DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Generations of skaters, players, and families are uniting behind a shared goal, as the community puts forward the Blackstock Recreation Complex, as its nominee for the 2026 edition of the Kraft Hockeyville contest. Blackstock Arena is one of Canada’s true hockey originals. First opening in 1933 as an outdoor skating pad, it holds the distinction of being the second-oldest ice surface in the country.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: Kawartha Lakes and North Durham were hit by dangerously cold temperatures, over the weekend of February 7th and 8th, with overnight lows nearing minus twenty degrees Celsius. Wind chill values, during the early morning hours, made it feel closer to minus thirty to minus thirty-five degrees Celsius, prompting cold weather alerts from Lakelands Public Health and Durham Region Healt

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: The Regional Municipality of Durham has announced plans to drill a new municipal water supply well near 12235 Simcoe Street in the Township of Scugog to help strengthen the water supply for the community of Port Perry. Construction activities related to the project are scheduled to take place from February 17th through September 30th. Initial drilling work is expected to begin during the week of February 16th, with full construction of the

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Businesses in Durham can now drop off Blue Box recycling at Regional Waste Management Facilities (WMFs) without paying fees, a move designed to ease the transition to Ontario’s new producer-run recycling system. The fee waiver was approved, as part of Durham’s 2026 Regional Budget, and is now in effect. Businesses which previously received municipal curbside Blue Box collection can bring dedicat

BRANDON CLARK The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Families across Durham Region will have several options to celebrate Family Day on Monday, February 16th, with a mix of free community events and low-cost outdoor activities planned in Scugog, Brock and Port Perry. In Scugog, the township will host its annual Family Day Fun event at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, offering a full slate of free activities for families who pre-register for a time slot. Activities include crafts,

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: From dog and cat adoptions to responding to complaints about wildlife, Scugog Township’s Animal Control team handled another busy year, in 2025, maintaining stable animal populations while expanding community engagement. The department presented its year-end report to council, on Monday, February 2nd. “Even with modest increases in dog impoundments and decreases in cat and wild animal calls, our anim

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard It was a weekend to remember for the Uxbridge Bruins, who continued their late-season surge, with a pair of impressive wins, to extend their streak to six straight wins, as the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) regular season winds down. The Bruins capped things off, on Sunday afternoon, with a 4–2 road win over their North Durham rivals, the Port Perry LumberJacks, in the final Battle of North Durham of the 2025-26 campaign. Uxbridge came out

NORTH DURHAM: Discover the secret lives of Humpback; Fin; and the biggest of them all, the Blue Whale. This is a closeup perspective of the magnificent and largest creatures on this planet. Meet the researcher, who has devoted his life to studying them, and hear how he is answers some of their biggest mysteries, on Tuesday, February 24th, starting at 7 p.m. Franco Mariotti is a Biologist, Naturalist and Science Communicator. He was employed at Science North, for 32 years, wh

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A defining landmark, on Port Perry’s waterfront, is poised for a new chapter, following a major federal funding announcement. The Township of Scugog, through the efforts of the volunteer-led charity PPGE Renovation & Revitalization Inc. (PPGE), has been successful in securing $500,000 from the Government of Canada’s Legacy Fund, to support the restoration and revitalization of the Port Perry Grain E

by Shawn Lackie SCUGOG: The 100 Men of Scugog kicked off the 2026 campaign in fine fashion, on a blustery Wednesday night. Hey, more snow. What a novel concept. The group met at the Port Perry Legion, on January 21st. The Legion, with a huge help from Doug Babcock, has been an amazing partner in facilitating these meetings, and the group is more than grateful for their ongoing help. Presentations were made by Big Brothers/Big Sisters North Durham, Safe Hope Home and Community

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers today, yet, too many people in Ontario are not being screened regularly. Dr. Rebecca Wray, a local physician and primary care lead, with the Central East Regional Cancer Program, stresses understanding the new cervical screening program and taking action is vital, for first-time testers, long-time patients, and anyone with a cervix. Ontario’s cervical cancer screening program underwent a ma

Ian McMillan Community Care Durham DURHAM: David Brazeau knows firsthand the meaningful impact a committed board of directors can have on a not-for-profit organization. With more than a decade of board leadership experience, including two six-year terms as board chair, David brought his passion for governance and community service to Community Care Durham (CCD) in 2023, joining the organization’s board of directors. An accomplished communications professional with experienc

by Janet Van Camp I hope some of you tried out the cornhole night on January 28th at the Recreation Centre, hosted by the Lions Club. If there is enough interest, perhaps another evening will be offered, or even a league started. If you would like to become a member of the Blackstock Lions Club, or would simply like more information about the club, please contact Lion Lynne Gallant at lynnegallant711@gmail.com . They are always open to new ideas to support our community. The

by Faye Ashton The brightness of this February 1st full moon, named the Snowy moon or Hungry moon by the native people, illuminates the very white, snow-covered earth. This makes Groundhog Day on the 2nd very hard for Mr. Groundhog to avoid seeing his shadow if he were up in the early hours of the morning. Of course, that means six more weeks of winter weather, but we’ve managed so far. Just a piece of cake. I do think of the many road-weary travellers as I watch the traffic

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: On a chilly February morning, the halls of the Scugog Community Recreation Centre will soon be filled with laughter, bright colours, and the excited chatter of children because Family Day Fun is back. Scheduled for Monday, February 16th, the event promises a full day of free activities, where families can craft, play, skate, and make memories together. From crafts and games, to inflatables, balloon m

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The proposed Alto high-speed rail network is moving forward with an ambitious vision. It aims to connect Toronto to Québec City, advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and invite Canadians to help shape the future of national transportation. From the earliest stages of planning, Indigenous peoples have been recognized as key partners in the project. Discussions began at the outset and continue through open, respectful