DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: With winter settling in, along the shores of Lake Scugog, a favourite seasonal attraction is once again welcoming skaters of all ages. Lakefront Skate, in Port Perry, is officially open, offering free outdoor skating seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Joe Fowler North Diamond, located next to Palmer Park. The rink, part of the Lakefront Skate and Market area, is designed to be a fun, inc

by Janet Van Camp Several local families enjoyed vacations in the Caribbean over the holidays. What a change from swimming in the ocean one day to snowmobiling the next! The annual Potluck and AGM of the Blackstock Agricultural Society will be held on Thursday, January 15th at the Blackstock Recreation Centre. Doors open at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome!

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A community-led vision, for the future of the Blackstock Arena, was brought before Township of Scugog council recently, as a delegation called on the municipality to partner with residents, to revitalize the aging facility and secure its long-term future. Kirk Swain, Mike Blakey and Rob Harvey addressed council, at their meeting on Monday, December 9th, on behalf of the newly formed Blackstock Arena Planning and

DARRYL KNIGHT  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG:  A regular review of the Township of Scugog’s capital program has resulted in more than $830,000 being returned to municipal reserves, after council approved the closure of several completed or discontinued projects. Council received the third Capital Account Closing Report of 2025, at a recent meeting, following a presentation from, Director of Finance and Treasurer, Laura Barta. The report recommen

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Downtown Port Perry welcomed a fresh new addition on Sunday, December 7th, with the opening of Anyway Fruit at 88 Water Street . The shop specializes in fresh, natural fruits and vegetables, emphasizing flavour, quality, and affordability. Daniel, one of the co-owners, explained the business grew from a lifelong passion for fresh produce. “We’re all childhood best friends — 15 plus years,” he said. “One of our friends’ families has been in

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard Long before Basil McRae carved out a 16-year career in the National Hockey League, his hockey journey was taking shape in the rinks of small-town Ontario, where the game was as much about community as competition. Born and raised in Beaverton, where he made his mark early, helping his hometown teams capture several provincial championships. Those successes opened the door to junior hockey, and in 1975 he arrived in Port Perry, to suit up for the Fl

by Faye Ashton We’ve been gifted with an old-fashioned winter. When it’s not snowing, it’s very cold. It takes many of us back to the day when snow banks along the road were as high as we were as we trudged along to school. Did it hurt us? I don’t think so. Just created more memories. Don't forget to give Elgin Park in Uxbridge a view. The creativeness of the many entries is well worth the drive; the lights are amazing. Checked out the Santas along Campbell Drive in Uxbridge

by Janet Van Camp Breakfast with Santa was a great success for the Blackstock Co-op Nursery School. Thank you to all the volunteers who spent so much time organizing, setting up, getting raffle prizes, cooking and cleaning up...well done! The Cantata was well-received on Sunday, December 14th. A wonderful choral service by the Church Choir, directed by Linda Kyte, was enjoyed by all. Souper Sundae was a tasty conclusion to the service. Scott Attfield, Marie Van Camp's son, wi

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Plans for the long-anticipated Queen Street and Perry Street construction project, in downtown Port Perry, have been revised following public consultation, business input and recent changes to the Township of Scugog’s capital budget. Council discussed the updated design, after receiving a report, from Dan Rosebrugh, Manager of Capital Projects, and an overview, from, Director of Public Works and Rec

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard The Uxbridge Bruins enjoyed a dominant weekend, in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, picking up two big wins over North Durham rivals. For the second straight Sunday, the Bruins travelled to Scugog Arena and skated to victory, against the Port Perry LumberJacks, in the Battle of North Durham. Returning from a three-game suspension, goalie Robby DiMaria stopped 29 shots, to secure the win. Uxbridge struck early, when Danny Thomakos scored, just 2:

SCUGOG: Hosted by our very own Jon vanBilsen as well as Jillian Howsam. With video footage from Standard Videographer James J. Green and Tom Poupore. With direction from Peter Lauricella, More credits at the end of the video.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Students looking to line up a summer job will have the chance to meet Township staff, later this month, when Scugog hosts a Student Job Fair, on Monday, December 29th, at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. The drop-in event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and is open to both high school and post-secondary students. Departments represented will include: aquatics, summer camps, parks, communications, the Sc

From The Standard's “Rolling News” Desk At the corner of Reach Street and Highway 12, the crew at Northport Tire proved once again no job is too big—or too hilariously tiny—for them to tackle. Here we see Larry, the shop’s owner, wielding two industrial-sized jacks to hoist what can only be described as the cutest enclosed mobility scooter in Durham Region history. Onlookers report the vehicle weighs about as much as a strong breeze, but Larry insists: “ Safety first—big jack

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A comprehensive review, of how the Township of Scugog communicates with residents, is setting the stage for potential improvements in outreach, storytelling, and public engagement, though council has opted not to endorse the recommendations at this time. The findings were presented as part of a detailed report, from, Director of Communications and Strategic Projects, Lori Bowers. This was included on

by Faye Ashton Looks like the Farmers Almanac had the real goods on the cold, snowy weather which came our way and will linger in our area for a few more days. Brrrrrr! The Canadian Foodgrains meeting at the church on December 1st was well attended by many of the growers and contributors from Markham, the Toronto area, east to Bridgnorth, and in between. Each had an amazing story to share of their work in helping to keep this volunteer gift to the world alive. Thanks to all t

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard It was an eventful weekend for North Durham’s PJHL teams, highlighted by a thrilling Battle of North Durham between the Uxbridge Bruins and Port Perry LumberJacks. On Sunday at Scugog Arena, the Bruins came away with a 6-2 victory over their archrivals. Port Perry struck first just 26 seconds in when Kyle Den Ouden scored, assisted by Liam Rampersad. Uxbridge quickly responded, with Jack Kemp tying the game in the first period. Tanner Ryan gave the