Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Thursday, August 20, the following beaches are at moderate risk for swimming, meaning swimming is not advised due to elevated bacteria levels:
Douro Park North – Douro-Dummer
Lakefield Beach – Selwyn
Rogers Cove – Peterborough
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon
Rotary Beach Head Lake – Dysart et al
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the regional health unit websites at Lakelands Public Health and Southeast Public Health.
In the following results, low risk means the water is safe for swimming, moderate risk means swimming is not advised due to elevated bacteria levels, and high risk means a beach is closed due to high bacteria levels or hazardous water conditions.
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City and County of Peterborough
Douro Park North – Douro-Dummer – Moderate Risk
Lakefield Beach – Selwyn – Moderate Risk
Rogers Cove – Peterborough – Moderate Risk
Beavermead Beach – Peterborough – Low Risk
Belmont Lake – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Low Risk
Chandos Beach – North Kawartha – Low Risk
Crowe's Line Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
Ennismore Waterfront Beach – Selwyn – Low Risk
Henry's Gumming – Curve Lake First Nation – Low Risk
Hiawatha Beach – Hiawatha First Nation – Low Risk
John Street Beach – Trent Lakes (Buckhorn) – Low Risk
Jones Beach – Selwyn (Bridgenorth) – Low Risk
Kasshabog Lake – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Low Risk
Lime Kiln Park – Curve Lake First Nation – Low Risk
Quarry Bay Beach – North Kawartha – Low Risk
Sandy Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area – Selwyn (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area – South Monaghan (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area – Douro-Dummer (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
White's Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
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City of Kawartha Lakes
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Moderate Risk
Birch Point – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Blanchards Road Beach – Bexley – Low Risk
Bond Street – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Burnt River Beach – Somerville – Low Risk
Centennial Park West – Eldon – Low Risk
Centennial Verulam Parkette – Low Risk
Four Mile Lake Public Beach – Somerville – Low Risk
Head Lake Beach – Laxton – Low Risk
Lions Park – Coboconk – Low Risk
Norland Bathing Area – Laxton – Low Risk
Omemee Beach – Low Risk
Riverview Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Low Risk
Sturgeon Point Beach – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Valentia Sandbar Beach – Low Risk
Verulam Recreational Park – Low Risk
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Northumberland County
Caldwell Street Beach – Port Hope – Low Risk
Crowe Bridge Park – Trent Hills – Low Risk
East Beach – Port Hope – Low Risk
Hastings Waterfront North – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Hastings Waterfront South – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Little Lake – Cramahe – Low Risk
Sandy Bay Public Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – Low Risk
Victoria Beach- Cobourg – Low Risk
West Beach – Port Hope – Low Risk
Wicklow Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – Low Risk
Haliburton County
Rotary Beach Head Lake – Dysart et al – Moderate Risk
Bissett Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Dorset Parkette – Algonquin Highlands – Low Risk
Eagle Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Elvin Johnson Park – Algonquin Highlands – Low Risk
Forsters Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Gooderham Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Glamour Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Haliburton Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Horseshoe Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Paudash Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Pine Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Rotary Park Lagoon – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Rotary Park Main – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Rotary Head Lake Beach Lagoon – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Sandy Cove Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Sandy Point Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Slipper Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Twelve Mile Lake Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Wilbermere Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
Beaches sampled monthly
Moira Lake Park – Moira Lake – Low Risk
Centennial Park, Deseronto – Bay of Quinte – Low Risk
Frankford Park – Trent River – Low Risk
Kingsford Conservation Area – Salmon River – Low Risk
Tweed Park – Stoco Lake – Low Risk
Wellington Beach – Wellington Bay – Low Risk
Beaches sampled once at the start of bathing season
Centennial Park, Northport – Bay of Quinte – Low Risk
Jason Seguya began his role as the new chief executive officer of United Way Peterborough and District on July 6, 2026, taking over leadership of the non-profit organization after previous CEO Jim Russell retired after almost 15 years. (Photo courtesy of United Way Peterborough and District)
The face of United Way Peterborough and District has changed for the first time in nearly 15 years, with recently appointed CEO Jason Seguya coming to the non-profit organization in time for its 85th anniversary.
Last December, after long-time CEO Jim Russell announced he would be retiring the following summer, the United Way began the search for new leadership before announcing the appointment of Seguya in June as the organization’s 10th CEO.
Seguya, 27, a native of Uganda, comes to Peterborough via Ottawa, having previously served as executive director of The Fulcrum Publishing Society and of Ontario Student Voices. He has a bachelor of science in social sciences from the University of Ottawa.
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Building capacity through collaboration
One month after Seguya began his role, kawarthaNOW sat down for an in-depth interview with the new CEO to learn more about what he has learned so far and what his goals are for his tenure.
“One thing that has to be core with this work is it has to be led by community for community,” Seguya said, before describing his past experience.
“I’ve really built a career on non-profit governance and leadership from as soon as I was at university, serving as the first executive on the student union team for the University of Ottawa Students’ Union, continuing with Ontario Student Voices and a number of different organizations, like The Fulcrum (Publishing Society).”
Most recently, Seguya served as director of human resources for the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, which supports queer entrepreneurs across the country including through funding provided by the Federal Entrepreneurship Program Fund.
