Showing posts with label North Kawartha. Show all posts

Sunday, July 5, 2026

The North Kawartha Woodview Golf Course Subdivision Debate: A Fact-Based Overview

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & DEVELOPMENT REPORT | FACT-CHECK

The Woodview Golf Course Subdivision Debate:

A Fact-Based Overview

In recent municipal planning sessions, the proposed redevelopment of the former Woodview
Golf Course has emerged as a central point of discussion within North Kawartha Township. This
report outlines verified facts, technical specifications, and documented planning positions
regarding the proposal.

1. The Site and Application Parameters

The subject property is located at 65 Northey’s Bay Road in the community of Woodview, within the
Township of North Kawartha. The parcel encompasses approximately 78 acres of land and previously
operated as a local golf course and clubhouse facility.

The developer has submitted formal applications requesting amendments to both the Peterborough County
Official Plan and the local North Kawartha Zoning Bylaw. The proposed structural change aims to transition the property from its commercial/recreational designation into a 58-unit low-density residential
subdivision, along with one designated commercial lot.

2. Technical and Hydrogeological Assessments

Due to the scale of the development and its geographic positioning on the Kawartha ridge, engineering and environmental reviews were mandated as part of the planning process. Environmental consulting firms Stantec and Cambium have conducted peer reviews and technical evaluations of the site.

-Bedrock Characteristics: Technical data confirms that the site features a shallow, fractured limestone
bedrock formation typical of the regional terrain.
-Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: The current design plan does not include municipal water or
sewer connections. Instead, it relies entirely on the installation of 58 individual private wells and 58 private individual septic systems.
-Aquifer Vulnerability: The hydrogeological reviews focus on assessing how a high concentration of
individual septic effluents interacts with a fractured limestone aquifer, evaluating the potential risks of
groundwater cross-contamination.
-Verified Planning Status. A formal public meeting regarding these planning applications was held on June 2, 2026, to record technical submissions, agency reports, and public comments for council consideration.

3. Documented Public and Agency Concerns

The public record from recent municipal notices and the June public meeting indicates specific operational
concerns from local agencies and residents:

-Water Access & Capacity: The property sits adjacent to Stony Lake and Northey's Bay. Public
submissions highlighted concerns regarding potential downstream density impacts, specifically focusing
on localized water traffic, dock availability, and community boat launch capacities.
-Traffic Volumes: The addition of 58 residential units will modify the existing daily traffic counts on
Northey’s Bay Road, requiring review by county transportation officials regarding sightlines and
intersection safety.
-Ecological Corridors: The 78-acre site borders natural areas; environmental reviews are tracking the
potential fragmentation of local wildlife habitats and changes to surface water runoff patterns into nearby
water bodies.

4. Next Steps in the Planning Process

Under the Ontario Planning Act, the Township of North Kawartha and the County of Peterborough are legally required to evaluate the application against the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). No final decision to approve or deny the subdivision agreement has been finalized. The applications remain under review while the engineering data, peer reviews, and public input collected during the statutory timelines are evaluated by planners.

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

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
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🍕 Pizza, Property, and Peace of Mind: Navigating the Kawartha Real Estate Maze

🚗 Weekend Road Trips & Clear Strategies: Your Guide Through the Real Estate Maze! 🗺️🌲

Hey everyone! Saturday was an absolute beauty of a day for a family cruise through our gorgeous region! 🚙💨 We packed up the truck and took a drive down Highway 7 to Marmora for a phenomenal pizza lunch at Theo's Pizza 🍕, stopped to check out a neat local outpost shop along the way 👀, and even cruised past our beautiful local lot listing on O'Brien Road before heading back north through Bancroft to the cottage 🏡✨.

There North Kawartha, Woodview, Municipal Planning, Property Development, Ground Water, Environment, Local Government

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Paint a Plow, Fire in Ennismore, Veterans Crosswalk in Lakefield, North Kawartha Flowers Missing!

Brain Blast! Short Easy Read for You!
🗞️ JUST THE FRONT PAGE NEWS for Peterborough, Kawarthas, and the Highlands. The essential council, crime, and local headlines you need to start your day in less than 3 minutes.🗞️

