kawarthaNOW | News, events, and community information for residents, visitors, and cottagers in Peterborough and The Kawarthas

An aerial view of a portion of downtown Peterborough in 2012, looking east across the Hunter Street bridge to East City. Since this photo was taken, several multi-storey residential developments have been built in East City where, in 2025, city council also approved the construction of a new 17-storey high-rise. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

How will Peterborough’s next mayor tackle housing affordability and homelessness?

Ahead of the October 26 election, seven mayoral candidates share their approaches to neighbourhood growth, affordable housing, and mental health and addictions supports

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - September 25, 2026

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) seized more than $1 million worth of potent synthetic opioids from an Omemee residence on September 14, 2026 after a six-month investigation involving the Canada Border Services Agency. A 37-year-old Emily Township man was arrested and faces several drug trafficking charges. (Photo: OPP)

More than $1 million in potent synthetic opioids seized in Omemee after six-month investigation

"Rez Gas" co-playwrights Genevieve Adam and Cale Crowe. Crowe composed all of the music, Adam wrote a lot of the script, and the pair came up with characters and plot together. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)

‘Rez Gas’ by Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam shortlisted for national playwriting award

Peterborough mayoral candidates Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, Neil Morton, Keith Riel, Rebecca Schillemat, Brian Lumsden, and Jacob Méthot on stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre for ArtsVote Peterborough 2026, hosted by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) on Wednesday, September 23. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

Peterborough mayoral candidates affirm their commitment to champion municipal support for the city’s arts community

After a four-month hiatus, the Jethro's Blues Jam returns on Sunday afternoon to the former Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough, now Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub, hosted by the Jethro's Blues Jam All Stars. (Facebook photo)

nightlifeNOW – September 24 to 30, 2026

Featuring live music listings at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region

kawarthaNOW - September 24, 2026

GreenUP Ecology Park program coordinator Jonathan Armstrong showed participants how to determine the age of a pine tree during a tree tour he led on Family Night at the park on Peterborough on August 27, 2026. (Photo: Alex Karn / GreenUP)

Nature, play, and community connection celebrated during GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night

"The Secret Path," written and directed by the late Gord Downie with illustrations by Jeff Lemire, tells the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack who died 60 years ago while trying to walk 600 kilometres to his northwestern Ontario home after fleeing a residential school in Kenora. (Illustration: Jeff Lemire)

Port Hope to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with free screening of Gord Downie’s ‘The Secret Path’

11-year-old Wyatt Robertson of Cobourg, a client of Five Counties Children's Centre, with happy customer Yvette Virgin, who holds an articulated animal that Wyatt made through his fledging 3D printing business called Prints Charming. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

11-year-old Wyatt Robertson of Cobourg turns his passion for technology into a 3D printing business

Located in central Haliburton County, the United Townships of Dysart, Dudley, Harcourt, Guilford, Harburn, Bruton, Havelock, Eyre and Clyde — commonly known as the Municipality of Dysart et al — is a rural municipality with a population of around 7,200 permanent residents and over 20,000 seasonal residents. The municipality's largest community is the village of Haliburton, with other smaller communities including Donald, Eagle Lake, Fort Irwin, Goulds, Harburn, Harcourt, Kennisis Lake, and West Guilford. (Photo: Municipality of Dysart et al)

Candidates in Municipality of Dysart et al share why they are running in municipal election

Open mayoral race brings new leadership choices for voters in Haliburton County's largest municipality

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - September 23, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features scenic destinations across the Kawarthas to enjoy the fall colours, including Skyline Park in Haliburton County, Burleigh Falls in Peterborough County, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Peterborough County, Eagle's Nest Park in Hastings Highlands, Windy Ridge Conservation Area and Fleetwood Creek Nature Area in Kawartha Lakes, Rice Lake in Northumberland County, Panorama Park Lookout in Haliburton County, Kamaniskeg Lake lookout in Combermere east of Hastings Highlands, and more. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: 10 scenic spots across the Kawarthas to enjoy the fall colours

