage requires specific municipal zoning exceptions under Limited Service Residential rules. Buyers must acknowledge that the municipality does not provide road maintenance, snowplowing, or emergency access guarantees on private or Crown trails.

The Real Estate Impact

• Unserviced Acreage Values: Proving that hunt camps can be legally permitted on unmaintained trails preserves high demand for large recreational tracts, hunting parcels, and off-grid acreage across the Haliburton and Hastings Highlands borders.

• Property Impact: Proper LSR zoning protects property owners by securing legal build rights for recreational structures while shielding the municipality from road maintenance liabilities.

The Local Perspective

Hunting and wilderness recreation are core lifestyle elements in rural Ontario. Allowing seasonal usage while protecting Environmental Protection zones around waterbodies keeps local ecosystems intact.

🏚️ Topic 4: Dormant Building Permits & Ultimate Limitation Period Policy

Summary of Decisions

Council accepted the report from Chief Building Official Martin Cox and adopted the Dormant Building Permits and the Ultimate Limitation Period Policy. CBO Martin Cox is now authorized to implement this province-wide best-practice framework (developed jointly by OLMCBO and OBOA) to handle historical, uninspected, or open building permits.

Staff Report Highlights

• Context: Open, dormant building permits created years or decades ago present liability risks and administrative backlogs, as structural components are often finished and enclosed.

• Legal Alignment: Guided by the Limitations Act, 2002 (15-year ultimate limitation period) and key case law (Huether v. Sharpe, 2025 ONCA 140), the policy dictates that an unclosed file alone does not create indefinite municipal liability.

Policy Framework

1. 0 to <5 Years Inactive: Proactive municipal follow-up, potential site inspection within 12 months, or permit revocation under Section 8(10) of the Building Code Act.

2. 5 to <15 Years Inactive: No proactive municipal enforcement. If an inspection is requested during real estate inquiries, finishes may need to be exposed or a qualified professional engineer retained.

3. 15+ Years Inactive: The municipality will not conduct inspections or initiate enforcement. Buyers/sellers are advised to retain private qualified consultants to evaluate the structure independently.

4. Revoked Permits: No further municipal inspections. A brand-new building permit is required for any further work.

The Real Estate Impact

• Title Search & Closing Guidance: OPEN building permits are a frequent hurdle during real estate transactions! This policy provides clear answers for lawyers, buyers, and sellers handling old permits on rural properties.

• Property Impact: Buyers looking at homes with older permits over 15 years old will need private home inspections rather than expecting municipal building officials to sign off on legacy construction.

🚨 Topic 5: Automatic Aid Agreement with Madawaska Valley

Summary of Decisions

Council enacted Bylaw 2026-037, authorizing a renewal of the Automatic Aid Agreement between the Municipality of Hastings Highlands and the Township of Madawaska Valley, repealing former Bylaw 2023-025. The agreement runs concurrently with the term of Council through 2030.

Staff Report Highlights

• Fire Chief: Bryce Robinson.

• Scope of Service: Madawaska Valley Fire Department provides first-response exterior structure fire suppression, vehicle, and grass/brush fire response to designated boundary properties in Bangor Township (including properties along Wigry Lane, Parchers Road, Barrymere Drive, Ohio Road, Perrier Road, Highway 517, Coulas Road, Schweig Road, and Mullen Road).

• Dispatch & Transfer: Emergency 9-1-1 calls go to Belleville/St. Catharines dispatch and transfer automatically to Renfrew Dispatch. Madawaska Valley arrives first on scene due to geographic proximity, transferring scene command to Hastings Highlands Fire Department upon their arrival.

• Billing & Rates: Services rendered are billed at current Ministry of Transportation (MTO) rates.

The Real Estate Impact

• Insurance Rates: Automatic aid agreements guarantee rapid first-responder deployment to remote or border properties.

• Property Impact: Guaranteed fire response coverage directly protects homeowner insurance eligibility and reduces premium costs for waterfront and rural property owners along the Hastings-Renfrew border.

