Selwyn Township Lifts Significant Weather Event Declaration
/The Township of Selwyn’s Significant Weather Event declaration made on Sunday has been lifted, announced on Tuesday morning.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.
Peterborough Blogs
Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards
/Peterborough County is inviting residents to help celebrate the people, groups and organizations who strengthen the community by submitting nominations for the 2026 Community Recognition Awards.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.
Every two years, the County Community Recognition Awards acknowledge community members who demonstrate dedication, leadership, compassion and innovation across Peterborough County.
Residents may nominate any volunteers, leaders, youth, businesses and organizations living in Peterborough County. Nominees must not have received a Peterborough County Community Recognition Award in the same category within the past 15 years.
Award Categories:
Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business that has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award)
Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in their professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations)
Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors to be used to assess the nomination will include innovations, agricultural promotion, and the recognition the County receives through its operations. It may consist of involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered.
Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award)
Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.
Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:
developed innovative green technologies or
started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
donated conservation lands or easements orundertaken ecosystem restoration or research or
educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or
achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award)
Heritage Preservation: An individual or group that has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community or public or private organization that has reached a significant milestone, such as the 100th anniversary, is also eligible for this award. (One County-wide award)
Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.
Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award)
Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.
Nomination forms are available at the Peterborough County office (470 Water Street, Peterborough), local municipal offices, township fire halls, police service boards, schools, libraries, chambers of commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be submitted online through the County website.
Completed and signed nomination forms, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the County Clerk by March 2.
Peterborough County Approves 2026 Budget Increase of 5.29 Per Cent
/Peterborough County Council approved the 2026 Budget which includes a 5.29 per cent increase in the levy during their council meeting on Wednesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The budget increase covers:
A dedicated infrastructure levy set at 2.5 per cent
An increase of 2.80 per cent for the Operating Budget, which includes a 1.2 per cent increase for County Operations and a 1.6 per cent increase for Shared Services.
This increase in the levy translates to a tax rate increase of 3.93 per cent or approximately $17.35 for every $100,000 in residential assessment.
“County Council has continued to invest in our critical infrastructure with our commitment to a 2.50 per cent dedicated infrastructure investment to support our roads and bridges – vital to providing the links for our residents and businesses,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden. “Staff brought forward a very responsible operational increase, below inflation this year, which focuses on our commitment to service delivery reviews and operational excellence.”
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Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism Launch Kawarthas Holiday Digital Passport
/Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism has launched the second initiative in The Kawarthas Quest series: the Holiday Magic Digital Passport.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.
According to the County, following the success of the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt, the first Quest, the Holiday Magic Digital Passport brings a festive new way for residents and visitors to enjoy the spirit of The Kawarthas while supporting the small businesses that shape our communities.
The event uses the Driftscape app (or mobile browser) to collect Holiday Magic Digital Passport rewards those who choose to shop across Peterborough County with points, ballots and the chance to win prizes throughout the season.
Shopping at participating businesses earns secret passwords to enter for points. For every 10 points, receive one ballot for the multiple weekly gift card draws and the grand prize.
A grand prize of $1,500 in gift cards is being drawn on Jan. 7. Points can be collected until Dec. 24, weekly draws start Nov. 24 and grand prize ballot submissions are on Dec. 31.
“There’s something truly special about holiday shopping in The Kawarthas - the decorated storefronts, familiar faces, and the joy of finding the perfect gift close to home,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. The Holiday Magic Digital Passport brings that experience to life, encouraging all of us to embrace the season, share time with loved ones, and support the local businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities.”
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Lakelands Public Health's Seasonal Water Sample Courier Service Paused For the Winter Starting Nov. 27
/The Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes are pausing their seasonal well water test sample drop-off program locations for the winter, with Nov. 27 the last day to drop off test samples.
Photo courtesy of Lakelands Public Health.
During the winter months, residents who regularly use the seasonal drop-off sites can drop off their well water test samples at the following nearest location(s):
Lakelands Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough
– 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday
– 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, FridayPublic Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough
– 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to FridayHavelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock
– 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday
Lakelands Public Health recommends regular testing of your drinking water. Water samples are checked for two types of bacteria: total coliforms and E. coli.
If E. coli is found, it means the water may be contaminated with fecal material that can cause serious stomach and intestinal illnesses. While anyone can get sick from contaminated water, young children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.
“Well water should be tested year-round, especially after a thaw or heavy rain,” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector, with Lakelands Public Health. “Testing your water is the best way to ensure it is free from pathogens and that your treatment system is effective.”
Seasonal service at both locations will resume in early April 2026.
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Lakefield's Queen Street to Reopen Friday Morning Following Structure Fire Damage
/The Township of Selwyn expects to reopen Queen Street in Lakefield on Friday at 8 a.m., announced on Thursday evening.
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.
Following the progress in demolishing the fire-affected structures, the contractor has confirmed that work can safely continue without needing Queen Street to remain closed.
The demolition site remains fenced off while work is completed and the lots are backfilled to create a level, safe site. The sidewalk in front of the affected area will remain closed.
To facilitate safe pedestrian movement, the on-street parking spaces directly in front of the site will be converted into a temporary pedestrian walkway, providing a continuous route to the intersection and nearby businesses on this side of the street.
Burnham Street, including the sidewalk, between Queen Street and Charlotte Street, will remain closed as demolition activities continue in the area. However, there will be access from the Charlotte/Burnham Street intersection to the parking area adjacent to Divine Craft.
Two streetlights on Queen Street immediately adjacent to the affected buildings were removed during firefighting operations to protect the lighting heads. These will be reinstalled once the demolition is complete.
“Reopening Queen Street represents a positive milestone for our community,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “Although the streetscape will look very different for some time, we are encouraged by the resilience and spirit that Lakefield continues to demonstrate. We urge residents and visitors to support our local businesses and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that make Lakefield so special.”
