DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Additional dwelling units are expected to become easier to understand, and safer to build, following the launch of a new Township of Scugog guide and registration framework, designed to help homeowners create legal secondary living spaces. Approved by Council, on June 22nd, the new Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guide and ADU Registration By-law build on housing policies, first adopted in March of 202

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A renewed partnership between the City of Kawartha Lakes and BGC Kawarthas will help ensure youth, families, and children continue to have access to important programs and services across the municipality, for years to come. At a recent meeting, on Tuesday, June 23rd, councillors approved a refreshed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BGC Kawarthas, replacing the original agreement signed

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A long-overdue overhaul of Brock's rules governing site alteration and fill is moving forward. Municipal officials say, the proposed changes will better protect farmland, natural features, and neighbouring properties while making the approval process easier to understand. Council recently received a report, from, Chief Building Official, Chris Robinson, outlining a proposed new Site Alteration and Fill

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents who have ever wondered, what it takes to serve their community from the council table, will have a chance to find out next month. The City of Kawartha Lakes is hosting a Candidates' Information Session, on Tuesday, July 14th, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering prospective candidates and interested residents an opportunity to learn about the 2026 municipal election process and the responsibil

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Residents and motorists, in the boundary area between Brock and Scugog, are being advised to prepare for several months of traffic disruptions, as the Regional Municipality of Durham moves ahead with a full replacement of the Saintfield Road Bridge over the Layton River. Durham Region has awarded the construction contract to Looby Construction Limited, and crews are expected to arrive the week o

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A proposed mixed-use development which could bring between 950 and 1,375 new homes, employment lands, commercial space, parks, and a long-term care component to Port Perry, took its first public step through the planning process, at a Statutory Public Meeting, held by Scugog Township's Planning and Community Affairs Committee, on June 15th. The proposal affects approximately 64 hectares (157 acres) of

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Dog owners in Beaverton are one step closer to having a dedicated place for their pets to run and play, after Brock Council voted to move forward with the long-awaited Beaverton Dog Park project, this year. The decision was made during the, Monday, June 15th, council meeting, when members considered a staff report, from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward, outlining updated costs

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 SCUGOG: Families across Scugog will once again have access to a summer favourite, as the Township’s Park and Play program returns for another season of free recreation activities, for local children. Running weekdays, from July 6th to August 28th, Park and Play brings the excitement of Camp Scugog directly into neighbourhood parks, offering games, sports, crafts, themed activities and more, for children aged

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Young readers across Kawartha Lakes are invited to make a splash this summer, as Kawartha Lakes Public Library launches its 2026 Summer Reading Club, a season-long program, designed to inspire a love of reading, while keeping children and families engaged through fun activities and community events. This year's theme, “Dive In,” draws inspiration from the lakes, rivers, and waterways which hel

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: A handful of young hockey players, from North Durham and Kawartha Lakes, took a major step toward their junior hockey dreams, over the weekend, as the Ontario Hockey League held its 2026 Priority Selection, in Kingston. While no local players were selected, during Friday night's opening round, several area standouts heard their names called, throughout rounds two through 15. This highlighted the strength of local hockey

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: As the City of Kawartha Lakes continues to mark its 25th anniversary, officials are hoping to connect with a resident whose life story spans generations of local history. The City has launched a search for the oldest person living in Kawartha Lakes, who has called the community home their entire life. The initiative is designed not only to identify a remarkable resident but also to preserve th

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A new partnership, among local emergency services and community organizations, is set to provide peace of mind for families caring for loved ones living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive conditions. This summer, Project Lifesaver will be introduced in Kawartha Lakes, bringing with it a proven search-and-rescue program, designed to help quickly locate individuals who may w

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 One of the area’s brightest golfing talents will once again tee it up on one of the biggest stages in Canadian golf. Little Britain native, Justin Matthews has earned an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, taking place June 10th to 14th, at TPC Toronto, on Osprey Valley’s North Course in Caledon. Golf Canada and RBC recently announced the 13 players receiving exemptions into Canada’s national men’s championship, where Matthews earned his plac

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard A season filled with success, growth and memorable moments was celebrated recently, as the Uxbridge Bruins gathered for their annual awards banquet at the Uxbridge Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. The evening provided an opportunity to recognize individual achievements, while also marking the end of an era, for several key members of the organization. Among those saying goodbye was Bruins president, Jay Simmonds, who announced he is stepping awa

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Years of wear and tear, beneath one of Port Perry's key roadways, have prompted additional engineering work, as plans move forward for a major rehabilitation of Old Simcoe Road. The preliminary design phase for the Old Simcoe Road Rehabilitation project is underway and remains on schedule; however, new investigations have revealed underground deficiencies which will require further study before constr

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The stories behind accessibility often begin with people who see barriers and decide to do something about them. That spirit of inclusion was celebrated during the June 2nd meeting of council, when the City of Kawartha Lakes presented its 2026 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards to individuals, businesses, community groups, municipal staff and youth who have helped make the community mo

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