DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Driving schools, operating on roads throughout Kawartha Lakes, could soon face new municipal rules. City council has directed staff to develop a business case and licensing program for driving school operators, following concerns raised about traffic, road safety, and the repeated use of some local streets for driver training. The issue came before council, at a recent meeting, in a report fro

JAMIE STEEL Senior Lead of Community Relations, Ampere KAWARTHA LAKES: Ampere invites people of all ages to join fellow community members for STEAM Fest, a free, family-focused celebration featuring live music, diverse food, a vendor market, and tons of art, science, engineering, and technology activities. The second annual STEAM Fest promises to be a bigger, bolder celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). It will be held at Ampere’s Lindsay Ma

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The Kawartha Art Gallery is inviting artists to submit work, for its 2026 Annual Juried Exhibition, which will focus on the relationship between women, art, and political change. Voices & Visibility: Women, Art, and Political Change will run from October 7th to December 19th. The exhibition will explore themes including: democracy, advocacy, leadership, identity, protest, belonging, representa

By Patricia Dawson It's going to be so much fun! Bring the family out to Boatapalooza on August 8th, in Bobcaygeon. It is going to have the best-decorated boat contest. Get creative and have fun. This is a fundraising event; proceeds go to support the Bobcaygeon Legion's emergency program. There will also be a barbecue, raffle draws, and a 50/50 draw. There will be lots of vendors. This is an annual event, part of the Water Music Festival, held at the marina on Pigeon Lake, j

LINDSAY: Downtown Lindsay was filled with gleaming chrome and vintage vehicles on Sunday, July 19, as Classics on Kent and Brits in the Park attracted hundreds of car enthusiasts and spectators. Classic cars lined Kent Street while Victoria Park hosted an impressive collection of British-built automobiles, including MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars, Austin-Healeys and Minis. The annual event featured everything from early antiques to muscle cars and modern classics, giving visitors a c

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A centuries-old craft, with deep roots in Canadian history, is now taking centre stage at City Hall, where residents can explore a colourful new exhibition, celebrating both local artistry and the City of Kawartha Lakes' 25th anniversary. The latest installment of the City's Art in the Halls program features the work of the Lindsay and District Rug Hookers, whose handcrafted creations are on d

KIM COULTER, CFRE Manager, Community Giving & Engagement KAWARTHA LAKES: The RMH Foundation is grateful to members of the Kawartha Lakes Professional Firefighters Association Local 1701, who swapped firefighting for philanthropy on Easter weekend. Their Boot Drive outside Canadian Tire and Food Basics, in Lindsay, on April 4th, involved 15 members, hoisting boots to collect donations from passersby in support of local organizations including the Ross. Today, Kevin Ryan, Jerem

Kim Coulter, CFRE, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: When the Dunsford Golf & Country Club Ladies League gathers for its annual charity tournament, they really get behind their themes. This year, the ‘Girls on the Green’ combined their green garb with a good cause: supporting critical capital projects at Ross Memorial Hospital. Together, the golfers raised $3,247 through their tournament on June 23rd. Organizer Shirley Gr

KIM COULTER CFRE, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement RMH KAWARTHA LAKES: The 152 golfers who arrived at Lindsay Golf & Country Club for the Mariposa Electric Charity Classic on Friday, June 19th came for a day with friends and fun on the links. What they achieved was more than they expected. Through their participation, every golfer helped to enhance patient care in Kawartha Lakes. For the past four years, the owners of Mariposa Electric have hosted their Charity Classic

By Patricia Dawson Bring the whole family out to the Uxbridge Scottish Festival! For 30 years, Scottish culture has been celebrated in Elgin Park, bringing together tradition, music, and community. Join us Friday, July 24th, and Saturday, July 25th, as the Uxbridge Scottish Festival continues this proud tradition with a multi-day event of Scottish Heritage for all ages. Visitors can experience the excitement of the Highland dance competition and the sound of bagpipe performan

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A former executive director of Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) is facing multiple criminal charges, after police allege more than $50,000 was improperly spent using the organization's credit card, during her time leading the local food security agency. According to court documents, Kathy Ridout was charged, by the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, in April of 2026, with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, and crimin

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: When members of the Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) hit the trails, they count kilometres, litres in the tank, and the number of amazing moments they’re collecting. Today, they can add a few more numbers to the tally: in 10 years of Poker Runs, KATVA has raised $100,000 to support critical patient care needs at Ross Memorial Hospital. The number of lives they’ve touched through their giving: too many to count. On June 6th, KATVA set

by Patricia Dawson The annual beloved Kite Day returns to Uxbridge Historical Center this July 18th! Bring your own kite, purchase or make one at this exciting event on Quaker Hill while enjoying the best view of Uxbridge. Saturday, July 18th, from noon to 4 p.m., at 7239 Concession 6, in Uxbridge. This is a free event. For more information, call 905-852-5854. Concerts in the park in Bobcaygeon are back. Catch open-air live music at the locks on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 6 t

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES/DURHAM: A powerful line of severe thunderstorms swept across Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region on Canada Day, bringing damaging winds, torrential rain and intense lightning, disrupting celebrations, toppling trees and hydro lines, and leaving thousands of residents without electricity. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued severe thunderstorm warnings, as the fast-moving system crossed ce

NANCY NEWTON Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes KAWARTHA LAKES: Four young women graduating from our local high schools were recognized, in June, for their peer leadership, with the Soroptimist Positive Influence Award, from Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes. Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes joins with the schools in their annual recognition activities, by presenting the award to a female graduating student, from each of the city’s four secondary

By Patricia Dawson Bring the kids to Carissa Settlers Village, where they will be showing movies on July 5th and July 22nd. Join us every Wednesday at 7 p.m., beginning July 8th, for a fun evening under the beams of the barn. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, or anything else you need to create the perfect cozy movie spot. Admission is by donation, and our Snack Shack will be open with your favourite movie-theatre treats: popcorn, candy, and drinks. We can't wait to see y