Understanding Your Community: A Breakdown of the 2025 OSM Fire & Emergency Services Annual Report

As a homeowner in the Kawarthas, you invest a lot of time and resources into your property. But how much do you really know about the local services that protect that investment? Keeping a pulse on municipal reports is the best way to stay informed, and the 2025 annual report of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for Otonabee-South Monaghan (OSM) offers a revealing look at the state of our local safety infrastructure.

I’m Brad Sinclair, your local guide to the Kawartha and Highlands market. My goal is to make sure you have the facts you need to feel secure in your home. Below is a deep dive into the report, breaking down the operations, costs, and equipment updates that affect our community.

The Operational Breakdown: Calls & Response

The report makes it clear: the fire department is the first line of defence for a wide variety of emergencies.

• Total Call Volume: In 2025, the department responded to 441 calls for emergency help, marking an increase of 12 calls over the previous year.
• Station Activity: Collectively, the four fire stations managed 728 individual responses to these emergencies.
• Medical Response: This remains a critical function, accounting for 41.72% of the total call volume, with 184 medical incidents attended to in 2025.
• Fire-Related Incidents: The department responded to 17 fire-related incidents, which included 9 grass fires and 4 structure fires.
• Response Time: The department maintained an average response time of 15:41 minutes.

Costs and Financial Sustainability

The biggest challenge identified in the report is financial—specifically, the rising cost of maintaining high-quality emergency services.

• Average Cost: The department reported an average cost of $217.22 per incident.
• The Funding Gap: The cost of fire equipment is increasing faster than the growth of the township's reserves. The report explicitly states that as we look to the future, it will be tougher to maintain existing services without securing new grants and lobbying other levels of government.
• Budgeting for Protection: The department emphasizes that enforcement activities, such as fire code compliance, are time-consuming and costly, with those expenses borne by all taxpayers through the municipal budget.

New Equipment & Operational Upgrades

To meet these challenges, the department has been proactive in acquiring new technology and tools.

• Drone Integration: The department purchased a new drone and certified members of the fire and public works departments to operate it. It is already being used for emergency response and provides critical data for crew safety.
• Cancer Prevention: In response to the hazards of synthetic materials in modern fires, the department is prioritizing firefighter health. They have added extractors, dryers, field decontamination units, special soaps, and safer bunker gear to all stations. For 2026, they are adding fans and misters to decontaminate gear from airborne contaminants.
• Fleet Updates: The department ordered Pump 2, which was inspected and scheduled for delivery in January 2026.
• Paging & Communications: New pagers were put into operation in 2025 to align with the new paging agreement with Bell.

Training and Legislative Standards

The department is heavily invested in ensuring that its 81 personnel (as of Dec 31, 2025) are ready for any scenario.

• Training Hours: Personnel logged 2,807 training hours in 2025, in addition to over 4,265 hours spent on emergency responses.
• Certification Requirements: A major deadline is approaching: as of July 1, 2026, all fire personnel must be certified to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for the tasks they perform.

Property Impact: What This Means for You

When you buy or sell a home, you are investing in a community. The strength and capability of your local fire department directly affect your property’s safety and, by extension, its long-term value.

• Stay Vigilant: With the report noting that equipment costs are rising faster than reserves, pay attention to upcoming municipal budgets—these decisions will dictate how our department manages its resources and how it might impact property taxes.
• Burn Safety: The report highlights a 7-week burn ban in 2025 due to dry weather. Always use the automated burn permit system to avoid significant fines and keep our community fire-safe.

Let’s Chat

Navigating municipal reports shouldn't be another chore on your list. That’s where I come in. As your local expert with over 20 years of experience, I am here to help you understand the landscape of our region so you can make confident decisions about your home.

Don't wait for a problem to arise. Call or text me today at 705-927-6236 to discuss your real estate needs.

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.

