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

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Residents of Beaverton may soon see improvements to local pickleball facilities, after a recent request brought the issue before Brock Township Council. At a council meeting, on Monday, January 26th, Andrew Wingrove, a longtime Beaverton resident and community supporter, submitted a letter raising concerns about the newly created pickleball court at Lodwick Park. Mr. Wingrove noted, the court does not

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A new three-year strategy is set to boost tourism and highlight the Township of Brock as a vibrant destination. The 2026 to 2029 Visitor Growth Plan, presented to Council, by, Communications and Tourism Coordinator Tamra Kaiser, provides a roadmap for increasing visitation, supporting local businesses, and enhancing residents’ quality of life. It was moved by Councillor Hodgson, seconded by Regional C

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard BROCK: Progress continues on the long-anticipated replacement of the Beaver River Bridge in Beaverton, as the Region of Durham advances regulatory steps required under federal legislation and prepares for construction to begin next year. The Region has submitted detailed information about the project to the Navigable Waters Registry, as required under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. The submission, now open for public comment, outlines the proj

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Plans for new public washrooms at Beaverton Harbour are moving forward, after Council directed staff to hire Flexcell Engineering Inc. to begin design work and soil testing. The decision was made at Council’s regular meeting, on Monday, January 12th, following the presentation of a report, from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward which outlined the results of a competitive tender

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Community history and heritage preservation were front and centre, at Brock Township Council’s meeting, on Monday, January 12th, as the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society presented plans for its upcoming 50th anniversary. Society president, Paula Warder delivered the delegation, outlining the organization’s roots, milestones, and the vision for the future they see for the Beaver River Museum wh

By Patricia Dawson This is a reminder to get your tickets for a fun night at the Robbie Burns dinner on January 31st. featuring music, dancing, and a traditional meal. Doors will open at 5 pm. Dinner is at 6 pm. To be held at the Beaverton Legion Branch 135, 517 Mara Road, Beaverton. Tickets are $50; cash purchases can be made at Jack's place for kids or by calling Jennifer at 705-426-7960. Beaverton Story time for ages one to Junior Kindergarten (JK) will take place on Frida

By Patricia Dawson Residents are invited to step out and enjoy some lively country line dancing in Cannington at the Cannington Legion Community Health Center. Instructor-led sessions are held at the Legion, located at 72 Peace Street, on Monday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. These classes are open to both new and experienced dancers and feature a fun mix of country favourites and Top 40 hits. For those looking to try something different, Drumming for Health will take place

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: As Ontario prepares to welcome back the Northlander passenger train, the release of the revived service’s proposed schedule has reignited calls, in Beaverton, for a long-sought return to the passenger rail map. Ontario Northland recently announced details of the restored Northlander service, which will operate between Toronto’s Union Station and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane. The return

By Patricia Dawson High school students and youth leaders, save these dates for Blaze, our upcoming winter youth retreat, January 9th to 11th, 2026. We're hosting a youth retreat for high school students here at Fairhaven's Camp and Conference Centre. Come prepared for a weekend full of worship, great speaking, recreation, food and fun! This will take place from Friday, January 9th, at 7 p.m. to Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at 3 p.m. The address is B2215 Highway 48, Beaverton.

DARRYL KNIGHT , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK : With the Sunderland Arena temporarily closed for renovations, Brock Township is making sure residents still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy ice time, this holiday season. A full slate of free public skating sessions is being offered, at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Arena, in Cannington, and the Foster Hewitt Memorial Arena, in Beaverton, with several local organizations and businesses stepping f

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard Long before Basil McRae carved out a 16-year career in the National Hockey League, his hockey journey was taking shape in the rinks of small-town Ontario, where the game was as much about community as competition. Born and raised in Beaverton, where he made his mark early, helping his hometown teams capture several provincial championships. Those successes opened the door to junior hockey, and in 1975 he arrived in Port Perry, to suit up for the Fl