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 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

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents and visitors in Lindsay are invited to take part in a full day of Canada Day celebrations featuring family-friendly activities, entertainment, and an evening fireworks display at Wilson Fields. The festivities run from 1 to 10 p.m., offering an afternoon and evening packed with activities for all ages. Throughout the day, families can enjoy kids’ activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained, alongside opportunit

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of Ontario's most beloved seasonal traditions—strawberry picking. Across Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region, local farms are welcoming visitors to their fields, offering families a chance to enjoy fresh air, beautiful countryside, and baskets full of ripe, juicy strawberries. Pick-your-own strawberry farms provide a fun and affordable family outing. Children enjoy searching for the biggest berries, while adult

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

MIKE PERRY Executive Director, City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team FENELON FALLS: Residents of Fenelon Falls and the surrounding area can once again access laboratory services in their community. The blood law is reopening its Fenelon Falls location at the Fenelon Medical Centre, 205 Francis Street East, offering walk-in service Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., while administrative systems are being finalized. Online and telephone appointments will be coming soon. Th

By Patricia Dawson Free board game day in Bobcaygeon invites you to have fun and challenge your brain. Come to the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, 123 East Street South, Bobcaygeon, for free board gaming and a chance to meet new people and make friends. This will take place Saturday, June 27th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This family-friendly drop-in is geared towards adults. Bring your own games, or learn from others. Now that the kids are out of school, why not enroll them

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: 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

by Patricia Dawson Bring the family out to a free community movie night on Friday, June 19th, at the Sunderland town hall for a fun evening with the new Super Mario Galaxy movie. It’s a great chance to relax and enjoy the movies. The location is Sunderland Town Hall, 120 River Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Chairs will be set up, so please arrive early to secure a great seat. Admission is completely free, and everyone is welcome to bring their

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

By Patricia Dawson Families in Lindsay have several free, ongoing activities to enjoy during the week of June 11th. There will be a story walk at Ken Reid Conservation Area, located at Ken Reid Conservation Area on the pond Loop near the main parking lot. Enjoy a healthy, active outdoor experience. Families can walk the trail while reading pages of a featured children's book, Over in the Forest by Marianne Berkes. Lindsay's Farmers Market will be Saturday, June 13th, from 7 a

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

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: For many young people, discovering a future career path can happen in unexpected ways. For Tanner Big Canoe, it started with a high school elective and eventually led him to studying computer science, at Queen’s University — a journey he credits, in large part, to the support and opportunities provided by Ampere. Mr. Big Canoe first became involved with Ampere through a personal connection, while searching for a part-time job, during