“What is unique about that perspective is I come into this role not only with the experience relevant to run a non-profit and a charity like the United Way Peterborough and District, but to really serve and contribute to conversations in conjunction with other non-profits and charities on the focus of the relevant internal infrastructure and long-term support that each of our organizations need to not only survive, but thrive.”
Since starting his role on July 6, Seguya has been meeting with community partners — including organizations supported by the United Way’s agency capacity fund, a new three-year fund supporting registered human and social service charities across the city and county of Peterborough that are enhancing capacity to deliver inclusive programs and services — to learn about their missions, programs, and needs.
“It shows with each and every one of those interactions a true element of care towards the programming that they’re developing and delivering towards our community, matched with ideas that are beyond just a simple checkbox, but really speak towards not just the symptoms, but the long-term impacts that are relevant to the city of Peterborough,” Seguya said.
According to Seguya, one of the most common challenges facing charities in the Peterborough region is a lack of internal capacity both to implement programs and to manage business operations. However, fundraising to cover operational and administrative costs can be met with stigma from donors and funders who may prefer to directly fund programs or materials.
“The programming that we develop and deliver is so important on all fronts, but if we are to equally invest into capacity building within our organization, the return on investment that the community will feel is stronger, more long-lasting impact on the work that we’re doing,” he explained.
In addition to providing sustainable and flexible funding to local non-profits, Seguya sees the role of United Way as acting as a convener and facilitator between community organizations, client populations, and Peterborough at large.
“United Way of Peterborough and District, and the whole United Way movement, really does serve as a convener in so many different formats, whether it’s by community, as we come together and address some of the largest pressure points, or by nature of the organizations that we partner with.”
Being such a small sector, there are sometimes barriers that organizations experience when there are overlapping functions of work across the region, said Seguya. This manifests through splitting the community donor base, competing services, and replication of administrative and operational tasks.
“Our effort, when we do our internal reviews of capacity and shared efforts within the sector, is to ensure that if there’s overlap, it’s complementing each other, rather than repeating or recreating work that’s already been conducted,” he said.
“Role ambiguity is known as one of the largest areas that create conflict. If our main effort can serve as conveners on each of these different functions and formats, we will see a strong sector where we’re all contributing in a way that’s meaningful.”
Bringing together his priorities of capacity building and community convening, Seguya will lean on his human resource background to facilitate collaboration within United Way and beyond to the local non-profit community.
“With my own background, what I’m hopeful to bring amongst the shared efforts of each of the staff and teammates throughout the organization is a room for convening on those topics focused on capacity.”
“If we’re to ensure long-term capacity for the organizations involved, you will see that in the ways that we develop our programming. You’ll see that in the way that we develop our interactions with community, and you’ll see that in the way that we develop our research and long-term planning.”
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Embedding equity throughout the United Way’s work
Seguya, who grew up in the York Region and pursued his post-secondary education at the University of Ottawa, has been involved in many community and student organizations, which he said has influenced his professional work.
“Beyond my work working with non-profits and charities, I’ve also been a community organizer, really working on the ground addressing some of the largest issues that came towards my eye as well as community while living in both Ottawa as well as previously in the York Region area.”
In particular he notes his understanding of convening multiple organizations working in overlapping or similar service areas as stemming from his work with grassroots groups.
“There’re elements within community organizing or efforts of grassroots (organizations) that should motivate and actually lead and guide the ways that we can serve as a community when it comes to addressing some of the larger issues.”
At United Way’s annual general meeting last Thursday (August 6), community impact officer Elisha Rubacha shared information about the ongoing work to integrate the values of reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion (READI) throughout the organization’s work, both internally and externally.
For his part, Seguya said that oftentimes historically marginalized individuals are disproportionately represented in data on homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity.
“One of the things that I hold core to my beliefs is when you support those who are most vulnerable in any capacity, all benefit, and it will be shown in the way that this process is shifted and moved,” he said.
Over the past year, United Way has assessed their internal systems against United Way Centraide Canada’s DEI Toolkit, developed an action plan based on strengths and spaces for improvement, and implemented READI values across the organization.
“One of the dangers about engaging with this work without that clarity or guidance is efforts that should be positive could actually be more detrimental towards the communities we’re aiming to serve and support if they’re not informed accordingly,” said Seguya of the importance of looking critically at internal processes.
READI values have also been applied to the redevelopment of the community impact model, the agency capacity fund recipients, and Reaching Home fund distribution.
“It’s also looking external towards our efforts to make sure it’s included in every element that we do, rather than held in silo by itself,” Seguya added. “That’s one of the most beautiful elements that I’ve seen as it really shows that it’s becoming embedded in the way that we operate in the organizations on all fronts rather than an effort that’s just intending to be presented for the sake of demographics or show.”
Alongside READI values, Seguya said that he intends to continue to receive community input across the scope of United Way’s programs and campaign initiatives to ensure that the most pressing issues are addressed.
“It’s that effort that we’re going to continue to see through data collection, research, and more, to be able to guide us in efforts ensuring that voices that aren’t naturally or often initially included in conversations are intentionally included in those discussions as we continue.”
“One thing for me that it would signal as well is more efforts on fair, clean research and data collection that would be able to support us in those efforts. That way, our answers and our supports on these specific issues can be guided by the experiences of folks within community rather than assumption.”
Seguya noted the importance of reports such as the Point-in-Time Count and Community Homelessness Report in both guiding United Way’s own work and establishing quality public data to be used by other organizations.
One example he shared was that, when research identified a disproportionate number of Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, the United Way dedicated funds towards organizations working with Indigenous clients.
“One beautiful thing I appreciate about the United Way Peterborough and District is at the same time that it’s community-oriented, it’s also pragmatic with its efforts,” Seguya said.
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Leading through a time of transition
Having spent the last month transitioning into his new role, Seguya said he has been supported in all areas by the United Way’s staff team who have ensured the engine of the organization never falters during times of change.
“In the course of these past few weeks leading up towards a month, I’ve seen leadership demonstrated from every member of the team in such an impactful and meaningful way that it made me more excited for the future to come,” he said.
To help facilitate the transition to a new CEO, Seguya said, previous CEO Jim Russell remained on staff until July 17 and has continued to be an active resource to Seguya and the team since his retirement. Having led the United Way for nearly 15 years, Russell has considerable organizational experience and knowledge.
“Jim is a key partner, just as everyone else is in the community, in guiding this effort forward. I’m not alone with this work.”
The United Way Peterborough and District’s incoming CEO Jason Seguya shakes hands with retiring CEO Jim Russell during an announcement at the United Way’s office on June 18, 2026. The 27-year-old began in his new role on July 6, with Russell staying on until July 17 to help with the transition. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Going forward, Seguya said he will foster a working environment that promotes transparency, collaboration, and safety.
“One thing that I’ve made a point of instilling within the team, both in the way I present myself as well as the feedback I receive, is ensuring that psychological safety is core within the function of the organization.”
“There’re actual actions and behaviors that can be represented that ensure psychological safety is put in, and that’s been intentionally incorporated in the ways that we interact with each other and the way that I lead on a daily basis.”
Seguya also noted the wider United Way community as having been primary supporters in his transition.
“Although our solutions and results within community may differ, some of the experience and the relevant knowledge is all shared,” said Seguya.
Alongside Seguya’s excitement about his role and the opportunity he sees for United Way, he recognizes that he has big shoes to fill and high expectations to meet.
“It comes with a lot of anxiety and quite a bit of pressure that’s sometimes attached to it, but in the best of ways,” said Seguya.
Despite being just 27 years old, Seguya says he hopes the community will see him for his experience and his potential, not just his age.
“When it comes to my work as someone whose core value is merit, I hope that that’s what’s captured with all that’s done, where folks will see me for what I’m able to develop and deliver.”
Furthermore, he hopes to inspire other young professionals to take risks in their work and have faith in their abilities and value.
“I’m hopeful that my own introduction and experience towards this position will equally include and encourage other individuals within my generation to raise their hand, to be a little bit audacious with their efforts, to try something new, even if it means potentially failing, and go for that opportunity,” said Seguya.
“But most importantly, (to) know that their voice matters and deserves to be part of the conversations that are impacting our communities, as we are the leaders of tomorrow.”
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Making space for a new generation of leaders
Seguya, whose family emigrated from Uganda to Canada when he was two, said he knows he is not the typical charity executive, but that his background and intersectional identities allow him to bring unique and progressive ideas to his work.
“I will always stand on my background in terms of experience, the ideas I bring to the table, the jokes I’ll throw midway through, but I’m happy that me being in roles like this serves as motivators to others,” said Seguya.
Furthermore, he wants to demonstrate that leadership and the non-profit sector are not only welcoming to people of all backgrounds but also are actively making space.
“It goes without saying that when folks see individuals like myself, who are the non-traditional chief executive officer or non-traditional leader, they know to themselves that they can at least try and raise their hand and do so.”
“In terms of my reference of my race, I would want that to be captured amongst the Black community and also be incorporated in the work. In terms of me being quirky and flamboyant, I would want other queer kids to know you can be a leader and be embraced and accepted in the spaces that you want to engage with. And even if you aren’t, that you’re good enough that it doesn’t matter.”
When asked about his goals for the next 12 months, Seguya said that he wants to focus on supporting capacity building for partner agencies and creating guidelines and checkpoints to ensure long-term sustainability.
“I care for the sector as a whole, and I want to ensure that as an organization, we’re able to develop and deliver capacity towards the organizations and groups we partner with beyond just a dollar amount that’s provided towards them, but the core things that ensure that they’re able to run and not only survive, but thrive in the long term.”
Internally, Seguya said he will take a long-term planning approach to strategic and financial goals. For him, this better allows an organization like the United Way to address internal infrastructure needs.
“One thing that’s core towards me is being objective as possible when it comes to long-term planning over the course of an organization. That way we can actually give ourselves a moment to smell the roses and celebrate when there’s progress.”
Seguya’s most public responsibility this year will be to lead, alongside recently announced campaign cabinet chair Tiffany Arcari, the 2026-27 United Way Campaign to a potentially record-breaking total.
Planning is already underway for the campaign, which will be officially launched in September when the United Way will announce its fundraising goal.
“There’s no effort, no donation, no element that’s considered small,” Seguya said. “All of it’s important. We’re in this together as a community.”
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. (Photo: SIU)
Ontario’s police watchdog has cleared an officer with the Kawartha Lakes Police Service of criminal wrongdoing in connection with a high-speed pursuit through Lindsay in April that ended in a violent collision and left two people seriously injured.
However, Special Investigations Unit (SIU) director Joseph Martino has identified possible violations of the police code of conduct arising from the officer’s failure to stop at a red light during the pursuit.
In his report released on Thursday (August 13), Martino said he will refer the matter to the Kawartha Lakes police chief for review and to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.
The two sections of the code cited by Martino deal with failing to perform police duties appropriately without a lawful excuse and failing to comply with procedures established by a police chief. The referrals do not constitute findings of misconduct.
The high-speed pursuit began shortly after 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, after Kawartha Lakes police officers were dispatched in response to a 911 call from a woman who could be heard arguing with the driver of a vehicle and pleading to be let out.
A responding officer found a black BMW on William Street North near Regent Street. When the driver became aware of the police cruiser, he accelerated north on William Street before turning west onto Regent Street.
As the BMW approached Victoria Avenue North, the woman who had made the 911 call exited the moving vehicle from the rear seat, rolling across the road. The officer later told other officers he believed she had been thrown from the moving vehicle.
After slowing to check that the woman was okay, the officer pursued the BMW south on Victoria Avenue with the cruiser’s emergency lights activated. Video recordings reviewed by investigators did not capture the sound of a siren.
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Satellite positioning data from the cruiser showed the officer failed to stop at a stop sign while turning from Regent Street onto Victoria Avenue North. The cruiser accelerated to a maximum speed of 144 kilometres per hour near Peel Street.
The officer drove through a green light at Colborne Street West and then through a red light at Kent Street West at more than 130 kilometres per hour. He also travelled through the intersection at Russell Street West at about 100 kilometres per hour without slowing or stopping after the BMW had struck a utility pole and knocked out power to the traffic signals.
The cruiser travelled more than one kilometre from Regent Street to Glenelg Street West in about one minute.
Just south of Glenelg Street West, the BMW driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a parked Nissan Versa head-on, propelling it more than 30 metres along Victoria Avenue South. The BMW also struck the utility pole and several other parked vehicles before coming to rest on top of a Ford Escape in a residential driveway. The officer’s cruiser was not involved in the collision.
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The 20-year-old BMW driver and his 32-year-old front-seat passenger, who both remained conscious and talking after the collision, were extricated from the vehicle and taken to Ross Memorial Hospital, where the driver was confirmed to have internal injuries. The passenger was later taken to St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto due to the nature of her injuries.
The police watchdog’s collision analysis concluded the BMW was likely travelling at more than twice the speed limit when its driver lost control. According to the report, road and weather conditions did not contribute to the collision. A toxicology report found the driver of the BMW had a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit, as well as evidence of cocaine and cannabis use.
In his report, Martino considered whether the officer’s driving amounted to dangerous operation causing bodily harm, an offence that requires conduct representing a marked departure from the care a reasonable person would have exercised in the circumstances.
While acknowledging the officer’s high speed and disregard for multiple traffic controls, Martino concluded the conduct did not reach the threshold for criminal charges.
“This conduct was no doubt dangerous but fell short of constituting a marked departure from a reasonable standard of care in the circumstances,” Martino wrote, noting that the risks associated with the speed at which the officer was driving and his failure to comply with traffic controls were reduced by the use of the cruiser’s emergency lights and the absence of significant traffic at that time of the morning.
Martino also found no evidence the officer had lost control of his cruiser or directly endangered other motorists. He also determined the officer had reasonable grounds to pursue the BMW because he believed a passenger had been thrown from the vehicle and that a possible forcible confinement had taken place.
“On this record, weighing the competing considerations in the balance, I am unable to reasonably conclude that the (officer) transgressed the limits of care prescribed by the criminal law in his pursuit of the BMW,” Martino wrote.
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The officer declined to be interviewed or provide his notes to investigators during the SIU investigation, as was his legal right.
The investigation included interviews with the BMW driver and passenger, three civilian witnesses and two police witnesses, as well as a review of police communications, body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, cruiser positioning data, medical records, and collision evidence.
The Special Investigations Unit launched its investigation on April 19 after being contacted by the Kawartha Lakes Police Service. The civilian agency investigates incidents involving police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
The Peterborough Folk Festival takes place this weekend, with The Pig's Ear Tavern in downtown Peterborough hosting a free-admission concert on Friday night with Yukon-based hillbilly music band The Lucky Ones (pictured, featuring Peterborough's own Ryan West on mandolin and vocals) with opener JJ Swinn, and an official festival after party on Saturday night with Jeanne Truax and The Jet Airliners and the festival's 2026 Emerging Artist Tristan Konkle. (Photo: Max Power)
Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, August 13 to Wednesday, August 19.
If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
Fronted by Canadian powerhouse vocalist Al Langlade, Styx and Bon Jovi tribute band Crystal Faith will perform a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on August 15, 2026. (Photo supplied by Peterborough Musicfest)
Peterborough Musicfest presents Crystal Faith
When:Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
The evening will also feature The Colton Sisters at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Cogeco Future Sound Series. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
Tribute acts performing the hit songs of an iconic artist or band isn’t new in the Peterborough Musicfest realm, but relatively rare have been those occasions when the classic music of two bands is paid its due by one headliner over the courses of the same evening.
Notwithstanding the fact that the annual summer music festival remains a free admission event, a double tribute guarantees more bang for your buck.
On Saturday (August 15) at Del Crary Park, the penultimate concert of Musicfest’s 39th season will see tribute band Crystal Faith perform the timeless music of Styx and Bon Jovi. The show starts at 8 p.m., supported as always by a number of sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.
