by Larry Doble The Sunderland and District Historical Society has updated its web site as sunmus.ca. It has many new, easy-to-use features such as a walking Tour of Sunderland, the story of our veterans on the Cenotaph and biographies honouring many Community Heroes. Family tree help is also available from our 62,000-name database, along with property maps for Brock Township. A new feature is the AV history of our railway system, available via a QR code on the display board o

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Plans to significantly expand Brock Township's sidewalk network have been put on hold, after council voted to pause future work, outlined in the Sidewalk Master Plan, and undertake a detailed review of its long-term financial and operational impacts. The decision was made during Brock Township Council's meeting, on June 15th, after members received a report, from, Capital Projects Coordinator, James Pe

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A family-friendly evening of entertainment and community spirit, is set to take place in Sunderland, this week, as residents are invited to a free Community Movie Night, at the Sunderland Town Hall Auditorium. The event, scheduled for Friday, June 19th, will feature a screening of the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie and is open to residents of all ages. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginni

by Patricia Dawson Bring the family out to a free community movie night on Friday, June 19th, at the Sunderland town hall for a fun evening with the new Super Mario Galaxy movie. It’s a great chance to relax and enjoy the movies. The location is Sunderland Town Hall, 120 River Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Chairs will be set up, so please arrive early to secure a great seat. Admission is completely free, and everyone is welcome to bring their

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Growing demand for remote viewing of local hockey games and arena activities has prompted Brock Council to approve a new partnership, bringing LiveBarn streaming services to all three municipal arenas. During its meeting, on Monday, May 25th, Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with LiveBarn, a subscription-based streaming platform, widely used in arenas across North America. The servic

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A week of sweet treats turned into a major show of community support for animals in need, as the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign raised more than $11,000 for the Township of Brock Dench Animal Shelter. From April 27th to May 3rd, customers at Tim Hortons locations, in Beaverton, purchased Smile Cookies in support of Brock’s Sick and Injured Animal Fund, helping raise an impressive $11,275.30.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The spirit of community service was front and centre, at the Beaverton Legion, on Thursday, April 30th, as local volunteers were recognized for their years of dedication to boards, committees and community organizations which help shape life across Brock. Hosted by council, the Township of Brock’s Volunteer Appreciation Night celebrated residents who have spent the past four years, and in many cases fa

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A proposal to expand the stage, at Sunderland Town Hall, is moving ahead for further study, after receiving endorsement in principle at Brock Township’s Monday, April 27th council meeting. The plan, brought forward by the Sunderland Youth Theatre Group, calls for a permanent extension to the historic auditorium stage, an upgrade supporters say would improve safety, enhance performances, and better supp

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter to The Standard BROCK: Sunshine, syrup, and strong community spirit defined a successful weekend at the 29th annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival, as thousands of visitors filled the downtown core, to celebrate one of Brock Township’s most cherished traditions. Saturday’s picture-perfect weather set the tone, with blue skies and warm spring sunshine drawing large crowds early in the day. Streets quickly filled with festival

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard BROCK: The 29th annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival is set to bring the sweet taste of tradition back to the heart of Sunderland, on Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., each day, visitors can take in a full weekend of maple-themed festivities, including: a bustling outdoor vendor market, live entertainment, hands-on demonstrations, and family-friendly attractions spread throughout the community. “The Sunderland

By Patricia Dawson There will be a Cottage Country Spring Craft Show on Sunday, April 12th, at the Lindsay Exhibition, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring numerous vendors. Vendors will offer homemade goods, crafts, tasty treats, custom jewelry, woodcrafts, and other items. This event will be held at the Commonwell building at the Lindsey Fairgrounds and will feature unique, locally sourced items. Families can enjoy the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival from April 11th to 12th, in

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A smooth leadership transition appears to be underway in Brock Township, with veteran municipal leader Fernando Lamanna set to take on the role of Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk. Mr. Lamanna will step into the position, effective Saturday, April 11st, following the departure of outgoing CAO Michelle Willson. With more than two decades of municipal experience, Mr. Lamanna is expected to

Don Gordon , SLMF Public Relations NORTH DURHAM : The 66th edition of the Sunderland Lions Music Festival gets underway on April 8th and 9th at S.A. Cawker Public School in Port Perry, featuring elementary and secondary school bands, followed by piano, vocal and instrumental classes on April 14th through April 23rd at the Sunderland Town Hall auditorium. The festival has been presented annually by the Sunderland Lions Club since 1958, with a three-year hiatus from 2020 to 202

By Patricia Dawson A Passion Play at St. Edward the Confessor Parish on April 3rd, at 7 p.m., at 75 Churchill Avenue, Uxbridge. The parish and community are blessed to once again present the Passion Play, a prayerful and moving retelling of our Lord's suffering, death, and love. At last year's debut, this year's production has grown even more, with many dedicated volunteers working to bring this retelling to life. We warmly invite our parish and community to come experience i

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: After two years at the helm of the Township of Brock’s administration, Chief Administrative Officer, Michelle Willson has announced she will be stepping down from her role, effective April 10th, as she prepares to pursue a new opportunity outside the area. The Township of Brock is preparing for a leadership transition, following the announcement Michelle Willson will be stepping down from her role. Ms.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Regional priorities, ranging from housing and transit to economic development and public safety, were outlined during a recent update, delivered to Brock Township. At council’s meeting, on Monday, March 9th, Regional Chair John Henry presented Brock councillors with the annual Regional Municipality of Durham update, offering a broad overview of major initiatives and the region’s long-term vision. Mr.

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard The hardware is heading back to Sunderland. Uxbridge Bruins forward, Ryan Shier has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Orr Division, for the 2025-26 season, capping off a dominant campaign for the first-place Bruins. The 20-year-old Sunderland native led Uxbridge in scoring, with 22 goals and 31 assists, for 53 points in 40 games, playing a key role in the club’s run to the top of the division standing

By Patricia Dawson Come out for a fun night of fundraising and an 80s dance auction! dress up in your favourite '80s attire. There will be a best 80s costume contest. This event will take place on March 7th, at the Sunderland Legion, located at 104 River Street. There will be a late lunch at 11 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. The dance will be at 8 p.m. You can buy your tickets at Home Hardware or the legion. The Uxbridge Farmers Market is indoors, and it takes place at 14 V

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A sharp rise in emergency calls kept firefighters across Brock busy throughout 2025, according to the annual statistics presented to council earlier this month. Fire Chief Rick Harrison delivered the department’s year-end report during the Monday, February 9th council meeting, outlining 504 total responses in 2025, up significantly from 371 calls in 2024. “As required under Ontario regulations, we rep

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Inititiative Reporter for the Standard BROCK: Cycling tourism could soon get a visible boost across Brock Township, as council signalled support for a regional wayfinding signage program, at its Monday, February 9th meeting. Communications and Tourism Coordinator, Tamra Kaiser presented a staff report, outlining the Regional Municipality of Durham’s plan to implement a Rural Cycling Wayfinding Signage Program, throughout North Durham, as part