📊 Topic 6: Building Department Monthly Activity (To August 31, 2026)

Summary of Decisions

Council received the Chief Building Official's monthly activity report detailing construction metrics up to August 31, 2026.

Key Statistics

• Permits Issued: 81 permits issued YTD (compared to 125 in August 2025).

• Construction Value: $10,977,467.40 generated in construction value (compared to $20,070,340.30 in August 2025).

• Permit Revenue: $153,283.01 collected in permit fees and compliance letters.

• Housing Creation: 13 new dwelling units created YTD (including single-detached, additional dwelling units, and recreational dwellings).

• Breakdown: 23 accessory structures, 23 sewage/septic systems, 22 residential buildings, and 10 demolitions.

The Real Estate Impact

• Construction Trends: While total construction value has adjusted compared to the record high in 2025, residential development and septic installations remain steady across Hastings Highlands.

• Property Impact: Strong investment in residential additions, bunkies, and septic replacements highlights ongoing owner reinvestment in rural and waterfront real estate.

🛠️ Topic 7: Operations Department Report & Road Works

Summary of Decisions

Council accepted the August 2026 Operations Report submitted by Operations Manager Denver Mayhew, detailing road maintenance, ditching, and infrastructure care.

Operational Highlights

• Brushing & Tree Clearing: Completed on Williams Lake Rd, Hillsview Rd, Scott Line Rd, Dwire Rd, and Brethour Rd.

• Culvert & Ditching Upgrades: Culverts replaced on Graphite Rd, Hillsview Rd, Hybla Rd, and McAllister Rd. Beaver grates cleared on Papineau Lake Rd, Lake St. Peter Rd, and Greenview Rd.

• Landfill Operations: Material grinding for construction/demolition waste commenced at East Lake waste site. Winter sand hauling completed for sand domes at Musclow/Greenview and Highway 62.

📑 Summary of Decisions from Previous Council Minutes (August 5, 2026)

To maintain complete coverage of municipal proceedings, here are the key resolutions adopted during the August 5, 2026 Council meeting:

1. Williams Lake Road Widening (Bylaw 2026-034): Passed a bylaw accepting the land transfer of Part of Lots 9 & 10, Concession 1 (McClure Township) from Wendy Keating for municipal road widening.

2. Asset Management Plan: Accepted the 2026 Annual Asset Management Progress Report presented under O. Reg. 588/17.

3. Community Grants Review: Approved continuing the Miscellaneous Grant Program for funding requests under $500 and directed procedural updates for requests over $500.

4. 25th Anniversary Clock Unveiling: Authorized planning for Hastings Highlands' 25th-anniversary commemorative clock event.

5. Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee (Bylaw 2026-031): Established the joint committee for the upcoming 2026 municipal election.

📞 Call To Action: Partner With Your Local Expert

Navigating municipal bylaws, zoning amendments, open building permits, or severance conditions requires local experience and clear answers. Whether you are buying a waterfront cottage on Papineau Lake, looking for off-grid acreage in Herschel, or selling a home in Maynooth, I am here to help you make informed decisions!

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

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

📈 Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing | September 23, 2026

Keeping an eye on where interest rates and real estate trends are heading is the best way to make smart home-buying decisions across the Kawarthas and Highlands! Here is your quick, breakdown of today's mortgage market news and local Peterborough market trends. 🏠✨

🏛️ Bank of Canada & Bond Yields Update

• 📉 5-Year Bond Yields Ease: Government of Canada 5-year benchmark bond yields dipped slightly down to 3.55% (down 2 bps daily). Yields have stabilized in the mid-3.50s after earlier surges, establishing a steady floor for fixed-rate capital costs.

• 🎙️ Inflation & Economic Outlook: Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem recently highlighted that trade frictions and potential tariffs could slow growth late in Q4, while energy prices are keeping headline inflation near 3.0%.

• 🛑 Rates on Hold: With the BoC holding its policy rate at 2.25% (bringing the prime rate to 4.45%), markets are pricing in zero chance of rate cuts for the rest of 2026.

