🌲 Limerick Township Council Insider: Big Decisions, Local Impact & What’s Next for Our Community! 🗳️✨

Welcome to your essential municipal breakdown! As a local ratepayer, staying in the loop on local governance shouldn't mean sifting through hundreds of pages of agendas. I’m here to bring you just the facts, direct from the Township of Limerick Council September 21, 2026 meeting agenda and August 17, 2026 minutes.

📋 Executive Summary of Impactful Decisions & Agenda Items

Here is an extensive deep-dive into what was presented, reported, and scheduled for decision:

• 💵 2025 Financial Audit Presentation: Independent auditor Baker Tilly KDN LLP presented the 2025 Financial Audit, giving Limerick a clean opinion. Financial highlights show cash assets of $2.45M, net financial assets of $1.73M, and a total accumulated surplus of $6.04M.

• 🗳️ Final Council Meeting of the Term: Administration confirmed the September 21 meeting is the final regular meeting of the 2022–2026 Council term, as the October meeting was cancelled due to voting period requirements.

• 🧱 Building Department Year-to-Date: CBO Frank Mills reported 41 permits being processed year-to-date with $13,600 in fees and $903,920 in future property assessments.

• 🚜 Roads & Infrastructure Progress: Public Works completed widening, ditching, and corner-straightening work on Limerick Lake Road, installed a new culvert on Tripp’s Road, and secured between 3,000–3,500 tonnes of winter sand.

• 🚒 Comprehensive Community Risk Assessment (CRA): Fire Chief Greg Maxwell and FPO Cindy Fuerth delivered a 57-page report evaluating risks across the township's 562 occupancies.

• 🚤 Shoreline Road Allowance Purchase (Doyle): Preliminary approval was requested to purchase shoreline road allowance on Limerick Lake North Shore to resolve a bunkie setback error.

• 🏎️ Tall Pines Rally By-Law (2026-20): Agreement authorizing the Maple Leaf Rally Club to use Old Hastings Road and Highway 620 on November 20–21, 2026, with a $5M liability insurance policy and mandatory road repair terms.

• 🚒 Tudor and Cashel Fire Apparatus Agreement (By-Law 2026-21): Formalizing inter-municipal ownership and operation of a fire truck stationed in Millbridge.

🔥 The Big News & Local Debates

1. Water-Access Fire Response & The 2026 Community Risk Assessment 🚤🌊

Council moved into a Closed Session under solicitor-client privilege to discuss Fire Service on Water Access Properties. This follows direction from the August minutes to examine legal, insurance, training, and costing implications. Maps provided in the agenda highlight that 50% to 70% of properties on Sweets Lake, St. Ola Lake, and Limerick Lake (North End) are water-access or limited service.

Why it matters to local residents: Response times to islands and water-access cottages are inherently longer. The CRA notes that residential structure fires make up 20.69% of fire department calls, while wildland-urban interface (WUI) risks remain high. Defining clear fire protection service levels for island and shoreline properties directly impacts emergency readiness, cottage safety, and municipal liability.

2. Bunkie Encroachments & Shoreline Clearances 🏡📐

A notable CBO staff report detailed an ongoing issue on Limerick Lake North Shore, where a bunkie, woodshed, and septic were built encroaching toward a property line after builders relied on the wrong survey stake. The owner applied to purchase the Shoreline Road Allowance and will seek a minor variance to avoid cutting down mature trees. Furthermore, the CBO highlighted that Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) supersedes municipal zoning bylaws regarding septic clearances.

Why it matters to local residents: Property boundaries on rural and waterfront lots can be deceptive. Understanding building code rules and obtaining proper surveys before building prevents costly relocation efforts and legal delays.

3. The 2026 Municipal Election & In-Person Help Centre 🗳️📱

With Council entering a "lame duck" period, municipal staff are transitioning to full election operations. Voting will take place via Internet and Telephone.

Voter Help Centre Hours (89 Limerick Lake Rd.):

• 🗓️ Monday, Oct 19 – Thursday, Oct 22: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

• 🗓️ ELECTION DAY – Monday, Oct 26: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

🏞️ The Local Perspective: Preserving the Kawarthas & Highlands Lifestyle

Life in Limerick Township centers around pristine lakes, rugged trails, and close-knit community spirit.

• 🍂 ATV Trail Support: Public Works met with the Coe Hill ATV Club to assist with trail improvements between Ormsby and Highway 62.

• ♻️ Waste Management & Environmental Oversight: Ministry of the Environment (MOE) officials inspected the Limerick Landfill on Sept 3, praising new slope levels set up by Cambium. Wollaston Township has formally requested that Limerick accept construction waste for grinding at the landfill.

• 🌐 Broadband Expansion: Cyient Canada (on behalf of Bell Canada) is actively conducting field surveys and door-knocking across rural corridors to design new fiber-optic high-speed internet infrastructure.

🏡 Real Estate Integration & Property Impacts

Every municipal policy move impacts real estate value, marketability, and enjoyment:

• 📈 Assessment Value Growth: With 41 new building permits generating $903,920 in future property assessments, home additions and improvements are continuing to drive local real estate equity upward.

• 🛶 Water-Access Property Values: The ongoing municipal review of fire services to water-access properties is crucial. Clear municipal policies and fire protection agreements preserve property insurability and buyers' peace of mind.

