📈 Mortgage Rates & Peterborough Real Estate Market Update: October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

• Happy Monday, everyone! 🍂 If you are planning to buy, sell, or renew a mortgage across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, or the Highlands as we head into Q4, here is what is happening with mortgage rates, bond yields, and our local real estate market today. 🏡✨

  🏦 Bank of Canada & Bond Yield Highlights

  • 📊 5-Year Bond Yields Hold High: Government of Canada 5-year bond yields are trading around 3.62%–3.65%this morning. Elevated yields mean higher funding costs for banks and lenders, keeping mortgage rates firm as Q4 begins.

  • 📈 Rate Hikes Priced In: With the Bank of Canada policy rate at 2.25% (Prime at 4.45%), financial markets are now pricing in a 39% to 60%+ chance of a rate hike on October 28, and a 100% chance of a hike by December 9.

  • ⚡ Inflation & Energy Pressure: 3.0% headline inflation and high energy costs are pushing rate forecasts higher moving into 2027.

  📊 Major Lender Rate Sheet Breakdown

  Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
  3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Popular pick; promotional rates under 3.90% are gone
  5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	High bond yields are keeping lender margins tight
  5-Year Variable	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Lowest current entry point, but carries upside risk before Oct 28

  ⚠️ Broker Alert: Pre-approvals under 4.00% are expiring quickly! If you have an active rate hold, double-check your expiration date now before rates adjust further.

  📍 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Market Pulse

  • 🏷️ Price Benchmarks: Peterborough city median sold prices sit steady at $560,000, while Peterborough County (including rural and waterfront homes) averages $708,800.

  • 🏡 Inventory & Absorption: Active listings remain balanced across the region at 329 to 385 active listings, with properties averaging 33 days on market.

  • 🤝 Buyer Position: With steady inventory and no-rush sales velocity, standard detached homes are closing a median of $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price.

  🎯 Key Takeaways for Buyers, Sellers & Homeowners

  1. ⏰ Audit Your Rate Hold Expirations: If you hold a 120-day rate hold below 4.00%, do not let it slip! Re-qualifying later this autumn could mean paying 10 to 25 bps more.

  2. 🛡️ Keep Your Conditional Protections: Market conditions remain balanced! You do not need to waive financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses when making an offer.

  👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

  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 | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

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

  
  

🍁 Kawartha & Highlands Local Update: Community News, Sports & Events

Welcome back, neighbours! Here is your latest roundup of what’s happening across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and surrounding communities.

🏛️ Local & Regional News

• 🗳️ Peterborough Municipal Election & Online Voting:

  Online voting opens October 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eligible voters include residents, property owners, post-secondary students, and unhoused individuals. Across 5 wards, 35 certified candidates (including 7 running for mayor) are competing for 11 council seats.

  • Advance In-Person Voting: October 14 at Healthy Planet Arena

  • Accessible Voting: October 19–23 at City Hall

  • Election Day: October 26

• 🐱 Operation Catnip Needs Urgent Space:

  Over the past 15 years, this volunteer-run rescue has spayed, neutered, and vaccinated more than 2,600 feral cats. Due to losing their donated space on October 15, they urgently need a temperature-controlled space (e.g., heated garage, basement, or shed with water) to temporarily house 5–6 cats recovering from surgery. Volunteers handle all feeding, care, and cleaning!

• 🌲 Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) Hammer Family Nature Preserve:

  KLT hosted an open house for its 1,400-acre preserve in Lakehurst. An Expression of Interest (EOI) is open until January 29, 2027, seeking partners to rehabilitate a 3,400 sq. ft. log cabin, a historic 15-bedroom lodge, and a caretaker's cabin. Plus, three new public trails are coming, with the first 2-km trail having a soft opening this fall off Elim Lodge Road!

• 🌍 David Suzuki Critiques Federal Climate Policy:

  Environmentalist David Suzuki voiced frustration over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal climate direction, stating economic interests are overriding climate needs. Suzuki criticized reversals on carbon tax, EV mandates, and emission caps, calling instead for a national climate emergency declaration.

🏒 Local & Regional Sports

• 🏒 Peterborough Petes Fall to Frontenacs:

  The Petes dropped a 5–3 decision to the Kingston Frontenacs, bringing their record to 2–5. Newly acquired goaltender Matthew Koprowski made his debut. Despite a strong 3rd-period surge (outshooting Kingston 22–6) with goals from Masen Minsky (his 1st OHL goal!), Cooper Dennis, and Leon Kolarik, the comeback fell short.

