COLLEEN GREEN The Standard DURHAM: The Ontario government is investing more than $9.6 million in Durham Region Transit through its 2025-26 Gas Tax Program, providing funding aimed at improving public transportation services across the region. The province announced that Durham Region will receive $9,633,396 to support local transit initiatives, including expanded service hours, additional routes, new vehicle purchases, and accessibility improvements designed to increase rider

by Shawn Lackie There was a recent announcement which will have a lasting impact on the Real Estate trade, for many years to come. Real and Re/Max merged, in an $888 million deal. This has deep ramifications on a number of fronts. Real has only been around for 12 years, while Re/Max has been a major player in the trade for 50 years. Expect some other mergers to follow and maybe even some to eventually fold. Why, you might ask? A number of answers could be put forth, but the m

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

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

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Spring curbside leaf and yard waste collection returns, this June, in Kawartha Lakes. Residents are asked to place leaf and yard materials in dry paper bags, at their curb, before 7 a.m. on their designated date. If ones waste is collected on Mondays and Wednesdays, their leaf and yard waste collection will take place on Friday, June 5th. If ones waste is collected on Tuesdays and Thursdays, their leaf and yard waste collection will

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

By Shawn Lackie If you looked up the term Market Correction in a reference book or online, you would see: “A market correction is a short-to-medium-term decline of 10 to 20 percent in a major stock index or individual stock from its most recent peak. These are considered normal, healthy market events that reduce overinflated prices and bring valuations back in line with economic fundamentals, usually lasting weeks or months.” Here are some key factors influencing market corre

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

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard For Matthew and Ashley Fair, taking ownership of Crestwood Golf Club is much more than a business venture, it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream rooted in family memories, community spirit, and a deep love of the game. The couple officially purchased the golf course earlier this year after the sale closed on April 1st, and they are already hard at work carefully modernizing the facility while preserving the welcoming atmosphere which has made Cr

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Engines will rumble to life and chrome will gleam under the early summer sun, as thousands are expected to gather along Water and Queen Street in Port Perry, for the 13th annual Roar by the Shores classic car show, a tradition which continues to draw enthusiasts from across Durham Region and beyond. Scheduled to run Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the waterfront event will transform the town’s historic downtown into a rolling museum of aut

BRANDON CLARK The Standard SCUGOG: On Wednesday, May 13th, Darwin Pivot J.L Richards & Associates visited Scugog Council Chambers in Port Perry to hold a 'Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds' interactive open house and workshop for attendees. The day was broken into three sessions: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees were given packets which contained concepts for the fairgrounds' future. The packet also includes spaces for attendees to write down feedbac

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: 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,

by Shawn Lackie It’s a good time to dispel a few Real Estate myths. One of the largest and most oft quoted is, Open Houses only account for 2 per cent of all houses sold. Many agents pooh pooh the idea of even holding them, claiming they “Never do anything to sell the property.” Wow, there’s a real open minded ideology. I have lived by a handful of credos over the years, one of which is, to never pre-judge a situation. Expect the unexpected. That most definitely includes host