• 🛣️ Road Upgrades Elevate Equity: Municipal widening, ditching, and brushing along Limerick Lake Road and Old Hastings Road improve year-round access—a top priority for buyers looking for rural acreage or waterfront cottages.

Property Impact: Before buying or selling rural or water-access properties in Limerick Township, verify shoreline road allowances, survey markers, and access classifications. Proactive planning protects your property's resale value and ensures smooth transactions.

📜 Summary of Last Meeting Minutes (August 17, 2026)

Here is what Council officially passed and decided in their previous meeting:

• O'Hara Rezoning (By-Law 2026-18): Approved zoning amendment for 2435 and 2445 Old Hastings Road following a presentation by Hastings County.

• Severance Lot Adjustment: Agreed to sell a small end portion of road allowance to Griff and Christina Lloyd to permit lot line adjustments.

• Shoreline Road Allowance: Approved the Shoreline Road Allowance purchase application for Hetherington and sent it to the Township Solicitor.

• Advocacy Resolutions: Supported provincial letters calling for permanently doubling OCIF funding and securing sustainable fire service funding.

• Water Access Fire Response: Directed staff to keep water and island fire response on the agenda pending legal, insurance, and costing reviews.

👇 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 30, 2026

Whether you’re planning to buy your dream home in Peterborough, looking at a cottage in the Kawarthas, or simply checking on your upcoming mortgage renewal, keeping an eye on interest rates and local market dynamics is essential! 📊✨

Here is a simple, straightforward breakdown of where mortgage rates stand today and what is currently happening on the ground in our local real estate market.

🏛️ 1. The Big Picture: Central Bank & Key Benchmark Rates

Mortgage pricing directly traces what is happening with government bond yields and central bank announcements:

• 📈 5-Year Government of Canada Bond Yields: Bond yields have been trading in the 3.65% – 3.70% range. Because fixed mortgage rates follow bond yields, stickier core inflation and broader economic caution have kept slight upward pressure on discounted fixed rates.

• 🇨🇦 Bank of Canada Target Rate: The policy rate sits steadily at 2.25% following the Bank of Canada's decision to hold rates firm. The next official central bank update is coming up on October 28, 2026.

• 💳 Prime Rate: Major Canadian charter banks hold their prime rates at 4.45%. This is the key benchmark determining variable-rate mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs).

📋 2. Mortgage Rate Sheet Breakdown

Today's mortgage rates highlight a clear gap between insured/insurable mortgages (down payments under 20%) and conventional/refinance options (down payments of 20% or more):

Product Structure	Insured / High-Ratio (< 20% Down)	Conventional / Refinance (≥ 20% Down)
5-Year Fixed	4.09% – 4.29%	4.39% – 4.69%
3-Year Fixed	4.24% – 4.44%	4.54% – 4.84%
5-Year Variable	Prime - 0.75% to - 0.90% (~3.55%–3.70%)	Prime - 0.40% to - 0.60% (~3.85%–4.05%)

💡 Term Strategy: While fixed rates offer peace of mind, 3-year fixed terms continue to be the top choice for many buyers over 5-year options. This gives homeowners flexibility to reassess their mortgage strategy sooner.

⚠️ The Stress Test: Don't forget that pre-approvals are still calculated using the mortgage stress test (the higher of 5.25% or your contract rate + 2.00%). For conventional fixed products qualifying around 4.59%, you will be evaluated at roughly 6.59%.

🌲 3. What’s Happening Locally in Peterborough & The Kawarthas?

If you are active in our local housing market, current conditions offer a great landscape for strategic decision-making:

• ⚖️ Market Balance: Peterborough and the surrounding regional markets are navigating balanced-to-buyer-favourable conditions, with inventory holding around 5 to 6 months of inventory (MOI).

• ⌛ More Time to Decide: Properties are averaging 30 to 35 days on market, giving buyers the breathing room to view homes without feeling rushed.

• 🤝 Successful Negotiations: Buyers are regularly negotiating standard protection clauses (financing and home inspections) and securing sale prices averaging $15,000 to $30,000 below asking on detached single-family homes.

• ✍️ Smart Buyer Moves: Stable prime rates and extended timelines allow buyers to comfortably submit conditional offers with standard 5-to-10 business day financing periods, ensuring lenders have adequate time to complete home appraisal approvals.

👇 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 & Regional Update: What’s Happening Across Peterborough & The Kawarthas 🌳🏆

Happy to share your latest roundup of local developments, municipal decisions, community events, and sports updates from across Peterborough, Lakefield, Norwood, and surrounding areas. Stay informed about what’s moving our region forward!

🏛️ Local & Regional Headlines

• 🚲 $3.91M Secured for Little Lake Loop Trail Peterborough MP Emma Harrison announced $3.91M in federal Active Transportation funding for the $7.5M, 4.46 km Little Lake Loop multi-use trail. The City will cover the remaining $2.5M, with construction starting in 2027 to link active transit routes to the future downtown events centre.

• ⚖️ Sentence Handed Down in 2024 Bonaccord Street Homicide Ben Turner, 40, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of neighbour Gregory Carey, 62. Turner will serve roughly 3.5 years after receiving 1,023 days of pre-sentence custody credit.