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Fronted by Canadian powerhouse vocalist Al Langlade — he performed at Musicfest in 2022 as part of Hotel California’s tribute to The Eagles — Crystal Faith is comprised of world-class musicians with Trilogy Classics Live who also perform spot-on tributes to the music of Journey and Foreigner.
In opting to cover the music of Styx and Bon Jovi, the band has hit on two acts whose music is recognizable to even the most casual of rock fans.
Formed in Chicago in 1972, Styx’s original lineup of Dennis DeYoung, James “JY” Young, John “JC” Curulewski, Chuck Panozzo, and John Panozzo released their self-titled debut album that same year, and subsequently released an album every year right through the 1970s.
VIDEO: Crystal Faith: The Best of Styx & Bon Jovi
The result of that body of work are some of the most powerful and memorable rock songs of the decade — “Lady” in 1973, “Lorelei” in 1975 (with new guitarist Tommy Shaw, who replaced Curulewski), “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself” in 1977, “Blue Collar Man” and “Renegade” in 1978, and “Babe” in 1979.
If Styx had called it a day with the arrival of the 1980s, it could have laid claim to a very successful career. Thankfully for music fans worldwide, the band had more to give. Give it did in the form of two more albums — 1981’s Paradise Theatre and its hit singles “The Best of Times” and “Too Much Time on My Hands,” and 1983’s Kilroy Was Here, which spawned “Mr. Roboto” and “Don’t Let It End.”
To date, Styx has released 18 studio albums, the latest being 2025’s Circling from Above. Besides creating new music, the band still tours extensively and habitually performs sold-out concerts. In the mix since 1999 has been Scarborough native and 2026 Peterborough Musicfest season-opener Gowan, who came on board as the band’s keyboardist and has since sung lead vocals on a number of Styx’s signature songs.
With eight songs of its songs having cracked the Top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as 16 Top 40 singles, and with a Grammy Award nomination to boot, it’s pretty clear why Styx has been singled out for a tribute, not just by Crystal Faith but by many other bands.
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Bon Jovi, meanwhile, came to the fore 11 years after Styx debuted, but has enjoyed no less of a stellar run.
Formed in Sayreville, New Jersey by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, Alex John Such, and Tico Torres, Bon Jovi’s 1984 self-titled debut album gave the band its first Top 40 hit in the form of “Runaway.”
While the band’s follow-up album, 1985’s 7800 Degrees Fahrenheit, met with modest success, the following year’s Slippery When Wet launched Bon Jovi into the musical stratosphere via the hit singles “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Certified platinum a remarkable 18 times, it remains one of the top 100 best-selling of all time, both south of the border and worldwide.
The 1990s brought continued success for Bon Jovi, with the band’s fifth album Keep the Faith peaking at number five on US Billboard 200. The last studio album to feature all five original members of the band, it gave forth the hit singles “Keep the Faith,” “Bed of Roses,” and “In These Arms.”
VIDEO: “Fooling Yourself” by Styx featuring members of Crystal Faith
In 2024, the album Forever marked number 16 for Bon Jovi and, not unlike Styx, the band continues to perform worldwide, with this year’s Bon Jovi Forever Tour continuing an unbroken line of sold-out concerts. To date, Bon Jovi has performed more that 3,000 concerts in 50 countries before some 34 million people.
On top of all this, you name an award and Bon Jovi has won or been nominated for it. That impressive list includes nine Grammy Award nods, the lone win coming in 2007 for, ironically, Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” with Jennifer Nettles. And back in 2018, Bon Jovi was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — an honour which, somehow, has so far eluded Styx despite being eligible since 1998.
Prior to Crystal Faith taking the stage, the Cogeco-sponsored Future Sound Series will feature the captivating harmonies of Peterborough’s own The Colton Sisters from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., near the food trucks at the George Street entrance to Del Crary Park.
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Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 39th season, staged in Del Crary Park on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 19.
Overseen by executive director Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the 2026 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or call the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2026 season.
A 56-year-old City of Kawartha Lakes man is facing multiple charges following a serious head-on collision on Highway 7 between Lindsay and Omemee early Thursday morning (August 13).
According to Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), officers responded to the collision at around 1:20 a.m. and found a white Dodge Ram pickup truck and a Toyota RAV4 with significant damage.
The driver of the RAV4 was taken to hospital with injuries that police said were not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the pickup truck was not at the scene when officers arrived.
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During their investigation, police received information that the pickup truck driver had fled on foot and was behaving erratically, allegedly approaching occupied vehicles and nearby homes.
Police began searching the area and soon located a suspect, who allegedly ran away from officers. Police said the man continued to disregard their commands and resisted arrest before multiple officers took him into custody.
Officers also seized a bladed weapon and other evidence believed to be connected to the incident.
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The accused man has been charged with impaired operation by alcohol and drugs, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop after an accident, resisting a peace officer, assault, three counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He was taken into custody pending a bail hearing. None of the charges has been proven in court.
Police thanked members of the public who provided information about the accused man’s alleged actions following the collision.
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Highway 7 was closed while police investigated and documented the scene.
The police investigation into the incident is continuing. Anyone who witnessed the collision or the events that followed and who has not yet spoken with investigators can call the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through www.khcrimestoppers.com.