#KawarthaRealEstate #OSMFire #PropertySafety #BancroftRealtor #LocalExpert #BradSinclairTeam #HighlandsLiving #CommunityFirst

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 17th, 2026

City Renames Knights of Columbus Bowl in Honour of Bobby Allan: #Lacrosse heritage is being permanently etched into the local grid. Peterborough City Council has officially approved a motion to rename the newly renovated outdoor sports bowl at Knights of Columbus Park as the Bobby Allan Bowl. The Park Street facility is currently undergoing extensive upgrades to its floor, boards, and structural gating. Allan, a Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Famer who grew up blocks from the park, captured four Mann Cups as a player before coaching the Senior Lakers to a national title in 1973 and leading Team Canada to a world field lacrosse championship in 1978.
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Reid Street Assault Arraignment: A 39-year-old #Peterborough man was brought before the Water Street courthouse for an expedited bail hearing following a general patrol intercept on Monday morning. An officer in the area of Reid Street and Simcoe Street observed a crowd gathered around an older man who had been violently punched in the face by an individual known to him. The victim required paramedic treatment on-site before being transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Officers intercepted the suspect a short distance away and charged him with a single count of Assault.
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Former Constable Rogers Sentencing Window: Court administrators are setting scheduling frames ahead of an August 24 sentencing date for former Peterborough Police Constable Mackenzie Rogers. Rogers entered a formal guilty plea to Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime, concluding an #OPP-led criminal investigation from last autumn and guaranteeing his permanent, immediate removal from the municipal police service.
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 Invasive Species Crackdown Launches with $2 Million Provincial Fund: Moving directly into our watershed lines across #Selwyn, #NorthKawartha, and #DouroDummer, the Ontario government officially rolled out a $2 million investment targeting invasive species containment. Administered via the Invasive Species Centre, the capital funds are being deployed across 112 local field projects, utilizing water-testing monitoring frameworks and 3,000 volunteers. Expect heightened conservation enforcement and specialized cleaning checks at boat launches throughout the Kawartha Lakes network to stop the spread of aquatic hazards impacting tourism and waterfront values.
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$260,000 Provincial Rural Economic Development Boost: Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith announced that the Ontario government is injecting $260,305.50 through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program to support local economic sustainability. The investment targets several crucial regional projects, including $30,000 for Community Care Peterborough to conduct a Rural Peterborough County Transportation Feasibility Study, $20,000 to equip rural entrepreneurs to compete beyond the region, and over $15,000 for the Peterborough Community Farm Business Plan.
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Early Momentum for Summer "Lock & Paddle" Event: #ParksCanada and local coordinators are reporting surging early registrations for the signature Lock & Paddle showcase, slated to fill the historic Peterborough Lift Lock on July 18. The massive open-water gathering routinely draws well over 1,400 canoes and kayaks into the lift lock chambers simultaneously.
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Tourism Strategy Approved: Despite structural confusion and intense questioning by some city councillors regarding long-term safeguards for downtown and arts budgets, #PeterboroughCityCouncil voted 10-0 to adopt a new tourism strategy. Councillor Alex Bierk criticized the plan for a lack of concrete, immediate action for independent local businesses and cultural arts sectors, though city staff clarified that specific funding increases remain a council decision to be evaluated during normal budget cycles.
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Development at Alexander Court: Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment allowing for a 16-unit, four-storey mixed-use residential building at 835 Alexander Court. This expansion represents roughly $808,238 in typical development fees (though reduced by half to just over $400,000 under the new DCRP motion).
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Norwood Community Events: The #Norwood Lions Club officially installed its new 2026–2027 executive team, led by President Rick Serrao. The community also announced several upcoming regional festivities, including a Legion Father’s Day Breakfast, a Strawberry Luncheon, the regional Forage Expo equipment trade show, and the return of the annual Norwood Pride "Rainbow Country" event on July 12.
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Impaired Driving Charges: #Peterboroughpolice arrested and issued automatic license suspensions to two men following separate suspected impaired driving calls on Sunday. A 23-year-old Lindsay man was caught driving the wrong way on George Street, and a 25-year-old Peterborough man was arrested after hitting a curb near Lansdowne Street and Webber Avenue.
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Fleming College TV Feature: Bill Smith, a blasting techniques coordinator at #Fleming College's Frost Campus in Lindsay, will be featured in an upcoming second-season episode of TVOkids' program Trading Skills. The appearance aims to inspire younger generations to look into high-demand careers in skilled trades.
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A new Veterans Crosswalk will be officially unveiled at the intersection of Queen and Albert streets in the Village of Lakefield on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 a.m. Created through a collaboration between Peterborough County, #Selwyn Township, and the Royal Canadian Legion, the crosswalk honours the service and sacrifices of Canadian veterans. Residents are welcome to attend the ceremony, which will feature local officials and a Colour Party, and visitors are asked to park on Water Street to save closer spaces for Second World War veterans and their families.
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Questions? Let’s chat.
📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 16th, 2026

