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-July 23, 2026

🗞️ Morning Briefing: Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes & North Hastings News

Get caught up on the top local headlines driving our region today—read in less than 3 minutes.

💼 Local Economy & Regional Growth

City Launches Public Survey to Shape Peterborough’s Economic Future

The City of Peterborough has launched a public consultation initiative titled “Shape Peterborough’s Economic Future.”Following recent regional manufacturing updates, the municipal team is seeking direct input from local business leaders, property owners, and community stakeholders. The feedback will help build a regional growth strategy scheduled to go before city council this fall.

Mayoral Candidates Sound Off on Economic Strategy Delays

Current Ashburnham Ward councillor and mayoral candidate Keith Riel expressed disappointment over the city's economic development progress 18 months following the dissolution of Peterborough Kawartha Economic Development (PKED). Mayoral candidates Michael Eamon, Neil Morton, and Rebecca Schillemat also voiced frustration over strategy delays during a recent public session. Mayor Jeff Leal defended recent city efforts while addressing past council decisions. A final strategic report is expected after the October election.

🌲 Community News & Summer Tourism

Rockhound Gemboree Launches Upgraded Portal

The Town of Bancroft officially launched a revamped digital portal for Canada’s largest gem and mineral show, the Rockhound Gemboree. The new site streamlines maps, vendor management, and schedules for incoming summer visitors.

Faraday Leadership Defends Library Funding Freeze

Faraday Township leadership has publicly defended its choice to withhold its historical $35,000 contribution to the Bancroft Public Library. Meanwhile, the library board is making interim budget adjustments to address the gap in its $225,000 operating budget ahead of its planned late-fall move into North Hastings Inspiration Place.

National Drowning Prevention Week Water Safety

In support of National Drowning Prevention Week, Peterborough Fire Services and local lifeguards are offering free water safety gear checks and lifejacket fitting demonstrations across local public waterfronts.

⚖️ Public Safety, Court & Crime Updates

• Tragic Loss on Cross Lake: Emergency responders—including Bancroft OPP, Whitney Paramedics, and the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit—responded to a capsized canoe on Cross Lake, south of Algonquin Park. Tragically, a 17-year-old male from Mariposa Township in Kawartha Lakes was recovered and pronounced deceased.

• Impaired Driving Arrest in Bobcaygeon: A 53-year-old Trent Lakes resident faces impaired and careless driving charges after striking a parked vehicle on Main Street in Bobcaygeon. City of Kawartha Lakes OPP made the arrest following a 911 call.

• 13-Year Sentence in Fatal Peterborough Shooting: Geoffrey Riley received a 13-year prison sentence (with approximately nine years remaining after pre-sentence custody credits) for the 2024 manslaughter of William "Bill" Tobin and aggravated assault of Courtney Bartley at a Peterborough housing complex.

• Niagara Murder Suspects Spotted Near Hastings: Niagara Regional Police report that two murder suspects, Maroof Bangi and Josta Grace MacNeal, were spotted in Hastings on Highway 45 driving a white 2016 Toyota Camry.

• ORB Ruling on John Lai: The Ontario Review Board ruled that John Lai, who was found Not Criminally Responsible for the 2016 death of landlord Cindy Torbar during a psychotic episode, continues to pose a public safety threat and will remain under a conditional discharge with ongoing monitoring.

• Aggregate Act Fines: Two Madoc-area men received a combined $30,000 fine in local court after convictions for non-compliance under Ontario’s Aggregate Resources Act.

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🏠 Thinking About Real Estate in the Kawarthas or Highlands?

Whether buying, selling, or looking for expert market advice, 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.

Families love the Kawarthas and 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.

👇 Help keep our community informed! Hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours.

🏡 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.