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Vacant Acreage and Rural Asset Verification: Following the major $290,000 heavy machinery recovery on the county perimeter earlier in the week, rural police detachments are continuing to advise property owners across #Cavan and #NorthKawartha to implement enhanced gating and tracking methods on unmonitored land blocks or post-incident sites, citing an increase in transient staging activity.
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#PRHC President and CEO Departing for Toronto: Dr. Lynn Mikula, the president and CEO of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), is leaving the organization in October. She has accepted the same role at Sinai Health in Toronto. Mikula originally joined PRHC in 2011 as a staff general surgeon and served in multiple leadership positions, including chief of staff and executive lead during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her transition will occur over the summer and fall.
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#FlemingCollege Receives $56.2M Provincial Boost: Fleming College will receive $56.2 million from the Ontario provincial government. Announced at the Sutherland Campus by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and interim president Theresa Knott, the operational funding is part of a broader $6.4-billion provincial post-secondary commitment. The boost arrives at a critical time; due to federal international student visa caps causing declining enrollments, the college has had to cut 50 programs over the past three years and decrease salaries by over $10 million
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#Peterborough City Council Set to Approve New Community Planning and Permit (CPP) Bylaw: Peterborough City Council's general committee is preparing to grant preliminary approval to a new city-wide CPP bylaw. Replacing the older, comprehensive zoning bylaw, this tool establishes updated standards for building heights, land use, setbacks, and parking requirements. The bylaw is designed to reduce construction barriers for "missing middle housing" and speed up development timelines. It also updates cash-in-lieu formulas for affordable housing developments to $450–$500 per additional square meter of floor area rather than a flat per-unit fee
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National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated at Nicholls Oval: Presented by the First Peoples House of Learning, an early celebration was held at #NichollsOval featuring drumming, traditional dancing, Indigenous vendors, a sacred fire, and a strawberry ceremony
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The 13th annual Paint A Plow program has wrapped up for the 2026 season, with decorated snowplows now on display at Peterborough County's #Douro Depot. The program provided students from five local schools the opportunity to transform the county's snowplow fleet into moving works of art. These colourful creations will remain on display for residents to view before heading into service to clear and brighten regional roads this winter.
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A large shoreline fire in the Dalhaven Road area near Ennismore broke out Saturday afternoon, sending a massive plume of thick black smoke over #ChemongLake. The blaze quickly drew the attention of local residents and boaters, with dark smoke visible from a considerable distance across the water and prompting widespread discussion on community social media pages.
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The #PeterboroughHumaneSociety hosted its annual Pet Fest, a community event featuring animal-focused activities, vendor booths, demonstrations, and pet adoption opportunities. Designed to celebrate the bond between people and their pets, the family-friendly event raises awareness about the society's regional services. It also serves as a fundraiser to support local animal care, shelter operations, and community programs.
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A new, permanent Veterans Crosswalk featuring a distinctive red design and military-themed imagery was officially unveiled in downtown Lakefield during a special morning ceremony. Spearheaded by the #Lakefield Legion and community partners, the project serves as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifices of Canada's military personnel. The unveiling brought together community members, veterans, and officials to celebrate and ensure that the contributions of those who served continue to be recognized by future generations.
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#Peterborough residents gathered outside the former Carnegie Avenue fire station to protest the city's plan to use the building as a winter shelter for the 2026-27 season. Operating under the slogan "Right Support – Wrong Location," organizers clarified that they support helping those experiencing homelessness but argue the site is too far from support services and inappropriately located across from Riverview Park and Zoo. To push for a more transparent and strategically located alternative, the group has launched a petition urging city council to reconsider the location and evaluate alternative sites.
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The Township of #NorthKawartha is seeking public assistance after two flower baskets were stolen from the Burleigh Street bridge at the south entrance to Apsley. The baskets disappeared between the late afternoon of June 17 and the morning of June 18, and a search of the surrounding area by township staff yielded no results. Mayor Carolyn Amyotte expressed disappointment over the theft of the seasonal displays, which serve to beautify the community gateway, and urges anyone with information to contact the Township.
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Sarah-Jayne Maier Remand: Held in custody pending upcoming show-cause dockets, 45-year-old Sarah-Jayne Maier remains on track for her next formal appearance. Maier faces a charge of Second-Degree Murder following the recovery of her 74-year-old mother’s body from the #Otonabee River on June 9.
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Questions? Let’s chat.
📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Kawartha Real Estate Market
Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.
#Peterborough #Ptbo #KawarthaLakes #Kawarthas #LocalNews #PtboCanada #PtboPolitics #PtboRealEstate #KawarthasRealEstate #LocalExpert #Haliburton #LocalNews #PtboCanada #BradSinclairRealtor #PtboRealEstate #HaliburtonHighlands #PeterboroughNews #LocalGovernment #BradSinclair #KawarthaRealEstate #YourLocalRealtor

Monday, April 6, 2026

Living in Apsley, Ontario: The Ultimate Guide to North Kawartha Real Estate & Lifestyle

Discovering the Heart of North Kawartha: Why Apsley is More Than Just a Stop on Highway 28

If you’ve ever driven north from Peterborough on Highway 28, you know that moment when the landscape shifts. The rolling fields give way to the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, and suddenly, you’re in the heart of cottage country. At the center of it all lies Apsley, a village that is much more than a convenient pit stop—it is the vibrant, resilient pulse of the Township of North Kawartha.

The Great Outdoors is Your Front Yard

Living in or visiting Apsley means having some of Ontario's most legendary natural landmarks as your neighbours.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park: As the largest provincial park in Ontario south of Algonquin, this is a paddler’s paradise. It offers a true backcountry experience without the six-hour drive from the GTA.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park: Home to the largest concentration of ancient Indigenous rock carvings in Canada, this is a place of deep history and spiritual significance right in our backyard.
The Lakes: Whether it’s the crystal-clear waters of Chandos Lake, the quiet beauty of Jack Lake, or the winding currents of Eels Creek, water is the lifeblood of this community.