GreenUP's sunset lantern walk through the trees of Ecology Park is a tradition that leaves an impact on those who participate. Family Night will once again close with this ceremonial experience on August 27, 2026. (Photo: GreenUP)
There is something special about late summer evenings. The air is cooler, the golden light lingers a little longer, and for many families, the countdown to a new school year is on.
Before the backpacks are packed and daily routines resume, GreenUP invites the community to gather and celebrate the season together at Ecology Park. On Thursday, August 27, GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night returns for the first time since 2019.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Ashley Burnie Seeds, Education & Active Transportation Program Manager, GreenUP.
It may go without saying that the last seven years have changed the way many people spend time. While becoming more connected than ever through technology, both adults and children are increasingly disconnected from the natural world and, at times, from one another. Family Night is an opportunity to reconnect — with nature, with neighbours, and with simple joys like spending an evening outside in good company.
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GreenUP Ecology Park has long been more than a collection of gardens and a local source for native plants. It’s also a public community space where children discover nature, volunteers help restore native plant species, and visitors are reminded that natural spaces can thrive in the heart of the city.
This year, Family Night will centre around the education shelter and extend around the five-acre park, with activities designed to help visitors (re)discover the area’s natural charm.
Throughout the 4 to 7 p.m. event, visitors of all ages can create nature crafts, tour the gardens, create giant bubbles, eat nourishing food, and enjoy face painting. Ecology Park program coordinator Jonathan Armstrong will be leading a guided tree tour, and there will be live entertainment featuring the Paddling Puppeteer, Glen Caradus.
Children enjoy a performance by Glen Caradus, also known as the Paddling Puppeteer, at GreenUP’s Ecology Park Family Night in 2016. The event will return on August 27, 2026 for the first time since 2019, and Caradus is looking forward to performing songs and sharing a new puppet show at the event.(Photo: GreenUP)
“I am looking forward to performing at GreenUP Ecology Park,” Caradus says. “More than ever it’s so important for young and old to connect with the natural world around us, or what I call Peterborough’s ‘neighbourwood.'”
Caradus began volunteering at Ecology Park in 1994 and has been working on a new puppet show that he will debut on Family Night.
“My new puppet show, called Call of the Garden, is on that (neighbourwood) theme … a host of musical and colourful puppets turn an urban lot into a community garden,” he says.
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At the close of the evening, participants will gather for the beloved lantern walk, carrying crafted lanterns along Ecology Park’s winding paths as dusk settles. It’s a simple tradition, yet one that has left a lasting impression on many who attended in years past.
The event also marks the end of a vibrant summer season at Ecology Park. Over the past four months, thousands of visitors have explored the gardens, volunteered, participated in Earth Adventures Camp or other educational programs, attended workshops, shopped at GreenUP Ecology Park Native Plant Nursery, or simply enjoyed a quiet walk through the urban oasis.
Family Night is GreenUP’s way of celebrating another wonderful year, while looking ahead to what’s next.
Outdoor play is important for child development, self-discovery, and cultivating a sense of wonder. The popular giant bubble making activity centre will be available at GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family night on August 27. (Photo: GreenUP)
As GreenUP continues to cultivate Ecology Park as an environmental education destination, program staff are also reimagining how the community uses the space. Park features will continue to evolve through feedback and ideas from children and families on how they would like to spend time and interact with nature. After all, Ecology Park belongs to everyone.
Events like Family Night are a reminder that shared outdoor spaces matter. They offer opportunities to gather an intergenerational group, build connections, and foster a sense of belonging, all while deepening relationships with the natural world. In a time when so much of life feels busy and disconnected, those moments are worth celebrating.
All are welcome to GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night at 1899 Ashburnham Drive on Thursday, August 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. Parking is available at the Beavermead lot via Marsdale Drive. Enjoy a short walk, stroll, or roll along the Trans Canada Trail to reach the park. For more information and to RSVP, see the GreenUP event calendar at greenup.on.ca/event/ecology-park-family-night/.
A key feature of GreenUP’s Ecology Park Family Night on August 27, 2026 will see kids creating nature crafts and even their own lanterns. To close out the evening, everyone is invited to an illuminated parade walk through the trees. (Photo: GreenUP)
Jon Thurston, a native of Dunsford in Kawartha Lakes, celebrating Team Canada's gold medal win over Team China at the mixed team wheelchair curling competition at the Milano Cortina Paralympic Games on March 14, 2026. (Photo: World Curling)
It’s a long way from a Lindsay job site to the gold medal podium in Milan, Italy, but Jon Thurston has made the difficult journey with poise, composure, and courage.
Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre.
En route, the Dunsford-born-and-bred Paralympic wheelchair curler has inspired others by showing what it is to be confident and resilient in his abilities — even after sustaining a life-altering injury 18 years ago this month.
“I’ve had multiple challenges in my life, and this was a big one,” Jon relates.
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That “big one” took place in August 2008, when Jon — then 24 years of age and working in construction — was helping to frame a commercial storage building in Lindsay. A sudden and severe storm with sideways hail blew in, sending the construction crew scrambling for cover. They began packing up their tools, but the building started to shift and break apart in the high winds.
Jon ran for the door with two co-workers and, as he was exiting, the structure came down. A steel beam from an overhead door struck Jon on his back, pinning him to the ground. He stayed conscious throughout, but lost all feeling as emergency crews and his co-workers helped to free him.
