Free Seniors Skating Returns to Selwyn Township

The Township of Selwyn is bringing back free Seniors Skating at the Ennismore Community Centre and the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre for the 2026-27 skating season through sponsorship support.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn.

Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning have sponsored Seniors Skating in Ennismore, while Hendren Funeral Homes - a Division of Opus Tribute Group, is supporting the program in Lakefield.

Residents aged 55 and over can enjoy free public skating sessions throughout the season.

Seniors Skating sessions are available at the following locations:

• Ennismore Community Centre: Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays.

• Lakefield-Smith Community Centre: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., excluding holidays.

For the full public skating schedule, visit selwyntownship.ca.

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Ever Wondered What It Takes to Become a Volunteer Firefighter? Selwyn Township Fire Department is Hosting Information Session

By Scott Arnold

The Selwyn Township Fire Department is looking for people interested in becoming volunteer firefighters and is hosting an information session next week.

Selwyn Township Fire Department is inviting anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to learn more about the role at an upcoming information session in Bridgenorth. (photo courtesy of selwyn township fire department)

The session will give prospective volunteers a chance to learn more about what the role involves, the training required and what they can expect if they join the department.

The information session takes place Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm at Fire Hall #1 in Bridgenorth, located at 833 Ward Street.

It’s an opportunity for anyone considering becoming a volunteer firefighter to learn more about the commitment and ask questions before taking the next step.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Public Invited to Grand Reopening of Ennismore Community Centre Arena This Thursday

The public is invited to join Selwyn Township for the grand reopening of the Ennismore Community Centre Arena this Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

Until 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy refreshments, view project photos, connect with neighbours and celebrate the arena’s reopening.

A free public skate is running from 5 to 6 p.m.

This important project was supported through the Province of Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) and Hydro One’s Community Investment Program.

In late July last year, the Ontario Government invested $931,750 for renovations that included replacing the 54-year-old, 180-foot by 80-foot concrete slab floor, refrigeration piping and ice rink chiller.

This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario. The funding was also supported through Hydro One’s Community Investment Program.

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Public Invited to Grand Reopening of Ennismore Community Centre Arena On Sept. 24

The public is invited to join Selwyn Township for the grand reopening of the Ennismore Community Centre Arena on Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

Until 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy refreshments, view project photos, connect with neighbours and celebrate the arena’s reopening.

A free public skate is running from 5 to 6 p.m.

This important project was supported through the Province of Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) and Hydro One’s Community Investment Program.

In late July last year, the Ontario Government invested $931,750 for renovations that included replacing the 54-year-old, 180-foot by 80-foot concrete slab floor, refrigeration piping and ice rink chiller.

This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario. The funding was also supported through Hydro One’s Community Investment Program.

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Federal Government Invests Over $3.9 Million For Selwyn's Water and Wastewater Systems

The Federal Government has invested more than $3.9 million in water and wastewater systems in Selwyn, announced on Monday.

(From left to right) John Boyko, Lakefield Ward Councillor; Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor; Mary Coulas, Ennismore Ward Councillor and Ron Black, Selwyn Township Deputy Mayor. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

This project will upgrade two sections of sewer infrastructure and install a twin force main beneath the Otonabee River in the Lakefield South Development Area. These improvements will support sustainable growth by maintaining reliable wastewater services, reducing overflow risk, enhancing fire protection and meeting growing capacity demands as the population grows.

“This funding will help us make the critical water and wastewater upgrades needed for the Lakefield South Development Area, while ensuring our systems can reliably serve existing and future residents,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn mayor. “These upgrades will not only enable new homes but also support the creation of a stronger, more sustainable Lakefield for generations to come.”

The investment is through the Build Communities Strong Fund, which is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.

“The Build Communities Strong Fund is building the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “Today’s investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the Township of Selwyn will help ensure that critical infrastructure keeps pace with development, supporting a safe, healthy, and resilient community for years to come.

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Selwyn Township Lifts Total Burn Ban After Improved Air Quality and Fire Conditions

Effective immediately, the Selwyn Fire Department has lifted its Total Burn Ban issued on Thursday due to hazardous air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Northern Ontario.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

According to the Township, improved air quality and fire conditions permit residents to resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law. All burning must be conducted safely and responsibly and all requirements outlined in the by-law must be followed.

“While conditions have improved, residents are reminded that fire safety remains a shared responsibility,” said Deputy Fire Chief Howard Jinkerson. “Please ensure you are burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law, have water or other extinguishing methods available, and never leave a fire unattended. Burning conditions can change quickly, and everyone plays an important role in preventing fires.”

Selwyn Township residents are reminded to:

• Review the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law before conducting any open-air burn

• Ensure fires are always supervised and fully extinguished when complete

• Only burn permitted materials and follow all required setbacks and safety requirements

• Verify current burning conditions before lighting a fire

Burning conditions can change at any time. Residents must verify current conditions before burning by calling the Selwyn Fire Department at 705-292-7282 or checking the Township of Selwyn’s social media channels.

