Regional News & Community Shorts! September 22nd, 2026

Municipal operations and local access are front and center this week. A major city efficiency review outlines potential cost-saving measures for Peterborough, including parking and admission fees for non-residents at Riverview Park and Zoo, as well as shifting sidewalk snowplowing duties. Meanwhile, members of Curve Lake First Nation are speaking out after the province installed barriers at a historical Burleigh Falls parking area without consultation, raising significant treaty rights concerns.

On the health and governance front, Lakelands Public Health is advising local councils against adopting BYOB bylaws for community events to mitigate health risks and municipal liability. Local voters will also have the chance to meet candidates one-on-one at the upcoming Electionfest on October 1 at Healthy Planet Arena!

Out in the community, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour brings 52 regional artists to life this weekend, and the 5th annual Trees 4 Peterborough project is looking for volunteers to plant 500 native trees at Heritage Park on Saturday. Over in local sports, the Peterborough Rugby Club inducted three community legends into its Wall of Fame, while the Adam Scott junior girls basketball team claimed the early-bird tournament title!

Local & Regional Shorts!

Peterborough & Region

• Peterborough County OPP Continue Investigation Into 2024 Cold Case Homicide: OPP investigators continue to appeal for public information following the arrest of an 81-year-old Peterborough resident charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a human body in connection with a 2024 cold case homicide in the region. The accused remains in custody awaiting a court appearance later this week.

• Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week Continues Downtown Celebrations: Downtown events, educational workshops, and community showcases are entering their second week as part of Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week, running through September 27 across the city and surrounding townships.

• Efficiency Review Suggests Ways City Can Save Money: An efficiency review conducted by Ernst & Young suggests Peterborough could save $20 million to $30 million over four years through measures like implementing parking fees ($1.75–$2.50/hour) and out-of-town admission fees ($15/adult, $5/child) at Riverview Park and Zoo, stopping residential sidewalk snowplowing, and revising corporate sponsorships and municipal grants.

• Woman Tired of Being Unhoused: Kathrine Williams, a 55-year-old Trent University graduate student living in a retrofitted shuttle bus, faces uncertainty as the season ends at Beavermead Campground, where she paid $3,850 for a seasonal site after experiencing local evictions and parking lot removals.

• Four Years into $10/Day Program, Some Ontario Wait-Lists Growing: Child-care wait-lists in Ontario have lengthened significantly under the affordable daycare expansion, leaving parents struggling to find local spots as advocates call for expanding space creation rather than solely lowering daily fees.

• Public Board to Amend School Policy Regarding Using Video in Classrooms: The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board plans to revise its learning resources and digital communications policies by late 2026 to set clear guidelines for YouTube and video usage in classrooms following a delegation from a local parent.

• Annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour Returns: The 42nd annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour features 52 participating artists across 42 studio stops from Stoney Lake to Keene, alongside a featured exhibition at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

• Community Events & Fundraisers: Local upcoming initiatives include the Aces of Harmony "Country Roads" concert supporting the Peterborough Children's Chorus, The Misfits fundraising concert for One City Peterborough, Community Care Peterborough's "Golf Fore Care" at Wildfire Golf Club, the Canadian Canoe Museum's Lakeside Gala, and a Houseplant and Garden Social benefiting the PRHC Foundation.

• Help Plant the Future of Peterborough's Urban Forest: Peterborough GreenUP, the City of Peterborough, and RBC Wealth Management are hosting the 5th annual Trees 4 Peterborough Community Tree Planting Event at Heritage Park on September 26 to plant roughly 500 native trees along Riverview Creek.

• Car, Truck and Corvette Show in Buckhorn: The Buckhorn Community Centre hosted its classic vehicle show featuring a range of models, while announcing upcoming local programming and a municipal candidate debate organized by the Buckhorn Ratepayers Association for October 6.

