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: A family-friendly evening of entertainment and community spirit, is set to take place in Sunderland, this week, as residents are invited to a free Community Movie Night, at the Sunderland Town Hall Auditorium. The event, scheduled for Friday, June 19th, will feature a screening of the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie and is open to residents of all ages. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginni

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Treasure hunters and bargain seekers will once again have an opportunity to explore neighbourhoods across Durham Region when Curbside Giveaway Day returns on Saturday, June 13. The popular event, running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., encourages residents to place unwanted items that are still in good condition at the curb, clearly marked “Free,” allowing others to take them home and give them a second life. Organized in partnership with Durha

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: An invasive aquatic plant, discovered in Lake Simcoe, is prompting calls for coordinated action from municipalities, conservation authorities and government agencies, as experts work to contain its spread. Members of the Invasive Species Centre appeared before Brock Township council on May 25th, to provide an update on the growing presence of water soldier, an invasive perennial aquatic plant which was

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: Residents across Brock Township are beginning to see improvements to local roads, following an emergency special council meeting, held on April 17th, to address concerns over deteriorating road conditions after a difficult winter and spring. Mayor Mike Jubb recently provided an update on the municipality’s response, stating, “Immediately after that meeting, and within four working days, all 150 km of o

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

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK/KAWARTHA LAKES: Baseball season is getting underway for the Victoria Brock Baseball Association (VBBA), bringing together players, coaches, and volunteers from communities across the western portion of the City of Kawartha Lakes and Brock Township, for another year of inter-community competition and development. VBBA President, Christine Clayton said, the association’s focus remains firmly on creating

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Passenger rail advocates in Brock Township are feeling optimistic after what Mayor Mike Jubb described as a “very positive” meeting with senior officials from Ontario Northland regarding a proposed Northlander stop in Beaverton. In an update shared with residents, Mayor Jubb said a meeting was recently held with the Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland following discussions with Laurie Scott a