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Impaired Patrols Clamp Down on Main Arteries: Traffic units managed a highly volatile weekend rotation, executing multiple targeted arrests. Notable stops included a 25-year-old local driver arrested in a commercial parking plaza near #Lansdowne Street and #Kawartha Heights Boulevard after hitting a curb at high speed, and a 23-year-old driver stopped at 3:20 AM Sunday morning after blowing through general patrols going the wrong direction down George Street. Both received immediate 90-day licence suspensions and 7-day vehicle impounds.
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#Buckhorn Public School is receiving $6.4 million from the Ontario provincial government to build a substantial new addition. The expansion will accommodate 98 additional elementary students and create a new licensed child-care centre for 49 preschoolers. Principal Jennifer Forsythe and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith announced the funding, noting that unlike stagnant trends elsewhere, Buckhorn is experiencing an influx of young families. Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark added that the county’s growth is currently outpacing the City of Peterborough by a four-to-one margin
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A cottage on an island on Lower Buckhorn Lake was entirely destroyed by a fire on Saturday evening. Firefighters from the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Selwyn Township responded by boat at around 7:00 p.m. Selwyn Township Deputy Fire Chief Howard Jinkerson reported that no one was at the cottage at the time and no injuries occurred. While unconfirmed, lightning from passing regional storms is suspected as the cause. The local community rallied quickly on social media to help the displaced co-owners find alternative accommodations for their vacation week
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 Multiple local hockey players from the Peterborough area were selected during Saturday's OHL Priority Selection draft held in Kingston.

• Evan Fitzgerald: The Peterborough native was drafted 41st overall (second round) by the reigning Memorial Cup champions, the Kitchener Rangers.

• Henri Packalen: The Kingston native, who played for the Peterborough U16 Petes and attended Lakefield College School, was selected 26th overall by the Ottawa 67's.

• Other Regional Drafts: The Erie Otters picked U16 Petes defenceman Cash Harper (15th round). The Central Ontario Wolves saw Kyler Lauder (24th overall to Saginaw Spirit), Finn Ellery (31st overall to Brantford Bulldogs), Kai Milne-Ross (9th round to Flint Firebirds), and Ethan Davidson (10th round to North Bay Battalion) selected. Ronan Quinn was taken 49th overall by the Sudbury Wolves.

