DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A community-led vision, for the future of the Blackstock Arena, was brought before Township of Scugog council recently, as a delegation called on the municipality to partner with residents, to revitalize the aging facility and secure its long-term future. Kirk Swain, Mike Blakey and Rob Harvey addressed council, at their meeting on Monday, December 9th, on behalf of the newly formed Blackstock Arena Planning and

by Shawn Lackie It’s that time of the year again, when all the best and worst end of the year lists come out. So I thought, hey why not? Except this isn’t a list, it’s a collective look at what has happened and maybe some crystal ball gazing in what might happen next. Please don’t hold me to any of this. These are merely my thoughts on what might happen. The past year provided many people with a more realistic look at the Real Estate market. We know this market is like all ot

Brandon Clark The Standard BROCK: Brock Township Council took time, during its meeting last week, to recognize the volunteers serving on the Township’s Non-Profit Sector Review Committee (NPSRC), acknowledging their ongoing efforts to support local community organizations. Council heard an overview of the committee’s mandate, focusing on identifying challenges and opportunities facing non-profit groups in Brock Township, as well as encouraging collaboration and networking am

DARRYL KNIGHT  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG:  A regular review of the Township of Scugog’s capital program has resulted in more than $830,000 being returned to municipal reserves, after council approved the closure of several completed or discontinued projects. Council received the third Capital Account Closing Report of 2025, at a recent meeting, following a presentation from, Director of Finance and Treasurer, Laura Barta. The report recommen

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Concerns over housing affordability and tenant stability prompted local elected officials to call on the provincial government to rethink proposed changes to rent control legislation which could further strain the rental market. At a recent meeting, council supported a resolution, after receiving a memorandum from Councillor Pat Warren, regarding rent control. The resolution endorses a moti

DARRYL KNIGHT , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK : With the Sunderland Arena temporarily closed for renovations, Brock Township is making sure residents still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy ice time, this holiday season. A full slate of free public skating sessions is being offered, at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Arena, in Cannington, and the Foster Hewitt Memorial Arena, in Beaverton, with several local organizations and businesses stepping f

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Downtown Port Perry welcomed a fresh new addition on Sunday, December 7th, with the opening of Anyway Fruit at 88 Water Street . The shop specializes in fresh, natural fruits and vegetables, emphasizing flavour, quality, and affordability. Daniel, one of the co-owners, explained the business grew from a lifelong passion for fresh produce. “We’re all childhood best friends — 15 plus years,” he said. “One of our friends’ families has been in

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents’ concerns about the condition of their local roads are shaping a new approach to road planning, in the City of Kawartha Lakes, following Council’s support of the Roads Task Force recommendations, at its meeting on Tuesday, December 9th. Councillor Mike Perry told Council, the Task Force focused less on technical processes and more on how residents experience their roads every day.