💳 Current Mortgage Rate Snapshot

Here is where standard lender rate sheets currently sit across the industry:

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed🔒	3.99% – 4.09%	4.34% – 4.59%	Sub-3.90% promotional pricing is fully phased out
5-Year Fixed🔒	4.14% – 4.24%	4.44% – 4.69%	Flat demand; narrow spread limits consumer appeal
5-Year Variable 📊	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; offers the widest discount against fixed options

⚠️ Broker Channel Alert: Monoline lenders and alternative channels enter today maintaining tight discretionary buydown budgets. If you hold an active sub-4.00% 3-year fixed rate hold, make sure it doesn't expire unutilized!

📍 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Pulse

• 🏷️ Price Benchmarks: In-city Peterborough median sold prices hold steady between $545,750 – $560,000(average $573,919). Peterborough County overall—including rural residential and waterfront properties—averages $708,800.

• 🏘️ Inventory & Market Speed: Active listings across the region sit comfortably between ~329 to 385 active listings, with homes averaging 33 days on market (DOM).

• 🤝 Strong Buyer Leverage: With balanced regional absorption (~5 weeks of inventory), buyers have solid negotiating room! Standard detached properties are closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price.

💡 Key Advice & Takeaways for Buyers & Sellers

1. Audit Your Rate Holds: If you are pre-approved or facing a late-2026 renewal, double-check your 120-day rate hold expiry date. If you hold a pre-approval under 4.00%, keeping it active is critical—re-qualifying on today's sheets means paying 10 to 20 bps higher!

2. Keep Your Protective Clauses: Because average time on market exceeds a month (~33 DOM), local sellers are accepting conditional offers. You do not need to waive essential financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses to secure a property!

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

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

Regional Roundup: Community Growth, Council Updates, & Local Highlights! 🍁🏡

Happy Wednesday! Here is your quick mid-week dive into what’s happening across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, Haliburton, and Bancroft. From new housing builds and healthcare milestones to city hall reviews and athletic wins, here is the breakdown of today's top local stories! 🗞️✨

🏗️ Housing Development & Community Programs

• Women Build '26 in Norwood: Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region hosted corporate teams in Norwood for "Women Build '26," working together to construct three brand-new affordable homes for local families.

• New Telemedicine Clinic Open: Accessing primary care just got easier in Ennismore! The Good Doctors Telemedicine Clinic is officially open inside Ennismore Pharmacy, providing local, OHIP-covered virtual visits, prescriptions, and specialist referrals.

• Greening Up Otonabee Court: Volunteers joined forces with Otonabee Conservation for TD Tree Days, planting 300 native trees and shrubs in Keene to replace invasive buckthorn and restore the local ecosystem.

🏛️ Peterborough City Council & Municipal Updates

• City Efficiency Review: Peterborough City Council received a major efficiency report from Ernst & Young outlining 20 potential cost-saving measures—including possibilities like introducing paid parking or visitor fees at Riverview Park & Zoo and shifting sidewalk snow clearing duties to homeowners.

• AI Data Centre Decision Deferred: Councillors voted to pause a proposal by Coun. Joy Lachica that sought a one-year moratorium on AI data centre approvals, allowing staff time for thorough planning reviews regarding water and energy impacts.

• Police Candidate Briefing: Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts scheduled a closed-door information session with confirmed municipal election candidates to review governance standards and police services legislation.

🔬 Regional Industry, Infrastructure & History

• 85 Years of Excellence in Lakefield: The SGS Lakefield Metallurgical Centre of Excellence is marking its 85th anniversary with a time capsule ceremony, celebrating its legacy from WWII-era metallurgy to modern testing of critical minerals and municipal water.

• Heritage Designations: City Council published formal notices of intention to designate two historic properties under the Ontario Heritage Act: 483 Park Street North (the former West Ward School) and 99 Roper Drive (the mid-century modern Erica and Harry Cherney House).

• Future Environmental Learning: GreenUP Ecology Park hosted a family day with pop-up outdoor play stations to gather community input for permanent environmental learning spaces and a new micro-forest.

🚣 Sports, Recreation & Community Events

• World-Class Rowing Finish: Douro-Dummer native Grace VandenBroek earned an impressive 5th-place finish in the women's double sculls at the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam alongside partner Alizée Brien!