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The #Buckhorn Lions Club Electronic Sign Debate: Trent Lakes Council hit a complete procedural gridlock over a request from the Buckhorn Lions Club to erect an electronic community information sign at the busy four-way intersection of County Road 36 and Lakehurst Road. Municipal planning staff strongly recommended denying the request because electronic signs are restricted in the local Community Improvement Plan (CIP) zone and present a potential roadway hazard. Council ultimately settled on a neutral motion simply to "receive the report for information," leaving the sign in limbo.
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A proposed pedestrian crosswalk planned for Bobcaygeon Road in downtown #Minden has transformed into a major point of contention. Local business owners and residents have stepped forward to criticize the project, claiming that the municipality is moving far too quickly on its implementation without answering critical lingering questions regarding traffic bottlenecks, parking impacts, and downtown visibility.
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This June, in celebration of Recreation and Parks Month and Seniors Month, #cityofpeterborough is waiving the fee for Adult Leisure registered programs and drop-in activities! It's the perfect opportunity for older adults to try something new, stay active and build community!
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A 29-year-old man from #Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township was arrested and charged with impaired driving after a significant single-vehicle crash on County Road 50 on Saturday night. Clayton Dunk allegedly fled the scene into a nearby ditch to avoid police after his vehicle's airbags deployed, but officers quickly located and apprehended him. Dunk faces multiple charges, a 90-day license suspension, and a vehicle impoundment, with a court date set for July 14 in Peterborough.
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The Township of #MindenHills has called a Special Meeting of Council for June 18, 2026. The session will feature a facilitated consultation with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) regarding a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study. Council members from across the county are prioritizing regional infrastructure capabilities and long-term affordability frameworks to better address rural development challenges and local service deliveries.
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The #Bancroft OPP is warning residents about a widespread bank and police impersonation scam that primarily targets seniors and cost Canadians over $28 million in 2025. Scammers contact victims claiming account urgency and trick them into handing over cash, bank cards, PINs, or remote computer access to a courier. Police emphasize that legitimate institutions will never send couriers for cash, demand immediate action, or threaten arrest, and advise residents to verify calls by hanging up and contacting their bank directly.
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During a week-long #ATV safety campaign from June 1 to June 7, Central Ontario OPP issued 72 charges and 70 warnings across regional trail systems. Officers from 13 detachments focused on high-risk behaviours and compliance, addressing violations such as dangerous driving, lack of insurance, helmet infractions, and equipment deficiencies. The OPP is reminding riders to operate responsibly and promises continued trail patrols throughout the riding season to ensure public safety.
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 Lakelands Public Health has issued a drug poisoning alert for the #Peterborough region, effective until June 29, following a sudden spike in overdoses linked to an unidentified substance. Health officials are urging people who use drugs to carry naloxone, avoid using alone, and take extra safety precautions like testing with smaller amounts. The public health unit advises anyone witnessing signs of irregular or stopped breathing to call 911 immediately.
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Questions? Let’s chat.
📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 15th, 2026

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#Bancroft Mayor Defends Photo with Local Business Selling Bikers' Support Gear: Bancroft Mayor Paul Jenkins is addressing significant public blowback after posing for an official photo at Choice Cuts, a new storefront in town. The photo—posted to the town's social media pages—shows the mayor shaking hands with a co-owner while holding a T-shirt. The OPP's Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau clarified that the business sells merchandise supporting Satan’s Choice, which police classify as a "one per cent" outlaw motorcycle gang that re-emerged in Ontario in August 2025. Mayor Jenkins stated he was simply welcoming a new local business, was uneducated on their current status, and has no intention of taking the photo down since no bylaws or provincial laws are being broken.

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#HastingsHighlands Outlines Broad Road Closures for Summer Maintenance: The Municipality of Hastings Highlands, just north of Bancroft, has issued an updated public bulletin outlining targeted road closures and traffic delays scheduled throughout June and July. Heavy road-surfacing, ditching, and dust-suppression crews are prioritizing major rural corridors to reinforce them before peak summer cottage traffic peaks.

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Great Canadian Cheese Festival Draws Thousands to Morrow Building: Food lovers from across Ontario converged on #Peterborough over the weekend as the historic Morrow Building on Lansdowne Street hosted the massive Great Canadian Cheese Festival. The reinvented two-day culinary showcase featured extensive small-batch dairy tastings, artisan food pairings, and educational masterclasses highlighting regional craft creators, wineries, and breweries.

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 Former Media Executive Takes Reins of Lakefield Landmark: A notable face from regional business is making waves in #Selwyn Township. Darren Murphy, the former publisher of the Peterborough Examiner, has officially transitioned full-time into his new role as the owner of The Market in #Lakefield. Murphy, a Young's Point resident who took over the gourmet grocery business, announced over the weekend a heightened focus on partnering strictly with local producers, small businesses, and Canadian manufacturers to elevate the storefront's rural and cottage-country footprint.

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The historic 1890 red-brick boiler house of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital on Armour Road has been successfully converted into a modern, industrial-style office space for the engineering firm GHD. The engineering firm, which has been in #Peterborough for 38 years, leases the unique space from developer TVM Group. While its materials testing lab stays on Pido Road, approximately 60 engineers, scientists, and technicians have relocated to the new facility. GHD plans to expand its local workforce to 100 employees within the next three to five years.

