Peterborough County Invests in Future Talent! 🌟

As the summer season wraps up, Peterborough County is celebrating the incredible contributions of its 2026 summer students! 📚💼 The County’s student employment program is all about building the workforce of tomorrow through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience.

Where Did the Students Work? 🗺️ This summer, students rolled up their sleeves across multiple departments, including:

• Operations, Engineering & Construction 🚧

• Communications and Tourism 🗺️

• Economic Development 📈

• Environmental Sustainability & Waste Management ♻️

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum 🏛️

Making a Real Impact in Our Community 🤝 Students weren’t just sitting at desks—they jumped right into high-impact local initiatives:

• Mobile Visitor Services: Connecting directly with visitors exploring The Kawarthas. 🚐

• Business Count Program: Gathering key insights to support local economic growth and business retention. 📊

• Garbage to Garden: Helping residents bring backyard sustainability to life with composters and hands-on education. 🌱

• Lang Pioneer Village: Sharing our rich agricultural and cultural history with thousands of guests. 🌾

What Leaders and Students Are Saying 💬 "Municipal government offers rewarding careers that allow people to make a meaningful difference in their communities," shares Warden Bonnie Clark. "By providing students with opportunities to contribute to real projects, work alongside experienced professionals, and explore diverse career paths, we are helping build a strong foundation for future success."

The students themselves felt the positive impact of their work:

• Jordan (Economic Development): "The trust Peterborough County had in me to be a part of such meaningful projects has instilled confidence in me to continue being ambitious in the goals I set for myself."

• Kylie (Tourism & Communications): "Through hands-on experience in marketing, content creation, website management, social media, and public speaking, I built confidence and developed valuable skills."

• Meghan (Lang Pioneer Village): "Looking back at the friends, memories and experiences, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work for the County."

• Emma (Waste Management): "I was able to make a tangible difference in the community while learning from a team whose members all started in the same position I am in today."

A massive thank you to all the mentors, managers, and the People Services team for guiding this next generation of talent! 🙌✨

👇 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.

🗳️ Important Voter Update: 2026 Minden Hills Municipal & School Board Election

Attention Minden Hills residents and property owners! 🏡 Voting season is right around the corner, and important details have just been released regarding your Voter Information Letters for the 2026 Municipal & School Board Election.

Here is everything you need to know to make sure your vote counts! 👇

📬 Look for Your Voter Information Letter Soon!

• Mailing Date: Letters will be sent out starting September 18, 2026.

• Why it matters: This letter contains your unique voting PIN and specific instructions required to cast your ballot. 🔑

• Keep it safe: Once it arrives in your mailbox, hang onto it until voting opens!

🗳️ How & When to Vote

In Minden Hills, you have convenient choices on how to cast your ballot.

Voting Period: October 10 – October 26, 2026

• 💻 Online & 📞 Telephone Voting: Available throughout the entire voting window (October 10 to October 26).

• 📄 Paper Ballot Voting: Available ONLY on two specific days:

  • Advance Poll: Saturday, October 10, 2026 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

  • Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)

📍 Paper Ballot Location: S.G. Nesbitt Community Centre (Upper Level – 55 Parkside St., Minden)

❓ Didn't Receive Your Letter?

If your letter doesn't arrive or goes missing, don't worry! You can get a replacement reissued.

You will need to:

1. Provide valid ID 🆔

2. Show proof of residency (including seasonal properties—like a tax bill) 📄

3. Complete an oath in person ✍️

You can do this at the Township Administration Office (7 Milne St., Minden) during regular hours, at the Advance Poll, or on Election Day.

🏢 Voter Information Centre Details

• Location: Administration Office (7 Milne St., Minden)

• Regular Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Extended hours on Tuesdays until 6:00 PM)

• Phone: 705-286-1260 ext. 585

• Email: elections@mindenhills.ca

• Official Website: mindenhills.ca/election

👇 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.