“I knew something wasn’t right,” says Jon, reflecting on the incident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Gold-medal winning Paralympian Jon Thurston speaks at the 50th annual meeting of Five Counties Children’s Centre on June 22, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
Five Counties Children’s Centre was pleased to have Jon speak recently at our 50th annual meeting. In sharing the painful details about his life-altering incident, Jon also spoke eloquently about his rehab, recovery, resilience, and perseverance to adapt and ultimately reach the Paralympic gold-medal podium this past March.
Sports, so prevalent in Jon’s life before his injury, proved to be a critical path forward by which to heal and rediscover life.
“I didn’t know what life would look like for me after the injury, but one of the things that I did was set my mind towards exercise,” Jon notes. “I wanted to regain as much function as I could. I wanted to get as strong as I could. I wasn’t limited in anything, I was very young, and I wanted to keep doing whatever I could with family and friends.”
The support of therapists, health professionals, friends, and loved ones all helped in that regard.
Soon enough, Jon was hand cycling so he could ride with family and friends. He found ways to golf. He tried water skiing on Little Lake in Peterborough and later trained with Team Canada. He discovered adaptive mountain biking and felt the freedom of trails, nature, and speed again. Each new sport gave him another way to reconnect with the life he loved.
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Winters were more of a challenge for Jon to stay in the game, but that all changed in 2012, when local wheelchair curling coach Carl Rennick saw a newspaper story about Jon’s recovery and invited him to try the sport. Jon had never curled before, but tried it out for a season.
“And it was an amazing season,” Jon says. “We won the provincials.”
Wheelchair curling suited Jon to a ‘T’ because it was inclusive. He could play with people using wheelchairs and people standing on the ice. It was social, strategic, and challenging.
He describes wheelchair curling as “chess on ice,” providing him a winter sport he could pursue close to home, with accessible clubs in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Bobcaygeon.
Jon kept working. It would be several years of ups and downs in wheelchair curling before he reached lofty heights.
Ultimately, he made Team Canada in 2019, won Paralympic bronze in 2022, and helped Canada win gold at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy. Canada went undefeated, finishing with a dramatic 4-3 win over China in the final and capturing the hearts and adoration of a country along the way.
Wheelchair curler Jon Thurston displays his gold medal from the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games at the 50th annual meeting of Five Counties Children’s Centre on June 22, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
“I think there are key things that I’ve learned,” says Jon about his experiences over the years. “One is that success isn’t achieved alone. I think of all the coaches, friends, family, and teammates that have helped me be better.”
“Another thing is that from adversity comes strength,” Jon adds. “I think you learn to be resilient, you learn to be determined … or you build determination.”
“And then there is the adage to dream big. I would have never imagined I’d be representing Canada — that I could get to two Paralympics — but I think anything is possible.”
Words well said, and a story of success that Five Counties was pleased to feature at its annual meeting from an incredible individual — Jon Thurston — who has overcome so much, both on and off the ice.
A screenshot of a public service announcement video from the sexual assault and domestic violence program at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has expanded its sexual assault and domestic violence program to include five specially trained forensic nurses.
The expanded team will now provide on-site coverage at the regional hospital seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., along with on-call coverage 24 hours a day through the emergency department.
According to a media release, the changes will ensure timely access to confidential and trauma-informed care for people of all ages and genders who have experienced a recent or historical sexual assault or violence by an intimate partner.
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Services offered by PRHC’s sexual assault and domestic violence team include immediate and follow-up medical care, crisis support, safety planning, assessment of injuries that may not be visible, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, and forensic evidence collection.
All care, including evidence collection or arrangements to speak with police, is guided by the patient’s consent and choice.
“Our hope, both as an (sexual assault and domestic violence) team and as members of the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres, is that anyone who experiences this kind of trauma and violence knows there is a safe and compassionate place to go for care,” said Bobbi Martin-Haw, manager of PRHC’s women’s and children’s program.
“That should be true no matter where they live, what resources they have or what they have experienced.”
People who have recently experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence can access the program’s specially trained nurses through PRHC’s emergency department. If the assault occurred more than two weeks ago, an appointment can be arranged through the hospital’s Women’s Health Care Centre.
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The program also provides counselling through social workers for people who have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse, or domestic violence either recently or in the past.
A full-time domestic violence follow-up nurse is available to assist with safety planning and referrals, while the multidisciplinary team can connect patients with community, legal, and social supports.
Recent provincial funding has allowed PRHC to expand its nursing team and improve access to follow-up counselling from social workers.
PRHC’s program is one of 37 hospital-based treatment centres supported by the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres. The network works to improve access to care, clinical services, outreach, and research across the province.
The provincial funding has also supported nurse team leader positions at all 37 centres and six regional nurse clinical practice leader positions.
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As a regional hub for sexual assault and domestic violence care, PRHC works with Campbellford Memorial Hospital, Haliburton Highlands Health Services, Northumberland Hills Hospital, and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay to provide coordinated care closer to home.
The hospital’s team also works with community organizations, paramedic services, and police to raise awareness about available services.
“Regional partnerships and community outreach are essential to making sure survivors know support is available and can access care as close to home as possible,” said Candace Rosenberg, director of PRHC’s women’s and children’s program.
