DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Businesses in Durham can now drop off Blue Box recycling at Regional Waste Management Facilities (WMFs) without paying fees, a move designed to ease the transition to Ontario’s new producer-run recycling system. The fee waiver was approved, as part of Durham’s 2026 Regional Budget, and is now in effect. Businesses which previously received municipal curbside Blue Box collection can bring dedicat

BRANDON CLARK The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Families across Durham Region will have several options to celebrate Family Day on Monday, February 16th, with a mix of free community events and low-cost outdoor activities planned in Scugog, Brock and Port Perry. In Scugog, the township will host its annual Family Day Fun event at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, offering a full slate of free activities for families who pre-register for a time slot. Activities include crafts,

BRANDON CLARK & DARRYL KNIGHT  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES/BROCK: Ontario has experienced brutal winter weather since last November, and with it have come repercussions for road and sidewalk maintenance. The City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region are two municipalities among many across the province that have experienced harsh seasonal conditions. Kawartha Lakes typically sees an average of 50 winter weather events that require snowp

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Work on the Sunderland Arena expansion and renovation project is continuing to move forward, despite slight delays caused by utility connections. Officials report substantial progress has already been made, with demolition nearly complete and construction now underway on both the exterior and interior of the facility. Mayor Mike Jubb called the project “a historic project in the Township of Brock,” no

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

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers today, yet, too many people in Ontario are not being screened regularly. Dr. Rebecca Wray, a local physician and primary care lead, with the Central East Regional Cancer Program, stresses understanding the new cervical screening program and taking action is vital, for first-time testers, long-time patients, and anyone with a cervix. Ontario’s cervical cancer screening program underwent a ma

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

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The proposed Alto high-speed rail network is moving forward with an ambitious vision. It aims to connect Toronto to Québec City, advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and invite Canadians to help shape the future of national transportation. From the earliest stages of planning, Indigenous peoples have been recognized as key partners in the project. Discussions began at the outset and continue through open, respectful

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

BRANDON CLARK  The Standard News BROCK: Community and Non-Profit Organizations are invited to apply for funding from Brock Township's Charity Golf Tournament fund for senior- and/or youth-oriented projects. The annual golf tournament, hosted by Brock Township, is held at Cedarhurst Golf Club in Beaverton, to raise funds for local charitable organizations. Brock Township requires local non-profit or charitable organizations applying for a specific project to provide detailed

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

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Early results from Brock Township’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) suggest the program is already making a visible impact on local main streets, helping to encourage reinvestment and refresh the look of downtown areas. The update was outlined in a recent staff report, presented by, Director of Development Services, Robin Prentice, detailing activity since the updated Downtown CIP was appro

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Volunteers, Township staff, and conservation partners came together, this past autumn, to plant 100 native trees and shrubs along the banks of the Beaver River, at MacLeod Park. A testament to the growing partnership between the Cannington Horticultural Society (CHS) and Brock Township. An October 18th, 2025 planting event, aided by the Township with mulch, and by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation A