🏡 Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing – October 6, 2026

Welcome to your daily market briefing! Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or renew your mortgage in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, here is everything you need to know about where rates and home prices stand today! 📊✨

🏛️ Bank of Canada & Bond Yields Breakdown

• 📈 5-Year Bond Yields Stable (~3.62%): Government of Canada 5-year benchmark bond yields traded steadily near 3.62% at yesterday's close. While holding steady after late-September highs of 3.72%, they remain 25 to 30 bps higher than late-August levels (~3.25%), keeping wholesale fixed-rate costs elevated for lenders.

• 🗓️ October 28 Decision Countdown: The Bank of Canada policy rate remains at 2.25% (Prime Rate at 4.45%). Money markets are pricing in a 54% to 60% probability of a 25 bps rate hike at the upcoming October 28 announcement, driven by trade tariff friction and sticky inflation. Swap markets currently price in zero chance of rate cuts through the end of 2026.

💳 Major Lender Rate Sheet Summary

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Core product of choice; sub-3.90% promos remain pulled
5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	Yields holding near 3.62% restrict lender buydowns
5-Year Variable	3.25% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.20%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; lowest entry point, but upside risk builds

📢 Broker Channel Alert: Monolines and broker desks continue operating under strict margin discipline. Lenders are restricting discretionary rate-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 Market Pulse

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

• 🏡 Inventory & Absorption: Active listings across the region sit balanced between 329 and 385 active listings, with average time on market holding steady at 33 days.

• 🤝 Buyer Footing: Slower regional sales velocity (~33 DOM) continues to favor non-rushed buyers over aggressive multi-offer scenarios. Standard detached properties are closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price, allowing buyers to maintain standard conditional protections!

💡 Key Takeaways & Action Steps for Buyers & Homeowners

1. ⏰ Check Your Pre-Approval Expiry: If you are actively shopping or facing a fall/winter renewal, check the exact expiry date on your 120-day rate hold. Re-qualifying after expiry could mean paying 10 to 25 bps higher under new rate sheets.

2. 🛡️ Keep Your Conditional Protections: With market time averaging over 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 home 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. ❤️🏡

🍁 What’s Happening Around Peterborough & The Kawarthas! 🏡✨

Hey local friends! It’s been an action-packed week across Peterborough and Peterborough County. From massive community investments to thrilling sports victories and inspiring local initiatives, here is everything you need to know about what’s shaping our region this week! 👇

🏛️ Community & Regional Updates

• 🎓 Trent University Breaks Ground on $380M Campus Expansion Major moves are happening on the East Bank of Trent’s Symons campus! Backed by a $100-million provincial funding commitment through the Building Ontario Fund, a landmark project designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and Two Row Architect will add two brand-new residence buildings—Gidigaa Migizi College and a new residence for Otonabee College. The expansion will feature 1,400 new student beds and 700,000 sq. ft. of academic space, with completion targeted for August 2029.

• 🗳️ Mayoral Race Update Rob Hailman, director of operations at Trent Radio, has suspended his campaign for mayor due to the demanding workload of balancing two jobs alongside municipal campaigning. However, his name will remain on the municipal election ballot alongside fellow candidates Michael Eamon, Brian Lumsden, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat as voting begins.

• 🚣 Record-Breaking Turnout at 55th Head of the Trent The Peterborough Rowing Club welcomed a record capacity of 830 crews along the Otonabee River for the 55th annual Head of the Trent Regatta! Coinciding with Trent’s Homecoming Weekend, thousands gathered for a weekend filled with alumni celebrations and community festivities.

• 🤖 Women & AI Roundtable The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce hosted "The Women & AI Roundtable: Women's Voice in AI," bringing together roughly 30 local community members. Organized by the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and Onward, the session focused on addressing learning needs, shaping policy, and amplifying women's voices in artificial intelligence.

• 🚜 2026 Peterborough County Plowing Match Bailieboro hosted this year’s agricultural tradition at Bill Lauchlan’s farm. Featuring 12 plowing categories for both tractors and horse-drawn plows, a 4-H class, and the Queen of the Furrow competition, the event brought our local farming community together to celebrate soil conservation and heritage.

