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.
Peterborough Blogs
Fire Contained From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware; Several Streets Remain Closed
/The structure fire at Downtown Lakefield’s Home Hardware has now been contained, announced by Selwyn Fire Services on Friday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.
The fire occurred on Thursday as first responders battled the blaze for hours.
Several road closures remain in effect, including:
Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street (fully closed)
Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street (fully closed)
Queen from Regent Street to Reid Street (local traffic only)
Charlotte Street from Reid Street to Burnham Street (local traffic only)
Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street has reopened to traffic.
Selwyn Township asks residents and visitors to remain cautious when in this area, as crews are still on scene.
Businesses in Lakefield can reopen (except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage).
The Municipal Parking Lot located beside The Village Inn is the only open downtown parking lot at this time. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.
The Township of Selwyn released the following statement after the fire’s containment:
”The Township of Selwyn extends sincere thanks to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to contain this fire, including neighbouring municipal fire departments from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services. The Township also thanks the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Enbridge and Hydro One for their support on scene.
The Township would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many Township staff across departments who supported first responders on scene, as well as to members of the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents who came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire. Their generosity and community spirit are deeply valued.
Our thoughts are with the residents, business owners, and first responders affected by this devastating event.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Fire Breaks Out From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware
/A significant structural fire broke out at the Home Hardware in downtown Lakefield from Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.
During that time, Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street is closed to all traffic. Other street closures include Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street, allowing fire crews to draw water from the Otonabee River. The selwyn Fire Department asked the public to avoid the area.
The Office of the Fire Marshall has been called and the fire department expects Queen Street may remain closed for several days. Until further information is available about the building's structural integrity, local businesses may be impacted according to the Selwyn Fire Department.
Due to the excessive amount of water being used to fight the fire, Lakefield water customers may notice water discolouration. Run cold water for 15 to 20 minutes until it runs clear.
The Selwyn Fire Department is being assisted by fire crews from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Peterborough Fire Services. The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough County-City Paramedics were also on scene.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Brush Burning Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township
/The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the burn ban on brush, which was implemented on July 22, as announced on Wednesday.
photo courtesy of selwyn township.
With recent precipitation, the County’s fire department has permitted residents to resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open Air Burning By-law.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Fire Chief. “Your commitment helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. While the burn ban on brush is lifted, everyone must continue to follow the rules and practice safe burning habits.”
Important Fire Safety Reminders:
Open-air burning (such as campfires and outdoor fireplaces) is not permitted in built-up areas, including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Young’s Point and Woodland Acres.
Burn barrels are not permitted in the Township.
Burning of noxious materials, leaves, grass clippings, or compost is prohibited.
Burn permits are required for any fire that is not a campfire or outdoor fireplace.
Permits are issued only by the Selwyn Fire Department at Hall 1, 833 Ward Street, Bridgenorth. For information, call 705-292-7282.
You do not need a burn permit for:
Campfires in a fire pit or fire container
Certified propane and natural gas appliances, fire pits, fire tables, or barbecues that are TSSA approved
Maintain a 1:10 ratio for fire safe distance – for example, a fire that is two feet in diameter must have 20 feet of clearance in all directions.
All fires must comply with the Township’s Open Air Burning By-law.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Total Burn Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township; No Brush Burning Still in Effect
/The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the Total Burn Ban that was implemented on Aug. 11 due to high fire risk conditions, announced on Tuesday.
photo courtesy of selwyn township.
The Selwyn Fire Department determined that recent improvements in weather and fire risk levels allow for the safe resumption of some burning activities; however, restrictions remain in place.
Permitted:
Campfires, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas
Prohibited:
Yard waste and brush burning
Agricultural burns
Use of personal fireworks remains strongly discouraged by the Fire Department; however, licensed and insured commercial fireworks displays with appropriate mitigation measures in place are permitted.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Selwyn Fire Chief. “Your efforts helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. Please continue to follow the restrictions and practice safe burning habits.”
Burning conditions can change at any time.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Total Burn Ban In Effect For Selwyn Township
/The Selwyn Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban, effective immediately and until further notice, due to increased fire risk in the region.
photo courtesy of selwyn township.
The ban also voids all burn permits.
This ban applies to all open-air burning, including:
Yard waste and brush burning
Campfires and bonfires
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas
Agricultural burns
Fireworks
The Township will closely monitor weather and fire risk conditions and lift the ban once it is safe to do so.
The decision follows a period of dry weather and elevated temperatures, which have created hazardous fire conditions according to Selwyn Township. Violations of the ban may result in fines or other enforcement measures. Residents are asked to report any violations by calling 9-1-1.
Fire Safety Reminders:
Dispose of smoking materials properly
Use extra care when operating machinery outdoors
Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Selwyn Township Places Immediate Ban on Burning Brush
/Effective immediately, the Selwyn Township Fire Department is enforcing a strict prohibition on burning brush, announced on Tuesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
According to Selwyn Townshop, the decision comes amidst sustained drought conditions and above-average temperatures.
“Conditions are very dry and we want to protect our residents, their properties and our volunteer firefighters,” made in a press release statement.
What the ban covers:
Brush burning, including piles of branches, logs, yard debris, and similar vegetation, is strictly prohibited until further notice.
Existing burn permits are immediately revoked.