• Glow Ride Returns During Peterborough Pride Week: Town Bike presents the P(RIDE) Glow Ride on Thursday evening starting at Quaker Foods City Square as part of Peterborough Pride Week, which culminates in the annual Pride Parade on Saturday.

• ArtsVote All-Candidates Mayoral Debate: The Electric City Culture Council is hosting "ArtsVote," an all-candidates mayoral debate focused on the local arts sector, at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday evening.

• Falls Access Was Blocked Without Any Consultation: First Nations: Members of Curve Lake First Nation and Kawartha Nishnawbe First Nation state that Infrastructure Ontario infringed on Treaty 20 harvesting and cultural rights by installing barriers at a Burleigh Falls parking lot without prior consultation.

• Son Remembers His Father Beyond the News Headlines: Jesse Walker shares a personal tribute to his father, Michael Walker, who disappeared near Kinmount and Minden in November 2023, urging the public for empathy following second-degree murder charges laid against his grandfather, Basil Walker.

• Electionfest Returns to Peterborough: The Peterborough Examiner and the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce are hosting Electionfest on October 1 at Healthy Planet Arena, allowing voters to speak directly with local ward and mayoral candidates.

• Health Unit Asks Municipalities to Refrain from BYOB Bylaws: Lakelands Public Health advises local municipalities against passing bylaws under Ontario's Bring-Your-Own-Beverage legislation, citing rising regional alcohol-related emergency room visits and municipal liability risks.

• Take Back the Night Marked with Downtown March and Vigil: The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and community partners held the annual Take Back the Night march, vigil, and drum performance in downtown Peterborough to protest sexual violence.

• Lakelands Public Health Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan Priorities: Lakelands Public Health outlined core priorities for its upcoming five-year strategic plan—including mental health, addictions, primary care access, and extreme weather—while addressing budgetary challenges following its regional merger.

• 73rd Annual Curve Lake First Nation Traditional Pow Wow: Curve Lake First Nation celebrated its 73rd annual Traditional Pow Wow, "Rooted in Tradition," at Lime Kiln Park with traditional drumming, dancing, and honor ceremonies.

• German Youth Fire Brigades See Rising Popularity: Germany's youth fire brigades report a 42% increase in youth membership over five years, engaging young people early through affordable community programming and team-building.

Bancroft & Area Focus

• 35th Annual Bancroft & Area Studio Tour Wraps Up First Major Weekend: The 35th annual Bancroft & Area Studio Tour officially concluded the first of its two multi-day weekend runs. Local artisans and workshop hosts across Bancroft, Hastings Highlands, and surrounding North Hastings townships reported strong visitor numbers as art lovers and early fall foliage travelers explored juried paintings, woodwork, pottery, and jewelry. The tour will return for its final two-day run this coming weekend, September 26–27.

• Cardiff All-Candidates Meeting Hosted by Health Democracy Project Set for This Week: Voter registration and question submissions remain active for the upcoming municipal all-candidates forum in Cardiff organized by the Health Democracy Project. Local candidates running across Highlands East and North Hastings will address pre-submitted resident questions focused directly on rural emergency room stability, doctor recruitment initiatives, and local elder care services.

• North Hastings Community Centre Rink Prepares to Open Ice Surface: Municipal arena operators in Bancroft are conducting final surface checks at the North Hastings Community Centre following the installation of a delayed cooling plant component. Rink doors are scheduled to open this week for minor hockey, figure skating, and public recreational skating.

• North Hastings Hospital "Care in the Cart" Campaign Celebrates Continued Community Backing:Following the successful completion of the $1.25-million Care in the Cart fundraising goal, local healthcare advocates in Bancroft are highlighting the upcoming delivery schedule for new emergency diagnostic tools and patient monitoring equipment heading to North Hastings Hospital.

Haliburton County

• Algonquin Highlands Election Profiles Published as Municipal Races Progress: As reported by kawarthaNOW, municipal candidates running in the Township of Algonquin Highlands have released formal candidate profiles detailing why they are seeking office. Key platform issues presented to voters include managing rural roads, environmental protections for local lakes, and municipal tax stabilization.

