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

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 KAWARTHA LAKES: Concerns about preserving local watershed expertise and municipal representation are at the forefront, as proposed provincial changes to Ontario’s conservation authority system move closer to implementation. At a recent council meeting, Kawartha Lakes councillors received correspondence from, Kawartha Conservation Chief Administrative Officer, Mark Majchrowski, regarding the Province’s propose

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The future of the Blackstock Arena took a significant step forward, recently, as Scugog Council approved the purchase and installation of a new permanent refrigeration plant for the historic facility. The issue dominated discussions, during the Monday, May 25th council meeting, when members of the newly formed Blackstock Community Arena Development Committee presented a five-year vision for the arena

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Businesses across Kawartha Lakes will once again be in the spotlight, this summer, as the 2026 Business Count survey officially gets underway. Conducted in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce and the Lindsay Downtown BIA, the initiative will see survey teams visiting downtowns and employment areas, throughout the municipality, to gather information directly from business owners and ope

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 SCUGOG: The Township is updating the way film and television productions operate within the municipality, following Council approval of a revised Film Policy, during its meeting, on the evening of Monday, May 25th. Included in the meeting’s agenda was a staff report, from Lori Bowers, Director of Communications and Strategic Projects, outlining proposed changes, aimed at supporting continued economic opportun

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The winding waters of the Nonquon River will once again come alive with paddlers, spectators and volunteers, when the 56th annual Canoe the Nonquon takes place, on Saturday, June 6th. What began in 1969 as a fundraiser, organized by the Lake Scugog Historical Society, continues today as one of the region’s most recognized sporting traditions, raising funds in support of Scugog Shores Museum Village. S

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.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Access to family doctors in the community is expected to improve, after the City of Kawartha Lakes council approved $300,000 in funding, to help recruit three new physicians to the area, during its May 19th meeting. The funding will go to the Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative (KLHCI) to support return-of-service agreements, signed by three family doctors who have committed to practising lo

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard UXBRIDGE: A new chapter is underway for one of Canada’s most respected stock car racing organizations, as, former NASCAR Canada Series champion, Jason Hathaway and Jamie Hakonson-Hathaway officially take ownership of Team 3 Red/EHR. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the team, founded in 2001, by longtime NASCAR Canada Series supporter, Ed Hakonson, who passed away just over a year ago. The new ownership group said, it is committed t

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A new Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy is being launched in Kawartha Lakes, as the municipality looks to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Nations, organizations, and residents while embedding reconciliation into everyday municipal work. The community-informed initiative will guide how reconciliation is advanced across municipal governance, planning, economic development, procurement,

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard SCUGOG: The sounds of spring returning to the countryside are some of the things seven-year-old Eva Giancoulos loves most about the outdoors. From spotting frogs and toads to watching baby animals emerge each spring, the Prince Albert Public School student has developed a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife at a young age, something which has now helped her advance to the quarterfinals of the North American Jr. Ranger competition. Eva recently

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