Symons Campus at Trent University in Peterborough. (Photo: Trent University)

Watermain break closes Trent University’s Symons Campus in Peterborough through September 27

At its general committee meeting on September 21, 2026, Peterborough city council considered the 234-page Effectiveness and Efficiency Review prepared for the City of Peterborough by Ernst & Young. The recommendations of the review will be considered by the next city council during its deliberations on the 2027 budget. (Graphic: Ernst & Young)

Peterborough councillors question impact on residents of city’s effectiveness and efficiency review

How will Peterborough’s next mayor tackle housing affordability and homelessness?

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - September 25, 2026

Ahead of the October 26 election, seven mayoral candidates share their approaches to neighbourhood growth, affordable housing, and mental health and addictions supports.

More than $1 million in potent synthetic opioids seized in Omemee after six-month investigation

September 25, 2026

Peterborough mayoral candidates affirm their commitment to champion municipal support for the city’s arts community

September 24, 2026

Port Hope to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with free screening of Gord Downie’s ‘The Secret Path’

September 23, 2026

Candidates in Municipality of Dysart et al share why they are running in municipal election

September 23, 2026

Kawartha Localist: 10 scenic spots across the Kawarthas to enjoy the fall colours

Megan Gallant - September 22, 2026

From panoramic lookouts and waterfall views to lakeside roads and conservation areas, these destinations showcase the region at its most colourful.

Located in downtown Peterborough, Studio Savvy is a versatile event space and photography studio founded by content creator Carley Beal. The bright and minimalistic space has high ceilings with various backdrops and props to suit a wide range of content creation and photography needs, including a textured sofa, a wainscot wall, a brick wall, and an infinity wall. With a bar and "get ready" area, the studio can also be booked for intimate private events including bridal showers, workshops, and micro-weddings. (Photo courtesy of Studio Savvy)

Know Your Locals: Studio Savvy in downtown Peterborough is a versatile space for content creation and private events

September 22, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features fun fall destinations across the greater Kawarthas region, including MacArthur's Pumpkin Patch in Oakwood, the Hike Haliburton festival, Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene, the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, McQuaid's County Market in Omemee, Pieter's Appleyard in Colborne, Kawartha Farmfest in Kawartha Lakes, Bragg Farms in Clarington, Pumpkinfest at Buckhorn Berry Farm, Stellmar Farm in Little Britain, the Lindsay Ex, and more. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Get ready for fall fun in the Kawarthas region

September 15, 2026

Peterborough County is partnering with local consulting firm IntegrAlign Partners to deliver free AI training sessions for business owners in Keene, Bridgenorth, Millbrook, and Norwood in September and October 2026. Led by Sherry Hill, each hands-on workshop will advise on practical uses of AI in the workplace across industries, including construction and trades, small business operations, tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, and non-profits. (Photo courtesy of IntegrAlign Partners)

Know Your Locals: Learn how to use AI for business efficiency and growth at fall workshops across Peterborough County

September 13, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features wine destinations across the greater Kawarthas region, including Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro, Kawartha Country Wines in Buckhorn, Applewood Farm and Winery just southwest of Kawartha Lakes, Cheeky Duck Vineyard in Selwyn, and Elmhirst's Resort in Keene. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Raise a glass to locally crafted wine experiences in the Kawarthas

September 8, 2026

‘Rez Gas’ by Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam shortlisted for national playwriting award

kawarthaNOW - September 25, 2026

Musical by Alderville First Nation musician and Cobourg playwright is a Carol Bolt Award finalist following its 2025 world premiere at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre.

