🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE: Local Headlines in Less Than 3 Minutes 🗞️ July 25th, 2026

Get up to speed on everything happening across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and the Highlands today!

🏛️ Local News & Public Safety

• Courtroom Security Heightened After Assault: 30-year-old Matthew Dakin pleaded guilty to assault after jumping out of an unshielded prisoner's box and attacking Crown attorney Kelly Eberhard in a Peterborough courtroom in February. Dakin was sentenced to a 60-day jail term consecutive to his current prison sentence for aggravated assault. The incident has prompted intense scrutiny over court security, leading to the installation of new Plexiglas barriers in the courtroom.

• Tragic Propane Explosion at Golf Resort: The Ministry of Labour and Peterborough OPP are investigating a fatal explosion at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort near Keene. First responders rushed to the scene Wednesday afternoon after a propane explosion occurred inside a residential trailer, fatally injuring a 63-year-old Warkworth man who later passed away at a Toronto trauma hospital.

• Late-Night Knife Arrest in Peterborough: Peterborough Police arrested a 44-year-old male early Thursday morning near Park Street and Romaine Street. Officers stopped the suspect after he matched descriptions from an incident hours earlier where a knife was drawn and threats were made in a nearby parking lot. A search yielded a folding knife, and he faces active charges of Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose.

• Bench Removal at Fleming Park Sparks Debate: City staff have removed benches and picnic tables from Fleming Park (corner of Aylmer and Brock Streets). A video posted on Facebook suggests the move was meant to deter drug use, though city officials haven't officially confirmed the reason. Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk noted it was a staff-level decision following neighbour complaints, but stressed that removing benches addresses symptoms rather than the root causes of homelessness and lack of public supports. Councillor Joy Lachica expressed concerns over public accessibility.

🏗️ Municipal & Governance Updates

• Peterborough County Accuses City of Confidentiality Breach: A significant governance rift has opened between county and city leadership. Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark issued a formal statement accusing the City of Peterborough of violating a non-disclosure agreement regarding regional growth and boundary expansion talks. Warden Clark noted that the city’s decision to issue a public announcement following their first provincially facilitated mediation meeting risks undermining collaborative regional planning efforts.

• Kawartha Lakes Demands Infrastructure Funding: Kawartha Lakes Council unanimously backed a request urging the Ontario government to permanently double the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) to help cover backlogs in state-of-good-repair project funding.

🚧 Community Development & Traffic Advisories

• Demolition Commences for 17-Storey East City Build: Heavy machinery has begun site clearing and demolition at the former Mark Street United Church site at 90 Hunter Street East. The work marks the start of a major East City redevelopment project that will construct a 17-storey residential building.

• Road Closures for Lindsay Milk Run: The City of Kawartha Lakes municipal service branch has issued a public traffic notice ahead of the annual Lindsay Milk Run taking place this Sunday, July 26. Drivers should expect temporary road closures and rolling delays around the Lindsay Recreation Complex between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

• Trail Bypass Announced for Victoria Rail Trail Work: The City of Kawartha Lakes has issued a public trail closure notice for the Victoria Rail Trail north of Somerville 3rd Concession, set to take effect Monday, July 27. Municipal crews will begin necessary bridge rehabilitation work, with a temporary bypass route using local roads established to maintain public access.

💎 Events & Festivities

• Rockhound Gemboree Upgrades Web Hub: Organizers for Bancroft’s iconic Rockhound Gemboree (July 30 – August 2) have officially launched a redesigned digital hub. The 61st annual showcase—Canada's largest gem and mineral show—is prepping for an influx of thousands of rockhounds, mineralogists, and tourists, offering streamlined vendor maps, daily schedules, and online ticketing.

• Canada Day Fireworks Rescheduled: The City of Peterborough formally announced that the Canada Day fireworks display originally cancelled due to weather will take place over Little Lake during the upcoming Civic Holiday long weekend.

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🏡 Real Estate Corner

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE? Call me for a consultation to help you get on the path to YOUR success…

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👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas & Highlands. Let’s find your place in it. 🌲🏡

Just the Front Page, What is happening around Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Bancroft and Haliburton-July 24th, 2026

🗞️ Morning Briefing: Peterborough & Kawarthas Front Page News

Get caught up on everything happening around Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Bancroft and Haliburton in less than 3 minutes.

🏛️ Local Politics & Public Expenses

MPP David Piccini Expense Filings Draw Scrutiny

Financial filings show that the Progressive Conservative riding association for Labour Minister David Piccini (MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South) spent $40,000 on events and meetings. Expenses included:

• Sushi-rolling and dumpling-making classes in Toronto

• High-end restaurant dining and an arcade lounge

• Meals at a Florida golf course and beach venue

While Elections Ontario confirmed no official rules were broken, opposition leaders have sharply criticized the spending choices.

Town Ward Candidates Clash Over Missing Lawn Signs

First-time Peterborough city council candidate Jenni Cathcart reported several campaign signs stolen from Homewood Avenue, expressing concern over name recognition as a newcomer. Incumbent councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica noted that missing signs are an unfortunate political reality that shouldn't distract voters from core election issues.

🚑 Safety, Emergency & Justice

Severe Propane Explosion at Bellmere Winds Resort

Emergency crews rushed to Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene following a violent cottage explosion. A 63-year-old Warkworth man employed at the resort suffered severe injuries and was rushed for urgent medical care. The exact cause of the ignition remains under investigation.