• 👏 City Council Honours Dr. Keith Knott & Municipal Staff Peterborough City Council formally recognized former Curve Lake First Nation Chief Dr. Keith Knott for decades of dedicated public service. Council also presented the 2026 Corporate Awards for Excellence to outstanding municipal staff across five categories.

• 🤖 Council Rejects AI Data Centre Moratorium In a 4–7 vote, Peterborough City Council rejected a proposed one-year moratorium on AI data centre developments. Instead, council unanimously voted to have staff study the overall impacts and alert council immediately if an application is submitted.

• 🏛️ Historic Landmarks & Prince of Wales School Designated The 1921 Beaux-Arts style Prince of Wales Public School on Monaghan Road has officially received heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Heritage designations were also finalized for the London Street Generating Station, Sherbrooke Street Substation, and the Peterborough Rugby Club.

• 🗳️ Electionfest Returning to Healthy Planet Arena The Peterborough Examiner and Peterborough Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce are hosting Electionfest at Healthy Planet Arena—a trade-show style opportunity for voters to connect face-to-face with local candidates for mayor, councillor, and school board trustee.

• ⛺ Overnight Shelter Moving Temporarily to Naval Memorial Park From October 1 to October 19, Peterborough's overnight shelter is temporarily relocating from Trinity Community Hub to Admiralty Hall at Naval Memorial Park while floors are replaced. Daytime drop-in programs at Trinity are suspended during this window, and overnight parking at the park is prohibited.

• 📜 History Talk in Norwood & Fair Merch Launch The Asphodel-Norwood Cultural and Heritage Committee hosted a historical presentation featuring portrayals of pioneer authors Catherine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie. Plus, the Norwood Fair has soft-launched official merchandise including custom crewnecks and ball caps.

• 🧠 Lakefield College School Hosts Inaugural AI Summit Over 600 students, parents, and community members gathered for "Grove Agora: Human and Artificial Intelligence" at Lakefield College School. Keynote speaker Jared Cooney Horvath shared insight on how schools can leverage AI tools while protecting critical thinking and human creativity.

• 🌱 Business Community Connects Sustainability to Growth GreenUP and the Peterborough Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce spotlighted local corporate sustainability initiatives, including tree planting by Charlotte Products and Cabinetree, proving that a healthy environment drives long-term economic resilience.

🏒 Regional Sports Corner

• 🥅 Petes Goalie Owen Nelson Departs for NCAA Petes goalie Owen Nelson has left the OHL team after accepting a Division 1 NCAA scholarship with Augustana University following an injury on their roster. The sudden departure leaves the Petes looking for netminding depth following a 1–4 start.

• 🏆 Jake Withers Named Lakers MVP for Second Straight Year Defender and faceoff specialist Jake Withers earned Team MVP honors at the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers annual awards banquet. Dustyn Birkhof picked up Fan Favourite, while Rob Hellyer (Top Scorer) and Robert Hope (Top Defenceman) were also celebrated.

  
  
  

  
  

• 🏒 Petes Acquire Defenceman Camron Hankai The Peterborough Petes acquired 2007-born physical defenceman Camron Hankai from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for two draft picks. Hankai previously posted 51 points in 55 games with the OJHL's Haliburton County Huskies.

• ⭐ Adam Novotny Named OHL Player of the Week Vancouver Canucks prospect Adam Novotny captured Cogeco OHL Player of the Week honors after putting up 6 points (3G, 3A) and 18 shots across three games after returning from NHL training camp.

ℹ️ Notices & Community Information

• 📍 Local Food Programs & Public Amenities Community meal programs remain active at Salvation Army, All Saints Church, St. Luke's Church, and Murray Street Baptist Church. Public washrooms and water refill stations are open at Del Crary Park, Millennium Park, Quaker Foods City Square, Beavermead Park, Rogers Cove, and Bonnerworth Park.

• 🥧 St. George’s Rummage Sale & Thanksgiving Tart Fundraiser St. George’s Anglican Church in Hastings is holding a fall rummage and book sale. They are also taking pre-orders for their Kawartha Butter Tart Factory Thanksgiving fundraiser, featuring drive-thru pickup on October 9.

• 🕊️ Community Obituary — Ivan Bateman Longtime municipal solid waste coordinator Ivan Bateman passed away in his 97th year. Bateman was key in launching Peterborough's curbside recycling and hazardous waste programs, and served on boards for GreenUP, PACAC, and Trent Valley Archives.

👇 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.

Beyond the Headlines: How a Day of Quiet Action Keeps Life Moving Forward 🌲🚗✨

Ever feel like the world is constantly throwing big challenges at you, leaving you wondering how to navigate through the noise to protect what matters most? 🌀 You want clarity, stability, and peace of mind for your family—whether that’s making a major move, navigating local changes, or simply keeping your day-to-day life running smoothly. But when life gets busy and complex decisions pile up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the moving parts. 🤯

I get it. Life doesn’t slow down, and making the right choices for your home and family takes real focus, clear organization, and a solid plan. 💡

Yesterday was a testament to how taking structured, deliberate action turns potential chaos into total control. 📋 The morning started with a clean workspace, reviewing strategic plans, and reflecting on how to best serve our community. ☕ Unwinding from a major community event, I knew the best way to tackle a big week was to get organized behind the scenes. 🧼📁