nightlifeNOW – September 24 to 30, 2026

September 24, 2026

encoreNOW – September 21, 2026

September 21, 2026

Cobourg native Sue Passmore, best known as one-third of the Juno award-winning roots trio Good Lovelies, will be the featured guest at an open mic hosted by Matt MacLeod at The Railyard Cafe & Taphouse in Peterborough's East City on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)

nightlifeNOW – September 17 to 23

September 17, 2026

Pat Mastroianni and Stacie Mistysyn as Joey Jeremiah and Caitlin Ryan in the 1989-91 CBC television series "Degrassi High" and the 1992 television movie "School's Out." (Photo supplied by Oak Artist Management)

Degrassi stars Pat Mastroianni and Stacie Mistysyn bring ‘School’s Out’ to Peterborough and Lindsay this October

September 15, 2026

11-year-old Wyatt Robertson of Cobourg turns his passion for technology into a 3D printing business

Five Counties Children's Centre - September 23, 2026

The Five Counties Children's Centre client launched 'Prints Charming' this summer with support from a Northumberland youth entrepreneurship program.

RTO8's research and special projects manager Hillary Flood and 4th Line Theatre's general manager Lindy Finlan will join "Growing Your Business with Green Tourism Strategies," an online discussion hosted by Green Economy Peterborough (GEP) on October 7, 2026 on implementing green initiatives in tourism-based businesses. Earlier this year, both Flood and Finlan attended GEP's annual Leadership in Sustainability Celebration, which recognizes sustainable initiatives led by small businesses across the community. (Photo: Heather Doughty)

Green tourism takes centre stage at upcoming Green Economy Peterborough discussion

September 17, 2026

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Business Advisory Centre manager Rosalea Terry (back and front row, far left) and Peterbough County warden Bonnie Clark and City of Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal (front and back row, far right) with the successful applicants for the 2026 cohort of the Starter Company Plus program at Community Futures Peterborough on September 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

Community Futures Peterborough announces largest-ever cohort for 2026 Starter Company Plus program

September 16, 2026

Living Local Marketplace founder Alicia Doris in her element, surrounded by the thoughtfully curated products from local artisans and small businesses that have helped her business grow over the past five years. (Photo: Kayla LeFranc)

businessNOW: Local businesses expand, reopen, welcome new owners, and celebrate milestones

September 14, 2026

In October 2026, Fleming College Institute (FCI) is kicking off the P.E.A.K. Executive Leadership Program, an all-new executive program designed to support new and senior leaders in reaching their full potential. Led by leadership coach Sophie Mathewson, the program will take place over six months and include monthly in-person training days, one-on-one coaching, and mastermind groups. (Photo courtesy of FCI)

Fleming College Institute’s new P.E.A.K. Executive Leadership program prepares senior leaders to be more intentional and strategic

September 8, 2026

Nature, play, and community connection celebrated during GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night

GreenUP - September 24, 2026

More than 250 people attended August 27 celebration, with activities helping inform plans for permanent outdoor learning stations.

Downtown Peterborough's Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale on August 8, 2026 allowed people to experience Charlotte Street free of car traffic. Many Canadian cities are starting to reimagine their streets as places for pedestrians, not just cars. (Photo: Brett Throop / GreenUP)

Reimagining streets: GreenUP working to make school zones safer for local kids

September 10, 2026

The 2026 Great Canadian Bioblitz happens from September 18 to 27, with observations recorded through the iNaturalist program. There's no cost to create an iNaturalist account or download the app, pictured in use here. GreenUP and the Peterborough Field Naturalists are hosting a kick-off to the Great Canadian Bioblitz at Ecology Park on Saturday, September 19. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

Grow your ecological literacy by getting to know the species in your own backyard

September 3, 2026

The 23rd annual Hike Haliburton Festival is returning to the Haliburton Highlands from September 17 to 20, 2026. The award-winning festival features more than 35 guided hikes led by local volunteers, self-guided hikes, paid excursions by local adventure outfitters, and cultural events and activities taking place across Haliburton County. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)

Award-winning Hike Haliburton returns September 17 to 20 across the Haliburton Highlands

September 1, 2026

A young girl with gear during summer heading to a beach for a swim. (Stock photo)

The Beach Report for August 28, 2026

August 28, 2026

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