• Goldens Gather at Viamede: Viamede Resort welcomed over 200 dog owners and golden retrievers for the annual Golden Rescue Picnic and Golden Games.

• Ice Returning to NHCC: Community sports are gearing up as ice goes back in at the North Hastings Community Centre in Bancroft for minor hockey and figure skating!

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

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

Morning Coffee, Strategic Negotiations & Real Family Life in the Highlands 🌲🏡☕

The alarm hasn't even gone off yet, and I’m already up, coffee in hand, diving headfirst into my daily planning ☕🌅. Something about the quiet early hours in the Kawarthas sets the tone for everything to come. By mid-morning, I was out walking with my wife, Susan, and our dog, Jax 🐕🚶‍♂️, soaking in the crisp autumn air before hitting the road.

Living and working in the Highlands and Kawarthas means every day is a mix of high-stakes business and real-world family life 🌲🏡. Yesterday was a masterclass in both.

On the real estate front, I spent a good portion of the day in deep strategic negotiations for a local farm listing 🌾. A buyer's agent brought in an aggressive lowball offer—a massive $350,000 drop from our asking price, assuming the market was in a tailspin. But here’s the thing: market perception from headline news doesn't equal local reality 📊.

I put together a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) grounded in hard, local data to show that list-to-sale price margins in our region are actually very tight. Standing firm on valuation isn't about being stubborn; it's about protecting my client's hard-earned equity and guiding them with objective, data-backed strategy rather than panic. We countered at a fair value, holding our ground while keeping the door open for realistic buyers.

Between contract reviews and market analysis, I shifted gears to grass-roots community work 🗳️. I loaded up my truck and hit the road to place municipal campaign signs across Dungannon and Bancroft, stopping to chat with neighbours and dropping off sign requests for local supporters along Hwy 28 🚗📍. The Highlands are built on real community connection, and being out there "belly-to-belly" with folks is always the highlight of my route.

Family always comes first, and yesterday required some firm family leadership. We made the principled decision to have Lucas move back to Apsley to play hockey this year 🏒🚫. What we desire for a location for our son to play is where the focus is on growth, community, and true sportsmanship 🏒🏔️.

To wrap up the afternoon, I squeezed in cutting the lawn at home before finishing up drafting my daily path targets 🚜📝.

Navigating the real estate market—much like navigating family logistics—can feel completely overwhelming if you don't have the right guide in your corner 🧭. When buyers try to test your limits with lowball offers or complex contractual traps, it’s easy to make emotional decisions that cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars 📉.

Without deep local knowledge and strong, data-driven negotiation strategies, people often find themselves accepting bad terms, leaving money on the table, or taking on massive post-closing liabilities with property warranties ⚠️.

You don't have to navigate these massive life choices alone or gamble with your home’s true value. When you work with a trusted local expert who knows the terrain, holds the line during tough negotiations, and handles the heavy lifting, you get complete peace of mind 🤝✨. Imagine selling your property for what it's actually worth—backed by facts, protected by tight contracts, and executed seamlessly so you can focus on your family's next adventure 🏠🌲.

Don't let market noise or weak positioning hold you back. If you’re ready to make your next move in the Kawarthas or Highlands, let’s sit down and build a strategy that wins 🤝.

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

🏛️ Peterborough Council Deep-Dive: What These Huge City Decisions Mean for YOU and Your Property Values! 🏡 Lake Life & City Growth Updated 🌿

Welcome back, neighbours! 🏙️🌲 As your local property and lifestyle guide, I'm diving deep into the massive Peterborough City Council General Committee meeting from Monday, September 21, 2026.

Council tackled major financial reviews, transformative waterfront parkland projects, heritage protections, downtown business enhancements, and vital union labour agreements! Let's break down EVERY topic on the table and look at how these decisions affect your daily life, your wallet, and your real estate investments here in the Kawarthas! 💡✨

📑 1. Financial Transparency & City Audits: Baker Tilly & Ernst & Young Reports 📊💰

What Happened: Council received critical financial staff reports and presentation reviews:

• 🔍 Baker Tilly KDN LLP delivered the Verbal Audit Findings Report alongside the city's Audit Report Letter for the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements.