From there, it was all about helping people solve real problems! 🤝

• Providing Strategic Guidance: I worked through detailed property evaluations and comparative market analyses to give homeowners total clarity on their property’s true potential—taking the guesswork out of their financial future. 📊🏡

• Community & Service: Spent time refining local action plans to ensure transparent, accountable, and respectful representation for our region. 🏛️

• Life Balance: Took time for a long morning walk in the fresh air with my wife and our dog Jax 🐶🍂, cleared my head, worked around the house 🛠️, and even squeezed in some research on new passion projects before catching the hockey game! 🏒📺

When you have a proven system and deep local knowledge in your corner, the stress melts away, and you can focus on enjoying the lifestyle our beautiful region offers. 🏞️☀️

Ready to Navigate Your Next Real Estate Move with Total Confidence? 🔑

Navigating the real estate market without an experienced local guide can lead to costly mistakes, hidden property issues, or missed opportunities. You don’t have to figure it out alone! 🚫❌

When you work with me, you get over 20 years of local hands-on experience, deep community roots, and a battle-tested strategy designed to guide you safely through every step of buying or selling. Imagine stepping into your dream cottage or family home, knowing every detail was handled seamlessly! 🎯🏡

Take action today so you can protect your investment and win in this market!

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! 🌲✨

🏡 Faraday Township Council Breakdown: Multi-Unit Zoning, Rising OPP Costs & Key Local Updates! 🌲

Keeping our community informed is essential to protect property values, understand municipal tax impacts, and stay ahead of local growth! 📜✨ Below is a deep dive into the decisions, debates, and staff reports from the Faraday Township Council Meeting on September 2, 2026.

🏛️ Summary of Impactful Decisions for Residents

• Multi-Unit Rezoning Approved: Council passed By-law 51-2026, approving a rezoning application for 27466 Highway 28 (Part Lot 32, Concession 8) from Rural (RU) to Rural Exception No. 15 (RU-15). This allows a principal dwelling plus two additional residential units (ARUs) in standalone accessory structures.

• Delegation of Sickness/Poverty Tax Appeals: Council voted to delegate tax reduction/cancellation applications under Section 357(1)(d.1) of the Municipal Act (based on sickness or extreme poverty) directly to the Assessment Review Board (ARB).

• New Bottle & Can Recycling Schedule: Following the Municipal Dog Pound Board's exit from collecting empty alcohol containers at the landfill and community centre, Council voted to set up a rotating schedule for local non-profit groups to collect empties and retain the fundraising proceeds.

• November Council Meeting Cancelled: Due to the upcoming municipal election on October 26, 2026, and the new Council term taking effect on November 15, Council officially cancelled the November 4, 2026 meeting.

• CBO & Joint Enforcement Shared Agreement: Council passed By-law 52-2026, executing a shared Chief Building Official (CBO) and By-law Enforcement agreement with the Townships of Tudor & Cashel and Wollaston.

• Operations Leadership Appointment: Following closed session discussions, Council appointed Bill Mackey on a full-time, permanent basis as working Roads Superintendent.

🔥 The Big News & Controversy: 3 Dwellings on One Rural Parcel!

💥 What Was Debated?

The public meeting featured a detailed review of the rezoning application at 27466 Highway 28. The applicant requested permission to establish three separate residential buildings on an 89.1-acre (36.1-hectare) parcel located near Paudash Lake.

While County Planning, the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) had no objections, neighbour feedback raised eyebrows regarding early construction activities and proximity to neighbouring lot lines. Planning staff clarified that all three dwellings will share a single entrance onto Highway 28, no additional dwelling units can be attached or added to any of the structures, and future severance is prevented due to the single access point.

🤔 Why It Matters to Locals

As housing shortages affect rural areas across Ontario, municipalities are balancing density needs against rural lifestyle and environmental preservation. Allowing up to three independent residential structures on a single rural lot sets a notable local precedent for property use while maintaining strict limits against unbridled severances or multi-driveway expansions onto Highway 28.

📈 The Real Estate Impact

• Unlocking Multi-Generational & Rental Potential: Multi-unit zoning flexibility enhances property utility. Landowners with large acreages can house multi-generational families or create additional long-term rental income without needing to undergo costly severance processes.

• Strict Limits Prevent Over-Development: The specific RU-15 zoning exception explicitly prohibits attaching further secondary suites inside the buildings, preserving local density standards and environmental limits near Paudash Lake and Crowe River tributaries.

• Property Value Protection: Delegating tax appeal reviews to the ARB ensures standardized, expert handling of complex financial hardship claims without burdening municipal property tax resources.

🌲 The Local Perspective: Life in the Kawarthas & Highlands

• Lake & Watershed Health: Crowe Valley Conservation Authority confirmed the new structure falls outside mapped natural hazards and unevaluated wetlands. Planning staff emphasized keeping septic systems positioned as far back from waterfront features as possible to safeguard Paudash Lake water quality.

• Highway 28 Road Safety: Safety along the Highway 28 corridor remains top-of-mind. Faraday Township continues to coordinate with neighbouring municipalities and the MTO regarding traffic flow, turning lanes, and corridor safety improvements.