• 🎶 Concert for PATH "On the Right PATH," an intimate acoustic charity concert at Dreams of Beans Café, raised funds for Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH). Performances by local artists—including Luke Gauthier, Peter Falconeri, Tanya Nye, John Hoffman, Susan Newman, Rob Fortin, Roberta Walker, Earl Wilfong, Caitlin O'Connor, and Brian Tisdale—supported PATH’s mission to build sustainable housing communities.

• 🌷 Smart Gardening Tip: Perennial Bulbs Horticulturalist Theresa Forte highlights spring-flowering perennial bulbs—like crocuses, daffodils, snowdrops, and species tulips—as smart investments for local home gardens. They come back year after year with minimal maintenance and provide crucial early-season food for emerging pollinators!

🏆 Local Sports Highlights

• 🤾‍♂️ Zach Currier Eyes Olympic Gold Peterborough's own Zach Currier helped lead the Philadelphia Waterdogs to a 14-4 victory over the Denver Outlaws to capture his third Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship! The NLL Transition Player of the Year is now setting his sights on playing for Team Canada as field lacrosse returns to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

• 🏇 Record Year at Kawartha Downs Kawartha Downs wrapped up its harness racing season on a high note, setting a record wagering handle of $1.437M—a 22% jump over last year! Over 45,000 fans attended this season, which saw Amanda Riley crowned top trainer and Nick Boyd named top driver.

• 🏒 Historic Milestone for Girls Hockey The Peterborough U18 AA Ice Kats were officially granted a permanent, dedicated dressing room at the Miskin Law Community Complex on the Russelle Toyota pad—marking the first dedicated room for a female ice hockey team in City history!

• 🏈 KMFL U12 Action The Ticats earned a 24-12 victory over the Argos at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. The volunteer-run Kinsmen Minor Football League is now celebrating 46 years of developing young local athletes!

📋 Community Announcements

• 🕊️️ In Remembrance: Our thoughts are with the families of Paul Thomas Heffernan (Otonabee Township / Peterborough), Allan James Arthur Robinson (Bridgenorth / Peterborough), James Erskine Drummond (Peterborough / St. Catharines), and Robert "Bob" Neil Miles (Norwood / Peterborough).

• 🎪 Local Vendors Wanted: Vendor applications are officially open for the upcoming 2027 Spring Home Shows in Oshawa and Bowmanville.

👇 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.

Stepping Up When It Matters Most: A Day in the Life of a Local Guide

Yesterday was all about diving straight into the work that keeps our community running smoothly and steadily 🛠️. From first light, the mission was clear: tackle complex issues head-on, keep projects moving, and bring total clarity to people facing tricky situations.

I started the morning reviewing intricate transaction files and diving straight into high-stakes negotiations 📝. On one front, a client was facing a classic dilemma: balancing heavy work schedules while navigating aggressive market offers on their waterfront home 🌊. Instead of letting them absorb the stress, I took the wheel, structured a strategic signback to protect their bottom line, and bought them precious time ⏳. Over on another front, a client was dealing with an unsettling mechanical issue at their cottage water system 💧. I drove right out, tracked down the failure to a simple clamp on an incoming line, tightened it up, and got their water flowing free and clear again 🚰.

Throughout the afternoon, the hands-on momentum didn't stop 🚁. I was out on location capturing high-definition drone visuals of our local downtown, updating local municipal coverage, and working directly on community development plans 📹. Between stopping by municipal offices to gather crucial local voter data, inspecting potential vehicle motor replacements, and keeping property maintenance entirely on track, every single move was driven by one motive: to show up, solve problems, and build a stronger, better-informed community for all of us to thrive in 🏞️.

When you step back, the biggest challenges people face in our local market—whether buying, selling, or maintaining property—usually come down to three things: feeling overwhelmed by complex paperwork, fearing costly mistakes from hidden property issues, or feeling like you're navigating high-value decisions completely on your own 🛑. Unchecked, these problems quickly turn into lost equity, endless frustration, and time wasted on preventable errors.

You deserve a seamless, stress-free path to reaching your goals, backed by someone who knows every inch of these lakes, roads, and municipal systems. With over 20 years of hands-on local experience, I come directly to you to handle the heavy lifting, eliminate the guesswork, and protect your investments.

When you have an expert in your corner, life looks very different ✨. You gain absolute peace of mind, knowing your real estate moves are guided by proven strategy, your property value is fiercely defended, and your time is protected so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying life in the Highlands and Kawarthas with your family 🏡.

