DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: An aging and structurally compromised sand storage facility, in Sunderland, will soon be replaced, after council approved the purchase of a new fabric-covered dome with a temporary foundation, at its meeting, on Monday, December 8th. Council’s decision followed the presentation of a report, from, Interim Director of Public Works, Ben Kester, which detailed significant deterioration in the existing wo

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

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A new shade structure is one step closer to becoming a reality in MacLeod Park, after Brock Township Council approved the proposed location for a donated gazebo, during its Monday, December 8th meeting. The structure is expected to be installed near the skate park, with construction anticipated to begin in spring of 2026. The decision followed a report from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilitie

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A recent council meeting, on Monday, November 24th, featured the presentation of the 2024–2025 status update, for the Township’s 2022–2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP). It offered a detailed look at the accessibility upgrades, completed throughout Brock, over the past two years. Deputy Clerk Maralee Drake, who delivered the report, said, the municipality has made steady, meaningful progress t

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The 2026 Operating and Capital Budget for the Township of Brock was adopted, following a formal presentation on Monday, November 24th, and Council deliberations on Wednesday, November 26th. In accordance with provincial legislation, under the Strong Mayor Powers framework, the budget was deemed adopted at the conclusion of the November 26th meeting. The 2026 budget encompasses: a 2 percent increase, d

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Recreation and Leisure Coordinator, Alicia Bagshaw, presented the Annual Camp Summary to Brock Township Council this month, outlining the successes, challenges, and financial outcomes of the 2025 camp season. Following the report, Council directed staff to move ahead with planning the 2026 March Break Camp, scheduled for March 9th to 13th. and the 2026 Summer Day Camp, running from June 29th to Augus

By Patricia Dawson Come out to a fun event put on by the United Way of Haliburton Kawartha Lakes. This will take place on December 2nd from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at 68 McLaughlin Road, in Lindsay. Get ready to jingle all the way through a festive night of fun and friendly competition. Expect multiple trivia rounds with various holiday categories, prizes for winning teams, snacks and drinks, the party doesn't have to end after trivia, stay for a round of axe throwing after, at a dis

DARRYL KNIGHT  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A unanimous vote at a Special Council meeting on Wednesday, November 12th has resulted in the appointment of Ron Hodgson as the new Ward 4 councillor. The longtime community volunteer and lifelong Brock resident was selected from a field of seven candidates to serve the remainder of the 2022–2026 council term. The vacancy was created earlier this fall when former Ward 4 councillor Cria Pettingill was

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A 22-year-old man is dead following a late-night shooting in Beaverton, marking Durham Region’s eighth homicide of 2025. Durham Regional Police say officers from North Division responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, November 16th. The call came from the area of Mara Road and Simcoe Street, where witnesses reported hearing several shots. A short time later, police were n

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM : Business owners across North Durham are being told they’ll soon need to handle their own recycling collections, as the region prepares to end blue box service for commercial properties. The North Durham Chamber of Commerce issued an advisory this week, informing members, beginning next year, businesses will no longer be eligible to use the regular curbside blue box program. Instead, they must e

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Concern for the future of rural mail delivery has prompted Brock Council to take a stand, in defence of local postal services. At a recent meeting, councillors unanimously passed a resolution, urging the federal government and Canada Post to protect rural post offices and mail delivery routes, stressing their importance as a vital communications link, for residents and businesses across the township.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Early ice will arrive at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, in Cannington, beginning with the 2026–2027 season, following a decision by Brock Council at its October 27th meeting. The move comes after months of discussion and consultation with local sports organizations, agricultural societies, and community groups, about how to balance ice availability with long-standing fall fair tradition

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: There are exciting changes underway at the historic Beaverton Town Hall, as the community prepares to welcome refreshed spaces and improved access to local services. Service Ontario has officially relocated to the north side of the building, with the new office opening for regular business, on Monday, November 3rd. The public can now access the office conveniently from the Simcoe Street side of the bui