Just the Front Page-September 9th, 2026

📰 WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS THE KAWARTHAS & HIGHLANDS 🌲🏡

Here is your quick-read breakdown of the big local stories and regional updates making headlines across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Bancroft today!

💧 Curve Lake's Innovative Water Solution: Curve Lake First Nation is leading the way in environmental protection by adopting state-of-the-art modular wastewater treatment technology from Keene-based Miranda Water Technologies. This system will phase out old septic beds near dense community hubs and protect regional groundwater for future generations.

🏥 Expanded Healthcare Services: Peterborough’s Paddock Wood facility now offers open 6-bed inpatient withdrawal management services alongside its 35-day residential program, providing crucial local support for individuals battling addiction.

🛝 Inclusion in Action: Selwyn Township officially opened "Jude's Joy"—its first fully barrier-free playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park on Chemong Lake! Complete with wheelchair-accessible ramps, a flush carousel, and beach mats right into the water, it’s a massive win for local families.

🛴 Traffic Safety Alert: Peterborough Police remind everyone that electric kick scooters remain illegal on all public roads, sidewalks, and multi-use trails across Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan, and Lakefield since local municipalities have not opted into the provincial pilot program.

🚌 Transit & Community Focus: Local transit discussions are ramping up ahead of the October municipal election, GreenUP is piloting car-free pop-up zones around local schools to keep kids safe, and Norwood celebrated local history legend Terry Stephens on his 90th birthday!

🇨🇦 Escalating Trade Feud: U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up trade tensions, threatening bans on Canadian dairy and alcohol imports and blocking Canadian suppliers from U.S. government contracts. Meanwhile, Kansas Republicans are stepping up to defend Bombardier's U.S. workforce after threats were made against the Canadian aircraft maker!

⚾ Blue Jays Playoff Push: The Jays are looking for a late-season boost as slugger Anthony Santander begins a Triple-A rehab assignment after missing the season due to shoulder surgery. Toronto remains locked in a tight wild-card battle with Cleveland!

🏒 NHL Headlines: Former Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke publicly about his move to Florida, while the Boston Bruins locked in rising centre Fraser Minten with a 7-year extension.

🏢 Real Estate Shift: In response to changing market conditions, developers in Toronto are pivoting toward liveability—cutting total unit counts to focus on larger 2- and 3-bedroom designs for end-users and downsizers.

🗳️ Ontario Politics: Toronto's mayoral race is heating up ahead of the election, with candidate debates underway and polling showing incumbent Olivia Chow in the lead.

From community growth and modern infrastructure to local family spaces, our region continues to be an incredible place to call home!

Thinking about buying, selling, or exploring property across the region?

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 #KawarthaLakes #Haliburton #Bancroft #CurveLake #Ennismore #Selwyn #ReMax #BradSinclair #LocalNews #KawarthaLiving

📰 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
  

🌩️ WHAT A DAY IN ONTARIO! Here’s your daily news roundup for September 3, 2026:

⛈️ MAJOR GTA STORM: Southern Ontario got slammed by a massive storm yesterday with 100+ mm of rain, hail, and 85 km/h winds! Flooding shut down the Don Valley Parkway, stranded cars across Toronto, damaged the new Rogers Stadium venue, and knocked out power to over 65,000 homes.

⚾ JAYS BLOWOUT CLEVELAND: Vladdy Guerrero Jr. went absolute beast mode with a 5-RBI night, including a 406-foot home run, as the Blue Jays stomped the Guardians 11-0! Dylan Cease pitched 6 scoreless innings, bringing Toronto just 1.5 games back of the final wild-card spot. Plus, fan favourite Ernie Clement got engaged this week!

🏠 REAL ESTATE UPDATE: The average GTA home price dropped to $993,410 in August—the first time it’s dipped under $1M since January. Sales are down 2.1% and new listings dropped 14%. Mortgage interest is shifting too: 5-year variable rates are sitting near 3.3% while 5-year fixed rates hover around 4.09%.