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Trustees for the #Peterborough #Victoria #Northumberland and #Clarington Catholic District School Board expressed frustration upon learning that $300 of the province's announced $750 classroom supply allocation must come out of the board's existing budget. The Ministry of Education plans to implement a central online portal handled by Supply Ontario to source discounted supplies, naming Staples and Brant Basics as potential central vendors. Trustee Kathleen Tanguay questioned the efficiency of a single mandated vendor, noting that teachers are already adept at finding bargains. A final board budget proposal for 2026–2027 is expected at the June 23 meeting. 

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The #PeterboroughPetes used their first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2026 Priority Selection to draft right-shot centre Landon Roulston from the GTHL champion Vaughan Kings. Standing 6'1'' and weighing 189\text{ lbs}, the 16-year-old St. Catharines native is regarded as physically ready to transition directly into junior hockey. In the third round (59th overall), the Petes selected right-winger Mason Quinn, a Little Britain native who previously skated for the Central Ontario Wolves and Toronto Marlboros. Quinn already trains closely with Petes head coach Rob Wilson and assistant Nate Oke during summers.

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Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Units (CSCU) from the City of Kawartha Lakes and Grey Bruce have recovered approximately $290,000 worth of stolen property.

The items—including heavy equipment, vehicles, and tools—were originally stolen on April 27, 2026, from a rural property in Southgate Township. Following a tip on May 28, 2026, officers executed a search warrant at a vacant property in Woodville that had recently been damaged by a house fire. The investigation is ongoing. Police have identified **two persons of interest**, and charges are currently pending.

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The Township of #MindenHills has called a Special Meeting of Council for June 18, 2026. The session will feature a facilitated consultation with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) regarding a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study. Council members from across the county are prioritizing regional infrastructure capabilities and long-term affordability frameworks to better address rural development challenges and local service deliveries.

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#Peterborough County Economic Development, in partnership with local townships, has rolled out a new #tourism and #small-business support initiative called The Kawarthas Quest. Operating via the Driftscape app, the program aims to drive foot traffic directly into local retail storefronts through interactive, community-based experiences. The very first adventure launched this month is the #LakefieldScavengerHunt, which guides visitors and locals through downtown Lakefield to explore vibrant independent shops and historical points of interest.

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Early Saturday morning, June 13, #PeterboroughPolice successfully utilized their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) drone to apprehend a suspect. Officers responded to a 4 a.m. break-and-enter call at an enclosed business compound near Ashburnham Drive and Lansdowne Street. Because officers could not immediately breach the secure fencing, the drone was deployed to track a 43-year-old man as he tried to slip out the back onto a nearby walking path. He was intercepted, taken into custody, and charged with break and enter and possession of break-in instruments. 

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 Local services remain impacted as #CommunityLiving #Trent #Highlands developmental service workers enter their second week of a province-wide strike. The pickets in Haliburton are part of a broader labor dispute involving roughly 4,000 workers across nearly two dozen community organizations in Ontario. Families relying on regional respite and adult day program services are watching closely as the union pushes for improved wages and increased provincial funding to address chronic staffing shortages

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Questions? Let’s chat.

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market

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

#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 14th, 2026

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#Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts defended a plea deal that led to the resignation of disgraced officer Mackenzie Rogers. Rogers was arrested by the OPP in September 2024 and was facing charges of breach of trust and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. He pleaded guilty in Cobourg to the possession charge, involving a stolen 2022 Dodge Ram pickup truck registered with a fraudulent vehicle identification number. Chief Betts noted that under the Community Safety and Policing Act, Rogers could not be suspended without pay; therefore, accepting the plea and forcing his immediate resignation saved taxpayers from funding a lengthy trial salary. Rogers remains lawfully entitled to his pension earned through OMERS.

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The permanent closure of #Peterborough's consumption and treatment services (CTS) site at the end of May has sparked differing viewpoints among downtown business owners. The closure followed the provincial Ford government’s decision to end funding for remaining sites in favor of the HART Hub recovery model. Scott Murison, co-owner of Wild Rock Outfitters, expressed deep concern, stating that the site had drastically reduced abandoned needles and public drug use on Charlotte Street, and its loss would strain emergency services. Conversely, Dave Dame, owner of Runner's Life, welcomed a shift toward law enforcement and treatment, noting he had seen no long-term improvements downtown over the past four years. 