Peterborough Killer’s Sentence Reduced Over Frigid Cell Conditions

Geoffrey Riley received a 13-year sentence for the April 2024 manslaughter of William Tobin and aggravated assault of Courtney Bartley. However, Justice Bhavneet K. Bhangu granted Riley a 9-month sentence reduction after learning inmates at Central East Correctional Centre were left outside in −20°C weather for 90 minutes without gloves or proper footwear during a cell search—treatment the judge called "shocking."

Serial Commercial Break & Enter Suspect Arrested

Peterborough Police arrested a 42-year-old Ottawa man following downtown commercial break-ins. Officers linked the suspect to a July 14 incident on Hunter Street and a July 20 break-in on Charlotte Street involving over $5,000 in stolen cash and merchandise. He faces multiple B&E and probation breach charges.

Impaired Driver Crashes into Tree, Flees on Watercraft

A 25-year-old Peterborough man faces dangerous driving and impaired driving charges after striking a tree on Centennial Lane in Trent Hills. Police report the driver fled the crash scene on a personal watercraft before officers intercepted him shouting at the public on a nearby road.

🚌 Community & Healthcare Initiatives

Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Equips Trucks with Sensory Support Kits

To better assist neurodivergent individuals, children, and residents experiencing severe anxiety during emergencies, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue vehicles are now equipped with specialized sensory kits. Kits include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and communication boards.

Peterborough Transit Launches Youth Pass Pilot

The City of Peterborough rolled out a new Youth Transit Pass Pilot Program providing discounted, streamlined bus access across all city routes through the remainder of summer and the upcoming school year to support local youth mobility.

New Canadian Blood Services Donor Centre Opening at Lansdowne Place

A new donor centre opens Monday, July 27, inside Lansdowne Place mall next to the food court, replacing the former George Street North location. Advocate Lynn Witteveen noted that the annual blood drive honouring her late partner, Dr. Andrew Chan, will take place at this new location.

🌳 Parks & Economic Strategy

Peterborough Strategy Shifts "Beyond Smokestacks"

The City unveiled a revised economic strategy developed by McSweeney & Associates. The plan shifts municipal focus away from traditional heavy manufacturing recruitment toward resident attraction, small business retention, and sector diversification.

Emily Provincial Park Expands by 72 Acres

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks announced a 72-acre expansion for Emily Provincial Park. The added wetland and shoreline along the Pigeon River near Omemee will protect key local biodiversity.

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🏡 Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate in the Kawarthas?

Whether you're looking for your dream cottage, a family home, or an investment property in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, let's get you on the path to success!

📞 Call/Text: 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® | Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas & Highlands—let's find your place in it!

Just the Front Page for July 22nd, 2026

🗞️ Morning Briefing: Local News & Real Estate Highlights

Read time: Less than 3 minutes

Welcome to your quick daily digest! Here are the front-page local headlines you need to start your day across the Kawarthas, Peterborough, and surrounding areas.

🖤 Regional Tributes & Local Leadership

• Passing of Mayor Randy Wallace: Regional leaders across Hastings County are mourning the loss of Carlow/Mayo Township Mayor Randy Wallace, who was elected in 2022. Wallace is remembered as a kind, compassionate, and dedicated public servant. Flags at municipal offices have been lowered to half-mast in his honour.

• Douro-Dummer Mayoral Race: Longtime politician J. Murray Jones is coming out of retirement to run for Mayor of Douro-Dummer Township. He faces challenger Peter Leahy of Merrylynd Organics. Candidates registered for council seats include Harold Nelson, April Hope, Tom Watt, Marilyn Turton, Ray Johnston, and Jane Cooper.

• Selwyn Mayor Stepping Down: Sherry Senis announced she will not seek re-election as Selwyn Township Mayor after 20 years on council. Deputy Mayor Ron Black is currently running for the mayor's seat, while Councillor John Boyko is running for deputy mayor.

📈 Real Estate & Municipal Growth

• Peterborough Secures $1.6M Provincial Fund: The City of Peterborough received $1,653,397 from the Ontario Building Faster Fund after exceeding its housing targets by 16% (breaking ground on 545 new residential starts). The funds will support local roads, water lines, and utility infrastructure.

• June Housing Market Data: According to the Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® (CLAR), Peterborough County logged 216 home sales in June (a 5.4% month-over-month increase). The average selling price remained stable at $708,815.

🚨 Safety & Community Updates

• Kawartha Lakes Police Updates: OPP are appealing for public information regarding property mischief and a vehicle break-in near Highway 35 and Lindsay Street. Meanwhile, Kawartha Lakes Police boosted visible foot patrols in downtown Lindsay to support local businesses and community safety.

• Wildfire Evacuee Donation Drive: Members of OPSEU Local 358 have launched a local donation drive to support evacuees from northwestern Ontario wildfires, collecting essential items across Peterborough and Haliburton.

• Omemee Beach Park Reopens: Following a $600,000 revitalization project, Omemee Beach Park is open with new walkways, cleared waterfront vegetation, and armour stone. Future additions include a splash pad, skateboard park, and beach volleyball court.

🏆 Sports & Legends

• Shawn Evans Named to NLL Hall of Fame: Peterborough native and two-time NLL MVP Shawn Evans has been named to the 2026 NLL Hall of Fame induction class alongside former Peterborough Lakers players Mike Accursi, Gavin Prout, and Mark Steenhuis.

• Rest in Peace, Duane Ward: Former Toronto Blue Jays relief ace Duane Ward passed away at age 62. Ward, who holds the franchise record for single-season saves (45 in 1993), was in Toronto for the 1992–1993 World Series reunion.

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🏡 Navigating the Kawarthas Real Estate Market?

Families love the Kawarthas and Highlands, and finding your place here starts with the right guidance. Whether buying or selling, let’s get you on the path to success.

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor®

🏢 Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.