⛽ GAS TAX BREAK EXTENDED: Ottawa extended the federal excise tax break on gas and diesel until January 31st to help ease costs at the pump. On interest rates, the Bank of Canada held its key rate steady at 2.25%.

🌲 LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS: Bancroft is gearing up for electronic voting in the fall election, North Hastings raised over $1.25M in healthcare funding, and OPP are looking into a stolen backhoe out of Highlands East near Stormy Lake.

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 #HaliburtonHighlands #BancroftRealEstate #Peterborough #BlueJays #GTARealEstate #Kawarthas #BradSinclair

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE-July 30th, 2026

Your local headlines in less than 3 minutes! ☕✨

Get up to speed on everything happening across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Hastings–Lennox & Addington today.

🏛️ Hastings–Lennox & Addington MP Highlights Cost-of-Living Priorities

Local MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman issued a constituent update emphasizing that household affordability remains the top priority facing area families. In Parliament, her ongoing focus centers on advocating for rural tax relief, lowering energy costs, and securing federal infrastructure funding for municipal projects. 💸🌾

💎 Final Setup Underway for 61st Rockhound Gemboree Opening Thursday

Bancroft is gearing up to host the 61st annual Rockhound Gemboree from July 30 through August 2! Recognized as Canada's premier gem and mineral show, Canada's Mineral Capital has launched a redesigned web portal with interactive vendor maps, daily schedules, and online ticketing to streamline entry for thousands of visitors. 🪨✨

🖊️ Clean Up PTBO Recycles 25,000 Writing Instruments

Major win for local eco-initiatives! Clean Up Peterborough announced that its June community challenge successfully collected and diverted over 25,000 used pens, markers, and writing tools from local landfills to be processed through specialized plastic recycling. ♻️🌱

🦊 Peterborough County Tourism Unveils Regional Persona Guide

Looking for your next weekend adventure? Peterborough County Tourism launched an interactive traveler campaign featuring four regional personas: The Otter, The Bear, The Fox, and The Bee. The guide helps locals and tourists discover hidden gems, Indigenous cultural sites, and roadside culinary stops. 🐻🐝

🚧 Corner Store and Laundromat Razed for Chemong Road Widening

Demolition of Mister Convenience and Harbour Front Laundry Villa at Reid Street and Parkhill Road is officially complete. The site clearance makes way for Peterborough’s $58.7M Chemong Road widening project, which will expand the corridor to five lanes between Reid Street and Sunset Boulevard alongside new turning lanes, pedestrian paths, and storm sewers. 🚜🛣️

🍖 Kawartha Ribfest Moving to Healthy Planet Arena Parking Lot

Take note, rib lovers! Kawartha Ribfest (scheduled for Aug. 28–30) is relocating from Del Crary Park to the parking lot outside Healthy Planet Arena (911 Monaghan Rd.). The venue move protects park turf from heavy rib trucks and offers over 320 paved parking spots. 😋🔥

📻 Oldies 96.7 Rebrands to 96.7 WOW-FM

Peterborough radio station Oldies 96.7 officially rebranded to 96.7 WOW-FM on Monday under the tagline "Just Great Songs." Popular morning host Bill Porter and core local news coverage remain, paired with an elevated energy and a broader mix of hit music. 🎶🎙️

🏢 Demolition of Addition to East City Church Complete

The 1957 building addition at Mark Street United Church has been completely removed, successfully preserving the historic 1928 sanctuary. Developer TVM Group plans to build a 17-storey, 205-unit residential rental apartment complex on the site, with construction expected to start later this summer. 🏗️🏘️

⚠️ Head-On Crash Blocks Fowlers Corners Intersection

A severe head-on collision occurred early Tuesday morning at Highway 7 and Frank Hill Road on the Peterborough County–Kawartha Lakes border. Emergency services responded, and two individuals were transported to the hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. 🚑🚦

🏒 Petes Face Blue Line Uncertainty as Key Defenders Explore Options

Roster shifts are underway for the Petes ahead of the 2026–27 season. Defenseman Blake Schairer is trending toward Boston College, while overager Garrett Frazer committed to St. Cloud State University. On a bright note, GM Mike Oke confirmed sophomore forward Gerry DiCunzolo and import players Yanis Lutz and Adam Novotny are returning. 🚨🏒