• Community Recycling Support: Transitioning the landfill bottle return program to local groups—such as Minor Hockey, Community Care, and the WoodShare program—turns waste management into thousands of dollars in direct local fundraising! 🏒🪵

📊 Summary of Staff Reports

• CAO / Clerk-Treasurer Report:

  • OPP Policing Costs: Received notice from the Solicitor General that 2027 OPP municipal policing costs will see an increase capped at 11% over 2026. For Faraday, an 11% increase on 2026's $481,561 cost equals an estimated $52,971.71 increase (~1.77% municipal tax impact).

• Operations Department Report:

  • Roads Work: Monck Road construction (pavement and shouldering) is complete. Cross culverts were installed on Bierworth & Fuller Road.

  • Winter Prep: 2,700 tonnes of winter sand and 74.83 tonnes of salt have been stocked.

• Building & By-law Department Report:

  • Permit Activity: Issued 9 building permits in August (including 2 single-family dwellings and 2 septic systems) with a construction value of $1,150,040.00. Conducted 27 site inspections.

• Fire Department Report:

  • Responded to 2 alarm calls in August. Annual safety checks for equipment are scheduled for November.

🏡 Real Estate Integration & Property Impact

Property Impact Note: Thinking about adding an additional dwelling unit, build-out, or secondary cabin on your rural or waterfront property in Faraday Township? Navigating local zoning exceptions, environmental setbacks, and MTO entrance permits is critical to protecting your land value and sale potential! 🛠️🌲

📞 Call 

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.

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

📰 Kawartha & Highlands Local Roundup: Community, Sports, and Real Estate Updates 🌲✨

🏛️ Peterborough & Local Government Updates

• 🏒 New Arena Debate Divides Mayoral Candidates: Opinions are split on how to fund the proposed $170-million, 5,800-seat sports and entertainment complex planned for Townsend Street. While city council pledged a third of the budget and seeks private, provincial, and federal backing, the Peterborough Petes warn a new arena is crucial for their long-term viability. Candidates Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, and Keith Riel urge caution and alternate options, while Neil Morton, Rebecca Schillemat, and Brian Lumsden see the project as essential for keeping the Petes and revitalizing downtown.

• 🚚 Garbage Piles Up at Parkhill Place Townhouses: Residents at the complex on Parkhill Road West faced severe health risks after private garbage collection stopped, leading to overflowing dumpsters. The owner, Burlington-based Simple Investor Real Estate Group (SIREG), cited liquidity troubles and filed under the Superintendent of Bankruptcy. Earlier this year, City Council blocked SIREG’s plan to convert the 128 rental units into condos, a decision SIREG is appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

• 👩‍💼 Michelle Wilson Appointed CAO of Trent Lakes: The Municipality of Trent Lakes has named Michelle Wilson as its new Chief Administrative Officer, succeeding the retiring Donna Teggart. A Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of public sector leadership, Wilson previously served as CAO for the Township of Brock.

🌈 Community Spirit & Environment

• 🏳️‍🌈 Peterborough Celebrates 24th Annual Pride Parade: The annual Pride Parade marched down George Street from City Hall to Millennium Park, ending a vibrant week under the theme "Woven Together." Mayor Jeff Leal highlighted the event's emphasis on inclusion, unity, and standing strong against discrimination.

• 🌳 Trees 4 Peterborough Plants 500 Native Trees: Around 100 community volunteers gathered at Heritage Park in north Peterborough to plant 500 native trees along Riverview Creek. Organized alongside GreenUP, business sponsors, and the Urban Forestry Division, the event expanded our green space and urban tree canopy.

🚨 Regional News & Economic Headwinds

• 🛷 Fatal Snowmobile Collision at Minden Watercross Event: Tragic news from Dysart et al., where a 29-year-old man from Bancroft lost his life during a weekend watercross racing event near Minden. Haliburton OPP and traffic incident teams are investigating the multi-snowmobile collision.

• 🏥 Health Ministers Warn of Imminent "Fiscal Cliff": Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones met with provincial counterparts to urge federal action on expiring health deals. They warned that key funding for home care, long-term care safety, mental health, and PSW wages risks running off a "fiscal cliff" as federal support sunsets between 2026 and 2028.

• 📉 U.S. Import Bans & Tariff Tensions: U.S. President Donald Trump announced new import bans on Canadian goods, including dairy byproducts, select alcoholic beverages, and motorcycles. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc reaffirmed Ottawa’s resolve to protect Canadian industries and workers.

• 🏭 Hamilton Steel Plant Layoffs: Cleveland-Cliffs (owner of Stelco) is indefinitely idling cold mill and coating departments in Hamilton, laying off roughly 350 workers due to an influx of cheap steel imports. Union leaders condemned the decision as a breach of acquisition commitments.

🏆 Local Sports Spotlights

• 🏉 Peterborough Rugby Club Junior Championships: The club celebrated an outstanding season at its junior awards banquet, honouring provincial title runs by both the U16 boys and U16 girls teams in Ottawa. Head coach Emmett Connolly credited strong local high school programs for powering the club's growth.

• 🥍 Trent Lacrosse Trio Named to Team Canada: Trent Excalibur athletes Maddy Baxter, Kylea Dobson, and Maggie Cuddy were selected for Team Canada at the 2026 Pan American Sixes Lacrosse Championship in Oshawa—a crucial qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics!

💐 Remembering Local Community Members

• Calvin Douglas Taillefer (Age 86): Passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. A dedicated former business teacher and department head at Crestwood Secondary School, he was deeply involved in Christ Lutheran Church and the Peterborough Festival of Trees.