• Hike Haliburton Festival Concludes Successful Four-Day Fall Outdoor Event: Organizers and trail leaders across Haliburton County concluded the 2026 Hike Haliburton Festival. Featuring over 40 guided walks across local forests and heritage trails, the annual autumn event drew hundreds of hikers to sample local culinary stops, logging history tours, and early fall colours.

The Kawarthas & Peterborough County

• Telemedicine Clinic Launches at Ennismore Pharmacy in Selwyn Township: kawarthaNOW reports that Ennismore Pharmacy in Selwyn Township has opened a new virtual telemedicine clinic to expand rural primary care access. The service connects unattached local residents and seniors directly with Ontario-licensed physicians for consultations, prescription renewals, and non-emergency health evaluations.

• SIU Clears OPP Officers in Investigation of May Death in Cobourg Detachment: The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has officially terminated its investigation, clearing OPP officers of criminal wrongdoing following the May death of a 28-year-old man who was held in custody at the Cobourg OPP detachment.

Local Sports

• Petes Comeback Bid Against Wolves Falls Short: The Peterborough Petes fell 2-1 to the Sudbury Wolves, dropping to 0-2 on their OHL season despite a 29-save performance by debut goalie Owen Nelson and a third-period goal by James McMurray.

• Minor Hockey Season Arrives with Storylines: Local columnist Chris Hardill outlines key minor hockey storylines for the 2026-27 season following the Pat Larock Memorial Tournament in Peterborough, including team developments across the Quinte Red Devils and Whitby Wildcats.

• P.R.U.F.C. Adds Three to Wall of Fame: The Peterborough Rugby Union Football Club inducted founder Tony Emary, player/volunteer Bob Keay, and international player Brian McCarthy onto its Wall of Fame at the Nicholls Oval clubhouse.

• Adam Scott Captures Early-Bird Basketball Tournament Crown: The Adam Scott Collegiate junior girls basketball team won the Peterborough Board of Approved Basketball Officials early-bird tournament title by defeating Holy Cross 52-42.

Notices & Announcements

• County of Peterborough Land Division Committee Notice: The County of Peterborough issued public notices for consent applications across multiple townships, including Dummer, Otonabee, Belmont, Galway, Harvey, Ennismore, Cavendish, and Lakefield, with public feedback accepted until October 6, 2026.

  
  

  
  

  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.

  
  
  
  

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

Here is your quick summary of the top stories, regional updates, and local sports making headlines across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Bancroft today:

📜 History Uncovered: Trent Valley Archives has discovered an original 1825 survey map of Peterborough created by deputy surveyor Richard Birdsall! It predates previously known maps and shows the exact town layout encountered by the Peter Robinson settlers 200 years ago.

🏗️ Infrastructure & Council Updates: Peterborough City Council is moving forward with the Ashburnham Drive realignment and McFarlane Street Bridge replacement plan. Council also approved a 612-unit apartment development plan on Towerhill Road, designated two historical properties, and deferred the 2027 council meeting schedule to the next elected term.

🏒 Petes Hockey is Back: The Peterborough Petes are finalizing their 29-player roster ahead of their 70th OHL season opener against Kingston, picking up free-agent forward Jack Clarke while welcoming players back from NHL rookie camps!

🩺 Health & Community: Lakelands Public Health confirmed the region's first case of Influenza A, reminding everyone to practice good preventive habits as flu season arrives a bit early this year. Meanwhile, out in Asphodel-Norwood, local farmers wrapped up the annual Ensilage Corn Competition, and pickleball players gathered for a special memorial tournament at the curling club!

Are you keeping an eye on local development, buying, or selling in our beautiful region? Let's connect!