🌾 Norwood Fair Ambassador Competition & Wheat Contest

The countdown to the Norwood Fair begins Sunday, Aug. 9, with the annual Fair Ambassador competition featuring contestants Charlotte Pearce, Madison Smith, and Jordyn Stevenson. Results for the local wheat field crop competition were also announced, with Bob Sedgwick taking top honors! 🎡👑

🏡 Real Estate Corner

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

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas & Highlands. Let’s find your place in it. 🌲🏠

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

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Peterborough & Kawarthas Morning Headlines 🗞️ July 29th, 2026

 

Got less than 3 minutes? Here’s everything you need to know to stay informed in our community today! 👇

🚨 Local Safety & Police Updates

• Arrest Made in Serial Mall & School Harassment Case 🚓

  Peterborough Police have arrested 43-year-old Scott Andrew Duncan of Cavan-Monaghan. Police allege he approached young girls at Lansdowne Place mall and Prince of Wales School, handing them sexually explicit notes. He faces multiple serious charges, including Luring a Person Under 16 and Criminal Harassment, and remains in custody.

• Two Teens Arrested Following Convenience Store Robbery 🏪

  Early Monday morning, police intercepted two masked teenagers (aged 14 and 16) fleeing an armed robbery near Sherbrooke Street and Denure Drive. Officers seized cash, stolen goods, and a knife. Both were charged and released on undertakings for youth court in September.

• OPP Appeal for Witnesses in Fatal North Kawartha Crash 🏍️

  Following a tragic Saturday afternoon motorcycle crash on Northeys Bay Road that claimed the life of a 54-year-old Oshawa resident, OPP are asking anyone who was in the area around 4:45 PM—or who has dashcam footage—to contact Peterborough OPP or Crime Stoppers.

• Impaired Driving Charge After Golf Cart Crash 🛺

  Kawartha Lakes OPP responded to an overnight golf cart crash at a trailer park in Laxton Digby Longford Township. A 34-year-old Clarington man has been charged with impaired driving offences.

🏛️ Community & Local Business Developments

• Former Wild Water & Wheels Site Set for Major Revival 🎡

  Exciting news for Chemong Road! Fiddler’s Bay Corp. purchased the former amusement park property for $4 million. Plans are in motion to transform it into a year-round family entertainment hub featuring mini-golf, drive-in movies, splash pads, winter tubing, and food vendors starting next spring.

• Youth-Led "Leaders of Tomorrow" Civic Group Launches 🗣️

  Student organizer Avery Trenholm has launched Leaders of Tomorrow, an independent advocacy group empowering local youth aged 13 to 18 to have a direct voice in municipal priorities and civic engagement.

• Record-Breaking Year for Five Counties Children's Centre 💙

  CEO Scott Pepin shared incredible annual results: Five Counties supported a record 6,574 young clients across more than 56,000 clinic visits during 2025–26, delivering crucial pediatric care to families across our region.

• KADEX Aero Supply Expands Local Operations ✈️

  Aviation distributor KADEX Aero Supply has completed a 10,000-square-foot warehouse expansion in Peterborough, boosting local inventory, shipping, and receiving capabilities.

• Infrastructure Upgrades Approved for Fletcher Lake Landing 🌊

  Algonquin Highlands Council has approved a rehabilitation project to replace a deteriorating retaining wall and install a new floating dock, ensuring safe, barrier-free water access for the public.

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

🏡 Thinking About Real Estate in the Kawarthas?

Questions about buying, selling, or local market trends? Let’s talk about getting you on the path to your goals.

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor®

📍 Re/Max Professionals North

Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

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

🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Local Headlines in Less Than 3 Minutes 🗞️ Sunday, July 26th, 2026 Edition

 🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE

Your local headlines in less than 3 minutes! ☕✨

Stay in the loop with what’s happening across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and the Highlands today. Here is your quick daily breakdown! 👇

🏛️ Local Heritage & Community Upgrades

 📜 Downtown Lindsay Historical Banners: The City and Lindsay BIA announced a set of new street banners celebrating downtown heritage! They’ll be formally unveiled across the main business district next week.

