Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) searching Balsam Lake in Kawartha Lakes after a man fell out of a canoe the evening of July 29, 2025. The following day, police recovered the body of a 75-year-old North York man from the lake. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes OPP)
A 75-year-old North York man drowned after falling out of a canoe on Balsam Lake in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday evening (July 29).
At around 6:21 p.m., Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a marine call on Balsam Lake, where they were notified that a man in a canoe had gone overboard and failed to resurface.
OPP officers, including from the Marine Unit and Emergency Response Unit, patrolled the water extensively searching for the missing man but were unable to locate him before nightfall.
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On Wednesday, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit assisted in the search and, at around 1:30 p.m., recovered the body of a 75-year-old man from North York.
Police are continuing to investigate the drowning.
“With capsized vessels and falling overboard the top contributing factors in boating deaths every year, a significant number of lives stand to be saved if boaters, personal watercraft users, and paddlers wore a lifejacket or personal flotation device,” the OPP states in a media release.
An 11-year-old Wayne Gretzky with Gordie Howe at a "Great Men of Sports" dinner at the Kiwanis Club in Brantford, Ontario, in 1972. Gretsky is one of 87 past participants in the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament who went on to play for the National Hockey League. (Photo: Brantford Expositor/Post Media)
After 66 years, a cherished hockey tradition in Peterborough will see its final face-off in 2026.
On Tuesday (July 29), organizers announced the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament for nine to 11 year olds — now called the Peterborough Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament — will end after one final edition to be held from January 9 to 11, 2026 at various arenas in Peterborough.
According to a media release from longtime director Bill Auckland, the decision to end the tournament has been “a difficult one.”
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Auckland cites increasing difficulty in finding and retaining enough volunteers to maintain the tournament, including for scheduling and arena operations, as one of the reasons.
“Changes within the broader minor hockey landscape may have also contributed to the challenges,” reads the media release.
At its peak, the tournament was one of the largest and most respected Atom-level tournaments in North America, regularly attracting around 100 teams from across Ontario, Quebec, and the U.S. However, the number of participating teams has declined since a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, with 87 teams in 2023, 71 in 2024, and 64 in 2025.
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The Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament began in 1958-59 as a one-day event for Pee Wee players (11 and 12 years old) with eight teams.
The tournament grew over the years and, after adapting to age-grouping changes by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), eventually settled on the “Atom” designation in 1974. Just before the pandemic, the OMHA renamed the Atom division to U11 and the tournament followed suit.
According to organizers, 87 past tournament participants went on to play in the National Hockey League, including well-known players like Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros, Bob Gainey, Tie Domi, and more.
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As well as proceeds from the tournament contributing to lower hockey costs for local minor players, the tournament has also supported local and national charitable causes as well as capital projects like the Evinrude Centre, Kinsman Civic Centre, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Last year’s tournament donated $2,500 to the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project.
Auckland says the final edition “promises to be a celebratory send-off.”
A 66-year-old Peterborough woman is dead following a single-vehicle collision on Bensfort Road south of Peterborough on Tuesday afternoon (July 29).
At around 2:45 p.m., Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with the Otonabee-South-Monaghan fire department and emergency medical services were dispatched to a serious single-vehicle collision on Bensfort Road near Base Line.
After arriving, officers found a single vehicle in a ditch. The vehicle had collided with a hydro pole, resulting in power lines being downed.
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A Hydro One crew arrived to deal with the downed hydro wires, allowing first responders to access the vehicle.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 66-year-old woman from Peterborough, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bensfort Road was closed between Base Line and Assumption Road for around 14 hours while emergency crews dealt with the collision and police documented the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision, and who has not spoken with police, is asked to contact the Peterborough County OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
The Linden Mackey Legacy Fund and the annual Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award will recognize and celebrate community service and leadership in memory of the prominent Lindsay citizen and businessman who passed away suddenly in May 2025. (kawarthaNOW collage)
When prominent Lindsay citizen and businessman Linden “Lindy” Mackey passed away suddenly in May at the age of 58, the Kawartha Lakes community was in shock. He left behind his wife Stephanie and their four children Sophia, Thomas, Joey, and Natasha.
Condolences, memories, and tributes poured in for the co-owner of Mackey Funeral Home and Mackey Celebrations and Stoddart Funeral Home Inc., who was known for his community service and leadership, kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Now, the local leadership that Linden embodied will be memorialized with the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund and the annual Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award.
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On Tuesday (July 29), the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes announced the establishment of the new fund and award to recognize and celebrate people, community groups, and organizations that go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities in the Kawartha Lakes.
