DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Inititiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents of Kawartha Lakes could again cast their votes, online or by phone, in the 2026 municipal election. This, following a presentation to council, on November 4th, by, City Clerk, Cathie Ritchie. The proposal, presented during a Committee of the Whole meeting, would see the continued use of internet and telephone voting, not only for the election of Mayor, Councillors, and School Board

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Residents, farmers, and members of the agricultural community packed Council Chambers, recently, for a public meeting on proposed changes to the Township of Brock’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The amendments aim to make it easier for farmers to expand and diversify their operations, through new on-farm businesses, while maintaining protection for the area’s prime agricultural land, within th

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Efforts to protect fish habitats and improve water quality, near the Bobcaygeon Dam, are taking another step forward, as Kawartha Conservation continues its detailed study of how dam operations affect the surrounding aquatic ecosystem. The conservation authority shared its latest findings and future plans, with Kawartha Lakes councillors, during a Committee of the Whole meeting, held on Tuesda

DARRYL KNIGHT  The Standard It was a busy weekend on the ice for local Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) teams, with the Uxbridge Bruins, Little Britain Merchants, and Port Perry LumberJacks all seeing action across several rinks. The Uxbridge Bruins extended their season-opening win streak to 14 games on Thursday night in Schomberg, skating to a 6-4 victory over the Cougars. Tanner Ryan opened the scoring late in the first period, and the Bruins built a 3-0 lead midway

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

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Concerns about housing affordability and business competitiveness took centre stage, at a recent Kawartha Lakes council meeting, when residents and developers weighed in on a proposed by-law to update the city’s development charges. As required under the Development Charges Act, a statutory public meeting was held, on October 21st, to review the proposed by-law and its background study. Dr.

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard It was another strong weekend for local Provincial Junior Hockey League teams, highlighted by the Uxbridge Bruins extending their franchise-record winning streak to 13 games with a 9-2 thrashing of the Caledon Golden Hawks on Friday, October 31.  The Bruins wasted no time setting the tone, scoring five unanswered goals in the first period. Jordan Fitger opened the scoring just 15 seconds into the game and added another goal later in the frame, while

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: It was another winning weekend for the Lindsay Lynx Girls Hockey Association, as players, parents, and volunteers wrapped up another successful Tag Day fundraiser, across the City of Kawartha Lakes. Dozens of young Lynx players were out in the community, proudly wearing their jerseys and greeting shoppers at local businesses, including: Food Basics, Canadian Tire Lindsay, Canadian Tire Fenelon Falls, Home Building Centre, Giant Tige

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard It was a busy weekend for local teams in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL). The Uxbridge Bruins continued to impress, with back-to-back shutouts, while the Port Perry LumberJacks bounced back with a big win, and the Little Britain Merchants added another victory to their early-season resume. The Bruins maintained their perfect start, to the 2025-26 season, with a dominant 7-0 road win over the Schomberg Cougars, on Thursday, October 23. Ev

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Plans to breathe new life into Cannington’s MacLeod Park took another step forward this week, as Brock Township Council received an update on the long-discussed revision plan, at their October 14th meeting. Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward presented the latest concept, explaining, the refreshed plan brings together feedback from residents, user groups, and regional officials w

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: When Cheryl Faber and her team, at the City of Kawartha Lakes Human Services Department, stood before Council, on October 21st, they weren’t just presenting another report, they were outlining a vision for how the community can work together, to ensure everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. The presentation, led by Ms. Faber, Housing Manager Michelle Corley, and Jesse

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Last week, Port Perry’s historic downtown was transformed into a cinematic playground, as two film productions brought crews, equipment, and excitement to the community. From October 20th to 27th, the Currie Grain Elevator, Queen Street, and the surrounding areas served as backdrops for the pilot television series Witness Protection and the returning production The Way Home. Filming included interior

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Local history lovers and longtime residents have a new way to help celebrate the spirit of Kawartha Lakes, by sharing their own photographs which tell the story of life across the municipality. Two new photo displays are being prepared for City Hall, and organizers are asking community members, local museums, archives, and heritage groups to help bring the area’s history to life. The exhibits

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: From pickleball players, hoping for more courts, to families, seeking accessible playgrounds, residents of Kawartha Lakes have made their priorities clear: they want recreation spaces which are flexible, inclusive, and designed for the community. Their voices helped shape the draft Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, a bold new vision which looks ahead to 2040. Presented by Jenn Johnson, Dir

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Residents of Brock Township’s Ward 4 will soon have a new representative at the council table, following the declaration of a vacant seat, after the promotion of Cria Pettingill to Regional Councillor. Council formally declared the Ward 4 position vacant in accordance with the Township’s Council Vacancy Policy, which outlines a transparent and accountable process for filling vacancies that occur during

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: An updated Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan will help ensure the Township of Scugog is ready to respond to any emergency which might come its way. The new plan was presented to Council by, Alternate Community Emergency Management Program Coordinator (CEMC), Jacqueline Bjorklund and Fire Chief Mike Matthews at a recent meeting, where both emphasized the importance of keeping Sc

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A long-time community greenspace in Beaverton will now be preserved for generations to come, after the Township accepted the donation of Fox Park from the Beaverton & District Conservation Club. The matter was discussed at the October 14th council meeting, when, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward presented a report recommending the Township assume ownership and maintenance respon

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A recent report, presented to Council on Monday, October 6th, outlined the progress being made on dozens of infrastructure projects currently underway across the Township of Scugog. Financial Accounting Supervisor, Maria Turino delivered the update as part of the 2025 Capital Project Status Report which tracks the status of all active capital initiatives. The 2025 Capital Project Status Report, cover

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard The Thanksgiving weekend delivered plenty of excitement for junior hockey fans, in the PJHL Orr Division, as the Uxbridge Bruins, Port Perry LumberJacks, and Little Britain Merchants all took to the ice in crucial early-season matchups. Uxbridge continued their hot start, sweeping a two-game set, against the Caledon Golden Hawks, to remain undefeated. The Bruins crushed Caledon, 12-1, on home ice, at the Bear Den, on Friday, October 10th, before fol