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 #HighlandsRealEstate #Peterborough #Bancroft #KawarthaLakes #Haliburton #LocalNews #BradSinclair #ReMaxProfessionalsNorth #Kawarthas #LocalCommunity

Highlights:

Local and Regional News

• Discovery of Historic 1825 Peterborough Map: Local archivist Elwood Jones and volunteer Peter Johnston at Trent Valley Archives discovered an 1825 survey map created by deputy surveyor Richard Birdsall. Believed to be the oldest map of Peterborough, it details street plans, public depots, burial grounds, and the original landscape encountered by the Peter Robinson settlers. The document, titled "Town Plot in the Township of Monaghan," will be unveiled during an open house at Trent Valley Archives.

• McFarlane Street Bridge Replacement and Realignment: Peterborough City Council is moving forward with plans to realign Ashburnham Drive and construct a replacement for the McFarlane Street Bridge. While city staff continue discussions with Parks Canada regarding the future maintenance of the original structure, the project’s environmental assessment and property impacts—including grading and septic system adjustments on nearby residential lots—will proceed through a 30-day provincial review period.

• Police Misconduct Hearing for Const. Mitchell Cairns: Peterborough police officer Const. Mitchell Cairns admitted to three counts of professional misconduct—failing to comply with police procedures, neglect of duty, and failing to take proper notes—during a disciplinary hearing. However, he is contesting a fourth charge alleging he deceitfully misled supervisors regarding how a satchel containing illicit drugs and paraphernalia came into his possession inside a police cruiser.

• City Council Honours Dr. Bob Neville: Peterborough City Council formally recognized Dr. Bob Neville for his decades of service as a local family physician, coroner, and long-standing executive with the Peterborough Petes and the Ontario Hockey League. The recognition follows his receipt of the OHL’s Bill Long Award for distinguished service.

• Deferral of 2027 City Council Meeting Schedule: Peterborough City Council voted 9–2 to defer approving the 2027 meeting schedule—which proposed earlier start times for general committee and planning meetings—leaving the final decision to the incoming council following the October municipal election.

• Approval of Apartment Development Amendment on Towerhill Road: Council unanimously approved a draft plan amendment for a residential development on Towerhill Road, allowing initial construction access via Hillview Drive. The project is planned to consist of up to six 102-unit apartment buildings totalling 612 residential units.

• Heritage Designations Confirmed: City council granted final approval for heritage designations for the Erica and Harry Cherney House at 99 Roper Dr. (designed by architect Eberhard Zeidler) and the former West Ward School at 483 Park St. N..

• Head-on Collision on Parkhill Road: Two individuals were transported to the hospital with undisclosed injuries following a early-morning head-on crash on Parkhill Road between Brealey Drive and Chandler Crescent. Peterborough Police closed the roadway to perform a collision reconstruction investigation.

• First Regional Flu Case Confirmed: Lakelands Public Health confirmed the region’s first laboratory-identified case of influenza A for the season in Peterborough. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Thomas Piggott urged residents across Peterborough, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland to adopt preventive hygiene measures ahead of the broader vaccine rollout in October.

• Green Tourism Webinar Announced: Green Economy Peterborough, alongside Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8), 4th Line Theatre, and Elmhirst's Resort, announced an upcoming online panel on green tourism strategies scheduled for October 7. The discussion will focus on sustainable operational practices within the regional hospitality and eco-tourism sectors.

• Music on the Water Concert Series: Le Boat and Peterborough Tourism hosted the "Music on the Water" concert series featuring Ontario singer-songwriter Jordan Holman. The tour included performances along the Trent-Severn Waterway in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Buckhorn.

• Norwood Pickleball Memorial Tournament: The Norwood Pickleball Club held a fun-day memorial tournament at the Norwood Curling Club in honour of late member Bob Henzie. Organizers also announced registration details for upcoming winter indoor leagues at Norwood District High School.

• Ensilage Corn Competition Results: Results were announced for the Township of Asphodel-Norwood’s annual Ensilage Corn Competition ahead of the Norwood Fair. Local farmer Jim Buck captured top honors with 93 points, followed by John Crowley and Todd Payne.

