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 SCUGOG: The spirit of the Old West rode into Port Perry and the surrounding Lake Scugog community over the weekend, as the 96th annual Lake Scugog Regatta celebrated its Western Hoedown theme from July 31st to August 2nd. The long-running summer tradition brought together residents and visitors for a weekend of family entertainment, community events, and plenty of Western-themed fun. The mechanical bull prove

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Cyclists, looking to explore the countryside this summer, have plenty of reasons to head north, as Durham Region is highlighting a collection of scenic cycling routes, through Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge as part of its Shift Into Scenic Durham Region campaign. The initiative encourages residents and visitors to discover North Durham's picturesque landscapes, historic downtowns, and rural communi

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The vision for Lodwick Park, in Beaverton, took another step forward recently, as Brock’s councillors directed staff to seek updated pricing, to complete key improvements, including: enlarging the park's pickleball courts, adding a soccer pitch, and installing permanent park signage. At a recent meeting, council instructed staff to prepare a Request for Quotation (RFQ), to determine the additional fund

Kim Coulter, CFRE, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: When the Dunsford Golf & Country Club Ladies League gathers for its annual charity tournament, they really get behind their themes. This year, the ‘Girls on the Green’ combined their green garb with a good cause: supporting critical capital projects at Ross Memorial Hospital. Together, the golfers raised $3,247 through their tournament on June 23rd. Organizer Shirley Gr

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The waters of Lake Simcoe, once again, proved why they are regarded among Canada's premier smallmouth bass fisheries, as anglers from across Ontario converged on Beaverton for the 2026 Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) Bronzeback Cup, on July 4th and 5th. After two days of competitive fishing, Cory and Chris Johnston claimed the championship title, with an impressive combined two-day weight of 56

BRANDON CLARK The Standard SCUGOG: The Fore Scugog Youth Initiatives Grant Program is now accepting submissions, to receive funds from last year's Annual Fore Scugog Charity Golf Tournament. The following criteria have been established for the distribution of the funds: Submitters must be a recognized Youth organization in the Township of Scugog. Past organizations which received this grant include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham ($2000), Port Perry High School Lead

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents are being asked to help determine the future of recreation facilities across the City of Kawartha Lakes, as the municipality begins work on a long-term plan to guide investments in community centres, arenas, swimming pools, and other recreational spaces. The City has launched its Recreation Facility Master Plan, a project which builds on the 2025 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan a

BRANDON CLARK The Standard PORT PERRY: Residents of Port Perry, Ontario, Canada are invited to take part in a full slate of Canada Day festivities this year, with events taking place throughout Historic Downtown Port Perry and at the Scugog Shores Museum Village. The celebration features a packed schedule of entertainment, family activities, food, and fireworks. Festivities begin early in the morning with the Canada Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade, featuring “Vettes-for-V

MARY MEYER Blackstock Agricultural Society SCUGOG: This year marks a major milestone, as the Blackstock Truck and Tractor Pull celebrates its 50th anniversary. What began as an idea, in 1976, has grown into one of Ontario's best pulling events, drawing competitors and spectators from across the province. The vision belonged to Harvey Graham, who attended a truck and tractor pull in Western Ontario and believed the Blackstock Fairgrounds would be the perfect place to host a si

by Helen Nicolaou June has had many windy, cool days which have made working in the garden, pleasant. It’s been an unusual time, having perennials bloom weeks later than anticipated. The upside of the cool weather is, it gives us time to enjoy a longer bloom time. Driving around, you will find many u-pick strawberry farms which are open to the public. What a true delight, picking and tasting locally grown, in-season strawberries. There seems to be endless possibilities, of ho

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Families looking for an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors this summer will have two opportunities to cast a line in the waters without purchasing a fishing licence, as Ontario’s annual Free Fishing Weekends return, later this month. Anglers of all ages can fish for free, during Father’s Day Weekend, on June 20th and 21st, followed by Family Fishing Week, from June 27th to July 5th. The initia

by Ken Wilson It’s hard to believe it is the Third week of June already. The Spring Tennis Programs will be finished next week, after a very busy Spring schedule. The programs were a great success, again this year, with approximately 140 people participating in the programs and leagues, during the Spring session. May thanks to our Club Pro – Colin Hooper and his coaching staff. The Summer Tennis Programs will begin the week of July 6th, 2026. For anyone interested in improvin

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

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

by Barb Pratt UXBRIDGE: Every summer for the past 30 years, selected Uxbridge and area residents have opened their gardens to visitors during the Annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour. This year’s Tour will take place on June 20th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the 30th anniversary, there are some very special additions to the day’s outing. Molly Shannon, of Canadian Succulents, will be on hand to host two workshops at The Historic Leaskdale Church, at 9 a.m. and at 4 p.m. Molly will

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard/BRANDON CLARK The Standard BROCK: A long-running community tradition continues to support local groups across Brock Township, as more than $18,000 raised through the Annual Township of Brock Charity Golf Tournament has been distributed to community organizations. At a late-April council meeting, township officials celebrated the funding, which was awarded to 14 organizations spanning youth sports, arts, cultu

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard BROCK: The 29th annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival is set to bring the sweet taste of tradition back to the heart of Sunderland, on Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., each day, visitors can take in a full weekend of maple-themed festivities, including: a bustling outdoor vendor market, live entertainment, hands-on demonstrations, and family-friendly attractions spread throughout the community. “The Sunderland

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A milestone celebration is on the horizon in Port Perry, as the Scugog Arena prepares to mark 50 years at the heart of the community. Residents, past and present, are invited to take part in a full day of festivities, on Saturday, September 19th, honouring five decades of memories, milestones, and community spirit built within the arena’s walls. For 50 years, the Scugog Arena has served as a gatheri

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The dream of a national title came to an end for Blackstock, on Saturday night, but the pride and momentum built, through the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville campaign, will carry on, long after the final votes counted. During the live broadcast, on the evening of Saturday, March 21st, it was announced, Taber and Tumbler Ridge had been selected as the Top two communities in this year’s competition, leaving Blac