Hastings Highlands Road Closure Notice: South Road Culvert Replacement (Sept 15–18)

Heads up to local residents and families travelling through the area! South Road is undergoing an essential culvert replacement this week, resulting in temporary traffic adjustments. 🚧🚗

Closure Details 📅

• Dates: September 15th – September 18th, 2026

• Vehicular Traffic: No vehicles will be permitted through the designated closure area.

• Pedestrian Access: South Road will be intermittently restricted to a single lane to safely allow pedestrian foot traffic through the construction zone.

• School Transportation: Families with school-aged children will need to plan alternative routes or drop-off arrangements during this window to keep school travel running smoothly. 🏫🚌

• Safety: Please follow all posted detour signs and on-site traffic directions.

Emergency Access & Safety Plan 🚒

• Emergency services have been fully coordinated to ensure no interruption in service.

• Fire trucks are staged on the far side of the closure as a precautionary measure for rapid response times.

Updates & Contacts 📞

• Map & Information: Visit Hastings Highlands Municipal 511 (www.hastingshighlands.ca ➡️ Municipal Services ➡️ Roads ➡️ Municipal 511).

• Direct Notifications: Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, emergency providers, and local media (97.7 The Moose FM, My Bancroft Now) have been notified.

• Questions: Contact the Coordinator of Administrative Services for Operations at 613-338-2811 x202.

👇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.

🌲 Haliburton County Council Deep-Dive: Big Moves on Infrastructure, Taxes & Community Growth! 🌲

Welcome back to another comprehensive municipal update! As a local real estate representative with RE/MAX Professionals North, I make it my personal business to stay on top of local government decisions so you know exactly how local policies affect your home, your taxes, and your everyday lifestyle in the Kawarthas and Haliburton Highlands.

Let's dive right into the key decisions and future plans from the recent Haliburton County Council proceedings! 💡

💵 Q2 Financial Review: Surplus News & Infrastructure Pressures

The Impactful Decisions: Council officially received and approved the Q2 Financial Report (Report COR-13-2026), outlining where municipal taxpayer dollars are going halfway through 2026. Overall operating expenses are tracking right around expected levels at 49.13%.

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

• Investment Revenue Boost: Conservative financial planning paid off! Investment returns beat projections by nearly $18,000 in Q2, with staff forecasting an additional $200,000 earned by year-end due to stabilized interest rates.

• Public Works Cost Pressures: Rising fuel, oil, and parts prices (compounded by winter weather and required work outsourcing) have pushed fleet and yard maintenance budgets above mid-year expectations.

• Emergency Road Work: Extreme spring weather caused a major culvert washout on County Road 6. The complex $180,000 emergency repair exceeded the annual $100,000 emergency culvert budget.

• Unbudgeted Windfall: Haliburton County received an unexpected $238,308 surplus refund from the City of Kawartha Lakes regarding shared housing services, providing a welcome financial cushion.

🔥 The Big News / Controversy: Where is the money going? The biggest financial conversation surrounds the $15.5 Million Infrastructure Ontario Loan secured for the local Habitat for Humanity Project. While it represents a huge win for local housing affordability, managing multi-million-dollar debentures and municipal debt repayment timelines always sparks debate over long-term taxpayer liabilities.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact: Stable county finances paired with proactive road repairs keep property values strong. When local government maintains infrastructure despite severe weather events, it directly preserves access to rural and waterfront properties—a key selling point for Buyers looking for reliable access year-round.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Safe roads like County Road 6 are the lifelines of our rural lifestyle. Quick turnaround on washouts protects everyday commutes and seasonal cottage travel alike.

📌 Property Impact: Strong municipal reserve management and proactive infrastructure maintenance support long-term property value retention across Haliburton County.

🌧️ The Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) Funding Appeal

The Impactful Decisions: Council directed staff to formally appeal a provincial funding decision regarding the 2025 Ice Storm aftermath (Report COR-14-2026).

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

• Following the severe ice storm, the County incurred $337,726 in response and cleanup costs.

• Staff submitted $245,049 in eligible claims under Ontario's Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program.

• The Province ultimately closed the claim after paying out only $110,524, leaving $73,263 unfunded.