 🪧 Kawartha Lakes Wayfinding Strategy: Council approved an 8-year phased plan for updated regional signage inspired by local water, trees, and canoes. Upgrades to entrance signs and pedestrian navigation will start in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon!

 📚 Faraday CAO Clarifies Library Position: Faraday Township CAO Bernice Crocker clarified that while the township has voluntarily given nearly $400k since 2005, no binding agreement exists requiring a $35k contribution to the Bancroft Public Library. The board is now reviewing potential non-resident fees as it prepares to move into the North Hastings Inspiration Place.

🏗️ Redevelopment & City Work

 🚜 Mark Street Church Demolition Progresses: Heavy equipment has begun clearing the 1957 Christian Education Centre at 90 Hunter Street East. This work makes room for TVM Group's proposed 17-storey residential build, all while preserving the historic 1928 church sanctuary!

 🚰 Sewer Flushing in Fenelon Falls: Annual sanitary sewer flushing is underway! Crews from Sewer Solutions are working daily (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) for the next two weeks before heading over to Bobcaygeon.

 🩺 LifeLabs Timeline Uncertain: Discussions continue in the Highlands as representatives confirm there is still no concrete date to reopen the closed Haliburton location, leaving residents reliant on local hospital labs.

 🌾 Regional Infrastructure Maintenance: Public works departments in Selwyn, Otonabee, and Douro-Dummer are carrying out routine summer maintenance. Rural landowners are asked to keep ditches clear of debris following recent mid-week rain cells.

📈 Real Estate, Safety & Community Good News

 🏡 June Real Estate Metrics Hold Steady: Data from CLAR shows 216 residential sales across Peterborough County in June (up 5.4% from May). Average county prices held steady at $708,815, while the City of Peterborough median price settled nicely between $544,500 and $570,000.

 🏒 Little Lakers Night Raises $19,000+: Community support showed up big! The 4th Annual Little Lakers Night raised over $19,000 for the Five Counties Children’s Centre through auctions and donations to support local pediatric therapy. ❤️

 🚔 Senior Driver Charged: Following a serious spring collision investigation, Peterborough Police charged a 79-year-old driver with Careless Driving Causing Bodily Harm, Operating an Unsafe Vehicle, and Improper Braking Systems.

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

💬 Thinking About Making a Move in the Kawarthas or Highlands?

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get on the path to YOUR success! 🏡📈

 📞 Phone: 705-927-6236

 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

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

Finding Your Way Home: A Journey Through Hastings and Highlands 🌲🚗✨

Life is a wild, beautiful adventure, and no two days ever look quite the same! 🌄 Yesterday was the perfect reminder of why I love what I do and why living in this region is so incredible.

My morning started with a quick getaway on the waterfront in downtown Kingston with my amazing wife, Susan, celebrating my birthday 🌅☕. From there, we hit the open road, heading through Napanee to pick up our daughter, who had been spending some quality time at her Nana’s house 🚗❤️. After a wonderful lunch hosted by Jean (there’s nothing quite like family!), we loaded up the truck and tackled a rainy, scenic drive back through the rolling hills and lakes of our region 🌧️🌲.

Along the way—between navigating the secondary roads, keeping an eye on the local weather, and brewing a strong French press coffee the minute we got home ☕🔥—my mind was racing with ideas. I spent time on the phone doing market check-ins, talking strategy on local mortgage trends and interest rates 📈, and diving into real discussions about local governance, infrastructure, and community safety 🏛️.

Whether I’m reviewing local news, analyzing property trends, or just listening to neighbours talk about the challenges of buying or selling in today's shifting market, my motivation is simple: I care deeply about this community and the families who call it home. ❤️🏡

When you’re trying to make a major move in the Kawarthas or Highlands, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed 🌀. The real estate market moves fast, guidelines change, and navigating hidden property hurdles—like shoreline regulations, rural zoning, or fluctuating mortgage rates—can quickly turn a dream project into stress and uncertainty 🤯. You want to make the absolute best choices for your family's future, but without the right guidance, it’s easy to feel stuck or worry about making a costly mistake 🛑.