“We chose the lighthouse logo as a symbol of our wish to bring light to those silently suffering through dark times, and to express our gratitude for those who offer support when it’s needed most,” says Stephanie in a media release, who also thanked the community for the outpouring of support, compassion, and kindness to her family during “an overwhelmingly difficult time for us.”
To be presented during the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Gala beginning in 2026, the annual Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award will shine a light on local leaders who demonstrate generosity, inclusion, and a spirit of neighbourliness, as well as support initiatives that promote mental health and overall community well-being.
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“We are pleased to be able to work with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce to establish the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund and Linden Lighthouse Award,” says Ted Hill, a representative of Linden’s friends. “Linden meant so much to many of us and we wanted to recognize how much our community meant to Linden. We hope that this fund and award will keep Linden’s love for people in our community strong for the years ahead.”
“Linden was the kind of leader who quietly inspired others through his everyday acts of kindness and generosity,” says Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes board member Mike Puffer. “Through this fund, we can carry forward that spirit and support those who continue to build a more compassionate and connected community — just as Linden did throughout his life.”
A 20-year-old Bobcaygeon woman is facing an impaired operation charge after the boat she was driving ended up on an island in Kennisis Lake just southwest of Algonquin Provincial Park in the early morning hours of July 27, 2025. Three people received non-life-threatening injuries after the boat struck the island. (Photo: Haliburton Highlands OPP)
A 20-year-old Bobcaygeon woman is facing an impaired operation charge after driving a boat onto an island in Kennisis Lake in the Haliburton Highlands on Sunday (July 27).
In the early morning hours, Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a boat collision in Kennisis Lake, located just southwest of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Three people on the boat suffered non-life-threatening injuries after it struck an island.
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Police charged the boat’s driver, a 20-year-old woman from Bobcaygeon, with operation while impaired (blood alcohol concentration over 80).
“The consequences of impaired operation are the same whether you are behind the wheel of a car or operating a vessel,” reads an OPP media release.
Haliburton Highlands OPP is reminding the public to practice safe boating, including by always wearing a life jacket and by staying sober while on the water.
OPP officers are actively patrolling both roadways and waterways throughout the summer. If you suspect someone is driving or boating while impaired, call 9-1-1.
In 2020, Katie Maitland expanded operations at the family farm her parents purchased in 1987 in the Township of Douro-Dummer and created Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, a unique agritourism destination in Peterborough County. The farm has continued to partner with several local businesses to offer unique experiential offerings which now include walking, dining, stargazing, and doing an escape maze — all featuring loveable alpacas. (Photo courtesy of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience)
While there are lots of agritourism experiences in Ontario, finding one where you can walk, dine, stargaze, and even do an escape maze with an alpaca by your side is a bit harder to come by.
But that’s exactly what you’ll find at Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, located in the Township of Douro-Dummer, one of eight townships in Peterborough County.
Though founder Katie Maitland has been market-gardening and raising animals for many years on the family farm her parents purchased in 1987, she made the shift in 2020 to become an agritourism destination by bringing alpacas to the farm and inviting visitors to experience the land and the loveable animals in all their glory.
“My goal is to bring people to learn about alpacas and get to know them a little bit and see that they’re really interesting, curious, and fun animals,” Maitland explains. “But it’s also to enjoy the beauty and peace of nature while being on a working farm and learning a little bit about agriculture.”
At the farm, guests can book an hour-long private, guided trail walk through the rolling hills on the farm. Visitors will be introduced to each alpaca, pick the one they want to walk with, feed them throughout the walk, and likely make a special connection with the gentle-natured, woolly animal.
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience also hosts a stargazing event with the alpacas where guests can curl up on a blanket and drink hot chocolate while looking at and learning about the stars in the night sky.
There’s even an opportunity for visitors to participate in an outdoor escape maze game created by Millbrook’s Escape Maze, with a time-travelling quest featuring puzzles that participants have to solve to locate the secret hiding space of the alpacas and walk them back to the safety of the barn.
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience partnered with Millbrook’s Escape Maze to create an outdoor escape maze experience at the Township of Douro-Dummer farm. Following a creative storyline involving time travel, participants must solve a series of puzzles to locate the secret hiding place of the alpacas and return them safely to the barn. (Photo courtesy of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience)
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience also works with other local businesses to offer guests customizable birthday parties and other private events. These can include dining with the alpacas while enjoying charcuterie provided by The Cheesy Fromage in Lakefield. To make a memorable outdoor dining experience, Maitland uses original glasses made by North Kawartha glassblower Sue Rankin and custom-made plates made by The English Potter’s Gail West in Lakefield.