• The Sticking Point: The Province rejected a $100,000 claim for the Deep Bay Road culvert washout, arguing it was caused by "heavy rainfall" rather than the storm itself. Staff strongly disagree, pointing out the rain occurred during the exact same weather event.

🔥 The Big News / Controversy: This isn't just a dispute between bureaucrats—it's a potential hit to the local budget! If the appeal fails, the $73,263 shortfall will have to be written off as an expense in the current budget year, potentially shifting financial pressure onto local taxpayers.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact: Deep Bay Road is a vital arterial route servicing high-value waterfront properties. Proactive repair of critical culverts avoids catastrophic road failures, ensuring waterfront estate owners maintain seamless emergency access and property accessibility.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Severe weather events are becoming more frequent. Locals rely on the municipality to fight for every provincial dollar available so that local rate-payers aren't left holding the bill for natural disasters.

📌 Property Impact: Advocating for provincial storm relief protects local municipal reserves, helping prevent unexpected municipal tax hikes that affect property ownership costs.

🎨 Culture, Tourism & Business Development Support

The Impactful Decisions: Council officially proclaimed September 18 to October 4, 2026, as Culture Days and received the 3rd Quarter Tourism Activity Report (Report EDT-08-2026).

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

• Provincial Recognition: Haliburton County was selected as an official Ontario Culture Days Provincial Hub for 2026.

• Promotional Success: Over 30,000 My Haliburton Highlands Explore Maps were distributed across Ontario, alongside 1,000+ Heritage Passports encouraging visits to local museums.

• Major Events: The upcoming Hike Haliburton Fall Festival features 40+ guided hikes.

• Economic Boosts: A major television production crew recently filmed at the Minden Whitewater Preserve, highlighting local scenery and injecting film tourism dollars into the local economy.

• Business Opportunity: A Funders Forum is set for November 5, 2026, bringing provincial ministries and funding partners together to help local businesses and non-profits access grants and capital.

🔥 The Big News / Controversy: Transitioning from a seasonal "summer cottage" economy to a year-round cultural hub is a major focus. Diversifying tourism through eco-tours, culture, and film production brings steady revenue to small businesses during off-peak shoulder seasons.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact: Vibrant cultural scenes and active tourism branding put Haliburton County on the map for urban buyers looking for relocation, recreational homes, or retirement properties. Strong community branding directly boosts demand for both residential homes and commercial properties.

🍃 The Local Perspective: Events like Hike Haliburton celebrate our stunning natural environment and clean lakes while driving foot traffic to downtown shops, cafes, and local services.

📌 Property Impact: High community visibility and strong eco-tourism elevate area desirability, driving long-term buyer demand for rural homes and waterfront cottages.

💻 Modernizing IT, Cybersecurity & AI Governance

The Impactful Decisions: Council received an extensive update on the 2026 IT Workplan (Report ITS-08-2026), detailing massive technological updates across county operations and partner municipalities.

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

• Artificial Intelligence Framework: Haliburton completed an AI Governance and Policy Framework to manage internal AI adoption safely, conducting security audits for tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.

• Geospatial & Emergency Systems: Ongoing GIS updates to support Next-Generation 911 (NG911) emergency dispatch accuracy and public WebGIS tools.

• Upgraded Infrastructure: Completed new audiovisual and network technology rollouts at 11 and 12 Newcastle Street, upgraded internet at 10-15 municipal sites, and resolved over 2,200 support tickets.

• Joint Software Upgrades: Implementation of a new shared Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system across local municipalities.

🔥 The Big News / Controversy: Cybersecurity and AI governance are critical municipal challenges. Ensuring public data is protected while implementing modern technology requires careful oversight to prevent costly cyber disruptions.

🏡 The Real Estate Impact: Upgraded GIS mapping software directly benefits buyers, sellers, and agents! Precise spatial data, parcel boundaries, and updated GIS mapping mean smoother due diligence during property transactions.

🍃 The Local Perspective: NG911 GIS readiness means faster, more precise emergency response times for remote, rural, and waterfront properties when every second counts.