• 📈 Ernst & Young LLP presented the comprehensive Effectiveness and Efficiency Review report.

• 📋 Official endorsement for the 2026 Audit Planning Report, the 2025 Consolidated Financial Report, and the June 30, 2026 Quarterly Financial Update Report (Unaudited).

🔥 The Big News & Local Impact: Independent audit oversight guarantees our city tax dollars are accounted for accurately! The Effectiveness and Efficiency Review provides a roadmap for streamlined municipal services, making sure our city operates lean without compromising community infrastructure.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Healthy city finances mean stable property tax rates and uninterrupted funding for our local roads, parks, and waste management services across Peterborough!

🏡 Property Impact: Strong municipal fiscal health prevents surprise property tax hikes! It builds buyer confidence and protects home valuations across the city and surrounding townships.

🏞️ 2. Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project 🌊🚴

What Happened: Council officially approved the concept plan for the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project! City staff are now authorized to complete detailed engineering designs and prepare tender-ready contract documents for construction. 🚧✨

🔥 The Big News & Local Impact: This is a HUGE public improvement win! Transforming the Otonabee River waterfront protects our sensitive shoreline ecosystem while boosting active transportation with multi-use trails right in the heart of Peterborough.

🍃 The Local Perspective: We live in the Kawarthas for the water and outdoor lifestyle! Waterfront cleanup, erosion control, and high-quality walking trails encourage outdoor recreation, support local fitness culture, and elevate our city's natural charm. 🚣‍♀️

🏡 Property Impact: Waterfront revitalization projects historically drive up neighbouring residential property values! Expect increased buyer demand and premium pricing for homes, condos, and townhouses situated near the trail network.

📜 3. Heritage Designations: Protecting Peterborough's Historic Charm 🏛️ Brick & Mortar Updates

What Happened: Council endorsed four major recommendations from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) to designate properties under the Ontario Heritage Act:

• 🏫 1211 Monaghan Rd. (Prince of Wales Public School)

• 🏉 725 Armour Rd. (Peterborough Rugby Club Clubhouse)

• 🏠 51 London St.

• 🏠 235 Aylmer St. N.

Note: Council did NOT endorse heritage designations for 85-87 Lock St. or 485-495 Aylmer St. N.

🔥 The Big News & Local Impact: Designating historic hubs like Prince of Wales Public School and the iconic Peterborough Rugby Club protects our city's architectural identity from unexpected demolition or insensitive modernization.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Preserving our unique architectural fabric gives Peterborough its welcoming, small-town character while growing as a urban center.

🏡 Property Impact: Heritage designation protects neighbourhood character and boosts long-term appeal for buyers looking for classic, timeless real estate. Conversely, properties left un-designated offer flexible redevelopment potential for landowners.

☕ 4. Supporting Downtown Businesses: Simplified Sidewalk Market Zones 🛍️🪑

What Happened: Council supported a Notice of Motion moved by Councillor Alex Bierk! Staff will now report back with streamlined options to support the Sidewalk Market Zone objectives under the Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, specifically creating a simplified approval process for low-impact café seating right next to storefronts. 🥐☕

🔥 The Big News & Local Impact: Say goodbye to red tape! This motion helps small business owners, local bakeries, and downtown cafés quickly pop up outdoor seating without jump-hopping through bureaucratic hoops.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Vibrant streets equal a vibrant city! Outdoor café seating brings energy, walkability, and strong foot traffic to our downtown core during the sunny seasons. ☀️📍

🏡 Property Impact: A thriving downtown district directly supports nearby residential property values and makes urban living in Peterborough highly attractive to incoming professionals and retirees.

🚫 5. Interim Control By-Law Deferral: New Data Centre Restrictions 💻🌐

What Happened: Council voted to defer consideration of a Notice of Motion regarding an Interim Control By-law that would temporarily prohibit land, buildings, or structures from being used for new data centres and similar heavy facilities. This topic will now be debated on September 28, 2026.