You shouldn't have to navigate those complexities alone. You deserve a clear, step-by-step roadmap built on honest guidance and local expertise 🗺️.

That’s where I come in. Over the last 20+ years, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding every square inch of this region—from municipal bylaws to road conditions, hidden waterfront details, and true property values 📍. My goal isn't just to help you buy or sell a piece of real estate; it's to protect your investment, save you time, and make the entire process smooth and worry-free 🛡️.

Imagine waking up in a home you love, surrounded by the lakes and forests of the Highlands, knowing every detail of your transaction was handled correctly the first time 🌅🌲. Imagine having total peace of mind, knowing your family's hard-earned money and future are completely secure.

Don't let market confusion or hidden surprises hold you back from living the lifestyle you've always wanted. Let's take the guesswork out of your next move together! 🤝

Ready to start your next chapter? Give me a call or send me a quick text today at 705-927-6236. I’ll come directly to you, sit down over a cup of coffee, and help you map out the perfect plan for your real estate goals. ☕🏡

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. ❤️

Just the Front Page for July 22nd, 2026

🗞️ Morning Briefing: Local News & Real Estate Highlights

Read time: Less than 3 minutes

Welcome to your quick daily digest! Here are the front-page local headlines you need to start your day across the Kawarthas, Peterborough, and surrounding areas.

🖤 Regional Tributes & Local Leadership

• Passing of Mayor Randy Wallace: Regional leaders across Hastings County are mourning the loss of Carlow/Mayo Township Mayor Randy Wallace, who was elected in 2022. Wallace is remembered as a kind, compassionate, and dedicated public servant. Flags at municipal offices have been lowered to half-mast in his honour.

• Douro-Dummer Mayoral Race: Longtime politician J. Murray Jones is coming out of retirement to run for Mayor of Douro-Dummer Township. He faces challenger Peter Leahy of Merrylynd Organics. Candidates registered for council seats include Harold Nelson, April Hope, Tom Watt, Marilyn Turton, Ray Johnston, and Jane Cooper.

• Selwyn Mayor Stepping Down: Sherry Senis announced she will not seek re-election as Selwyn Township Mayor after 20 years on council. Deputy Mayor Ron Black is currently running for the mayor's seat, while Councillor John Boyko is running for deputy mayor.

📈 Real Estate & Municipal Growth

• Peterborough Secures $1.6M Provincial Fund: The City of Peterborough received $1,653,397 from the Ontario Building Faster Fund after exceeding its housing targets by 16% (breaking ground on 545 new residential starts). The funds will support local roads, water lines, and utility infrastructure.

• June Housing Market Data: According to the Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® (CLAR), Peterborough County logged 216 home sales in June (a 5.4% month-over-month increase). The average selling price remained stable at $708,815.

🚨 Safety & Community Updates

• Kawartha Lakes Police Updates: OPP are appealing for public information regarding property mischief and a vehicle break-in near Highway 35 and Lindsay Street. Meanwhile, Kawartha Lakes Police boosted visible foot patrols in downtown Lindsay to support local businesses and community safety.

• Wildfire Evacuee Donation Drive: Members of OPSEU Local 358 have launched a local donation drive to support evacuees from northwestern Ontario wildfires, collecting essential items across Peterborough and Haliburton.

• Omemee Beach Park Reopens: Following a $600,000 revitalization project, Omemee Beach Park is open with new walkways, cleared waterfront vegetation, and armour stone. Future additions include a splash pad, skateboard park, and beach volleyball court.

🏆 Sports & Legends

• Shawn Evans Named to NLL Hall of Fame: Peterborough native and two-time NLL MVP Shawn Evans has been named to the 2026 NLL Hall of Fame induction class alongside former Peterborough Lakers players Mike Accursi, Gavin Prout, and Mark Steenhuis.