• Donald Murray Martin (Age 92): Passed away on September 27, 2026. Born in Coe Hill, Donald built a full career with Bell Canada, Lands and Forests, Belleville Police, and Ontario Hydro security. Visitation will take place at Highland Park Funeral Centre on Sept 30 & Oct 1.

🎭 Community Announcements

• 🎭 Buckhorn Community Centre Fall Dinner Theatre: Tickets are officially on sale for Buckhorn's favourite seasonal dinner theatre event—featuring delicious food and fantastic local theatre 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.

🚨 ATTENTION KAWARTHA/HIGHLANDS BUYERS & RENEWAL CLIENTS: 3.69% Bond Yields & October Rate Hike Risks! 🚨

If you're actively shopping for a home or have a mortgage renewing over the next few months, today's market shifts demand your immediate attention!

Canadian 5-year benchmark bond yields closed trading yesterday at 3.69%—continuing to push near their highest levels of the month. Sustained bond yield pressure is directly squeezing wholesale lender margins, putting fixed mortgage rates under continuous upward stress.

Here is what you need to know about the Bank of Canada, our local Peterborough market, and why your 120-day rate hold is your most critical tool right now:

1. October Rate Hike Probabilities are Rising 📈

Following the Bank of Canada's September 2 decision to hold the policy rate at 2.25% (prime rate at 4.45%), financial markets have completely pivoted.

• The Shift: Money market probability models are no longer looking for rate cuts—they are now actively pricing in a 62% probability of a 25 bps rate hike at the next BoC meeting on October 28, and a 100% probability of a hike by December 9.

• The Impact: With persistent energy prices and 2.3% core inflation, lenders are tightening discretionary buydown budgets across major channels.

2. Audit Your 120-Day Rate Hold Immediately ⏱️️

• Current insured 3-year fixed rates are holding between 3.99% – 4.14%, but sub-3.90% promotional offers have been completely pulled.

• Your Action Step: If you locked in a pre-approval under 4.00% earlier this summer, verify your exact expiration date today! Protecting an active rate hold guarantees your purchasing power and prevents you from being forced to re-qualify under higher October rate sheets.

3. Peterborough Buyers Still Hold Regional Leverage 🏘️

The local Peterborough & Kawarthas real estate market continues to give structured buyers a clear advantage:

• City Median Price: Holding steady between $545,750 and $560,000.

• Market Time: Sitting balanced at 33 average days on market (DOM).

• Negotiation Power: Standard detached homes continue closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below list price.

Because local inventory isn't rushing off the market in days, you do NOT need to waive your protective clauses. You can negotiate price while keeping your financing, appraisal, and home inspection clauses firmly in your offer.

YOUR TODAY STRATEGY:

1. Check the expiry date on your 120-day mortgage pre-approval.

2. If you don't have a rate hold locked in, secure one TODAY to freeze current rate tiers before October adjustments.

3. Pair your locked-in rate hold with a smart, conditionally protected offer on local Peterborough listings.

Questions about how 3.69% bond yields affect your borrowing capacity? Send me a message or text today—let's make sure your budget is locked in! 🤝👇

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.

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | RE/MAX Professionals North

📍 Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market

🌐 brad-sinclair.remax.ca

Families love the Kawarthas. Let's find your place in it. ❤️🏡

#PeterboroughRealEstate #KawarthaLakes #MortgageUpdate #BondYields #BankOfCanada #Peterborough #BradSinclairTeam #REMAX #HighlandsRealEstate #OntarioRealEstate #CottageCountry

Stepping Up, Solving Problems, and Making Things Happen 🌲🚗💡

🌲 Life in the Kawarthas and Highlands moves fast, and no two days look the same! Yesterday was a prime example of putting in the work, navigating behind-the-scenes challenges, and keeping things moving forward for the community and local families.

The day kicked off early, diving straight into research and preparing detailed responses for the candidate meeting at the Bancroft Playhouse. Local governance and community representation take real preparation, and doing the homework pays off when it comes time to address the big issues affecting our area.

🚗 From there, it was all about helping people work through complex real-world situations. I spent time advising on a delicate real estate negotiation on one of my listings. When buyers and sellers are separated by different price expectations and complicated life changes, you need a steady hand, local insight, and a clear strategy to bridge the gap and keep a deal from falling apart. I also spent time guiding a client through necessary paperwork and updated RECO representation requirements, ensuring they stay fully protected without any added stress.

🛡️ Later in the morning, a phone call came in from someone dealing with a difficult personal issue. I was able to walk them through their options and provide an ear to vent to.  Helping neighbours stand up to dynamic pressure and find a clear path forward is what community is all about.

💡 By the evening, it was time to take the stage at the Bancroft Playhouse for the Mayoral Candidate Meeting. Thanks to all the morning prep, the event went smoothly, delivering a clear, actionable vision for the future of our township.

Navigating real estate—or any major life decision in our region—can quickly become overwhelming. Without the right guidance, it’s easy to feel stuck, face unexpected contractual pitfalls, miscalculate property values, or end up with a strategy that falls short of your family's financial goals. You deserve a seamless process backed by someone who knows these lakes, roads, and municipal details inside and out.