Don't let market uncertainty or real estate headaches stall your goals. Contact me today, and let's get your next move started on the right foot! 🤝

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.

🚨 Cavan Monaghan Council Breakdown: Major Infrastructure, Traffic Laws & Big OPP Policing News! 🏡

Hey everyone! Brad Sinclair here with your essential township governance update. Council meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, for a heavy-hitting session full of decision-making that impacts our daily drives, tax dollars, local services, and property values across Cavan Monaghan.

As your local real estate guide with RE/MAX Professionals North, I believe in keeping our community informed and protected. Let's dive deep into what was on the table, what was decided, and what it means for you! 🚗💧💡

🏗️ Topic 1: $690,000 Property Acquisition for Tupper Street Pumping Station Expansion

📋 The Impactful Decision

Council will be voting on By-law No. 2026-51 to ratify an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to acquire the residential property at 24 Tupper Street, Millbrook (a 0.83-acre lot with a brick bungalow and detached garage) for $690,000 plus legal costs.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   TUPPER STREET EXPANSION FINANCING                    │
├───────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Total Property Cost           │ $690,000 + Legal Fees                  │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Development Charges (DC)      │ $412,000                               │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Water/Wastewater Reserve      │ Remaining Balance (Internal Loan)      │
└───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘

This acquisition allows the township to proceed with necessary site expansions for the adjacent pumping station at 22 Tupper Street, including a new driveway, building expansion to the east, and a stand-by generator system. Funding comes from $412,000 in Development Charges, with the remainder internally borrowed from the Water Wastewater Reserve(to be repaid via future property resale or capital surplus).

⚡ The Big News & Controversy

Growth management is always a hot topic! To support residential and commercial expansion in North Millbrook, major infrastructure upgrades are required.

💡 Did You Know? The township secured a massive Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS) Grantcovering 73% ($2,463,750) of the $3,375,000 total project cost!

Buying residential land for municipal utility expansions can spark local debate, but utilizing provincial grant dollars and development fees keeps the burden off direct property tax hikes.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

• System Capacity & Growth: Expanding wastewater capacity unlocks future residential phases and commercial/industrial employment lands.

• Neighbourhood Adjustments: Direct neighbours near Tupper Street will see municipal activity transition next door, though municipal planning aims to minimize neighbourhood disruptions.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Reliable wastewater infrastructure ensures that as Millbrook grows, our local rivers and natural environments stay safe and clean.

🏠 Property Impact Note: Infrastructure expansion maintains strong long-term real estate values by securing municipal service capacity for expanding sub-divisions and commercial hubs!

🚔 Topic 2: Considering a Transition to OPP Policing Services

📋 The Impactful Decision

Council is evaluating Report CAO 2026-05, recommending a formal request to the Ministry of the Solicitor General for an OPP Policing Resource Plan (PRP).

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     POLICING TIMELINE & ROADMAP                        │
├───────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ August 10, 2026               │ Peterborough Police Contract Extended  │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ October 5, 2026               │ Resolution for OPP Resource Plan (PRP) │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Early 2027                    │ Costing Discussions (OPP vs. City)     │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 2028–2032                     │ Implementation of New 5-Year Contract  │
└───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘

Following the extension of the current contract with the Peterborough Police Service Board through By-law No. 2026-41, staff are initiating early steps to cost out policing options for the 2028–2032 five-year contract.

⚡ The Big News & Controversy

Emergency services represent one of the largest single lines in a municipality's budget! Transitioning from a regional police force (Peterborough Police Service) to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is a significant policy consideration. Local residents care deeply about emergency response times, community visibility, and the impact on property taxes.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

• Tax Rate Stability: Exploring competing police service models ensures fiscal responsibility, directly impacting long-term property tax rates.

• Community Safety: High-quality, responsive policing keeps neighborhoods safe, directly supporting local buyer demand.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Whether it's rural patrols along backroads or community presence in village centers, residents want strong, efficient coverage.

🏠 Property Impact Note: Efficient municipal policing contracts help stabilize municipal tax overhead, keeping homeownership overall more affordable!

🚦 Topic 3: Overhauled Traffic and Parking Bylaw (By-law No. 2026-52)

📋 The Impactful Decision

Council reviewed By-law No. 2026-52, an overhaul and repeal of the existing traffic regulation framework (By-law No. 2024-56).