• 🏓 Buckhorn Pickleball Tournament Success:

  The 3rd Annual Glenna McConnell Memorial Pickleball Tournament brought together 56 players at the Buckhorn sports pad, raising $1,600 for the Buckhorn Public School breakfast program and $6,200 for Community Care Buckhorn!

🗓️ Community Notices & Local Events

• 🎟️ Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 & Travel Raffle:

  Tickets are live! Early bird draws take place October 9 ($1,500) and October 23 ($2,000), with the grand prize draw (including a $5,000 travel voucher) on November 6.

• 📸 Pet Halloween Photo Shoot:

  Head to Ren’s Pets on Rye Street on October 17 (9:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.) for 15-minute pet Halloween portraits ($25). All proceeds benefit the Peterborough Humane Society!

• 🚶 Kilometres for Care Fundraiser:

  Join Community Care Peterborough at Nicholls Oval on Wednesday, October 7 (10 a.m. – noon) for fitness classes and walking challenges supporting local senior and disability programs.

• 🎵 Greenwood United Church Concert:

  Enjoy "Songs from Shining Waters" on Saturday, October 17 at 2 p.m. (737 Donwood Drive). Admission is $15 at the door, supporting Brock Mission, Cameron House, Camp Kawartha, and Bedford House.

• 🧁 Empress Gardens Fall Bake Sale:

  Visit Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St.) on Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Thanksgiving bake sale in support of Kawartha Food Share!

🌎 National & International Briefs

• 🗳️ Quebec Election Day: Voters head to the polls today in a pivotal provincial election, with PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon leading in polls amid key debates on trade and federalism.

• ✈️️ Search for Missing Air Ambulance: Authorities continue searching off Nantucket after locating debris from a Canadian air ambulance jet carrying six people.

• 🎸 Passing of Sass Jordan: Juno Award-winning Canadian rock vocalist and former Canadian Idol judge Sass Jordan has passed away at age 63.

• 🕊️ Nobel Peace Prize Speculation: Anticipation grows ahead of Friday's announcement, with the ISS, Sudan emergency rescue groups, and international courts among top contenders.

• 🇺🇦 German Aid to Ukraine: Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv to announce a $2-billion support package, including air defence systems and counter-drone production.

👇Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

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 | 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.

🌧️ A Rainy Sunday, Small Wins, and Protecting What Matters Most 🏡

Sunday mornings in cottage country have a special rhythm. The rain was coming down steadily, perfect weather for taking a breath, sipping a hot cup of coffee ☕, and reviewing the week ahead.

Even on a complete rest day, the work of serving clients and keeping operations smooth never fully stops. Between watching the Buffalo Bills game 🏈 and enjoying a quiet afternoon, I got to work turning over my driveway. The rain actually made conditions ideal—no dust to kick up, just fresh, freshly-dragged gravel that instantly made the property look sharper 🚜✨.

Later in the day, I tackled a few hands-on maintenance tasks in the shop 🛠️. I fixed the pull cord line on the leaf blower and rebuilt the fuel pump for Lucas's snowmobile 🛷. There’s a quiet satisfaction in taking mechanical parts apart, fixing what’s broken, and making sure everything runs reliably when you need it most.

That same attention to detail carried over into real estate. An offer came through for a lakefront property, so I immediately summarized the terms and presented it to my sellers. Meanwhile, another agent reached out needing fast access for a showing. Even with zero advance notice on a Sunday afternoon, I got them into the property smoothly and kept the process moving forward seamlessly 🔑.

Buying or selling property in the Kawarthas and Highlands comes with real complexities. Whether it's navigating complex offers, coordinating unexpected showing requests, or dealing with rural property details like septic systems, wells, and dock access, one wrong step can cost you thousands of dollars, endless stress, or even a failed transaction.

You deserve a seamless experience and total peace of mind when making major real estate decisions. My plan is simple: I leverage over two decades of local boots-on-the-ground knowledge to guide you through every hurdle, protect your investment, and ensure your real estate transaction is smooth and successful.

When you have an experienced local professional in your corner, you avoid costly surprises, missteps on contracts, and unnecessary delays. Instead, you get to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked hard for—relaxing at the lake, making memories with your family, and knowing your property goals are completely taken care of 🌄🏡.

Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey?

Brad Sinclair, your Kawartha and Highlands Realtor®. I'll come to you to solve your real estate needs. DM or text me to get started. Questions? Let’s chat. 📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it. Check me out!

A Lake Launch, a Loose Clamp, and the Simple Fixes That Keep Life Moving Forward 🚤🔧

 It is amazing how a small hiccup can throw off an entire weekend if you let it! Yesterday started like any busy day—loading up the truck 🚚, handling back-and-forth travel 🚗, and squeezing in a trip down to Lakefield for drone photos 📸. Between running errands and grabbing fuel in Curve Lake ⛽, my schedule was packed. But right in the middle of it all, a local property owner reached out with a real headache: their water pump on Loucks Lake had lost its prime, leaving a house full of weekend guests completely without water 💧!

Instead of letting them stress out or cancel their plans, I packed my boat into the water 🚤, headed straight across Loucks Lake, and got to work. When you're facing a problem like that, it feels overwhelming—you start worrying about expensive repairs, blown-out weekend plans, or finding a technician on short notice.

The truth is, most problems feel huge until you get the right eyes on them. When I arrived, it didn't take long to figure out what was going on. It wasn't a broken pump or a massive system failure at all; it was simply a loose clamp letting air into the line 🔧. Five minutes, a quick turn of a tool, and the water was flowing perfectly again! They were able to get right back to enjoying their weekend, and I made it home in time to relax, grab a slice of pizza 🍕, and catch the Leafs game 🏒.

Whether you are dealing with a quick fix at the cottage or trying to navigate buying or selling a home, the stress usually comes from not knowing what’s around the corner. Unexpected delays, confusing steps, or making a costly mistake can turn what should be an exciting milestone into a total headache.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own or risk making a decision that sets you back. My goal is simple: to protect your time, eliminate the stress, and help you make smart, confident moves for your family’s future. When you have an experienced guide in your corner, you get to skip the headaches and focus on enjoying the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard for. 🏆

Ready to make your next move smooth and stress-free? Let’s chat about your goals! Contact me, your local Realtor® with over 20 years of hands-on experience, and let’s keep you moving in the right direction.

Contact Info:

Brad Sinclair, your Kawartha and Highlands Realtor ®. I'll come to you to solve your real estate needs. DM or text me to get started. Questions? Let’s chat. 📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market

Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it.

🌲 A Road Trip to Ottawa, Big Lessons, and Navigating the Real Estate Journey! 🚗✨

What a day filled with quiet morning moments, essential community conversations, and an exciting family road trip! 🌅🍁

The day started off on a peaceful note with a morning walk alongside Susan and our dog, Jax 🐕🍂. There is nothing quite like taking in the crisp air before diving into a busy schedule! Over breakfast (a bagel with peanut butter—a classic choice 🥯🥜), I reflected on an important lesson: recognizing where my energy goes throughout the day. Knowing when to recharge is essential when you're dedicated to serving others!

Throughout the day, I focused on taking meaningful action to support our local community 🏡. I spent time answering emails and had a great interaction with a local resident regarding short-term rental regulations and the accommodation tax 💬. Helping neighbours navigate complex municipal rules and market trends is something I take deep pride in!

To top off the day, I embarked on a fun mini-adventure! I packed up the vehicle and drove my daughter, Faith, all the way to Ottawa for a concert 🎶🚘. Being able to show up for family while serving the community makes every kilometre driven well worth it!

Real estate decisions often bring up big questions and hidden complexities, whether you are buying your dream family cottage or navigating a tricky property transaction 🤔. Without the right local expertise, it's easy to feel stuck, overwhelmed by paperwork, or worried about making a costly misstep 📝❌.

You deserve a smooth, confident experience. My goal is simple: to protect your interests, guide you with full transparency, and ensure your family finds the perfect place to build lasting memories in the Kawarthas and Highlands 🏞️🏠.

When you have experienced local guidance in your corner, you can step forward with complete peace of mind, knowing every detail is handled seamlessly ✨.

Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey?

Contact me, your local Realtor® with over 20 years of hands-on experience and deep regional knowledge! Let’s sit down, discuss your goals, and ensure your real estate move is a total success 🗝️.

Contact Info:

Brad Sinclair, your Kawartha and Highlands Realtor®. I'll come to you to solve your real estate needs. DM or text me to get started. Questions? Let’s chat. 📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market. Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it. Check me out!

📊 Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing: October 2, 2026 🏠

📊  🏡 Keeping an eye on the market is the best way to make smart real estate decisions! Whether you are shopping for a new home, planning a Q4 mortgage renewal, or just keeping tabs on property values across Peterborough and the Kawarthas, here is what you need to know heading into the weekend. 👇

📉 Bank of Canada & Bond Yields

• 5-Year Bond Yield Moderation (~3.60%–3.65%): Government of Canada 5-year benchmark bond yields dipped slightly to ~3.60% (down ~9–10 bps from the mid-week peak of 3.70%). While yields pulled back slightly, they remain well above late-August floors (~3.25%), keeping wholesale fixed funding costs elevated for lenders.

• Policy Rate Outlook: The Bank of Canada maintains its key policy rate at 2.25% (Prime at 4.45%). Institutional money markets are watching closely ahead of the October 28 announcement. Lingering trade friction and energy prices continue to anchor market expectations against near-term rate cuts for the remainder of 2026.

💳 Major Lender Rate Sheet Summary

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Sub-3.90% promotional offers remain fully pulled across major sheets.
5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	Flat demand; yields hovering near 3.60%+ prevent margin buydowns.
5-Year Variable	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; continues to offer the lowest initial rate entry point.

⚠️ Broker Channel Alert: Monolines and broker desks are maintaining tight margin discipline. While the minor pullback in yields to 3.60% offers brief breathing room, rate-buydown budgets remain tight. If you have a rate hold locked in below 4.00%, make sure it doesn't expire unutilized!

🌲 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Pulse

• Price Benchmarks: In-city Peterborough median sold prices hold steady between $545,750 – $560,000 (average $573,919). Peterborough County overall (including rural residential and waterfront inventory) averages $708,800.

• Inventory & Absorption: Active listings across the region sit balanced at ~329 to 385 active listings, with average time on market holding steady at 33 days.

• Buyer Footing: Slower regional sales velocity continues to favour non-rushed buyers over aggressive multi-offer scenarios. Standard detached properties are closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price, allowing buyers to keep essential conditional protections in place.

💡 Key Advice for Buyers & Sellers

1. Audit Your Pre-Approval Expiry: If you are shopping this weekend or facing a Q4 renewal, check the exact expiration date on your 120-day rate hold. Preserving pre-approvals locked in under 4.00% is critical—re-qualifying under today's rate sheets means paying 10 to 20 bps higher!

2. Protect Yourself with Conditions: With average market time exceeding a month (~33 days), local sellers are accepting conditional offers. You do not need to waive financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses to secure a property in Peterborough or the Kawarthas.

👇Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

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 | 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.

🌧️ Embracing the Unexpected & Finding the Clear Path Ahead 🌲✨

Sometimes, the best days start with a shift in perspective.

Yesterday morning kicked off with a wet, rainy start across the Kawarthas and Highlands 🌧️. I had originally planned to get out and cut the lawn, but with the rain coming down, I pivoted to wrapping up indoor projects and organizing my day. I’ll be honest—sitting there early in the morning, I had a big list of things I wanted to accomplish, but I just couldn't see the full plan in my head right away. Instead of forcing it, I let it marinate, took a deep breath, and focused on putting people first.

Earlier in the week, I had a consultation with a client where I advised what was truly best for their long-term financial health, even though it meant no immediate business for me. Reflecting on that yesterday reminded me of my core motivation: always doing the right thing for others over myself. That thought set the tone for the rest of my day.

I took a moment to clean up my digital space, dropping unnecessary monthly expenses and organizing my community updates 📉💻. Then, Susan and I laced up our shoes and went for a walk in the rain 🌧️👟. I’ll admit, I didn't really feel like stepping out into the damp air beforehand, but by the time we finished, I was so glad we did! It completely cleared my head.

Right after our walk, I faced a situation I had been psyching myself up for all morning—a tough phone call regarding a financial refund for a family sports trip. I went in expecting a total battle 🥊. To my absolute shock, the person on the other end simply said, "No problem, we can do that right away for you." 🤯 A few minutes later, the full refund hit the inbox! It was a great reminder that sometimes the hurdles we stress over in our minds turn out to be far easier to clear than we expect.

Later in the afternoon, I shifted gears to help out another client who was navigating a massive, stressful property dilemma involving complex legal title details and strict timelines. Being able to step in, calm the waters, and outline a clear strategy to protect their investment is why I love what I do 🛡️🏡.

