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, Friday

• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough
    – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

• Havelock-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.

Lakefield Full Lawn Watering Ban Lifted: Annual Watering Restrictions Remain In Effect

Selwyn Township has lifted the Lakefield complete lawn watering ban for the Village of Lakefield but annual watering restrictions remain in effect for Lakefield and the Woodland Acres subdivision, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of The Township of Selwyn.

This is in accordance with the Watering Restrictions By-law, aimed at helping to ensure an adequate water supply for all according to a press release.

Effective May 15 until further notice for Lakefield:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Water may be applied only on odd-numbered calendar days, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

• Even-numbered addresses: Water may be applied only on even-numbered calendar days, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Watering Restrictions Effective June 1 until further notice for Woodland Acres:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Water may be used only on odd-numbered days, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

• Even-numbered addresses: Water may be used only on even-numbered days, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Non-compliance may result in a $50 surcharge applied to their respective water bill.

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Peterborough County School Zones to See Increased Traffic Enforcement

As students return to classrooms, an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones is occurring throughout Peterborough County this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions in school zones which include slowing down, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

“As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
   points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.

3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

5. Drivers on multi-lane, undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the Peterborough Police Service are monitoring the area and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines,” said Inspector Chris Galeazza, OPP Detachment Commander. “The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year.”

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County.

These policies include:

• School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy

• Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

• New school pavement markings

• New radar speed signs

• Speed limit reductions

• Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

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