🔥 The Big Controversy: Data centres require massive electrical energy grid resources, industrial footprints, and water usage. Deferring this decision allows Council time to balance economic tech development against local infrastructure capacity, environmental concerns, and land preservation.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Local residents want to ensure that high-voltage or resource-heavy industrial sites do not encroach on residential zones or compromise the surrounding natural ecosystem.

🏡 Property Impact: Pausing land-use changes until proper studies are completed protects neighbouring residential zoning against industrial noise, light pollution, and sudden drops in resale value.

🎭 6. Honouring Local Culture: Recognizing Robert Winslow (4th Line Theatre) 🎟️🌾

What Happened: Council unanimously supported Councillor Alex Bierk's Notice of Motion directing staff to explore meaningful ways for the City to recognize the incredible life, work, and legacy of Robert Winslow, the visionary founder of 4th Line Theatre, in collaboration with his family and local arts groups. 📜🎭

🔥 The Big News & Local Impact: Robert Winslow transformed local theatre by bringing our rural history and heritage stories to life on stage! Formal recognition cements his legacy within the local cultural fabric.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Arts and culture are the soul of the Kawarthas! Supporting regional theatre institutions enriches our community life and fosters deep pride in our regional history.

🏡 Property Impact: A rich, celebrated arts scene boosts regional tourism, enhances community pride, and makes the area a top destination for home buyers relocating from larger urban centers.

💼 7. City Operations & Closed Session Decisions: Union Settlements Secured! 🤝🚌⚡

What Happened: During closed sessions, Council took decisive action on key labour, land, and operational planning items:

• 🚌 Final Approval Granted: Ratified the Memorandum of Settlement (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031) with ATU Local 1320 (Peterborough Transit operators).

• ⚡ Final Approval Granted: Ratified the Minutes of Settlement (April 1, 2026 – March 30, 2030) with IBEW Local 636 (City electrical/operational staff).

• 🗺️ Authorized staff to proceed on strategic proposed land acquisitions and community service plans.

• ⏳ Deferred reports on the Effectiveness and Efficiency Review regarding Labour Relations.

🔥 The Big News & Local Impact: Multi-year labour agreements mean 4 to 5 years of guaranteed transit service stability and municipal electrical/utility operations without strike threats or service outages!

🍃 The Local Perspective: Reliable public transit and municipal utility services keep our students, workers, and seniors moving smoothly across town every single day!

🏡 Property Impact: Guaranteed municipal service stability reassures homeowners and investors that Peterborough remains a reliable, well-governed place to live, rent, or purchase real estate.

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

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

📢 BIG CHANGES IN HIGHLANDS EAST: Severance Processes, Short-Term Rentals & Trail Conservation! 🌲🏡

Whether you are a full-time resident, a seasonal cottage owner, or looking to invest in the Kawarthas, keeping up with local municipal decision-making is essential to protecting your home investment.

The Highlands East Municipal Council met on September 8, 2026, for a comprehensive agenda covering planning amendments, short-term rental rules, infrastructure spending, and conservation mandates.

🏛️ Summary of Impactful Decisions for Residents

• New Short-Term Rental By-law Passed: Council updated the municipal Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law.

• County-Wide "One-Window" Consent Model: Council considered endorsing a streamlined county-led severance/consent pre-consultation process.

• Dillman Trail Conservation Plan: Cambium Inc. presented a Species Conservation Plan under the new Species Conservation Act, 2025, paving the way for the re-opening and upgrade of Dillman Trail.

• Infrastructure Reallocation: $140,000 was reallocated from the capital roads budget to pave the Gooderham Community Centre road and parking lot.

• Multiple Waterfront Planning By-laws Approved: Several Shore Road Allowance (SRA) closures and zoning amendments were passed across Glamorgan, Cardiff, and Monmouth.

⚡ TOPIC 1: Haliburton County’s Proposed "One-Window" Consent Process

💡 The Big News & Controversy

Elizabeth Purcell (Director of Planning) and Kim Bishop (Senior Planner) from the County of Haliburton presented a proposed transformation of the consent (land severance) process.