📌 Property Impact: Enhanced municipal GIS and emergency mapping technology streamline property verification processes and improve emergency service coverage for rural properties.

👇 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 News for Lakefield: $7.9M Water Upgrade Secured! 💧 infrastructure development in Selwyn Township.

The federal government has officially committed $3.9 million toward a $7.9 million water and wastewater infrastructure upgrade in Lakefield!

This isn't just about pipes in the ground—it’s a massive step forward for smart growth, housing availability, and community safety across the region. Here is what this major win means for our local community:

• Expanding Housing Capacity: 🏡 The upgrade unlocks critical water capacity required for 1,200 planned new homes in Lakefield South, creating essential housing opportunities for growing families.

• Boosting Fire Protection: 👨‍🚒 Additional water volume and improved system pressure significantly enhance local firefighting infrastructure, giving emergency responders better tools to protect homes and businesses.

• Strengthening Infrastructure: 🛠️ Investing in modern utility services ensures our local environment and water systems remain sustainable for decades to come.

As our region continues to grow, strong infrastructure ensures our towns remain vibrant, safe, and welcoming places to call home.

👇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.

📰 LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP: What’s Happening Across the Kawarthas & Highlands! 📰

💧 Big Infrastructure Win for Lakefield: Selwyn Township secured $3.9M in federal funding for a $7.9M water and wastewater upgrade! This project adds critical water capacity for 1,200 planned new homes in Lakefield South and boosts local firefighting infrastructure.

🎭 Remembering a Local Cultural Legend: The community is mourning the loss of 4th Line Theatre co-founder Robert Winslow, who passed away at 73. His legendary outdoor plays brought the history of Millbrook and Cavan Monaghan to life for decades.

🐾 Fall Rabies Clinics Announced: Lakelands Public Health is hosting reduced-cost rabies clinics ($40/pet) through September and October across local communities, including Lakefield, Omemee, and Fenelon Falls.

👕 Local Entrepreneurs Launching Big: Lakefield sisters Allison and Sabrina Adam launched their new customizable clothing brand "ColourMe," with $1 from every order going to support SickKids!

🏒 Petes Celebrate 70 Years: The Peterborough Petes drop the puck on their 70th season this Thursday, with a massive alumni reunion and Hall of Fame announcement set for November!

Staying informed on our local municipalities, growth, and community updates keeps our towns strong! 🏡✨

#KawarthaRealEstate #HighlandsRealEstate #LakefieldON #Peterborough #SelwynTownship #LocalNews #PeterboroughPetes #CommunityFirst #KawarthaLakes #Bancroft

Contact info: 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.

Peterborough City Council Deep Dive: Key Decisions & Local Property Impacts!

As your local real estate expert, I’m keeping a close watch on City Hall so you don't have to! Council convened at Council Chambers (500 George Street North) on September 14, 2026, tackling major municipal reports, heritage designations, land deals, and critical infrastructure updates that directly shape the Kawarthas lifestyle and property market. 🌲✨

Here is an extensive, topic-by-topic breakdown of everything on the agenda, staff reports, and past approved minutes—and what it all means for your home, investment, and daily living! 👇

🚨 The Big News & Debate: $27.8M Ashburnham Drive Realignment & McFarlane Street Bridge Replacement 🌉

What’s Happening: Following past deferrals, staff brought back Report IPGACP26-028 detailing extensive public consultations regarding the Ashburnham Drive Realignment and McFarlane Street Bridge Replacement Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA). After meeting with affected homeowners at 2560 Trent View Road, staff re-evaluated "Alternative D" versus the "Preferred Design". Staff reaffirmed the Preferred Design—realigning Ashburnham Drive away from the canal berm, building a new McFarlane Street Bridge immediately north of the existing one, and creating cul-de-sacs at Trent View Road and Watts Avenue.