Local Sports

• Peterborough Petes Roster Adjustments: The Peterborough Petes signed free-agent forward Jack Clarke and assigned forward Brody Robertson to the Navan Grads ahead of their 70th OHL season opener against the Kingston Frontenacs. The roster currently stands at 29 players as several key skaters return from NHL rookie training camps.

• Historical Golf Feature on the Old Rotary Trail Train Bridge: A sports feature column highlighted the historical significance of the former railway bridge—now part of the Rotary Trail—which connected Peterborough's north end to East City, granting generations of local youth independent bicycle access to local golf courses.

Notices

• Asphodel-Norwood Historical Gathering Notice: The Asphodel-Norwood Cultural and Heritage Committee announced a free public historical meeting on September 22 at the Norwood Town Hall focusing on the lives of pioneer authors Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie.

• Township Fall Decorating Challenge Notice: Registration is open for the Asphodel-Norwood Fall Decorating Challenge for local residents and businesses. Displays must be registered online or at municipal offices by September 30 for judging on October 1.

  
  
  
  

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

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

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

💵 Q2 Financial Review: Surplus News & Infrastructure Pressures

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

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🌧️ The Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) Funding Appeal

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

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎨 Culture, Tourism & Business Development Support

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

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

💻 Modernizing IT, Cybersecurity & AI Governance

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

Staff Reports & Key Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

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

Just The Front Page-September 14th, 2026

 

Local & Regional News Summaries

• Youth Advocacy in Peterborough Politics: Grade 11 student Avery Trenholm founded Peterborough Leaders of Tomorrow to give young residents aged 13 to 18 a voice in local politics following the city's dissolution of the Peterborough Youth Council. Trenholm highlights that while candidates campaign on youth initiatives like free transit passes, municipal leaders frequently overlook youth priorities and lack direct engagement with non-voting demographics. Her organization operates independently, partnering with community groups to advocate for safer, youth-centred spaces.

• Canada Misses 2030 Climate Targets: A study by the Canadian Climate Institute reveals that Canada is off track to meet its 2030 Paris Agreement emission reduction targets and will likely fail to hit them even by 2050. Federal climate policy rollbacks—such as eliminating the consumer carbon tax, delaying methane regulations, and repealing electric vehicle mandates—have set national emission reduction progress back by more than 20 years. Although the federal government emphasizes ongoing clean energy infrastructure investments, Canada remains the worst-performing country in the G7 regarding relative emission reductions.

• Fiddler Irish Millie Expands Horizons: 19-year-old Peterborough musician Irish Millie has released a new coming-of-age album titled Can You See Me, marking her debut as a singer-songwriter. The seven-track album incorporates vocal and lyrical arrangements alongside her signature fiddle playing to connect with a broader, mainstream audience. Having earned international accolades and performed across Europe, Millie continues to balance her rising music career with her studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough.

• Candidate Karaoke Night in Peterborough: Municipal election candidates in Peterborough will gather at Shoeless Joe's on Lansdowne Street for the inaugural Candidate Karaoke event. Organizers aim to offer a relaxed atmosphere away from formal debates, allowing voters to see a different side of local politicians as local media members judge their performances.

• New Beach Volleyball Courts in Cavan Monaghan: Phase 1 development of the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre grounds concluded with the opening of four public beach volleyball courts. Supported by a $100,000 grant from Hydro One, the free-to-use amenity aims to foster community recreation, with future expansion plans including tennis and pickleball courts.

• Kawartha Potters Guild Fall Programming: The Kawartha Potters Guild is launching its six-week fall instruction schedule, introducing new youth pottery classes and beginner wheel sessions. Founding member June Goodwin will also lead specialized weekend workshops focused on sculpting whimsical figures and clay fairy houses.

• New Book Chronicles Peterborough Lawn Bowling: Trent Valley Archives is hosting a book launch for Bowling on the Green: 125 Years of Lawn Bowling in Peterborough, authored by Dr. Elwood Jones and Steve Russell. The publication details the history and social impact of the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club from its origins in 1901 to its current site on McDonnel Street.