My mission is simple: to protect your investments, remove the guesswork, and create a better, stress-free life for you and your family.

Don't let real estate uncertainty hold you back or cause costly mistakes. Contact me today, the local Realtor® with over 20 years of hands-on experience and deep local knowledge, to schedule a meeting. I’ll come directly to you to solve your real estate needs and help you reach complete success.

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! 🌲🏡✨

Minden Hills Council Update: Major Floodplain Mapping, Planning Overhauls, and Community Decisions 🌊🏡

Staying up to date on local municipal decisions is essential to protect your property investments, understand zoning limitations, and track where local tax dollars are going. The Township of Minden Hills met on September 24, 2026, for a regular Council meeting that addressed major updates to local planning, environmental hazard mapping, and municipal services.

Below is an extensive breakdown of the topics presented, the public service impact, and what these developments mean for property owners and buyers across Minden Hills.

🚨 The Big News: Major Floodplain & Mapping Overhaul (Report #26-37)

Executive Summary & Decision Status

• Status: Council held a statutory Public Meeting under the Planning Act to review proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Report #26-37. No final decision or vote on passing the amending by-law occurred during this meeting; Council received the report for review and comment.

• Proposal: Updating Zoning By-law 06-10 Schedules (mapping) to align Floodway (FW) zones and Flood Risk (FR) overlays along the Gull River with the 2025 County of Haliburton/Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority mapping project.

• Expansion: For the first time, formal floodplain boundaries are being introduced on Zoning Schedules capturing the Drag, Burnt, and Irondale Rivers.

Why It Matters to Locals

Flooding represents the single largest natural hazard in terms of property damage and financial cost. Prior mapping for the Gull River dated back to the 1988 Flood Damage Reduction Program (FDRP). The new Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) updates flood boundaries using modern elevation and flow modelling.

While these updates better protect public safety, remapping means certain properties previously thought to be outside hazard zones may now fall within the Flood Risk Overlay or Floodway Zone—or vice versa.

Local Perspective & Lifestyle Impact

For shoreline residents along the Gull, Drag, Burnt, and Irondale Rivers, maintaining healthy riverbanks and protecting natural floodway paths is essential to preserving water quality, preventing erosion, and protecting home values. Updating these maps ensures that future construction does not inadvertently block floodwaters or cause severe downstream damage to neighbouring properties during spring run-off.

🏷️ Property Impact Note

If your parcel falls into a Floodway (FW) Zone, new structural development, site alteration, or footprint expansions are generally strictly prohibited. If your land falls into the Flood Risk (FR) Overlay, development remains possible, but you will face additional engineering requirements, strict floodproofing elevation standards, and verified safe access constraints.

📜 Planning & Zoning Modernization: General Official Plan & By-law Amendments (Report #26-38)

Executive Summary & Decision Status

• Status: Council received Report #26-38 as information following a statutory Public Meeting. The formal by-laws to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 20 (OPA 20) and pass the corresponding Zoning By-law Amendments are scheduled for consideration on October 8, 2026.

• Proposal: Implementing target fixes from the Development Approvals Project (DAP) to eliminate confusion, align policies with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS 2024) and County Official Plan, and streamline accessory structure rules.

Key Policy Changes Breakdown

1. Consent Lot Creation (Section 6.2.2.1):

   • Adjustment: Aligns the Township Official Plan with the County Official Plan.

   • Rule: Establishes a maximum of three cumulative new lots plus one retained (4 total) via consent on any existing conveyable lot of record (unless both severed and retained parcels are at least 40 hectares).

2. Waste Management Influence Areas (Section 3.3.10):

   • Rule: Introduces a strict 500-metre influence zone surrounding active and closed waste disposal sites.

   • Impact: New sensitive land uses (residential) proposed within 500 metres must provide technical studies addressing methane migration, leachate, noise, odour, and water safety. Vacant lands within this zone will be zoned with a Holding (H) symbol until water and environmental safety are proven.

3. Mineral Aggregate Resource Protections (Section 3.6):

   • Rule: Updates separation distances and compatibility studies for development near aggregate operations.

   • Buffers: Defines adjacent lands as 500 metres for bedrock deposits/quarries and 300 metres for sand/gravel pits (with a 1,000-metre area of influence for active operations). Proponents of new residential uses near pits must complete an Aggregate Impact Assessment proving their build won't hinder pit operations.

4. Accessory Structure Rule Changes (Zoning By-law 06-10):

   • Lot Coverage Increase: Detached accessory structure coverage is increased from 5% to 6% of total lot area.

   • Uniform Building Heights: Accessory building heights are standardized to 5.5 metres (peak) and 1 storey across the lot, removing the restrictive 3.5-metre limit within 40 metres of the high-water mark.

   • Garages: Clarifies that 2-storey detached garages (up to 6m height) may house a sleeping cabin, Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU), or home occupation on the upper level, but prohibits living space in single-storey garage lofts. Detached garages may also be set back 2.0 metres from interior side/rear lot lines.

   • Sleeping Cabins: Maximum floor area expanded from 35 sq. m to 45 sq. m (484 sq. ft). Clarifies that cabins cannot include kitchen facilities or wet bars, nor can they be used as short-term rentals.

   • Shipping Containers: Explicitly permitted in Rural, Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial zones (maximum 2 per lot, screened from street view, set back 6.0m if abutting residential).

