DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Another round of improvements is taking shape at MacLeod Park, with new basketball and tennis infrastructures, among the latest upgrades, underway at the Cannington recreation hub. Contractors have installed new basketball posts at the park, nets are expected to be added next spring. Work has also been progressing on the park’s tennis courts, where new court posts have been installed. The project was e

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Local hockey players, figure skaters, ringette players, and other ice users are back on the ice in Cannington, following the completion of a series of major renovations, at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre. The arena has reopened for the new season after work focused on modernizing key components of the facility's ice-making and refrigeration systems. The improvements are intended to make th

By Patricia Dawson Bring the family for fun bingo at the Bobcaygeon Lions Club on Tuesday, September 29th, from 5:15 to 8 p.m., at 55 Main Street. We are air-conditioned. Come out for an evening of fun, bingo included. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., and the game starts at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds go back to our community. Please remember to bring donations to our food bank. Thank you. The Bobcaygeon Farmers Market is open Saturday, September 26th, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be an am

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A long-term plan for improvements to MacLeod Park, in Cannington, has taken another step forward, with Brock Township Council endorsing the park’s refined concept plan, at its July 27th meeting. The plan sets out a phased approach to upgrading the community park, with a focus on accessibility, safety, active recreation and environmental sustainability. Council identified three priorities for the plan:

BRANDON CLARK The Standard PORT PERRY: Residents of Port Perry, Ontario, Canada are invited to take part in a full slate of Canada Day festivities this year, with events taking place throughout Historic Downtown Port Perry and at the Scugog Shores Museum Village. The celebration features a packed schedule of entertainment, family activities, food, and fireworks. Festivities begin early in the morning with the Canada Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade, featuring “Vettes-for-V

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

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

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

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

By Patricia Dawson A Passion Play at St. Edward the Confessor Parish on April 3rd, at 7 p.m., at 75 Churchill Avenue, Uxbridge. The parish and community are blessed to once again present the Passion Play, a prayerful and moving retelling of our Lord's suffering, death, and love. At last year's debut, this year's production has grown even more, with many dedicated volunteers working to bring this retelling to life. We warmly invite our parish and community to come experience i

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.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Repairs are moving ahead, on a well-used pedestrian link in the heart of Cannington, after council approved a contract for rehabilitation work, on the MacLeod Park Pedestrian Bridge, at its meeting, on Monday, February 23rd. Council awarded a contract to Melfer Construction Inc., the lowest compliant bidder, following a competitive Request for Tender process which closed on February 5th. Eleven bids

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

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