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#Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland announced his intention to present a notice of motion on June 24 to heavily revise the town’s draft parks and recreation master plan. Cleveland strongly objects to language framing homelessness or encampments sympathetically, stating that taxpayer-funded plans should not endorse or ease illegal activities. He specifically targets recommendations calling for syringe disposal bins at Victoria Park, Victoria Beach, and the Ecology Garden, arguing they "normalize illegal drug use". Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty defended the draft, stating an honest assessment of current challenges is necessary to build a stronger community vision.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough announced its inaugural golf tournament scheduled for September 26 at #LiftlockGolfClub. Executive Director Zoe King stated that the event aims to raise critical funds to support local youth and reduce the mentorship program's waitlist. Registration is $150 per person or $600 per foursome, with sponsorship opportunities available to local businesses.

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More than two dozen staff members from #Mariposa Dairy volunteered to transform one of the company's Lindsay-based parking lots into a temporary construction zone. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, the team built house segments for three new affordable homes designated for local families in Norwood. Habitat Operations Manager Natalie Raponi highlighted the critical need for affordable options, noting the average selling price of a Peterborough home in May was $714,267.

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In a three-way trade involving Oakville and Cobourg, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have acquired 28-year-old right-handed forward Ryan Lanchbury. Known for his high lacrosse IQ and prolific passing, Lanchbury is expected to boost the Lakers' offense and ease pressure on teammate Rob Hellyer. Lakers' head coach Mike Hasen, who previously coached Lanchbury in the NLL, praised his vision and playmaking ability, which recently netted him 106 points this past season with the Rochester Knighthawks.

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Emergency crews responded to a near-drowning outside of Buckhorn after a 19-month-old boy slipped outside unnoticed and was found unconscious in a pool by his mother. She immediately pulled him out and administered CPR, causing him to regain consciousness, breathe, and cry. Paramedics rushed the boy to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) for further care.

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An officer from the #PeterboroughCountyOPP arrested 44-year-old Michael Konieczny of Indian River, Ontario, after pulling him over for speeding on Highway 115. Following a roadside breath test, Konieczny was charged with impaired driving, speeding, and failing to have an insurance card. His driver's license was suspended for 90 days, his vehicle was impounded for seven days, and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 21, 2026.

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K.O. Martial Arts Opens New #Minden Dojo: Owner Kelly Outram has relocated his studio from a rented basement in Haliburton to a newly renovated, freestanding facility at 108 Golf Course Road in Minden. The building—a gutted and completely refurbished former automotive garage—opened its doors on June 1 and offers combat sports, fitness, qigong, and meditation.

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#Bobcaygeon Sesquicentennial Draws Massive Crowds Across the Water: Bobcaygeon officially celebrated its 150th Anniversary of incorporation this weekend, June 13. High-traffic transit routes and locks connecting Pigeon Lake and Sturgeon Lake were completely packed with travellers. The historic milestone kicked off at Beach Park, featuring extensive family exhibits before a massive afternoon parade marched down Joseph Street toward the arena. The heavy celebration ran past midnight with live music, delivering a massive single-day economic spike to local hospitality operators and cottage-country hubs. 

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Urgent Public Warning Issued Following #Minden Black Bear Sighting: Haliburton Highlands OPP have issued a public safety alert after a black bear was spotted wandering through a highly trafficked commercial area in Minden, specifically between Bobcaygeon Road and the local Home Hardware parking lot. Residents are being strongly urged to secure garbage bins, keep pets strictly leashed, and report non-emergency sightings to the Ministry of Natural Resources' Bear Wise line.

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 "Let's Bike" Safety Events Heading to Cavan Monaghan: Building directly on the launch of the city-county's data-driven Transportation Safety Program, community organizers finalized locations for the seasonal Let's Bike! safety clinics. Running through June, these free, family-friendly events are designed to tackle roadside visibility and route habits, with a primary regional clinic day locked in at the #CavanMonaghanCommunityCentre in Millbrook to engage rural youth cyclists.

