MAC CLARKE Media Relations Coordinator CNE KAWARTHA LAKES: As the newly minted winner of the 2026 CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) Ambassador of the Fairs, Olivia will receive a cash prize of $3,500 and participate in a series of official duties at Canada’s largest fair over the next two weeks, including special appearances, while also representing her local agricultural community. The exclusive year-long role of Ambassador of the Fairs will take her across Ontario as a rep

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: For nearly 160 years, the Blackstock Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local talent, and the traditions which make rural life such an important part of Scugog’s identity. That tradition continues, on Saturday, August 29th, when the 159th annual Blackstock Fair welcomes families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors to the Blackstock Fairgrounds, for a full day of competitio

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: After a long wait, construction of Beaverton’s new Mill Gate Dog Park is set to get underway this week. Brock Township recently announced the construction was set to begin on Monday, August 24th, as crews install fencing and posts, at the long-anticipated community dog park. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August, weather and site conditions permitting. The new facility will provide

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: As summer winds down, six young entrepreneurs, in the region, are wrapping up a season of turning their ideas into businesses, through the 2026 Summer Company Program. The annual program, offered through the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) in partnership with the Province of Ontario, provides students with an opportunity to launch and operate their own businesses, while gaining ha

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The race for Brock Township council is officially set, as voters face contested races for mayor, regional councillor, and every ward councillor position in the October municipal election. Nomination Day passed, on Friday, August 21st, bringing the candidate field into focus, ahead of the October 26th vote. The Township's municipal races feature 18 candidates seeking seven elected positions, while four

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The field of candidates is now set for the 2026 municipal election in Scugog Township, with 24 people officially entering the race for mayor, regional councillor and five ward councillor positions. Nomination day passed, on Friday, August 21st, giving residents a clear picture of the choices they will face when they head to the polls in October. The mayor’s race features the largest field, with six ca

by Helen Nicolaou The harvested wheat fields and local farm stands are a true sign of summer winding down into quieter autumn days. The rain this summer has many vegetable gardens looking they’re best. Tomato plants are producing an abundance of tasty fruit; beans and cucumbers continue to be productive as well. Pickling cucumbers were scarce last season, compared to this one, as now there will be extra pickles to enjoy through the winter. If you have any boxwood shrubs, you

by Shawn Lackie Every time I driver by the unfinished mess known as Kings Landing, it evokes memories of a certain movie that references Real Estate. That, in turn, led me to think about other films that have something to do with buying and selling properties. First things first. Glengarry Glen Ross features a soliloquy by Alec Baldwin which is really one for the ages. The film features an All-Star cast, but Baldwin steals the show. I will spare the details, but it's pretty h

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The race for Scugog Township council is taking shape, as voters set to choose from contested fields for mayor, regional councillor, and all five ward councillor positions, in October. With nomination day just around the corner, 17 candidates are currently listed for the Township’s seven municipal offices, setting the stage for a competitive election campaign across Scugog. Mayor Wilma Wotten is seekin

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: After years of working out of aging and repurposed facilities, Kawartha Lakes paramedics are one step closer to having a home designed specifically for the work they do. The City of Kawartha Lakes officially broke ground, Tuesday, August 4th, on the future Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service Headquarters, at 230 Angeline Street South in Lindsay. City officials, current and former paramedics, staf

The Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) welcomes the community's extraordinary response to July 13th's Special Council meeting, and thanks every resident who showed up, spoke up, and made clear that the Port Perry Fairgrounds are not for sale. But the PPAS will not mistake a deferral for a victory. The uncertainty that has put this organization and this community's most beloved institution at risk has not been resolved. It has simply been postponed. Let's be direct about w

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A long-term plan for improvements to MacLeod Park, in Cannington, has taken another step forward, with Brock Township Council endorsing the park’s refined concept plan, at its July 27th meeting. The plan sets out a phased approach to upgrading the community park, with a focus on accessibility, safety, active recreation and environmental sustainability. Council identified three priorities for the plan:

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A major infrastructure project, the construction of a new Beaver River Bridge, is set to get underway this week, on Regional Road 15, in the Township of Brock. It is expected to continue into late 2027. The Regional Municipality of Durham has hired Esposito Bros. Construction Ltd. to replace the existing temporary modular bridge, over the Beaver River. The contractor is expected to be on site, during t

by Shawn Lackie Have you ever heard the saying, “Old Habits die hard?” It still resonates to this day. Except, some old habits are making a comeback, especially in the Real Estate (RE) world and for some, these “old Habits” have never left. Take Dan Maundrell, for example. Dan has been a veteran of the RE wars for almost 35 years, and to this day, he still carries out some of the traditions which were his calling card all those years ago. The operative word is Calling. Dan is

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Kawartha Lakes residents are invited to spend an evening enjoying classic vehicles and community spirit, at the Victoria Manor Car Show, on Thursday, September 10th. At this free event, visitors can walk through a display of classic cars and trucks and connect with residents. A raffle will also be held, with proceeds supporting the Victoria Manor Residents’ Council. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can find the c

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: RoyPop Candy officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Friday, July 24th, welcoming community leaders, supporters and residents to its new location, at 76 Water Street, in Port Perry. Joining owners, Margret Kizza and Ronald Magala, for the celebration were: Scugog Mayor, Wilma Wotten; Durham Regional Chair, John Henry; Doug Ellis, representing MPP Todd McCarthy's office; Ward 3 Councillor, Terry Coyne; membe

SIERRA MILLER Strategic Planning & Communications Officer, Township of Uxbridge UXBRIDGE: Just after 4 p.m., on July 21st, the Uxbridge Public Library was impacted by a fire, caused by a lightning strike. The Uxbridge Fire Department responded quickly, arriving on scene and extinguishing the fire before significant damage occurred. During the incident, library staff acted quickly, to secure the site. All library staff and camp participants were safely evacuated, and no injuri

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SUNDERLAND: The long-awaited return of activities to the Sunderland Memorial Arena is getting closer, as the Township of Brock now anticipates ice allocations for local user groups to begin December 7th. The major renovation project continues to make “excellent progress,” with substantial completion currently expected by the end of October, provided no further unforeseen conditions arise. The arena, originall

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