By the late afternoon, I headed out to the garage to clear out some clutter and tackle a few hands-on projects 🛠️. The pull cord on my leaf blower snapped—twice!—so I've got to grab a new cord, but even with small setbacks, getting hands-on and organizing my workspace felt productive.

Life throws unexpected curveballs, complex hurdles, and sudden rainy days at all of us 🌧️. But when you have a clear guide and an honest partner in your corner, navigating those challenges becomes simple.

🏡 Navigating Real Estate Stress? You Don't Have to Do It Alone.

Buying or selling a home or cottage in the Kawarthas and Highlands should be an exciting adventure, not a source of sleepless nights 🌲✨.

Too often, buyers and sellers run into hidden roadblocks—unclear property values, unexpected title issues, seasonal limitations, or overwhelming paperwork. Trying to tackle these complex problems without local expertise can lead to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.

You deserve a smooth, successful experience.

With over 20 years of hands-on local experience, I guide you step-by-step through every phase of the market. I bring deep regional knowledge, honest advice, and a commitment to putting your family's best interests first—ensuring you avoid hidden pitfalls and reach your goals with total confidence.

Imagine handing off the stress, having every detail protected, and focusing entirely on enjoying life in Ontario's beautiful cottage country 🍃☀️.

Ready to take the next step toward your real estate goals? Contact me today—I'll come directly to you! 🚗💨

📲 Let's Chat!

• Brad Sinclair, your Kawartha and Highlands Realtor® 🌲

• 📍 Re/Max Professionals North — Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market

• Call or Text Today: 📞 705-927-6236

• Direct Message: DM or text me to get started. Questions? Let’s chat!

Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it. ❤️🏡

#KawarthaLakes #HaliburtonHighlands #BancroftRealEstate #KawarthaRealEstate #CottageLife #StoryBrand #BradSinclair #ReMaxProfessionalsNorth #LocalExpertise #RealEstateAdvisor

🏛️ Township of Carlow/Mayo Council Deep Dive: Key Decisions & Local Impacts 🌲

Welcome to your essential municipal breakdown for the Township of Carlow/Mayo! Keeping up with council decisions shouldn't feel like a full-time job. As a local expert serving our area, I break down local government decisions so you know exactly how new policies, infrastructure updates, and budget decisions impact your property, wallet, and lifestyle! 🏡✨

Here is everything you need to know from the September 8, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.

📋 Deep Dive: Summary of Impactful Decisions & Agenda Topics

🚮 1. Waste Site ECA Amendments & Re-Use Opportunities

• What Was Discussed: Deputy Clerk Sabrina Anderson provided a comprehensive staff report regarding the updated Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) for both the Mayo (35844 Hwy 28 E) and Carlow (7 Pinecrest Road) waste sites.

• Key Updates:

  • Operational hours can now be flexible during daylight hours as long as they are properly posted at the gate.

  • Cover material application is required weekly at Carlow and bi-weekly at Mayo.

  • Routine explosive gas monitoring in enclosed occupied structures is now mandated.

  • Carlow has received approval to open a Re-Use Centre if desired.

• The Catch & Decision: Cambium noted an oversight during the recent ECA process—groundwater/surface water monitoring changes were missed, requiring another amendment application. Council voted to receive the report as information, deferring the unbudgeted secondary application costs to the 2027 budget planning process.

📑 2. Formalized Municipal Complaint Policy

• What Was Discussed: Staff introduced a draft Complaint Policy to standardize how public concerns regarding staff, municipal services, facilities, or by-law infractions are documented, investigated, and resolved.

• Key Guidelines:

  • All complaints must be submitted in writing with full contact details; anonymous complaints will NOT be investigated.

  • Council members cannot resolve complaints directly and must refer residents to the official written process.

  • Department heads must acknowledge complaints within 3 business days and deliver a formal resolution letter within 30 calendar days.

• The Decision: Council formally approved the staff recommendation and directed staff to bring forward the official By-law for passing at the October meeting.

🚧 3. Public Works Operations & Road Upgrades

• What Was Discussed: Public Works Manager Jacob Weichenthal presented the August 2026 monthly operations report.

• Key Highlights:

  • Heavy culvert replacements were executed along Hwy 517, New Carlow Road, and Hass Road.