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        PARKING & SPEED HIGHLIGHTS                      │
├───────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Nightly Winter Parking Ban    │ Prohibited 12:00 AM – 7:00 AM          │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Maximum On-Street Parking     │ 4 Hours (unless signed otherwise)      │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Millbrook Settlement Area     │ 50 km/h Blanket Limit                  │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Designated Enclave Streets    │ 40 km/h (Carveth, Ford, Highview, etc) │
└───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘

The updated by-law establishes updated speed limits, parking restrictions, load limits, stop sign designations, and municipal parking lot rules.

⚡ The Big News & Controversy

Speed limits and street parking affect every resident daily!

• Speed Monitoring: Requests for speed reductions on Fallis Line, Dobbin Road, Preston Road, and Cathcart Crescent are being actively monitored by staff, with temporary speed bumps and alternative technologies slated for review in the 2027 budget.

• Parking Limits: Updated No Parking rules on Brookside Street and a general 4-hour parking cap on municipal roads are now codified.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

• Traffic Calming: Lower speed limits (40 km/h in residential zones like Carveth Drive and Highview Crescent) enhance family-friendly appeal.

• Street Maintenance: Clear overnight parking rules ensure snowplows operate unimpeded during winter months.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Safer roads make our scenic driving routes and village streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and children.

🏠 Property Impact Note: Well-regulated, speed-controlled residential streets protect neighborhood desirability and child safety, directly bolstering property values!

🚰 Topic 4: Millbrook Drinking Water System – DWQMS Management Review

📋 The Impactful Decision

Council received Report Public Works 2026-17, detailing the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) review.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    DRINKING WATER PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT                 │
├───────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Operating Control             │ Township-run for 18 months             │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ MECP Inspection Rating        │ 100% Perfect Score (Jan 22, 2026)      │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Water Quality / Quantity      │ Clean, Safe, Stable                    │
└───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘

The annual management review meeting was completed on September 9th, 2026, confirming that raw and treated water quality remain strong and stable.

⚡ The Big News & Controversy

Following a historical watermain break on Dufferin Street in September 2025, water services were restored in 3 days with all test samples clean. The system achieved a 100% compliance rating during the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) annual inspection on January 22, 2026!

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

• Infrastructure Reliability: A 100% compliant municipal water system is a key selling feature for buyers moving into Millbrook.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Clean water is essential to the health and sustainability of our growing community.

🏠 Property Impact Note: Flawless municipal water audit scores give buyers complete peace of mind, smoothing out home inspections and sales closing processes!

🧸 Topic 5: Delegation Request – Old Millbrook School EarlyON Flooring Refresh

📋 The Impactful Decision

Nancy Hurley, Managing Director of the Old Millbrook School EarlyON Child and Family Centre, presented a funding delegation request.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    EARLYON FLOORING FUNDING REQUEST                    │
├───────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 20-Year-Old Flooring          │ Needs full replacement                 │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ EarlyON Centre Contribution   │ $8,000 – $10,000                       │
├───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Township Top-Up Requested     │ $3,000 – $7,000                        │
└───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘

The center registered 487 unique child visits and 2,739 total child visits between January and June 2026 alone! They are leveraging Ministry of Education one-time funding that must be spent before year-end.

⚡ The Big News & Controversy

Community partnerships keep municipal facilities top-tier without placing the entire bill on municipal taxpayers.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact

• Family Amenities: Outstanding early learning facilities make Cavan Monaghan a top destination for young families purchasing homes.

🌲 The Local Perspective

Supporting early childhood spaces builds community connections for parents and kids across the Kawarthas.

🏠 Property Impact Note: High-quality family and child resources make local neighborhoods highly attractive to young families, driving steady housing demand!

📜 Summary of Recent Council Actions (From Sept 21, 2026 Minutes)

To keep you fully up to date, here is a recap of key decisions ratified from the prior council meeting:

• Storm Sewer Replacement: Allocated $90,376.70 in surplus slurry seal funds to complete the Storm Sewer Replacement on Needler's Lane.

• Property Disposal: Received report on the disposal of the severed portion of 1 Union Street to Woodrow Contracting.

• Telecommunications Tower Support: Voted to send a letter supporting Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) comments regarding federal tower siting processes.

• Community Honours: Honoured the passing of local theatre and community icon Rob Winslow.