A Community That Hustles (and Plays) Together

Apsley isn’t just a seasonal destination; it’s a "complete community." You can walk from your front door to the grocery store, the LCBO, or the local pharmacy. But beyond the essentials, it’s the local spirit that defines the area.

Just recently, our arenas were buzzing with the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club’s "80s on Ice" show, and as we move into spring, the focus shifts. We’re currently seeing the annual "half-load" restrictions on the roads—a sure sign that the frost is leaving the ground—and the Lions Home & Cottage Show (coming up May 3rd!) is the talk of the town. It’s where everyone from contractors to local artisans gathers to kick off the spring season.

The "April Pulse" in Apsley

If you're a local, you know April is about transition. We’re keeping an eye on the spring melt, and for those of us on wells, the free water sampling program through Lakelands Public Health is back in action starting April 7th—a small but vital part of rural living.

Whether it's volunteering at the fire hall or grabbing a coffee and chatting about the latest municipal updates, there is a sense of "we’re all in this together" that you just don't find in the big city.

Your Local Guide to North Kawartha Real Estate

Whether you are looking for a rugged waterfront retreat on the Shield or a quiet rural home where you can watch the deer from your porch, navigating the North Kawartha market requires local boots on the ground.

As a Real Estate Specialist with RE/MAX Professionals North, I don’t just sell houses here—I live the lifestyle. From understanding the nuances of shoreline requirements to knowing which backroads get plowed first in a snowstorm, The Brad Sinclair Team is here to solve the problems that come with rural and waterfront moves.

If you’re thinking about making Apsley or the surrounding Kawarthas your permanent home or your seasonal escape, let’s talk. I’m always out and about—usually with a camera in hand or heading to a fire practice—and I’d love to help you find your piece of the north.

Brad Sinclair RE/MAX Professionals North | The Brad Sinclair Team Specializing in Rural and Waterfront Properties

How can I help you find your dream property in Apsley?

Thursday, December 4, 2025

What people said about Apsley: Insights from the Apsley Downtown Survey by North Kawartha

How do we make Apsley an even better place to live, visit, and do business?

That was the big question behind the Downtown Revitalization Survey conducted this past summer. Between June and September 2025, NK Economic Development Officer hit the streets to chat with full-time residents, seasonal cottagers, and visitors.

A recently presented the findings to the Township Council. Here is a breakdown of what was learned about our community’s strengths, challenges, and future opportunities.

Who Was Heard from?

The survey gathered detailed feedback from 48 participants. While the group was small, the conversations provided deep insights into how different people experience our downtown.

35% were Full-Time Residents
27% were Seasonal Residents
35% were Visitors

Heard from a wide range of voices, from those who have lived here for over 10 years to first-time tourists.

The Good News: What Was Love About Apsley

The results highlighted two major areas where Apsley shines:

The People are the Priority: The number one strength identified was friendliness. 73% of you rated the friendliness of downtown businesses as "Excellent." Community pride is strong here.
Safety First: 83% of respondents agreed that Apsley feels safe, even at night.
Local Loyalty: There is a massive desire to support local businesses. 81% of respondents agreed they try to shop locally whenever possible. Among full-time residents, that number jumped to 94%.

The Challenge: Why People Shop Elsewhere

While the desire to shop locally is high, the reality is often different. Many respondents admitted that Apsley is their primary spot for weekly needs, but 52% still travel elsewhere (mostly to Peterborough) due to price and selection.

Top Concerns:

Product Availability: Only 38% felt that local businesses currently meet all their needs.
Store Hours: While most found hours acceptable, there is a desire for more consistent opening times.
Infrastructure: Public amenities, parking, and sidewalks were frequently rated as "fair" or "needing improvement."

Your Wishlist: What Apsley Needs

It was asked what new businesses or services you would like to see. The top requests included:

Health & Wellness: More clinics and wellness services.
Food & Retail: A farmers market, affordable groceries, and more restaurants/cafés.
Family Fun: Playgrounds and family-oriented amenities.

The Future: Support for Proposed Changes

It was asked for your thoughts on specific improvements to the downtown core (Burleigh Street). The community support for infrastructure upgrades was very strong:

76% want better Wayfinding Signage (to help people find their way around).
73% support dedicated Sidewalks on Burleigh Street.
71% want a Speed Limit Reduction on Burleigh Street to make it safer for pedestrians.
71% support creating more Off-Street Parking.

What’s Next?

This survey is just the first step. These insights—combined with the one-on-one feedback received by the Economic Development Officer—will help shape the Downtown Revitalization process.

The Township is looking at how to prioritize cost-effective improvements that balance growth with preserving the nature and history that make North Kawartha special.

Stay Tuned: Keep the conversation going!