DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Long-standing concerns, over the future of the Blackstock Arena, were back before Scugog councillors, on Monday, November 10th, as the General Purpose and Administration Committee reviewed a detailed follow-up report, outlining five potential remediation options for the facility’s failing refrigeration plant. After extensive and, at times, tense discussion, councillors ultimately defeated a recommend

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Port Perry residents are being invited to help shape one of the community’s most valued public spaces, as the Township of Scugog launches its Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds campaign. With the future of the Port Perry Fairgrounds still undecided, the township has hired consultants Darwin Pivot and J.L. Richards (JLR) to gather ideas, concerns, and aspirations from across the community. As part of this effort, residents will have several oppo

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Plans to expand the wetland, at the Baagwating Stormwater Management (SWM) Pond, in Port Perry, could mean changes for local baseball players. However, council says the project is crucial for protecting Lake Scugog’s water quality. The Township of Scugog council endorsed, in principle, “Option 1,” a large wetland pond, requiring the removal of the south baseball diamond at Joe Fowler Park, while direc

JAY THIBERT  NDN NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: North Durham Nature and the Scugog Lake Stewards are hosting this special talk that will focus on aquatic plants and birds in Lake Scugog. These two organizations have invited Mark Dorriesfield to explain the importance of Lake Scugog to bird populations, and Brett Tregunno to share his expertise on aquatic plants in our lake. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the amazing ecology that is near and dear to the resident

BRANDON CLARK The Standard SCUGOG: Scugog Township, informed residents and businesses, in Blackstock, about water conservation measures in the area, for municipal water supply users. The water conservation will be in effect for a month, starting on November 10th and ending on December 11th. The work schedule may be affected by weather conditions. Ongoing upgrades and construction, at the Blackstock municipal well site, have prompted the area to implement water conservation.

SCUGOG: The Port Perry United Church Choirs are proud to present the 76th annual Choralfest. The full 40 person Choir will be led by musical director Joan Bretney in the historic sanctuary of Port Perry United Church, 294 Queen Street, Port Perry. A crowd favourite, “The Happy Harmonizers” (children’s choir) and special guest Liane James will entertain with seasonal melodies. Liane is an accomplished soloist, orchestral harpist, chamber musician, and harp teacher. Liane is t

Red Plaid Productions is bringing Canada's Celtic Rock Warriors Mudmen back to The Town Hall 1872 in Port Perry, Ontario, on Friday, January 2nd, 2026. Mudmen are looking forward to their annual stop at the Grand Old Theatre. The Mudmen are no strangers to the area, playing shows with Johnny Reid at the GM Centre, with Deane Brody at the Havelock Country Jamboree, performing at the Uxbridge Highland Games, and with numerous sold-out shows in Peterborough, Oshawa, and, of cour

by Janet Van Camp The Blackstock Co-op Nursery School's annual "Breakfast with Santa" is on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Blackstock Recreation Centre. The event features a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, a silent auction, and a bake sale to raise funds for the nursery school. This is a cash-only event and is open to everyone. Marion Larmer has recently moved to West Shore and is looking forward to visitors. Happy 4th Birthday to Eleanor Van

by Faye Ashton What was that thunder and lightning trying to prove on Saturday? There’s an old saying that it possibly means six weeks of open weather. I think many of us would appreciate that with the many acres of corn still standing in fields. It was a wet start to the Uxbridge Santa Claus parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning. I was so thankful the rain only lasted for a very few minutes. I loved seeing all the young people walking and riding with so much excitement on th

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard After suffering their first defeat of the 2025-26 season last weekend, the Uxbridge Bruins returned to form with two commanding victories, while the Port Perry LumberJacks and Little Britain Merchants each went one-and-one. The Bruins opened their weekend on Friday night at the Bear Den with an 11-1 rout of the Schomberg Cougars. Uxbridge struck early and often, with Tucker Roberts, Darin Bain, and Ryan Shier each scoring in the first period. Evan G

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Concern for the future of rural mail delivery has prompted Brock Council to take a stand, in defence of local postal services. At a recent meeting, councillors unanimously passed a resolution, urging the federal government and Canada Post to protect rural post offices and mail delivery routes, stressing their importance as a vital communications link, for residents and businesses across the township.

SCUGOG: The Durham Chamber Orchestra (DCO) presents ' A Christmas Celebration,' a festive concert, featuring selections from Handel’s Messiah , Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances: Suite II , and favourite seasonal songs, performed with New Song Community Choir, led by Jonathan Liebich. Performances take place on Sunday, November 30th, at 2 p.m., at Port Perry United Church, and again on Sunday, December 7th, at 2 p.m., at Forest Brook Community Church, in Ajax. Now, in its t

by Janet Van Camp The walking program for 2025-26 has started again at the Blackstock Recreation Centre. Walkers are welcome to attend on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Kathy Hill 905-986-4576. Just a reminder the Coffee Drop-In at the Blackstock United Church is now on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Coffee, treats, and interesting conversations are guaranteed. Upcoming dates are Novem

by Faye Ashton I think we expected this white stuff before now, but we were spared until late Saturday evening. But didn’t everything look gentle and white, a welcome to winter's cooler clime and conditions. Not getting my skis out yet, though. There is a celebration of Life for Kenny Millman at the Community Centre in Acton, Ontario, on Saturday, November 15th, from 2 to 4 p.m. We hope you can come for soup at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 18th, at Epsom Church, and enjoy

DARRYL KNIGHT  The Standard It was a busy weekend on the ice for local Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) teams, with the Uxbridge Bruins, Little Britain Merchants, and Port Perry LumberJacks all seeing action across several rinks. The Uxbridge Bruins extended their season-opening win streak to 14 games on Thursday night in Schomberg, skating to a 6-4 victory over the Cougars. Tanner Ryan opened the scoring late in the first period, and the Bruins built a 3-0 lead midway

By Faye Ashton We’re moving on and now November. Halloween’s over, it’s Standard time and it’s dark before many friends are home from work. The Toronto Blue Jays lost the World Series to the Los Angles Dodger having given their very best. Could have gone their way too if the ball had only bounced in their favour. Loads of excitement! The Epsom girls enjoyed time together on Friday for lunch. It’s always special and we invariably come back to times spent at public school toget

By Janet Van Camp On Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 a Remembrance Day Service will be held in Blackstock at the Cenotaph at 11 a.m. Please come directly to the Cenotaph. Refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Blackstock Lions Club, at the Recreation Centre following the service. All are welcome. Blackstock Minor Hockey and Curling have started their seasons. On November 10 th , Scugog Council will receive suggestions from their staff as to how to proceed with improvements