  • Active ditching was completed on Boulter Road, New Carlow Road, and Hwy 517.

  • Road grading took place across Ramsbottom, Stringer, Old Hermon, Bessemer, Mayo Lake, White Birch, Remnant, Telford, Chatterton, McPherson, Mallard Lake, and Haryett roads.

  • Annual safety inspections were successfully completed for key fleet vehicles, including Truck #6 and Truck #12.

• The Decision: Council received the monthly report as information. Furthermore, By-law 56-2026 was officially passed to adopt the updated Public Works Manager Job Description.

💰 4. Financial & Donation Requests

• North Hastings Community Cupboard Request: The food bank requested a $5,000 donation to assist with operating costs. The 2026 operating budget only had $100 allocated for donations. Council voted to receive the request and defer consideration to 2027 budget deliberations to evaluate it alongside other municipal priorities.

• Expense Report: Council approved the August expense report as submitted by the Treasurer.

• Recreation Vouchers: Council approved Carlow Community Centre Voucher 07-26 and Mayo Community Centre Voucher 07-26 as amended, directing staff to confirm operating account balances with the Treasurer.

💼 5. Internal Staffing & Job Descriptions

• Council officially enacted By-law 56-2026 (Public Works Manager Job Description) and By-law 57-2026(Administrative Assistant Job Description) to modernize operational roles and maintain administrative efficiency.

⚡ The Big News & Local Controversy: Dormant Building Permits & The 15-Year Rule 🏗️

The single most impactful discussion for property owners was Chief Building Official Allen Musclow’s report on Dormant Building Permits and the Ultimate Limitation Period Policy.

Why It Matters to Local Residents:

Across rural Ontario, property owners frequently start builds, move in, or pause work without booking a final inspection. Years later—often during a property sale or refinancing—an open permit surface, causing major stress.

Council directed staff to bring the formal policy forward for passage at the next meeting and approved key operational shifts:

1. 0 to 5 Years Inactive: Staff will proactively reach out. If inactive for over 12 months, the Township may send notice to revoke the permit. To inspect, owners may be required to open up finished walls/ceilings to expose construction or provide third-party engineering reports.

2. 5 to 15 Years Inactive: Proactive letters stop. If an owner or buyer requests an inspection, extensive file reviews, wall exposure, or professional certification will be required at the owner's expense.

3. 15+ Years Inactive (Ultimate Limitation Period): Under the Limitations Act, 2002, the municipality will NO LONGER conduct inspections or take enforcement action on open permits where the last activity occurred 15+ years ago. Owners will be directed to hire private engineering consultants to verify building safety.

4. Reinstatement of Fees: Council voted to reinstate the $100 bi-annual dormant permit renewal fee (which was suspended during COVID-19) so taxpayers don't shoulder administrative costs.

• For Sellers: If you built an addition, garage, or deck years ago and never called for a final inspection, check your file now! If your permit is under 15 years old, resolving it before listing prevents closing delays.

• For Buyers: A title search showing an open permit over 15 years old means the municipality will not inspect it. You'll need independent professional advice to confirm structural safety before waiving conditions.

🌲 The Local Perspective: Preserving the Kawarthas & Highlands Lifestyle

Our rural and waterfront lifestyle relies heavily on reliable roads, clean lakes, and efficient waste management.

• Lake & Road Health: Heavy culvert replacements on Hwy 517, New Carlow Rd, and Hass Rd, alongside extensive ditching on Boulter Rd, ensure stormwater drains safely without washing out local cottage access roads or washing debris into nearby lakes.

• Waste & Re-Use: Flexible operating hours at waste sites make cottage drop-offs more convenient. The potential addition of a Re-Use Centre at the Carlow site provides a sustainable way to keep usable household goods out of landfills.

• Emergency & Safety Preparedness: The Community Fire Safety Officer confirmed active public education efforts, including Test Your Smoke Alarm Day (Sept 28), Fire Prevention Week (Oct 4-10), and Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (Nov 1-7).

🤝 Public Service & Community Advocacy

Keeping our local governance transparent protects property values and preserves our high quality of life. Whether you're navigating new building permit rules, understanding municipal complaint procedures, or assessing rural property access, accurate information helps you make confident decisions.

📞 Call today

Questions about how these municipal updates affect your current home or future real estate plans? As a local expert with Re/Max Professionals North, I am here to help you navigate these changes when buying or selling.

📞 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.

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