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

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

by Helen Nicolaou At last, it's official, Spring arrived, as of Friday, March 20th. Quickly, our minds begin to make notes, prioritizing garden duties. Carefully assessing the yard will help to decide which areas need attention. The melted snow reminds us of the unfinished jobs, such as the fallen leaves which had been covered by the early snowfall, last November. Just a reminder, it's good to wait and leave the fallen leaves as cover for the sleeping pollinators until they a

Lisa Salapatek, Community Media Volunteer SCUGOG: Mark your calendar and come join the fun, on Saturday, April 25th, as the Greenbank stage welcomes the adventurous musical spirit of Danny Michel. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. The Greenbank Folk Music Society offers some of the best folk music in Canada, in a cozy and intimate setting, which connects the audience with talented musicians and storytellers. Danny is known for his thoughtful

Jim Corrigan , Communications Canterbury Commons SCUGOG : The over 600 residents of the Canterbury Common neighbourhood, in Port Perry, are holding an Easter Food Drive, in support of Operation Scugog, on Saturday, March 28th. All Residents are encouraged to drop off their food or financial donation at the Centre, at 127 Waterbury Crescent, on Saturday. The event will be capped off with a sold out concert, starting at 7:30 p.m. The concert, with, singer-songwriter and recordi

By Faye Ashton The end of March is approaching, and Spring temperatures are still eluding us. It will take a while for the snow piles in our area to melt. At this time in 2012, Rob’s records show he had the fields worked. What a difference a few years make. Please plan to attend the potluck breakfast to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Project at Epsom United Church on Good Friday. Come for a visitation at 9 a.m., with breakfast at 9:30 a.m. This year is Epsom United Chur

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The small North Durham community of Blackstock is celebrating national recognition, after being named Ontario’s provincial winner in the 2026 edition of the Kraft Hockeyville competition. The announcement was made during the March 14th broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada, placing the Blackstock Arena among 13 communities across Canada selected as provincial and territorial winners. The recognition mea

Darryl Knight – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Brandon Clark – The Standard News SCUGOG: Plans to develop a long-term vision for the Port Perry Fairgrounds are moving into their next stage following strong community participation in the first round of public consultation. At a special meeting on Monday, March 9th, Scugog council reviewed an interim report on the “Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds” land-use visioning project and agreed to move the process forward as the c

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard The Uxbridge Bruins have advanced to the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) Orr Division finals, eliminating their arch-rivals, the Port Perry MoJacks, in a hard-fought five-game Battle of North Durham series. After storming to a 2-0 series lead last weekend, Uxbridge faced a resilient LumberJacks squad in Game 3 on Tuesday, March 10th, in Uxbridge. Port Perry struck first in the third period with a power-play goal from Parker Lemay, assisted by

by Faye Ashton It’s hard to prepare oneself for what to wear the next day with the quick ups and downs this weather system takes. Certainly not conducive to the sap run. Having lost most of the snow this past week, except for what has been piled, we are back to a good amount of snow again. Doesn’t everything look nice and clean again? Come and enjoy a potluck breakfast in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Project at Epsom Church on Good Friday. April 3rd, 9 a.m. for vis

By Larry Doble The Greenbank and District Lions, now in their 33rd year, recently gave 12 of their members certificates of appreciation. The years of dedicated service totalled almost 250 years. We are always looking for new members to help those in our community who need assistance. Our recent project is the sale of 55-pound bags of lawn 28-4-8 and garden 18-18-18 fertilizer for $50 each. This includes tax and free delivery. Email larrydoble@hotmail.com with your order and

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The community is grieving, following the tragic passing of Woodville youth Rowen Greening, whose life touched countless people both on and off the ice. Rowen, a Grade 6 student and a member of the North Durham Warriors Under-12 AA hockey team, passed away, following an ATV accident, on Thursday, March 5th. In the days since, an outpouring of love and support has spread throughout

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard SCUGOG: A popular summer tradition is set to return to the shores of Lake Scugog, this June. Township staff recommended Scugog Council waive municipal rental fees, to support the annual Dragon Boat Festival. A staff report, from Shawna Cornish, the Township of Scugog’s Manager of Parks and Recreation, was included on the agenda for the General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on Monday, March 2nd. The report provides an update on the

by Jay Thibert NDN SCUGOG: All around us, creatures are conducting their lives, many largely unseen. Who has observed amorous salamanders, piscine stonemasons, or crooning tree crickets? We are more aware of birds and the larger mammals, but there are a host of animals which are active underwater or after dark and are seldom noticed. Others use camouflage to conceal their presence. Everyone is welcome to North Durham Nature’s March talk, to hear Don Scallen share stories