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Selwyn Township Appoints New Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer Following a Retirement From the Position

With the retirement of Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer R. Lane Vance, the Township of Selwyn has appointed Amanda Mellegers to the role.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

After more than 35 years of service, Vance’s retirement is effective on Sept. 30.

Mellegers, a chartered professional accountant, assumes the role on Aug. 24, which has five weeks of overlap with Lane to support the transition of responsibilities.

She has over nine years of leadership experience in financial management, treasury functions, budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning. Most recently, she served as Director, Finance at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), after advancing through progressively senior finance roles. Prior to PRHC, she progressed from CPA student to a management role at a local accounting firm.

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Selwyn Township Announces Retirement Of Chief Administrative Officer After 37 Years; New CAO Assumes Role June 1

After more than 37 years of dedicated service, Janice Lavalley is retiring and Jennifer Moore has been named the new Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Selwyn.

LinkedIN.

“Janice Lavalley’s leadership and dedication have helped shape the Township of Selwyn into the strong organization it is today,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “Her steady guidance, and commitment to excellence in municipal service will be greatly missed. Council and staff are grateful for her decades of service and wish her all the best in retirement,”

Moore assumes the role, effective June 1.

“Council is pleased to appoint Jennifer to the role of Chief Administrative Officer,” said Senis. “With her municipal experience, including a decade as a CAO, Jennifer brings strong leadership, financial expertise and a strong understanding of municipal governance. Having strong roots in the region, she is well-positioned to lead the organization in alignment with Council priorities and community expectations.”

Moore has over 17 years of executive-level experience in municipal government. She most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer with Northumberland County. Her experience includes strategic leadership, financial and asset management, budget development and oversight, infrastructure project delivery, council relations, shared services implementation, and community partnership development. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Township of Selwyn and excited to work with Council and staff in service of this community,” said Moore. “With strong roots in Peterborough County, Selwyn feels like home, and I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to Selwyn’s continued success.”

Ms. Moore holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a minor in Economics and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

The Township of Selwyn expressed its sincere appreciation to Lavalley for her exemplary public service and leadership and welcomed Moore, working together to advance strategic objectives and maintain excellence in municipal service delivery.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Township of Selwyn and excited to work with Council and staff in service of this community,” said Moore. With strong roots in Peterborough County, Selwyn feels like home, and I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to Selwyn’s continued success.”

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Township of Selwyn Gets $1,378,504 Investment For Critical Water Infrastructure From Ontario Government

The Ontario government has invested $1,378,504 to rehabilitate water infrastructure for the Township of Selwyn’s George Street Watermain and Trunk Sewer.

Within the past few weeks, the Ontario Government has made announcements for provincial funding for Havelock, Peterborough and Selwyn’s water infrastructure. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS). It has been increased by $700 million to a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation, and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment of over $1.3 million is a critical step in ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of water services for the residents of Lakefield,” he said. “By rehabilitating the George Street watermain and trunk sewer, we are not only addressing aging infrastructure but also creating the capacity needed to support new housing and economic growth in Selwyn. Our government remains committed to providing our municipal partners with the tools they need to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Project upgrades include installing a new sanitary sewer to support future housing growth and replacing a section of aging watermain to increase water flow, improve fire protection and strengthen system reliability. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with excavation, pipe replacement, service reconnections and full roadway restoration.

“This funding represents a major investment in the long-term sustainability and livability of our community,” said Sherry Senis, Mayor of Selwyn Township. “By modernizing critical infrastructure along the George Street corridor, we are proactively addressing capacity challenges, strengthening system resilience, and ensuring Lakefield is well positioned to support planned growth. Projects like this protect public health, enhance service reliability, and demonstrate our commitment to responsible infrastructure planning for current and future residents.”

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PolarFest Returns To Selwyn Township January 30 To February 1

Selwyn Township is gearing up for another winter celebration as PolarFest returns for a weekend of outdoor fun, community spirit and seasonal traditions Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

PolarFest kicks off on Jan. 30 with the opening ceremony and fireworks taking place at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth at 6:20 p.m. Following the fireworks, the Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game at the Ennismore Community Centre will start at 7:30 p.m., supporting the Bridgenorth and Lakefield Food Banks.

The Horse drawn Sleighrides at the Ennismore Community Centre, offered for the first time in 2020, will make its return this year. This PolarFest experience invites families to enjoy a winter ride on Jan. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, visitors can also explore ice carvings in Lakefield’s Cenotaph Park and Bridgenorth’s Heritage Park. To help residents move easily between experiences, a free PolarFest shuttle bus will operate throughout the day on Jan. 31.

The weekend will wrap up on Feb. 1 with the Frosty 5K Run and the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge, featuring this year’s retro TV-themed costumes.

A full schedule of events and additional details can be found on the PolarFest website.

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