Under the current system, applicants face double duty: applying separately to both the township and county, paying double fees, and waiting through two rounds of staff reviews and council presentations before reaching the Land Division Committee. Under the proposed "One-Window" approach, all pre-consultation inquiries will go directly through the County. The County coordinates with local staff for a single consolidated policy response, deferring local council endorsement until the complete application stage.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

This is major news for property owners looking to sever a portion of their land or complete boundary adjustments. Eliminating redundant staff reports and double fees cuts holding costs and significantly speeds up approval timelines. Furthermore, moving council endorsement to the complete application stage ensures decisions are made using full technical studies rather than preliminary guesses, offering greater predictability for sellers and buyers.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Streamlining administrative red tape frees up municipal planning staff to focus on local priorities, such as lake health and building code enforcement.

Property Impact: Faster, clearer land severance approvals make property division and lot additions less risky and more cost-effective across Haliburton County.

🐢 TOPIC 2: Dillman Trail Species Conservation Plan & Re-Opening

💡 The Big News & Controversy

Following a Ministry order that shut down work on Dillman Trail due to concerns regarding Blanding's Turtle habitat, Cambium Inc. delivered a comprehensive Species Conservation Plan under Ontario's new Species Conservation Act, 2025.

To reopen this multi-use trail—which forms part of the historic Burleigh Colonization Road used for over 140 years—the plan calls for:

1. Installing two specialized open-top box tunnel eco-passages.

2. Installing ~300 meters of permanent exclusion fencing to keep turtles off the trail.

3. Posting public awareness signage for ATV and trail users.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

Maintaining robust, legal recreational trail networks (like ATV and snowmobile routes) directly supports rural property desirability. Buyers in the Kawarthas and Haliburton Highlands heavily prioritize access to well-managed trail systems.

🌲 The Local Perspective

This plan balances local outdoor recreation and motorized trail heritage with environmental stewardship, protecting threatened species without sacrificing historical trail access.

Property Impact: Protecting access to local recreational corridors maintains strong buyer interest and property resale values for nearby rural homes and cottages.

🏠 TOPIC 3: Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing By-law Amendments

💡 The Big News & Controversy

Council reviewed and enacted updated regulations under the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law. The updates refine licensing administration and operational compliance standards across the municipality.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

Regulations around STRs directly shape the local investment market. Clear licensing guidelines give prospective buyers certainty when purchasing income-generating recreational properties while protecting neighbourhood residential standards.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Ensuring STR operators are licensed protects lake quality, prevents noise issues, and ensures septic systems are not overloaded beyond capacity.

Property Impact: Well-regulated STR policies safeguard community peace and protect long-term neighborhood property values.

🛶 TOPIC 4: Public Planning Hearings (Zoning & Shore Road Allowances)

💡 The Big News & Controversy

Council held statutory public planning meetings under Section 34 of the Planning Act for several waterfront rezonings and shore road allowance (SRA) closures:

• Eikerman (Twist Lane, Glamorgan / Roll #4601-901-000-44400): Rezoning to recognize an existing shoreline fixed deck and frame shed as a condition of an SRA purchase.

• Luciuk (Millenium Trail, Cardiff / Roll #4601-102-000-40100): Rezoning to recognize an existing non-conforming dryland boathouse and screened-in deck following an SRA acquisition.

• McMullan (Glamor Lake Rd, Monmouth / Roll #4601-601-000-63500): Zoning relief for non-compliant shoreline setbacks on a dwelling and deck associated with an SRA purchase.

• Best (Sophia Rd, Monmouth / Roll #4601-601-000-87500): Rezoning to permit an increase in lot coverage for a proposed detached garage.

• Camp Can Aqua (Beaver Lake Dr, Cardiff): Encroachment agreement and SRA conveyance for camp infrastructure.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

Purchasing the Shore Road Allowance is one of the best equity-building steps a waterfront property owner can take. It merges the 66-foot Crown strip into the deeded parcel, increases total acreage, and resolves structural setback non-compliance.

