By Patricia Dawson For the week of July 5th, families in Lindsay can enjoy free outdoor concerts in the park series at the Frank Banks gazebo, in Victoria Park. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and catch light performances by local artists throughout the summer. Catch a performance by Ge's on Sunday, July 5th, from 2 to 4 p.m. Later in the week, the Brian Ride Trio plays on Wednesday, July 8th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the family to a pet and paint event. Head to Silver Huron Farm

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Dog owners in Beaverton are one step closer to having a dedicated place for their pets to run and play, after Brock Council voted to move forward with the long-awaited Beaverton Dog Park project, this year. The decision was made during the, Monday, June 15th, council meeting, when members considered a staff report, from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward, outlining updated costs

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Plans to significantly expand Brock Township's sidewalk network have been put on hold, after council voted to pause future work, outlined in the Sidewalk Master Plan, and undertake a detailed review of its long-term financial and operational impacts. The decision was made during Brock Township Council's meeting, on June 15th, after members received a report, from, Capital Projects Coordinator, James Pe

By Patricia Dawson Free board game day in Bobcaygeon invites you to have fun and challenge your brain. Come to the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, 123 East Street South, Bobcaygeon, for free board gaming and a chance to meet new people and make friends. This will take place Saturday, June 27th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This family-friendly drop-in is geared towards adults. Bring your own games, or learn from others. Now that the kids are out of school, why not enroll them

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Families looking for an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors this summer will have two opportunities to cast a line in the waters without purchasing a fishing licence, as Ontario’s annual Free Fishing Weekends return, later this month. Anglers of all ages can fish for free, during Father’s Day Weekend, on June 20th and 21st, followed by Family Fishing Week, from June 27th to July 5th. The initia

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Growing demand for remote viewing of local hockey games and arena activities has prompted Brock Council to approve a new partnership, bringing LiveBarn streaming services to all three municipal arenas. During its meeting, on Monday, May 25th, Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with LiveBarn, a subscription-based streaming platform, widely used in arenas across North America. The servic

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A week of sweet treats turned into a major show of community support for animals in need, as the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign raised more than $11,000 for the Township of Brock Dench Animal Shelter. From April 27th to May 3rd, customers at Tim Hortons locations, in Beaverton, purchased Smile Cookies in support of Brock’s Sick and Injured Animal Fund, helping raise an impressive $11,275.30.

By Patricia Dawson Come out to the Beaverton Curling Club pig roast and silent auction: May 30th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 164 Main Street. Everyone is welcome to join the Beaverton Club for a pig roast buffet meal and silent auction held on the rink floor of the Curling Club. Tickets are $30 a person. Cocktails are at 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m., and an auction will follow. Paint your pet and paint events, May 30th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Elgin Park, Main Street, in Uxbri

KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: Communities across Canada came together on Wednesday, May 6th, as McDonald's Canada celebrated its 32nd annual McHappy Day, raising funds to support families with sick and injured children through Ronald McDonald House Charities. Throughout the day, a portion of proceeds from every food and beverage purchase at participating McDonald’s locations was donated to Ronald McDonald House helping children and families in need. Customers could support the

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The spirit of community service was front and centre, at the Beaverton Legion, on Thursday, April 30th, as local volunteers were recognized for their years of dedication to boards, committees and community organizations which help shape life across Brock. Hosted by council, the Township of Brock’s Volunteer Appreciation Night celebrated residents who have spent the past four years, and in many cases fa

By Patricia Dawson Celebrate your mom on May 9th for the 'Just for Mom Extravaganza', at the Victoria Park Armory in Lindsay, 1010 Kent Street West, in Lindsay. Admission is $2 and doors open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many vendors and a lunch canteen are available. Join us for a day of unique shopping in one place! One day only Saturday, May 9th, if you're looking for something fun to do with mom or even moms-to-be, this is the place to be. The Beaverton Curling Club is hosti

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A smooth leadership transition appears to be underway in Brock Township, with veteran municipal leader Fernando Lamanna set to take on the role of Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk. Mr. Lamanna will step into the position, effective Saturday, April 11st, following the departure of outgoing CAO Michelle Willson. With more than two decades of municipal experience, Mr. Lamanna is expected to

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: After two years at the helm of the Township of Brock’s administration, Chief Administrative Officer, Michelle Willson has announced she will be stepping down from her role, effective April 10th, as she prepares to pursue a new opportunity outside the area. The Township of Brock is preparing for a leadership transition, following the announcement Michelle Willson will be stepping down from her role. Ms.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Regional priorities, ranging from housing and transit to economic development and public safety, were outlined during a recent update, delivered to Brock Township. At council’s meeting, on Monday, March 9th, Regional Chair John Henry presented Brock councillors with the annual Regional Municipality of Durham update, offering a broad overview of major initiatives and the region’s long-term vision. Mr.

By Patricia Dawson Bring the family for a free skate at the Uxbridge Arena on Thursday, March 19th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The address is 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge. The Uxbridge pool is offering free swimming for families during the March break. Thursday, March 19th, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is open to all ages. The address is 1 Parkside Drive, Uxbridge. Want a fun night out listening to country music and enjoying country line dancing. Saddle up for an unforgeta

By Patricia Dawson The Royal Canadian Legion in Beaverton offers several exercise classes, including Gentle Fit, which focuses on improving functional performance, strength, and balance to help prevent injury. Contact the Brock Community Health Center to register by calling 705-432-3322. There is also a Zumba class every Wednesday, at 6 p.m., at the Beaverton Legion. The cost is $15. Bring the kids out for a free event during March break at the Legion in Lindsay. On Thursday,

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A sharp rise in emergency calls kept firefighters across Brock busy throughout 2025, according to the annual statistics presented to council earlier this month. Fire Chief Rick Harrison delivered the department’s year-end report during the Monday, February 9th council meeting, outlining 504 total responses in 2025, up significantly from 371 calls in 2024. “As required under Ontario regulations, we rep

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Inititiative Reporter for the Standard BROCK: Cycling tourism could soon get a visible boost across Brock Township, as council signalled support for a regional wayfinding signage program, at its Monday, February 9th meeting. Communications and Tourism Coordinator, Tamra Kaiser presented a staff report, outlining the Regional Municipality of Durham’s plan to implement a Rural Cycling Wayfinding Signage Program, throughout North Durham, as part

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: More students could soon be hitting the ice, during the school day, after Council approved a new non-prime school rental rate, at its Monday, February 9th, meeting, a move, sparked by a high school program, is already generating excitement among families with children in local elementary schools. Councillors voted to create a $120 per hour daytime school rate, at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community C

By Patricia Dawson A number of engaging programs are coming up at local branches of the Kawartha Lakes and Brock Township Public Library systems. Bobcaygeon Book Club Readers are invited to join the Bobcaygeon branch for its monthly book club on Tuesday, February 24th, from 1 to 2 p.m. at 123 East Street South, in Bobcaygeon. Registration is required; please contact the Bobcaygeon branch to sign up. The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month and explores a different n