👇 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. 🌲🏠

📈 Mortgage Rates & Peterborough Real Estate Market Update: October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

• Happy Monday, everyone! 🍂 If you are planning to buy, sell, or renew a mortgage across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, or the Highlands as we head into Q4, here is what is happening with mortgage rates, bond yields, and our local real estate market today. 🏡✨

  🏦 Bank of Canada & Bond Yield Highlights

  • 📊 5-Year Bond Yields Hold High: Government of Canada 5-year bond yields are trading around 3.62%–3.65%this morning. Elevated yields mean higher funding costs for banks and lenders, keeping mortgage rates firm as Q4 begins.

  • 📈 Rate Hikes Priced In: With the Bank of Canada policy rate at 2.25% (Prime at 4.45%), financial markets are now pricing in a 39% to 60%+ chance of a rate hike on October 28, and a 100% chance of a hike by December 9.

  • ⚡ Inflation & Energy Pressure: 3.0% headline inflation and high energy costs are pushing rate forecasts higher moving into 2027.

  📊 Major Lender Rate Sheet Breakdown

  Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
  3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Popular pick; promotional rates under 3.90% are gone
  5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	High bond yields are keeping lender margins tight
  5-Year Variable	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Lowest current entry point, but carries upside risk before Oct 28

  ⚠️ Broker Alert: Pre-approvals under 4.00% are expiring quickly! If you have an active rate hold, double-check your expiration date now before rates adjust further.

  📍 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Market Pulse

  • 🏷️ Price Benchmarks: Peterborough city median sold prices sit steady at $560,000, while Peterborough County (including rural and waterfront homes) averages $708,800.

  • 🏡 Inventory & Absorption: Active listings remain balanced across the region at 329 to 385 active listings, with properties averaging 33 days on market.

  • 🤝 Buyer Position: With steady inventory and no-rush sales velocity, standard detached homes are closing a median of $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price.

  🎯 Key Takeaways for Buyers, Sellers & Homeowners

  1. ⏰ Audit Your Rate Hold Expirations: If you hold a 120-day rate hold below 4.00%, do not let it slip! Re-qualifying later this autumn could mean paying 10 to 25 bps more.

  2. 🛡️ Keep Your Conditional Protections: Market conditions remain balanced! You do not need to waive financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses when making an offer.

  👇 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.
  
  

  
  

🍁 Kawartha & Highlands Local Update: Community News, Sports & Events

Welcome back, neighbours! Here is your latest roundup of what’s happening across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and surrounding communities.

🏛️ Local & Regional News

• 🗳️ Peterborough Municipal Election & Online Voting:

  Online voting opens October 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eligible voters include residents, property owners, post-secondary students, and unhoused individuals. Across 5 wards, 35 certified candidates (including 7 running for mayor) are competing for 11 council seats.

  • Advance In-Person Voting: October 14 at Healthy Planet Arena

  • Accessible Voting: October 19–23 at City Hall

  • Election Day: October 26

• 🐱 Operation Catnip Needs Urgent Space:

  Over the past 15 years, this volunteer-run rescue has spayed, neutered, and vaccinated more than 2,600 feral cats. Due to losing their donated space on October 15, they urgently need a temperature-controlled space (e.g., heated garage, basement, or shed with water) to temporarily house 5–6 cats recovering from surgery. Volunteers handle all feeding, care, and cleaning!

• 🌲 Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) Hammer Family Nature Preserve:

  KLT hosted an open house for its 1,400-acre preserve in Lakehurst. An Expression of Interest (EOI) is open until January 29, 2027, seeking partners to rehabilitate a 3,400 sq. ft. log cabin, a historic 15-bedroom lodge, and a caretaker's cabin. Plus, three new public trails are coming, with the first 2-km trail having a soft opening this fall off Elim Lodge Road!

• 🌍 David Suzuki Critiques Federal Climate Policy:

  Environmentalist David Suzuki voiced frustration over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal climate direction, stating economic interests are overriding climate needs. Suzuki criticized reversals on carbon tax, EV mandates, and emission caps, calling instead for a national climate emergency declaration.

🏒 Local & Regional Sports

• 🏒 Peterborough Petes Fall to Frontenacs:

  The Petes dropped a 5–3 decision to the Kingston Frontenacs, bringing their record to 2–5. Newly acquired goaltender Matthew Koprowski made his debut. Despite a strong 3rd-period surge (outshooting Kingston 22–6) with goals from Masen Minsky (his 1st OHL goal!), Cooper Dennis, and Leon Kolarik, the comeback fell short.