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Ontario Government Invests Over $12 Million For Infrastructure In Peterborough City and County
/The Ontario Government is investing $12,011,899 in the City and County of Peterborough to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure.
In 2026, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities address critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure that will strengthen the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty according to MPP Dave Smith.
“This provincial commitment ensures our communities receive the reliable, predictable funding necessary to maintain and rehabilitate critical infrastructure assets such as local roads, bridges, and essential water and wastewater systems,” he said. “By empowering our local councils with this resource, we are stabilizing costs, strengthening the foundational services that residents depend upon, and facilitating continued economic growth throughout the county.”
The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, as well as for Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.
“Peterborough County thanks the Government of Ontario for its continued investment in local infrastructure through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This funding supports essential projects that help maintain the services our residents rely on every day. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure all communities in Peterborough County can thrive."
“This funding will help us maintain and improve our roads for the benefit of all residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.
The amount of funding for 2026 is as follows:
North Kawartha: $125,000
Peterborough County: $1,260,030
Selwyn: $232,869
Trent Lakes: $125,000
Havelock-Belmont Methuen: $144,000
Douro-Dummer: $125,000
City of Peterborough: $10,000,000
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Demolition Continues Lakefield Home Hardware Fire Aftermath
/Demolition work of the the recent structure fire at the Home Hardware building continues in the Village of Lakefield.
Photo courtesy of James Forrester.
According to the the Township of Selwyn, significant progress has been made on the demolition of the structures razed by the fire. For safety reasons, Queen Street will remain closed for approximately another week as demolition continues. During this time, Burnham Street between Queen Street and Charlotte Street will also remain closed.
“We know how eager everyone is to see Queen Street reopen,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “The closure is required to ensure public safety and provide a safe workspace for the demolition crew. We are grateful to residents and business owners for their continued patience and support as this important work continues.”
Businesses in Downtown Lakefield remain open during demolition.
In an effort to support local businesses and encourage visitation, the Township is highlighting several initiatives underway or in development, including:
The Lakefield Scavenger Hunt – to help drive local engagement (postponed due to the fire and rescheduled for a later date);
Lakefield Ladies Night – a community-focused shopping event;
Holiday Programming aimed at supporting ‘shop local’ efforts; and
An upcoming media story highlighting Selwyn, including Lakefield.
In addition to these supports, Peterborough County and the Township of Selwyn will be working together on an upcoming Social Media Campaign for Lakefield to Shop Local, Support Local, and Visit Local. This series will highlight local stores, community groups, and ongoing efforts while encouraging visitors to return and experience all that Lakefield has to offer.
To ensure continued collection services for businesses and tenants affected by the road closures, the following arrangements are in place:
Business owners that back onto Charlotte Street must place their garbage and recycling on Charlotte Street.
Businesses located on the corners of Queen Street can use the appropriate side street (Albert Street or Reid Street).
All other businesses must take their garbage and recycling to the Reid Street end of Queen Street and place items on the inside of the road barricade (not on Reid Street itself).
The Townships asks to ensure containers are clearly marked with your address so they can be easily identified and returned after collection.
Two streetlights on Queen Street, immediately adjacent to the affected buildings, were removed during firefighting operations. These will be reinstalled once the demolition is complete.
The Township extends sincere thanks to the demolition crews, emergency responders, Township staff, and community partners who continue to support Lakefield’s recovery efforts.
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Demolition Underway From Lakefield Home Hardware Fire Aftermath
/Due to the extensive structural damage and urgent safety concerns, the Township of Selwyn has begun the demolition of the remaining Home Hardware structure from Thursday’s fire.
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.
The cause of the fire remains unknown; however, the fire is believed to have originated in an upper-floor apartment unit. No injuries were reported form the incident.
The Township made applications for demolition permits on Saturday, the Selwyn Building Department issued the permits the same day.
Material is being handled with a grappler and vibration impacts are not expected from the work. Dust will be minimal as the material remains saturated with water from firefighting activities according to the Township. The demolition is being directed by engineering professionals and supervised by Priestly staff from a boom truck stationed above the work site. The area is fenced off to ensure public safety. Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street and Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street remain closed.
Businesses in Lakefield remain open, except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage. The only parking available in downtown Lakefield is in the Municipal Parking Lot located beside The Village Inn. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.
“This has been an incredibly difficult few days for the community of Lakefield,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these tragic events. We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders, Township staff and community members who have shown such compassion and resilience during this challenging time.”
Community-based support initiatives are being organized by Century 21 United Realty, Canoe & Paddle, The Nutty Bean Café, Village Pet Food Supply, The Loon Restaurant and many others working directly with displaced residents and business owners.
Residents wishing to assist are encouraged to contact these local businesses directly for information on how they can contribute to ongoing support efforts.
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Peterborough County Launches Circular County Community Hub
/To empower residents and local businesses to adopt sustainable living practices based on the principles of a circular economy, Peterborough County has developed a Circular County Community Hub on Engage Peterborough County.
October is recognized nationally as Circular Economy Month. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.
The Hub is built around sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling. The platform connects community members with local resources to help them reduce waste, extend the life of everyday items, save money and build a greener, more resilient Peterborough County according to a press release.
The County says its current ‘take-use-dispose’ system is no longer sustainable. The project’s goal is that residents and businesses will engage in the platform and share their ideas to help offer practical, local solutions that help Peterborough County shift toward a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as
possible.
Key features of the Hub:
Interactive Share, Reuse, Repair, Recycle Map: Find local businesses and organizations that support sustainable practices, from repair shops to donation centers.
Community Engagement: Participate in forums, share ideas, and stay informed.
News Feed: Stay informed on upcoming Circular Economy events.