• Rest in Peace, Duane Ward: Former Toronto Blue Jays relief ace Duane Ward passed away at age 62. Ward, who holds the franchise record for single-season saves (45 in 1993), was in Toronto for the 1992–1993 World Series reunion.

👇 Help keep our community informed! Hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours.

🏡 Navigating the Kawarthas Real Estate Market?

Families love the Kawarthas and Highlands, and finding your place here starts with the right guidance. Whether buying or selling, let’s get you on the path to success.

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor®

🏢 Re/Max Professionals North

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

Balancing the Neighbourhood: The Friction Between Long-Term Housing and Short-Term Rentals in Peterborough

 The intersection of long-term housing needs and the rise of the short-term rental (STR) market has become a central point of tension in the County of Peterborough. As the community navigates a tight vacancy rate and evolving economic demands, the debate surrounding properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo center strictly on data, municipal framework boundaries, and community impacts.

The Core Data Behind the Tension

The friction between long-term residential stability and short-term tourist accommodations is driven by distinct economic and logistical realities.

 Long-Term Rental Market Constraints: Peterborough historically faces a low residential vacancy rate, frequently hovering between 1% and 2%. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a healthy, balanced rental market typically requires a vacancy rate of roughly 3%. This shortfall places immense pressure on local tenants searching for attainable, permanent housing.

 The Appeal of the STR Market: For property owners, short-term rentals present a flexible economic opportunity. STRs can generate higher gross nightly revenues compared to standard monthly lease agreements. Furthermore, short-term arrangements insulate owners from the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) process, as short-term guests are not protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Primary Friction Points

The community divide manifests across three specific operational and social realities:

1. Housing Supply and Inflationary Pressure

Every full-time residential property permanently converted into a year-round "ghost hotel"—an entire home dedicated strictly to short-term tourists—directly removes a unit from the long-term housing stock. Economists and housing advocates point out that this reduction in supply inherently drives up the market price of remaining long-term rentals, compounding the affordability crisis for local workers, families, and students.

2. Infrastructure, Safety, and Neighborhood Turnover

Permanent residents choose neighborhoods based on stability, whereas short-term rentals introduce continuous turnover. The operational friction points typically reported to local authorities include:

 Parking Allocation: Single-family residential driveways and street allowances are often overwhelmed by multiple vehicles belonging to a shifting rotation of short-term occupants.

 Waste Management: Standard municipal garbage schedules are designed for predictable residential use. Short-term rentals frequently face overflowing bins or mismanaged waste timelines when guests check out mid-week.

 Safety Code Compliance: Unlike standard long-term tenancies or commercial hotels, unmonitored short-term rentals may lack active fire safety plan verifications, interconnected smoke/CO alarms, and specific maximum occupancy limits tied to building infrastructure.

3. Regulatory Gaps and Enforcement

Unlike neighboring jurisdictions within Peterborough County (such as Selwyn Township or Trent Lakes), which have utilized specific licensing frameworks and systems like the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to strictly regulate shoreline and short-term accommodations, the City of Peterborough manages housing through its existing Rental Premises Licences By-law (17-067).

Under current city rules, business licenses are strictly required for:

 Small/Large Rental Dwelling Units: Properties with 4 or more bedrooms rented out individually or as a single housekeeping unit.  

 Lodging Houses: Premises containing 5 to 30 bedrooms.  

However, under the letter of the current city by-law, if an owner lists an entire house that contains 3 bedrooms or fewer, the existing rental licensing framework does not apply. This regulatory landscape leaves a significant portion of standard residential homes operating in the STR space outside of formal city oversight, creating an environment where enforcement is driven primarily by reactive noise and nuisance by-law complaints rather than proactive licensing checks.  

Looking Forward

The tension remains unresolvable without structural adjustment. Property owners maintain that renting their real estate assets is a legal right that drives tourism dollars directly into local downtown businesses. Conversely, permanent residents and housing advocates argue that commercializing residential zones erodes neighborhood safety, alters community fabric, and actively reduces housing security for locals.