🏷️ Property Impact Note

These amendments provide much-needed flexibility for rural property owners looking to build larger accessory garages or guest sleeping cabins without needing a costly Minor Variance. However, buyers looking at vacant land near former landfills or active aggregate quarries must budget for technical environmental studies before receiving building permits.

🤝 County Consent Process Modernization: "One-Window" Approach (Delegation 6.2a)

Executive Summary & Decision Status

• Status: Council received Report PLN-11-2026 and a presentation from Elizabeth Purcell, Director of Planning for Haliburton County.

• Decision: Council officially endorsed the proposed "one-window" consent application approach.

Why It Matters to Locals

Under the previous system, severance applicants were bounced back and forth between municipal and county offices, forced to pay double fees, and required to get local Council endorsements before technical studies were even finished. The new stream directs all inquiries to the County, circulating plans internally to local staff. Local Council endorsement now happens after a complete application package is compiled, eliminating months of pre-consultation delays.

🏷️ Property Impact Note

If you are planning to sever a portion of your rural property or execute a lot line adjustment, this change reduces administrative delays, eliminates duplicate pre-consultation fees, and provides a clear, unified checklist of required submission studies right from the start.

⚙️ Public Works & Infrastructure Reports

1. Minden Animal Hospital Sanitary Pumping Station Agreement (Report #26-18)

• Decision: Council authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement (By-law 26-87) with the Minden Animal Hospital for a sanitary pump station.

• Details: Due to recurring municipal sewer backups verified to be on the Township's side of the property line, the Township will pay to install a small sanitary pump station out of its operational budget. The property owner will assume all ongoing routine maintenance and electrical costs.

• 🏷️ Property Impact: Protects local commercial operations from municipal sewer failures while safeguarding municipal infrastructure without burdening taxpayers with ongoing private operational maintenance.

2. Drinking Water System Financial Plan 2026–2032 (Report #26-25)

• Decision: Council endorsed, in principle, the 2026 Drinking Water System Financial Plan prepared by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) under O. Reg. 453/07.

• Details: Required every six years for Municipal Drinking Water License renewals. Forecasts operational costs and capital reserves required to maintain safe drinking water through 2032.

• 🏷️ Property Impact: Ensures long-term financial stability and safe drinking water for municipal water users, helping maintain high property values for homes connected to local municipal services.

3. Winter Sand Contract Award (Report #26-26)

• Decision: Council directed staff to award the municipal winter sand supply contract to Total Site Services for $134,650.00 plus HST.

• 🏷️ Property Impact: Directly impacts local winter road safety and travel conditions across the Township's rural road network during winter months.

🏒 Community Services Updates

1. Haliburton Huskies Junior "C" Hockey Agreement (Report #26-16)

• Decision: Council authorized an agreement (By-law 26-86) with the Haliburton Huskies Junior "C" Hockey Team and directed staff to update Policy #76 (Ice Facility Allocation Policy) to formally incorporate the Junior "C" team.

• 🏷 Property Impact: Boosts local sports culture, drives youth community engagement, and increases municipal arena facility utilization.

2. Haliburton County Snowmobile Association (HCSA) Parking (Report #26-18)

• Decision: Council received Report #26-18 regarding HCSA overnight parking as information.

• 🏷 Property Impact: Supports local winter tourism and snowmobiling infrastructure, driving economic activity for local small businesses during the off-season.

📑 Planning Consent Agenda & Shore Road Allowance Sales

Council referred the following routine land deeming and Shore Road Allowance (SRA) closure applications to the By-law section for final approval:

1. Report #26-41 (Groat - Application PLDBL2026050): Deeming Lot 7 of Plan 542 not to be part of a registered plan of subdivision (By-law 26-81) to consolidate property title.

2. Report #26-42 (Wood - Application PLSRA2025020): Closure and sale of original shore road allowance (By-law 26-82).

3. Report #26-43 (Lamont - Application PLSRA2025048): Closure and sale of original shore road allowance (By-law 26-83).

4. Report #26-44 (Vlahaki - Application PLSRA2025082): Closure and sale of original shore road allowance (By-law 26-84).

5. Report #26-45 (Coupal - Application PLSRA2025090): Closure and sale of original shore road allowance (By-law 26-85).

🏷️ Property Impact Note

Purchasing your original shore road allowance adds deeded land area to your waterfront parcel, increases setbacks, secures dock structures, and often adds immediate equity value to waterfront real estate.

🗞️ Summary of Previous Meeting Minutes (September 10, 2026)

During the previous meeting on September 10, 2026, Council executed several key operational items:

• Delegated Authority Official Plan Amendment No. 19 (OPA 19): Held a Public Meeting to review delegating minor technical zoning approvals (like lifting Holding symbols) to senior staff to speed up planning timelines.

• Minden Library Retaining Wall Contract: Awarded RFP 2026-04 for the removal and replacement of the Minden Library retaining wall and access ramp to BBC Construction for $288,800 plus HST (funded in part by an ICIP accessibility grant).

• Financial Statements Approved: Formally accepted the 2024 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements presented by Pahapill and Associates.

• OPP Cost Concerns: Received correspondence regarding provincial policing costs, noting the provincial cap of an 11% increase for 2027 while small rural municipalities advocate for cost-model reviews.

👇 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.