Showing posts with label Omemee. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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?

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Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Omemee: The Heart of the Kawarthas and the Town that Raised a Legend

Nestled along the banks of the Pigeon River, Omemee is more than just a dot on the map in the City of Kawartha Lakes. It’s a place where time slows down, the air feels a little fresher, and the history is as deep as the waters of the Otonabee. Whether you’re a music history buff, a nature lover, or a traveller looking for that perfect "small-town Ontario" vibe, Omemee has a way of staying with you long after you leave.

A Little Piece of Rock ‘n’ Roll History

You can’t talk about Omemee without mentioning its most famous son: Neil Young. The legendary singer-songwriter spent his formative years here, and the town left an indelible mark on his music. His classic song "Helpless" famously references a "town in north Ontario" with "dream comfort memory to spare"—that town is Omemee.

While the Youngtown Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum (which once housed a treasure trove of Neil Young memorabilia) has closed its doors, the spirit of the music remains. Fans still make the pilgrimage to see the Omemee Dam, where a young Neil used to fish, and Coronation Hall, where he performed a surprise, internationally broadcast concert in 2017 to celebrate his roots.

Nature at Your Doorstep

If you’re looking to trade screen time for green time, Omemee is perfectly positioned.

Emily Provincial Park: Just a few minutes north of town, this park is a haven for campers and paddlers. It features two sandy beaches on the Pigeon River and a marsh boardwalk that’s perfect for birdwatching.
The Victoria Rail Trail: For the hikers and cyclists, this section of the Trans-Canada Trail offers a stunning, flat path through the Kawartha countryside. The bridge over the Pigeon River in Omemee provides one of the best views in the county.

Windy Ridge Conservation Area: For a panoramic view of the Oak Ridges Moraine, head to Windy Ridge. It’s a short hike with a massive payoff—especially during the fall when the leaves are changing.

Architectural Gems & Heritage

Omemee’s downtown reflects its resilience. After a devastating fire in 1891, the community rebuilt with beautiful Second Empire and Arts and Crafts style buildings that still stand today.

Keep an eye out for the John McCrea Memorial Parsonage. Built by Lady Eaton (Flora McCrea) in memory of her father, it’s one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts architecture in the region. The town's connection to the Eaton family (of the famous Canadian department store empire) adds another layer of historical prestige to this "sleepy little place."

A Modern Wonder: Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden

Just a short drive from the main strip is one of the most ambitious projects in North America: the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden. Spanning over 500 acres, this site features magnificent wooden temples built using traditional Chinese joinery (without a single nail!). Even if you aren't there for a retreat, the sheer scale of the golden statues and the tranquillity of the gardens make it a must-visit.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Go: Late spring through autumn. The Wutai Shan Garden and Emily Provincial Park are at their best when the weather is warm.
The Vibe: Relaxed, historic, and welcoming.
Don't Miss: A photo op at the Omemee bridge on the Rail Trail and a quiet moment by the Mill Pond.

Omemee might be small, but as Neil Young once sang, "all my changes were there." It’s a town built on memories, nature, and a quiet strength that continues to draw people in decades later.

Have you ever visited Omemee? What’s your favourite hidden gem in the Kawartha Lakes? Let us know in the comments!