• Inspirational Speaker at Princess Gardens: St. Paul's Presbyterian Church and Princess Gardens Retirement Residence are hosting Canadian comedian and singer-songwriter Wendy Farha for a free community presentation. Farha uses humour, music, and personal stories to discuss navigating mental health, illness, and life challenges.

Local Sports Summaries

• Peterborough Petes Pre-Season Victory: The Peterborough Petes capped off an undefeated 4-0 pre-season with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Niagara IceDogs. Matthew Perreault scored with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation to force the shootout, where Calum Hartnell scored the deciding goal. The Petes open their 70th OHL regular season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs.

• Obituary: Boxing Legend George Chuvalo: Canadian heavyweight boxing icon George Chuvalo passed away on his 89th birthday. Famous for his two distance bouts against Muhammad Ali and never being knocked down in his professional career, Chuvalo compiled a 73-18-2 record before dedicating much of his later life to anti-drug advocacy.

• Toronto Blue Jays Defeat Orioles: The Toronto Blue Jays secured an 8-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles, driven by back-to-back home runs from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kazuma Okamoto, and George Springer. Okamoto set a Blue Jays rookie record with 85 RBIs, while starter Dylan Cease set a career mark with 236 strikeouts in the season.

Notices & Community Events

• Learning in Leisure Fall Series: St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church hosts a 10-week guest speaker series starting September 22, covering local history, health, fire safety, and sound design.

• Trent Film Society Screenings: Free weekly film screenings and discussions take place every Tuesday evening at Sadleir House.

• Observe the Moon Night: The Peterborough Astronomical Association is offering a free public viewing event at Harold Town Conservation Area featuring telescopes and guided lunar observations.

• Mapleridge Recreation Centre Open House: An informational session for adults 50+ to explore facility programs, alongside ticket sales for the annual Holiday House Tour.

• Paddle for Purpose Pickleball Tournament: A charity tournament hosted by BEL Rotary and Lakefield Community Care at the Douglas Sports Centre.

• Night in White Garden Party: A fundraising event at Johnston's Greenhouse supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

• Community Care Lakefield & Ennismore Events: Upcoming fundraisers include a 60s–80s dance night at the Lakefield Legion and a chunky pumpkin knitting workshop in Ennismore.

• Intimate Voices Chamber Concert: Kawartha Chamber Music Collective presents a classical performance by donation at the New Canadians Centre.

• Dinosaur Detective Event: An educational family program featuring dinosaur expert Tim Jeffries at St. James United Church.

• Ladies of the Lake Cemetery Tour: Trent Valley Archives leads a historical walking tour at Little Lake Cemetery highlighting influential women in Peterborough's history.

  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.

📰 YOUR FRIDAY MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP! 📰

Toronto Maple Leafs News

• Chris Tanev's Recovery Update: Defenceman Chris Tanev reflected on his injury-plagued 2025–26 season, which included a concussion, a spinal injury, and groin/core-muscle surgery in March. He is currently undergoing a "slow rehab" but expects to be cleared by doctors in time for training camp.

• Playoff Absence Context: The article notes that Tanev’s absence (playing a career-low 11 games) directly impacted the Leafs, contributing to the team missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in a decade.

NHL News

• Chris Tanev Road to Recovery: Overall coverage of veteran defenceman Chris Tanev preparing for his 17th NHL season following extensive rehab.

Toronto Blue Jays News

• Crucial Victory Over Cleveland: The Blue Jays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6–3 at Progressive Field, taking the three-game series rubber match. Key hits included a two-run double by Nathan Lukes and a sacrifice fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during a four-run fifth inning.

• Wild-Card Standings & Tiebreaker: The win moves Toronto within half a game of Cleveland for the final American League wild-card spot and secures the head-to-head season tiebreaker over the Guardians.