“By working closely with partner hospitals and community agencies, we are strengthening awareness, coordination and access to trauma-informed care across the region. Together, these efforts help to ensure that people who experience sexual assault or domestic violence can access the compassionate, high-quality care they need, when and where they need it.”
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Appointments and information about counselling and follow-up services are available from PRHC’s Women’s Health Care Centre at 705-743-4132 or toll-free at 1-800-419-3111.
Survivors and health-care providers can also contact the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres’ 24-hour navigation line at 1-855-628-7238 for information about health-care options, forensic evidence collection, and the nearest treatment centre.
More information about the program and additional crisis and community resources are available on PRHC’s website.
Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Rox Sexmith submitted a pre-recorded performance of "Love of My Life" by Queen during the inaugural "Fredathon" music marathon in 2025, organized by Peterborough singer-songwriter Taylor Abrahamse to raise funds for trans rights. The second annual Fredathon takes place live on Saturday, September 5 at Dreams of Beans in downtown Peterborough and will also be streamed online. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of YouTube video)
Fredathon, a 10-hour music marathon dedicated to the British rock band Queen and its late lead singer Freddie Mercury, will return to Peterborough for its second year.
Taking place at Dreams of Beans at 141 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough from noon until around 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 5 and online, the event will raise funds for Rainbow Railroad.
“Growing up on Freddie and Queen’s music, I was struck by how creatively fearless they were and how much ridiculous joy is packed into every song,” said organizer and performer Taylor Abrahamse.
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Abrahamse is an award-winning songwriter and TV actor and host based in Peterborough and is Fredathon’s organizer and lead performer.
During Fredathon, which will also be livestreamed, Abrahamse and musicians from around the world will perform songs by Queen and Mercury, with both live and pre-recorded performances.
This year’s Fredathon aims to raise $5,000 for Rainbow Railroad, a registered charity in Canada and the U.S. that helps at-risk queer people escape violence.
VIDEO: Fredathon – Queen Music For Queer Rights
In a recent interview with kawarthaNOW, Abrahamse spoke about her inspiration for Fredathon and the importance of supporting LGBTQ2S+ rights worldwide.
“In my twenties, I started putting together little community initiatives just to have people connect,” she said. “We live in such a strangely isolated world and I was always inspired by interrupting that.”
After spending nearly eight years running the professional recording studio Silverthorn Studios in Toronto, Abrahamse moved back to her hometown of Peterborough and purchased a home and a recording studio.
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Now that she is living and working steadily and successfully in Peterborough, Abrahamse said, she felt the desire to give back to her community.
“Few things are more empowering and dissolve division and bigotry faster than a Queen song, so making Fredathon was a natural extension of the world I want to see as a trans woman.”
“When everyone is truly safe to be who they really are, that’s when this whole being human thing will get really interesting,” Abrahmse added. “I think life will have a chance to be heaven for everyone — like Freddie sang about. And if you think that’s corny, that’s on you.”
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As for the beneficiary of the concert, Rainbow Railroad’s work focuses on six core program areas: international travel and resettlement, communities of care, cash assistance, grassroots mobilization and crisis response, information services and referrals, and advocacy and systemic change.
“Rainbow Railroad helps queer people in at-risk situations escape violence,” Abrahamse explained.
“That could be a trans kid with abusive parents who don’t understand. That could be someone in a country facing penalty of death. That could be anyone in a dangerous situation. And I want to support the people who need it the most.”
Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 and received Canadian charitable status in 2013. The organization has supported over 45,000 people including over 2500 individuals being relocated to safety.
A portion of Fredathon funds will also be invested in mutual aid efforts to support a trans person.
Peterborough singer-songwriter Taylor Abrahamse. (Photo: Louie Tomas Photography)
Abrahamse told kawarthaNOW that her experience as a trans woman influenced her decision to create Fredathon as a safe space for people of all identities.
“I hope that we can keep doing this year by year and building it ever so slowly into something that makes a real impact, because no queer person, no trans person deserves to be suffering just because of who they are,” she said.
“It’s also a way to help queer and trans people have a voice when maybe they haven’t before.”
Furthermore, Abrahamse said that she has experienced hostility and bigotry in Peterborough when organizing events such as Fredathon, including having posters torn down and damaged.
Despite these experiences, Abrahamse is proud to host Fredathon and support queer and trans people in Peterborough and across the world.
“After 20 plus years of ignoring those feelings, I’m glad I’m doing it,” she said. ” I’ve found more community and connection in the last couple years since starting to accept this about myself than in years prior.”
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Fredathon will take place in-person at Dreams of Beans for an admission price of $10 ($5 for students and arts workers) and will also be streamed online at www.fredathon.com, where advance tickets can be purchased.
In addition to lead performances by Abrahamse, the 2026 lineup so far includes in-person or pre-recorded performances from Ron Sexsmith, Flamy Grant, Ryan Cassata, Royal Wood, Feura, Carling Stephen, Chris Birkett, Susan Werner, and many more.
“I just put the offer out there to anyone in the world who wanted to contribute a song or two. Some of them are friends that I’ve made, others musicians (I’ve met) while touring around the world,” said Abrahamse.
Performers who wish to participate in Fredathon, including by submitting pre-recorded songs by August 31, can find instructions at www.fredathon.com.
The original version of this story has been updated with corrections and clarifications supplied by Taylor Abrahamse.
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