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Questions? Let’s chat.

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market

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

#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 5 minutes.🗞️ June 13th, 2026

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Arrest Warrant Remains Active for GTA Teen Following Downtown Shooting: #BancroftOPP are continuing their active search for a 17-year-old male from the Greater Toronto Area following last weekend's brazen daytime shooting. Emergency services responded to a parking lot at the corner of Bridge Street and Hastings Street just before 5:00 PM after reports of gunfire. A male victim subsequently arrived at a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The suspect, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, fled the area on a bicycle and faces extensive charges including assault with a weapon and discharging a firearm with intent

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Haliburton Launches Public Survey and Town Halls for Major County Review: The #CountyofHaliburton, alongside the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), has officially launched an extensive community survey and a slate of five public town halls. Following unanimous council endorsement, the affordability and governance study is examining ways to simplify municipal processes and lower taxpayer burdens. Independent scenario modeling will evaluate everything from targeted shared services to a complete single-tier amalgamation model. The public survey is live on the county's Wade In portal until June 28, with the first in-person open house scheduled for June 23 at the Haliburton Legion.

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Peterborough Homicide Investigation: A 45-year-old Peterborough woman has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following the sudden death of her 74-year-old mother. Emergency services originally pulled the victim from the Otonabee River near the London Street footbridge on June 9, and subsequent follow-ups by the Major Crime Unit led to the criminal charge.

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Petes Select Landon Roulston 13th Overall: The Peterborough Petes kicked off the first round of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection draft last night by selecting Oakville native Landon Roulston. The 6'1" center put up 38 points in 33 games with the Vaughan Kings U16s this past season, helping lead them to a GTHL Championship. General Manager Michael Oke praised Roulston’s two-way game and competitiveness ahead of rounds 2 through 15.

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Prolific Spree Thief Jailed: Thomas Smiley, 36, has been sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and handed a 14-month driving ban at Peterborough Magistrates' Court. Smiley was captured on CCTV executing a string of shoplifting incidents and using a stolen black Land Rover to flee the scenes, continuing his crime spree while actively subject to other pending court proceedings for motor vehicle theft.

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Planned Power Outage Notice: #HydroOne has scheduled a planned power outage for maintenance work affecting close to 10,000 residents across Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, and Dunsford. The outage will run from 8:00 PM on Sunday, June 14, until 4:00 AM on Monday, June 15. Residents are reminded to prepare emergency kits and unplug electronics to prevent power surge damage. 

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2026 Municipal Election Voting Rights: A public notice released clarifies that seasonal cottage owners, renters, and students attending school outside of town all possess legal voting rights within #KawarthaLakes for the upcoming 2026 municipal election. 

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OPP Detachment Board Approves Local Service Challenge Coins: The #HaliburtonHighlandsOPP Detachment board unanimously approved an $800 budget to purchase 100 local "service challenge coins". Station commander Deb McClure proposed the initiative to recognize local officers in a timely manner for exemplary deeds or milestones. In board reappointments, Andrew Hodgson was formally renewed as a community board member for up to two years

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K.O. Martial Arts Opens New #Minden Dojo: Owner Kelly Outram has relocated his studio from a rented basement in Haliburton to a newly renovated, freestanding facility at 108 Golf Course Road in Minden. The building—a gutted and completely refurbished former automotive garage—opened its doors on June 1 and offers combat sports, fitness, qigong, and meditation.

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Canoe FM Call for Board Applications: Not-for-profit community radio station #Canoe 100.9 & 97.1 FM is accepting applications to join its leadership Board of Directors. Interested applicants have until June 30 to submit their resume to Station Manager Roxanne Casey

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Both city and county councils have been actively reshaping how local tourism is managed heading into the peak summer season: #Peterborough Council officially endorsed a new tourism growth strategy aligned with provincial priorities. However, the decision was met with ongoing debates regarding the efficiency and long-term viability of transitioning to an in-house service model versus using third-party regional tourism organizations.

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Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board: The board officially approved its $552 million operating budget for the 2026-27 school year. The balanced budget manages to preserve student programming despite navigating rising operational costs and slight enrolment shifts across the broader region. 

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