• 🏓 Buckhorn Pickleball Tournament Success:

  The 3rd Annual Glenna McConnell Memorial Pickleball Tournament brought together 56 players at the Buckhorn sports pad, raising $1,600 for the Buckhorn Public School breakfast program and $6,200 for Community Care Buckhorn!

🗓️ Community Notices & Local Events

• 🎟️ Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 & Travel Raffle:

  Tickets are live! Early bird draws take place October 9 ($1,500) and October 23 ($2,000), with the grand prize draw (including a $5,000 travel voucher) on November 6.

• 📸 Pet Halloween Photo Shoot:

  Head to Ren’s Pets on Rye Street on October 17 (9:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.) for 15-minute pet Halloween portraits ($25). All proceeds benefit the Peterborough Humane Society!

• 🚶 Kilometres for Care Fundraiser:

  Join Community Care Peterborough at Nicholls Oval on Wednesday, October 7 (10 a.m. – noon) for fitness classes and walking challenges supporting local senior and disability programs.

• 🎵 Greenwood United Church Concert:

  Enjoy "Songs from Shining Waters" on Saturday, October 17 at 2 p.m. (737 Donwood Drive). Admission is $15 at the door, supporting Brock Mission, Cameron House, Camp Kawartha, and Bedford House.

• 🧁 Empress Gardens Fall Bake Sale:

  Visit Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St.) on Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Thanksgiving bake sale in support of Kawartha Food Share!

🌎 National & International Briefs

• 🗳️ Quebec Election Day: Voters head to the polls today in a pivotal provincial election, with PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon leading in polls amid key debates on trade and federalism.

• ✈️️ Search for Missing Air Ambulance: Authorities continue searching off Nantucket after locating debris from a Canadian air ambulance jet carrying six people.

• 🎸 Passing of Sass Jordan: Juno Award-winning Canadian rock vocalist and former Canadian Idol judge Sass Jordan has passed away at age 63.

• 🕊️ Nobel Peace Prize Speculation: Anticipation grows ahead of Friday's announcement, with the ISS, Sudan emergency rescue groups, and international courts among top contenders.

• 🇺🇦 German Aid to Ukraine: Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv to announce a $2-billion support package, including air defence systems and counter-drone production.

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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.

🌧️ A Rainy Sunday, Small Wins, and Protecting What Matters Most 🏡

Sunday mornings in cottage country have a special rhythm. The rain was coming down steadily, perfect weather for taking a breath, sipping a hot cup of coffee ☕, and reviewing the week ahead.

Even on a complete rest day, the work of serving clients and keeping operations smooth never fully stops. Between watching the Buffalo Bills game 🏈 and enjoying a quiet afternoon, I got to work turning over my driveway. The rain actually made conditions ideal—no dust to kick up, just fresh, freshly-dragged gravel that instantly made the property look sharper 🚜✨.

Later in the day, I tackled a few hands-on maintenance tasks in the shop 🛠️. I fixed the pull cord line on the leaf blower and rebuilt the fuel pump for Lucas's snowmobile 🛷. There’s a quiet satisfaction in taking mechanical parts apart, fixing what’s broken, and making sure everything runs reliably when you need it most.

That same attention to detail carried over into real estate. An offer came through for a lakefront property, so I immediately summarized the terms and presented it to my sellers. Meanwhile, another agent reached out needing fast access for a showing. Even with zero advance notice on a Sunday afternoon, I got them into the property smoothly and kept the process moving forward seamlessly 🔑.

Buying or selling property in the Kawarthas and Highlands comes with real complexities. Whether it's navigating complex offers, coordinating unexpected showing requests, or dealing with rural property details like septic systems, wells, and dock access, one wrong step can cost you thousands of dollars, endless stress, or even a failed transaction.

You deserve a seamless experience and total peace of mind when making major real estate decisions. My plan is simple: I leverage over two decades of local boots-on-the-ground knowledge to guide you through every hurdle, protect your investment, and ensure your real estate transaction is smooth and successful.

When you have an experienced local professional in your corner, you avoid costly surprises, missteps on contracts, and unnecessary delays. Instead, you get to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked hard for—relaxing at the lake, making memories with your family, and knowing your property goals are completely taken care of 🌄🏡.

Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey?

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!