The ban does not extend to certified gas or propane fire pits, barbecues, or small recreational campfires located more than 20 ft. from structures—but even these should be used with extreme caution and direct adult supervision.
This ban remains in effect until conditions improve. Fire officials will reassess the situation daily and announce any changes.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Hydro One's Grant Gives Up to $10,000 to 50 Communities For Ice Storm Recovery Efforts
/To support local communities from the late March weather, Hydro One has named its 50 recipients of up to $10,000 for its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant, announced at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth on Monday afternoon.
Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor (left); Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden (middle) and Bronwen Evans, Hydro One VP (right) planting the first tree at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The grants support local recovery efforts from the widespread ice storm that left severe damage. The 50 recipients are local municipalities and Indigenous communities. Several Indigenous communities and municipalities declared states of emergency due to the storm with some places having ongoing clean-up.
“The ice storm caused severe and widespread impacts across the province, leaving many Indigenous communities and municipalities with devastating damage,” said Bronwen Evans, Hydro One Vice President. “We are incredibly grateful to the Indigenous community leaders, local staff and emergency responders who came together to support restoration efforts and keep everyone safe.”
Selwyn Township was one of the recipients and utilized the grant for its ReLeaf Program, donating more than 350 trees to residents who experienced vegetation loss as a result of the storm.
“Selwyn Township is incredibly grateful to Hydro One for their generous support,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “This grant allows us to work with residents to contribute to the community's recovery and beautification. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a more resilient and sustainable future.”
“All of Peterborough County was deeply impacted by the ice storm this spring. Some places may never look the same,” said Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County. “It’s wonderful to see Hydro One in the community long after the power was restored to help with rebuilding.”
Each community had its respective uses for the grant money which included supplying emergency shelters, restoring biodiversity and more according to Evans.
“Some of the things that people applied for were simply cleaning up debris. You can see in different areas of the province where trees have fallen and they're hanging over the side of the highway and needed to be cleaned up,” she explained. “In other cases, it was water drainage infrastructure so we did leave it up to the municipalities and communities to identify what their unique needs were.”
The ice storm spanned three days of ice accumulation that uprooted trees, downed lines and more than 2,700 broken poles across the province according to Hydro One.
@ptbo_canada To support local communities from the late March weather, Hydro One has named its 50 recipients of up to $10,000 for its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #environment #treeplanting #treeplantingtok #icestorm ♬ NOTHING - Westover
The following are the recipients of Hydro One's Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant:
Alderville First Nation
Alnwick Haldimand Township
City of Barrie
Beausoleil Island First Nation
Town of Bracebridge
Municipality of Brighton
Brock Township
Cavan-Monaghan Township
Central Elgin Township
Municipality of Centre Hastings
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation
Douro-Dummer Township
Essa Township
Georgian Bay Township
Georgian Bluffs Township
Town of Georgina
Haliburton County
Hamilton Township
Hiawatha First Nation
Town of Innisfil
North Kawartha Township
Marmora and Lake Township
Melancthon Township
Town of Midland
Minden Hills Township
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Mono Township
Moose Deer Point First Nation
District Municipality of Muskoka
Muskoka Lakes Township
City of Orillia
Oro-Medonte Township
Town of Penetanguishene
Peterborough County
Municipality of Port Hope
Ramara Township
Selwyn Township
Severn Township
Sheguiandah First Nation
Simcoe County
Southgate Township
Tay Township
Municipality of Trent Lakes
Municipality of Tweed
Uxbridge Township
Wahta Mohawk Nation
Wasauksing First Nation
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Enbridge Gas Invests In Selwyn Fire Department to Support Firefighter Training
/An investment from Enbridge Gas Inc. is helping the Selwyn Fire Department to support firefighter training, announced at Selwyn Fire Hall 1 in Bridgenorth on Thursday.
(from left to right) Ron Black, Selwyn Township Deputy Mayor; Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor; Gord Jopling, Selwyn Fire Department Fire Chief; Jeff Braithwaite, GTA East Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas; Mary Coulas, Ennismore Ward Councillor and Brian Henry, Smith Ward Councillor. Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 369 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.
The investment helps the Fire Department purchase firefighting training materials through Safe Community Project Assist–a program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC). It supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.
“At Enbridge, safety is at the centre of everything we do and a value we live by,” says Jeff Braithwaite, GTA East Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas. “We are committed to providing emergency response training support to Ontario firefighters so they can continually learn, improve, and protect the vibrant and healthy communities they call home.”
This year’s $125,000 investment from Enbridge Gas will be shared by 25 Ontario fire departments, including Selwyn Fire Department. The funds will be used to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.
“Fire departments train every single day and that’s why it’s important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe. Safe Community Project Assist helps departments afford some of these training tools and improves the ongoing learning that occurs across Ontario,” says John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal and Acting Chair of the FMPFSC.
“We are very grateful to Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council for supporting Selwyn Fire Department with these training materials. Proper training has always been very important to our responders, and these men and women strive to advance their knowledge and training to be the best they can be for our community,” said Fire Chief Gord Jopling. “As province-wide mandatory certification rapidly approaches, the need for training materials for our volunteer firefighters is more important than ever.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Senior Skating Returns to Selwyn Township
/Senior skating will take place in Lakefield and Ennismore starting next week.
File photo
