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Historic Marsh Mash returning to Holland Marsh for 46th year
One of Ontario’s most historic paddling events is back. The 46th annual Marsh Mash will hit the water on Saturday, May 9th, welcoming canoeists, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and outrigger paddlers from across the province. The canal, which surrounds the Holland Marsh, provides one of the best canoe racing courses in Ontario. Marsh Mash offers a wide range of recreational and competitive race categories. Distances range from five kilometres to 28 km, including adult and

The Standard
4 days ago2 min read


Extreme weather leaves mark on 2025 books in Kawartha Lakes, but no tax hike planned
DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: 2025 was a year defined by extremes, and a financial balancing act few municipalities ever face. A report, presented at the Tuesday, April 21st council meeting, detailed how a series of severe weather events and economic pressures pushed the municipality toward a potential $44 million deficit in 2025. In the end, staff outlined a plan to absorb the hit through reserves, rather than passing th
darryl knight
4 days ago3 min read


World-Class Working Equitation Riders coming to Port Perry for Four-Day International Event
SCUGOG: The township of Port Perry is set to become an international hotspot for equestrian sport this spring, as Restoration Ranch welcomes riders, from across North America, for a four-day Working Equitation event, from May 28th to May 31st. The show will serve as a critical qualifying event, for the World Equitation Games, scheduled to take place in Spain this September. Hosted by Working Equitation Canada (WECAN), the event will feature riders, from Ontario, Vermont, Nort

The Standard
4 days ago2 min read


Future of Port Perry Fairgrounds moves one step closer
Darryl Knight – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Brandon Clark – The Standard News SCUGOG: Plans to develop a long-term vision for the Port Perry Fairgrounds are moving into their next stage following strong community participation in the first round of public consultation. At a special meeting on Monday, March 9th, Scugog council reviewed an interim report on the “Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds” land-use visioning project and agreed to move the process forward as the c
darryl knight
Mar 183 min read


Agriculture leaders call for collaboration on policy and planning
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Agriculture remains a driving force in Durham Region’s rural communities, and members of the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) brought that message to council, during their annual update, on Monday, February 23rd. Matt Somerville and Nicole Swain outlined the committee’s ongoing work and the major issues currently facing the agricultural sector, emphasizing DAAC’s role as a key advisory
darryl knight
Mar 63 min read


Animal Control wraps up 2025 with strong community support and stable operations
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: From dog and cat adoptions to responding to complaints about wildlife, Scugog Township’s Animal Control team handled another busy year, in 2025, maintaining stable animal populations while expanding community engagement. The department presented its year-end report to council, on Monday, February 2nd. “Even with modest increases in dog impoundments and decreases in cat and wild animal calls, our anim
darryl knight
Feb 122 min read


Local voices sought to shape the future of agriculture in Kawartha Lakes
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: As many tractors sit idle between seasons and winter planning takes shape around kitchen tables and barn offices, Kawartha Lakes is inviting the people behind the region’s food system to help shape what comes next. A new Agriculture and Food Action Plan survey is now open, giving farmers, agri-businesses, food producers, and community members the opportunity to share their experiences, challe
darryl knight
Jan 282 min read


Future of Fairgrounds consultation unclear despite significant public investment
SARA URBANOWICZ Daisy Consulting Group SCUGOG: Darwin Pivot, the Toronto-based consulting firm, hired by Scugog Township to lead the Fairgrounds consultation, insists its mandate is strictly to listen and report and is not intended to advance or justify any predetermined outcome, including the sale of the Fairgrounds. That clarification stands in contrast to ongoing concerns raised in the community, including, following public statements indicating Council may choose to sell

The Standard
Jan 232 min read


FCC Young Farmer Summit in Port Perry on November 29th
Deborah Movoria, FCC Media Relations SCUGOG: Farm Credit Canada (FCC) invites the media to attend its FCC Young Farmer Summit event in Port Perry, Ontario, on November 29th. The FCC Young Farmer Summit is a series of free events across Canada aimed at attracting and engaging the next generation of farmers, as well as food manufacturers and retailers. Participants will get real-world advice from engaging speakers, network with peers and take control of their business journey.
darryl knight
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Growing Opportunity: Brock Township seeks input on farm use amendments
DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Residents, farmers, and members of the agricultural community packed Council Chambers, recently, for a public meeting on proposed changes to the Township of Brock’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The amendments aim to make it easier for farmers to expand and diversify their operations, through new on-farm businesses, while maintaining protection for the area’s prime agricultural land, within th
darryl knight
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Gallery: 2025 Bobcaygeon Fair
The 171st Bobcaygeon Fall Fair was well attended due to a combination of great weather and great events throughout the weekend of...
Colleen Green
Oct 2, 20251 min read


Robotics Take Root on Local Farms
COLLEEN GREEN The Standard On a breezy morning just outside Lindsay, the hum of machinery isn’t just from tractors anymore. A small robot...
Colleen Green
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Cultivating connections: Annual farm tour highlights supportive agriculture industries
DURHAM: The Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) successfully hosted its 23rd annual farm tour, at Kubota Canada Limited...

The Standard
Oct 2, 20252 min read


171st Lindsay Exhibition wraps up with a packed weekend of tradition and thrills
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The midway lights dimmed Sunday evening as the 171st...
darryl knight
Sep 25, 20252 min read


Scugog Council debates Port Perry Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise
BRANDON CLARK The Standard SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog held a Special Council meeting on Monday, September 15th, to vote on whether...
Brandon Clark
Sep 18, 20252 min read


The LEX opens its gates for another spectacular week
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The 171st Lindsay Exhibition, affectionately known...
darryl knight
Sep 18, 20252 min read


Community spirit shines at the Beaverton Fall Fair
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The Beaverton Fall Fair returned this past weekend, drawing...
darryl knight
Sep 18, 20251 min read


Beaverton Fall Fair marks 170 years of tradition and community celebration
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The midway lights, the sound of laughter, and the familiar...
darryl knight
Sep 11, 20252 min read


North Durham councils endorse new approach to support on-farm diversification
DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard NORTH DURHAM: The North Durham Enabling Agriculture-Related and On-Farm Diversified Uses project has taken...
darryl knight
Aug 21, 20252 min read


Port Perry Agricultural Society Hosts Open House to Celebrate Community and History
COLLEEN GREEN The Standard PORT PERRY – The Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) is inviting the community to an evening of music,...
Colleen Green
Aug 13, 20251 min read
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