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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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.

The decision came after the Township reviewed Environment Canada weather reports and observed current weather conditions, sidewalk and road conditions.

The end of the event means that the Township of Selwyn believes the weather has subsided enough to meet the required maintenance objective timelines.

Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to use caution when navigating in winter weather and that there is no overnight parking on all Township roads to allow for safe and effective snow clearing.

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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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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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