DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A year of transition and tempered growth defined development activity across the Township of Scugog in 2025, as municipal staff took on full responsibility for planning approvals while navigating broader economic headwinds. The Planning and Community Affairs Committee received the 2025 Planning and Building Development Activity Report during its April 20th meeting, offering a detailed look at how shi

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A new partnership, between the municipality and a community-driven committee, is being positioned as a key step toward safeguarding the long-term future of the Blackstock Arena. During the General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on April 13th, members reviewed a staff report from, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Shawna Cornish, outlining a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with

COLLEEN GREEN, The Standard SCUGOG: Residents in Port Perry were met with a startling scene on Friday, April 10th, when an electric hybrid vehicle caught fire while exiting the McDonald's plaza just off Simcoe Street. Emergency crews responded quickly to the incident, where flames were seen engulfing the vehicle shortly after it left the parking area. Witnesses reported smoke billowing from the car before the re intensied, prompting concerns among nearby motorists and busin

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Celebrating 50 years, Homestead Furniture and Appliances credits its longevity to community support, dedicated staff, and a unique approach to business. Founded in 1976, by Ralph Ballard and Richard “Chic” Carnegie, the store began as a small, locally rooted partnership between two families with deep ties to Port Perry. Over the years, the business changed and expanded, in various points offering everything from TVs, VCR’s and movie rental

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A roadmap for the future of local fire protection is now in place, after Council gave the green light to a comprehensive new Fire Master Plan, aimed at guiding service delivery over the next decade. The plan, prepared by Emergency Management Group Inc., was first presented to the General Purpose and Administration Committee, on March 2nd, following months of research, consultation, and analysis. It

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: For 18-year-old Port Perry curler Ryne Fisher, years of dedication to the sport have led to a national championship moment he will not soon forget. Mr. Fisher was part of Team Ontario #1 which capt ured g old at the 2026 New Holland Canadian Under-20 Men’s Curling Championship, held March 28th to April 4th at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex in Sudbury. Having started curling at just six years old, Mr. Fisher has spent more tha

by Janet Van Camp The Van Camp, Rudkin, and Bisschop families recently celebrated the baptism and first birthday of Archer Michael Dale Van Camp at the Blackstock Nestleton United Church. What a lucky boy to have had great-grandparents (Jake and Barb Bisschop), grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts and uncles, and a great-great-aunt (Aileen Van Camp) in attendance. Lots of visiting took place in the afternoon. The Blackstock Agricultural Society has started its an

by Faye Ashton April fools day has come and gone before I realized it was the April full moon (pink) on that very day. Most days have been cloudy, windy, and wet, except for the most beautiful and warm Good Friday. As most friends who attended the Good Friday Breakfast know, it was warmer on the steps than in the church. Thank you to everyone who didn’t complain about the situation we found ourselves in and came to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Breakfast and fellowship

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Motorists in Port Perry can expect smoother drives ahead, as Scugog Township moves forward with a targeted plan to repair several high-traffic roads, following a punishing winter season. At its meeting, on Monday, March 23rd, council approved a recommendation, from the Public Works and Recreation Department, to use unallocated Roads Levy Reserve funds to rehabilitate key stretches of roadway in the Port Perry

BRANDON CLARK The Standard NORTH DURHAM: On Tuesday, March 24th, the North Durham Chamber of Commerce gathered at Blackstock Recreation Complex for its Annual General Meeting, running from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by several organizations, including TD, Durham College, and Elevation Accounting. Lunch was served by Mary's Country Kitchen. Following the welcome remarks from emcee Jonathan van Bilsen and Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten, the meeting continued with an update

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard BLACKSTOCK: Residents and businesses in the Hamlet of Blackstock are being asked to limit water use as the Regional Municipality of Durham implements temporary conservation measures in support of ongoing infrastructure work. The advisory applies to all municipal water users in Blackstock, located in the Township of Scugog, from March 27th through April 27th, though officials note that unfavourable weather conditions could affect the project timelin

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

William Woodstock , Vets Around the Corner SCUGOG: Vets Around the Corner (VAC), a 100 percent independently and privately owned, locally rooted veterinary organization, is proud to announce the soft launch of its new Emergency Department, VAC-ED, beginning April 3rd, at 8 a.m. This new small animal service has been developed in direct response to a growing need for accessible, high-quality veterinary emergency care within the community. VAC-ED will initially operate on a wee

by Faye Ashton It feels like Spring just to see the snowdrops blooming. We may have to make believe for a while, but this winter, which seemed like it wasn’t going to end, will soon be over. The ground needs to warm up slowly. Our community was saddened to hear that Clifford Boyington passed away recently. Clifford attended Epsom Public School and Uxbridge Secondary School. Many of his classmates will remember him and his family when they lived on the 8th concession. Please j