DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A one-day immersive STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics ) experience, aimed at inspiring the next generation of female leaders, has received financial backing from the City of Kawartha Lakes. At its meeting, on Tuesday, February 24th, council approved $2,500 in one-time funding, to support the upcoming Women’s Changemakers STEAM Event. It is scheduled for Wednesda

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Repairs are moving ahead, on a well-used pedestrian link in the heart of Cannington, after council approved a contract for rehabilitation work, on the MacLeod Park Pedestrian Bridge, at its meeting, on Monday, February 23rd. Council awarded a contract to Melfer Construction Inc., the lowest compliant bidder, following a competitive Request for Tender process which closed on February 5th. Eleven bids

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Agriculture remains a driving force in Durham Region’s rural communities, and members of the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) brought that message to council, during their annual update, on Monday, February 23rd. Matt Somerville and Nicole Swain outlined the committee’s ongoing work and the major issues currently facing the agricultural sector, emphasizing DAAC’s role as a key advisory

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: From Monday, March 16th to Thursday, March 19th, Kawartha Lakes residents can place household batteries at the curb on their regular garbage day. Residents are urged to have it out by 7 a.m for regular collection. To get batteries ready, put them in a clear resealable bag and leave it where the collector can see it. Residents are asked not to place the bag on recycling bins. This is also a good time to remind families to change the

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Tourism growth and stronger coordination across sectors were front and centre, at Scugog council’s Monday, February 23rd meeting, where members endorsed a new four-year Visitor Growth Plan, aimed at building on the community’s rising visitation numbers and economic momentum. The plan was presented through a staff report, authored by Lori Bowers, Director of Communications and Strategic Projects. Chu

by Shawn Lackie Quick question. Do you ever just pause and take a look around you and acknowledge the changes which have been happening? John Lennon wrote, in one of his songs, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” He was so right. We often get caught up in the day to day madness of jobs, raising kids, making and saving money; always making future plans. Then we wake up one morning, take a look around and say, “Where did all these houses come fro

by Helen Nicolaou Spring cannot come too soon, as the grey days of the longest winter will finally be coming to an end. The Pine Ridge Garden Club will welcome members and guests to its first meeting, on Tuesday, March 10th, at 7:30 p.m., in the Nestleton Community Centre. Our first speaker is Michael Burns, speaking on Beautiful Dahlias. Mr. Burns is the president of the Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, who has dedicated his time to cultivating show quality and garden varie

by Janice Teel Seedy Saturdays are a Canadian invention, rooted in a simple idea: gardeners sharing seeds and knowledge with one another. The first event was organized in 1990, by horticulturist Sharon Rempel at VanDusen Botanical Garden, in Vancouver. What began as a local seed exchange has since grown into a nationwide tradition, celebrated in communities across the country, including Pefferlaw. Gardeners across Georgina and Brock are invited to dig into spring, at Seedy Sa

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Families across Kawartha Lakes could soon see more licensed child care spaces in their own neighbourhoods, as municipal leaders map out how to meet provincial growth targets while navigating tight timelines and funding uncertainty. At a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, Alyson Truax, Manager of Human Services for the City of Kawartha Lakes, presented the 2025 Child Care Expansion and Directed Growt

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A sharp rise in emergency calls kept firefighters across Brock busy throughout 2025, according to the annual statistics presented to council earlier this month. Fire Chief Rick Harrison delivered the department’s year-end report during the Monday, February 9th council meeting, outlining 504 total responses in 2025, up significantly from 371 calls in 2024. “As required under Ontario regulations, we rep

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Long-anticipated repairs at the Blackstock Recreation Complex are moving a step closer to reality, with council approving a design assignment which could lay the groundwork for major roof and structural upgrades at the community facility. At a recent meeting, council received a report from Grant Taylor, Director of Public Works & Recreation, recommending the Township retain Sense Engineering (GTA) I

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A new 10-year growth strategy aims to ensure the local library system keeps pace with a growing and evolving community, but officials say action is needed soon, as existing space and staffing levels are being stretched to their limits. At the February 10th Committee of the Whole meeting, council received a presentation outlining the 2026–2036 Growth Management Plan for the Kawartha Lakes Pub

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: An innovative road repair product tested last year will see a broader rollout in 2026 after council approved two major rehabilitation contracts aimed at improving driving conditions across the municipality. At its February 9th meeting, council awarded contracts for both Flexible Asphalt Cold Technology (FACT) and slurry seal projects to Miller Paving Limited, the lowest compliant bidder in each te

On the first Friday of March each year, a powerful wave of prayer circles the globe as more than 1.5 million Christians in over 150 countries unite in spirit for the World Day of Prayer. Speaking more than 90 different languages, participants gather to pray for issues affecting women and children, continuing a movement active for nearly 100 years. The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement bringing Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of

by Shawn Lackie Got my property tax bill in the mail the other day for 2026. I know, I know, let’s not go there. But, as always, I feel I must say something. You should be listening to the excellent Beatles tune, Taxman written by George Harrison, while you read this. So here goes. The latest half-year interim bill is equal to what we paid for the whole year when we first moved back to Port Perry, 19 years ago. And while I am more than aware things go up (like the price of g

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Inititiative Reporter for the Standard BROCK: Cycling tourism could soon get a visible boost across Brock Township, as council signalled support for a regional wayfinding signage program, at its Monday, February 9th meeting. Communications and Tourism Coordinator, Tamra Kaiser presented a staff report, outlining the Regional Municipality of Durham’s plan to implement a Rural Cycling Wayfinding Signage Program, throughout North Durham, as part

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: As winter winds down and the promise of longer days beckons, families across Scugog and the surrounding area are starting to dream of sun-soaked afternoons and busy summer schedules. From splash-filled days at the pool to action-packed day camps, the Township of Scugog is gearing up to welcome residents with a full lineup of recreational programs, designed to keep kids active, spark creativity, and b

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 7A has long been a concern for drivers navigating its busy lanes. With vehicles merging from multiple directions and traffic volumes steadily increasing, residents and commuters have voiced worries about potential accidents and ongoing safety risks. In response, Deputy Mayor Richardson brought forward a proposal, at the Committee of the Whole meeting