🌲 The Local Perspective

SRA closures bring historical structures into compliance, reduce municipal liability, and ensure proper shoreline environmental setbacks are established.

Property Impact: Closing your shore road allowance legally secures your waterfront footprint, resolves title defects, and boosts resale value.

🛣️ TOPIC 5: Public Works Infrastructure & Gooderham Community Centre

💡 The Big News & Controversy

Council approved the reallocation of $140,000 from the 2026 Roads Capital Budget (originally earmarked for a one-tonne truck) to cover cost overruns for paving the roadway and parking lot at the Gooderham Community Centre.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

Strong municipal infrastructure directly supports local property markets. Well-paved community hubs enhance municipal curb appeal and community livability.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Gooderham residents gain an upgraded, fully paved facility for community events, meetings, and local gatherings.

Property Impact: Smart infrastructure investment in public facilities boosts overall community appeal and long-term rural property demand.

📊 Summary of Past Meeting Minutes (Aug 11, 2026)

During the adoption of the August 11, 2026, minutes, key highlights included:

• Arena Early Opening: Approved opening the Keith Tallman Memorial Arena on Sept 8, 2026, for the Bancroft Minor Hockey Association at a promotional rate of $125/hr.

• Herlihey Park Sculpture: Accepted the donation of a carved wolf sculpture installed at the entrance off Loop Road.

• Private Road Naming: Approved the private road name "Storii".

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

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.

Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing

September 22, 2026

Welcome to your daily breakdown of the mortgage market and local real estate dynamics in Peterborough & the Kawarthas! 🏡✨ Whether you are renewing this fall or looking for your dream family home, here is what you need to know today.

🏛️ Bank of Canada & Bond Yield Trends

• 5-Year Bond Yields Stabilization (~3.56%–3.58%): Government of Canada 5-year benchmark bond yields traded around 3.56%–3.58%. Yields have leveled off after surging nearly 40 bps earlier this month, creating a firm floor under fixed-rate funding costs.

• BoC Interest Rate Outlook: Following the Bank of Canada's September 2 decision to hold the policy rate at 2.25% (prime rate at 4.45%), central bank commentary signals a split focus. Domestic trade frictions present economic risks, but persistent energy costs and headline CPI at 3.0% keep near-term rate cuts off the table for the rest of 2026.

💳 Major Lender Rate Sheet Summary

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.09%	4.34% – 4.59%	Sub-3.90% promotional pricing fully phased out
5-Year Fixed	4.14% – 4.24%	4.44% – 4.69%	Flat demand; narrow spread limits consumer appeal
5-Year Variable	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime -1.10% to -1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; offers the widest spread against fixed options

⚠️ Broker Channel Alert: Monoline lenders and broker-exclusive desks enter Tuesday maintaining fixed rate sheets that reflect the 10 to 15 bps upward adjustments rolled out mid-month. Discretionary rate-buydown budgets remain tight with 5-year yields hovering near 3.57%. Action Item: Audit client pipelines immediately to ensure active sub-4.00% 3-year fixed rate holds are locked in before they expire!

🌲 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Pulse

• 🏷️ Price Benchmarks: In-city Peterborough median sold prices remain stable between $545,750 – $560,000(average $573,919). Peterborough County overall—including rural residential and waterfront properties—averages $708,800.

• 🔑 Inventory & Absorption: Active inventory across the region stays balanced at ~329 to 385 active listings, with time on market averaging 33 days.

• 🤝 Buyer Footing: The market favours deliberate, non-rushed buyers over aggressive bidding wars. Standard detached homes are closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price, giving buyers plenty of room to include standard conditional protections!

💡 Key Client Takeaways

1. ⏰ Audit Your Rate Holds: If you are pre-approved or facing a fall renewal, check the expiration date on your 120-day rate hold. If you have a pre-approval under 4.00%, keep it active—re-qualifying on current rate sheets means paying 10 to 20 bps more.

2. 📝 Protect Yourself with Conditions: With average market time exceeding a month (~33 DOM), local sellers are accepting conditional offers. You do not need to waive financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses to secure property in Peterborough or the Kawarthas!

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

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