• Fan Support Amid Trade Tensions: Despite ongoing Canada–U.S. trade friction, Canadian fans travelled in large numbers to Cleveland, making their presence felt with loud "Let's go Blue Jays!" chants throughout the series.

Real Estate News

• City Planning & Redevelopment Applications (Toronto Notice of Applications):

  • Don Valley West (2437–2441 Bayview Ave): Application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a six-storey residential building, a six-storey private school, and additions to existing structures.

  • York South-Weston (1956–1986 Weston Rd & 1–5 Little Ave): Proposal for a mixed-use development comprising two towers (45 and 39 storeys) on a shared five-storey podium.

  • Humber River-Black Creek (2424 Finch Ave W): Master-plan proposal to permit nine new mixed-use buildings, a new public park, and a new public street.

Peterborough, Bancroft, Haliburton & Kawarthas Regional Highlights

• Weather & Regional Forecast: Regional weather coverage highlights mainly sunny conditions across Peterborough and surrounding regions heading into the weekend, with highs around 24°C–25°C.

Headline Summaries & Major Ontario Stories

• Severe Multi-Hazard Storm Hits Southern Ontario: A massive "100-year" storm swept across Toronto and Southern Ontario, bringing winds over 130 km/h, heavy rain (nearly 140 mm), and hail. It caused severe flooding on the Don Valley Parkway, downed power lines affecting tens of thousands, damaged the north stands of Rogers Stadium, and prompted 60 water rescues.

• $4.7B Federal Investment for Via Rail Passenger Cars: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $4.7-billion deal to build over 300 Via Rail passenger cars at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay, supporting roughly 700 Canadian jobs.

• Provincial By-Elections Status Quo: In three provincial by-elections, Premier Doug Ford's PCs held York-Simcoe and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, while the NDP won Scarborough Southwest, leaving the Liberals shut out.

• Ontario Bike Lane Battle Escalates: The Ford government rejected City of Toronto proposals to restore traffic lanes while retaining protected bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University, issuing an RFP to study bike lane removals or reconfigurations.

• John Tory Appointed TIFF Board Chair: Former Toronto Mayor John Tory was named chair of the Toronto International Film Festival’s board of directors, taking office October 1.

• First Fine Under Anti-Scalping Law: Ontario issued a $25,000 fine to ticket-resale platform SeatGeek Canada under the province's ticket resale legislation enacted in April.

  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.

  #Kawarthas #KawarthaRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #BancroftRealEstate #BlueJays #LeafsNation #OntarioNews #BradSinclairRealEstate
  

📰 KAWARTHAS & HIGHLANDS LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP! 📰

Looking to stay up to date on what’s happening across our region? Here is your local news roundup from Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and surrounding areas! 📰✨

School spirit is in full swing as United Way Peterborough & District volunteers packed over 400 backpacks with essential supplies for local students heading back to class! On the roads, the City of Peterborough is reminding everyone to drive carefully and slow down in school zones with return-to-school traffic starting up.

Looking for local weekend entertainment? Peterborough native and former Hollywood actress Estella Warren is returning home on Sept 26 to host a "No To Diet" wellness workshop at the Peterborough Public Library! Over in Lindsay, Lindsay Little Theatre opens its fall season with the hilarious Canadian comedy "Having Hope at Home," running Sept 11–13 and 18–20.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer about this weekend! The Peterborough Wolverines are making local history by fielding two teams in the Ontario Fall Football League, hosting their inaugural U14 home game at Holy Cross this Saturday at 11 AM. Harness racing action heats up at Kawartha Downs on Saturday evening as Hall of Famer Carl Jamieson races top pacer Tilthecowscomehome, while Peterborough Speedway wraps up its 2026 season with the high-stakes Championship Clash! 🏎️🏈🐴

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 #PeterboroughNews #KawarthaLakes #HaliburtonHighlands #BancroftON #LocalNewsUpdate #HighlandsRealEstate #BradSinclair #ReMaxProfessionalsNorth #CommunityFirst #KawarthasLife