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

by Shawn Lackie Nobody said it would be easy. But it’s all a matter of perspective. By it I mean finding a good and reliable mortgage broker. In many instances the decision can be an extremely simple one. You have a relative or a very close friend who you trust implicitly to give you the best quality service and really look out for your best interests. Even these scenarios come with a certain level of risk. As long as you ask the right questions and stay engaged in the proces

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.

by Shawn Lackie I was sitting with some close friends, the other night, and we got to talking about needs in a home purchase. Now, I have always believed there is a vast difference between a need and a want. Most times buyers confuse those two, so called, priorities. A need is something you absolutely MUST have, based on necessity: number of bedrooms; good sized living area; large or small lot, depending on your needs; access to schools and transportation; and hospitals, if y

UXBRIDGE: In support of Durham Vision Zero, The Regional Municipality of Durham will be installing a 70 kilometre per hour (km/h) posted speed limit on Lake Ridge Road (Regional Road 23) in the Township of Uxbridge. The speed limit reduction from 80 km/h to 70 km/h will take place on Lake Ridge Road, from 740 metres south of Chalk Lake Road (west leg) to 675 metres north of Chalk Lake Road (west leg), in Uxbridge. The speed limit reduction signs will be installed in early No

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

BRANDON CLARK The Standard Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2nd, at 2 a.m. The Uxbridge Fire Department also advises residents to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. To ensure smoke and carbon dioxide alarms function properly, batteries must be replaced annually. Doing this at the same time as clock resets is a useful way to keep track of when to replace batteries. Smoke and carbon dioxide alarms are important because

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

by Helen Nicolaou SCUGOG: Surprisingly, the maple trees did not disappoint, as the leaves gave a striking show of fiery reds, oranges and yellows. Breathing in the cool scents of fallen leaves, at this lovely time of year, provides a sense of quieter days ahead, bringing another gardening season to an end. Mild temperatures still allow for last minute planting of spring blooming bulbs, and if you want to save summer bulbs, then once a hard frost damages the stems, dig up sum

by Shawn Lackie I know the title sounds like a bit of a joke, to many, but there ARE realtors out there who care, and they carry themselves and their business with honesty and integrity; really. However, too often we hear about the “bad apples,” and there are more than a few of those. Recently, a brokerage was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Their trust account was audited and there was a $10 million dollar shortfall. The case is still under investigation but may

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

Douglas Ellis , Executive Assistant, Constituency Office of the Hon. Todd McCarthy SCUGOG: The Ontario government is investing $879,549 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the Township of Scugog. The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario, by building key public infrastructure which will strengthen the economy and keep wor

Edward White, Executive Director, Office of Peter Bethlenfalvy MPP of Pickering-Uxbridge UXBRIDGE: The Ontario government is investing $983,894 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Township of Uxbridge. The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan, to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure which will strengthen the economy and ke