Why It Matters to Locals: Replacing aging infrastructure and adding multi-use paths improves safety, but it comes with neighborhood trade-offs. The project requires acquiring three private properties (one residential, two vacant parcels) and causes grading, sightline, and driveway adjustments for homes on Trent View Road, Old Norwood Road, and Watts Avenue. To address resident feedback, staff modified the proposed Trent View Road cul-de-sac radius from 15m to 8.75m so it remains within the City right-of-way, avoiding private land acquisition and protecting existing septic systems!

The Kawartha Lifestyle Perspective: 🚴‍♀️ Connecting active transportation networks along the Trent-Severn Waterway corridor supports our active outdoor lifestyle. Dedicated cycling and walking paths give families safer access to local green spaces while preserving Ashburnham Memorial Park.

• Property Impact: Properties adjacent to the construction zone face short-term grading work and visual changes. However, long-term infrastructure overhauls, improved traffic flow, and modern trail connections enhance long-term property values across East City!

🏛️ Heritage Designations: Protecting Local Architectural History

What’s Happening: Council reviewed recommendations from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) to designate two local properties under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act:

• 99 Roper Drive (Report IPGPL26-050)

• 483 Park Street North (Report IPGPL26-051)

Why It Matters to Locals: Preserving historical architecture ensures Peterborough retains its unique character while accommodating new growth.

• Property Impact: Heritage designations safeguard historical value and community character, though owners must follow specific preservation guidelines for structural changes. Surrounding neighborhoods benefit from strong, character-driven market appeal!

🏗️ Housing & Development Approvals

What’s Happening:

• Subdivision Approval Amendment (Report IPGPL26-047): Council considered replacing Condition 17 for Draft Plan of Subdivision 15T-25501 (dated December 8, 2025) to align with updated design standards.

• 700 Parkhill Condo Conversion OLT (Report LSOCS26-022): Staff provided an information report on Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings concerning the property at 700 Parkhill.

Why It Matters to Locals: Updating subdivision conditions removes development delays and keeps new residential projects moving through the planning pipeline efficiently.

• Property Impact: Streamlined subdivision approvals expand housing choices in the region, helping balance supply while maintaining structured neighborhood planning.

💼 Municipal Governance, Leases & Conservation Updates

• Proposed Land Acquisition (Report LSRS26-019): Council directed staff on a confidential municipal land acquisition.

• City Lease Agreement (Report MOAIR26-010): Directed staff regarding municipal operational lease directions.

• ORCA Presentation (Report LSCLK26-019): Received an update from the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority regarding environmental management and watershed protection.

• 2027 Meeting Schedule (Report LSCLK26-020): Approved an amended recommendation to defer the 2027 Council meeting schedule to the incoming Council.

• Tax Collector Appointment (By-law 26-105): Formally appointed a municipal Tax Collector, repealing By-law 23-080.

• Property Impact: Sound municipal governance, active conservation oversight, and clear administrative tax policies ensure dependable city services and protect local watersheds.

🔄 Recap of Passed Decisions (Approved Minutes from August 2026)

Council formally approved the official minutes from the August 4, 2026 and August 10, 2026 meetings:

• Prudent Investor Standard (Report FCSFS26-008 & By-law 26-093): Authorized joining the ONE Joint Investment Board to manage municipal investment funds under the Prudent Investor Standard.

• Industrial Zoning Amendment (By-law 26-097): Removed the 'H' Holding Symbol for properties at 1791 and 1801 Fisher Drive, opening the area for active commercial development.

• Statutory Holiday Shopping Study: Directed staff to prepare a report for Q1 2027 examining options to permit retail businesses to open on statutory holidays to support local commerce.

• Social Services Subsidy Safeguards (S01-FS-0268): Directed staff to update operational policies ensuring child care subsidies are not lost during lawful labor disruptions.

• Police Contract Extension (Report FCSFS26-011): Authorized a one-year extension of the Contract Police Services Agreement with Cavan Monaghan Township through December 31, 2027.

• Compliance Audit Committee (Report LSCLK26-016): Appointed Cristine De Clercy, David Nusko, Leonard Lifchus, and Zac Rogers to the committee for the 2026–2030 term.

👇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.