As well as offering these visitor experiences, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience has supported efforts in animal-assisted trauma therapy in partnership with Peterborough Youth Services, and programming for Community Counselling Resource Centre in Peterborough as well as local Girl Guide organizations. Lakefield’s The Divine Craft has previously partnered with the farm to host a Mother’s Day workshop alongside the animals.
Giving back to the community that has supported her, Maitland is a regular donor to the YES Shelter For Youth and Families. Over the 2024 holiday season, she raised over $1,000 for the shelter by selling custom alpaca calendars printed locally using Trent Campus Print and which she sold in part through Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough.
To keep the alpacas healthy and happy, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience relies on feed from Starfra Feed Services located in Douro-Dummer and Peterborough Veterinary Services.
No matter which experience — or experiences — visitors enjoy at Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, Maitland hopes they create their own memorable bond with the alpacas.
“They’re curious but they’re aloof,” Maitland says. “They can be shy at first and people have to take the time to build the trust, but by the end of the tour, their relationship with the alpacas will shift. It’s wonderful to see.”
To learn more about Wanderlight Alpaca Experience and to book an experience, visit wanderlightalpaca.ca.
The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.
As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.
Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.
For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
As part of the launch of the Northumberland "Buy Local" initiative, consumers are being asked to complete a survey about their local shopping habits, preferences and what would encourage them to shop local more often. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Northumberland County video)
As part of this summer’s launch of the Northumberland “Buy Local” initiative, consumers are being asked to complete a short survey about their local shopping habits.
Campaign organizers are looking to hear about Northumberland County residents’ purchasing preferences and what would encourage them to shop local more often.
“The goals are to encourage residents to shift more of their everyday spending to businesses right here at home,” Kate Campbell, Northumberland County’s director of communications, told kawarthaNOW.
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“In June, the Prosper in Northumberland task force launched the Buy Northumberland movement, an initiative focused on enhancing our local economy, and supporting our neighbours, friends and family members who own or work at local businesses in Northumberland,” Campbell said.
The initiative is a response to recent economic uncertainty and trade tariffs. The information gathered from consumer survey “will help shape future programs and better support the local shopping experience in Northumberland,” the county noted.
“The Prosper In Northumberland initiative aims to unite our community in support of one another during these uncertain economic times,” Rob Day, Northumberland County’s manager of economic development and co-chair of the Prosper in Northumberland operating group, said in a statement.
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“We encourage everyone to get involved and create meaningful impact by redirecting spending locally.”
The “Prosper in Northumberland” initiative is a 30-plus member task force comprised of representatives from local business associations, chambers of commerce, municipalities, media and businesses from throughout Northumberland.
In addition to the task force’s consumer survey, the campaign features a Buy Local pledge, business research surveys, and a variety of business supports, which are aimed at encouraging residents to shift more of their everyday spending to businesses in Northumberland.
VIDEO: Take the Northumberland Buy Local Pledge
The Buy Local pledge asks consumers to consider signing a digital pledge, which is a commitment to redirect a portion of their average monthly spending towards local businesses in Northumberland.
The Buy Local pledge is open to residents, business owners, and local workers from across Northumberland and offers a flexible commitment where participants can choose to redirect $10 to $100 per month to local businesses. Whether the local spending is on groceries, services, dining, experiences or gifts, “it all makes a powerful difference in the community,” a media release noted.
“For those already doing most of their shopping locally, signing the pledge is a great way to show your support and encourage others to join the movement.”
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Meanwhile, Buy Local champions encourage consumers to take the survey, which is available until Wednesday (July 30) at buynorthumberland.ca.
“Buying local keeps money circulating in our communities and supports the small businesses that give Northumberland its character and heart,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander in a statement.
The county said more information will be shared in the coming months, including future survey results, opportunities for business-to-business partnerships, and additional business resources.
Trent University social work graduate Kellie Dowdall, an in-home recreation therapy volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton, joined Bob at his home for at least one hour per week since the fall of 2024 to engage in a number of social activities, including building with LEGO blocks. The in-home recreation therapy program is just one of the many flexible opportunities available for people who are interested in volunteering with the organization that supports people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and their families. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
By volunteering with the local Alzheimer Society, Peterborough resident Kellie Dowdall not only helped a person living with dementia, but also enriched her own life.
As an in-home recreation therapy volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton (Alzheimer Society PKLNH) since last fall, Dowdall has been spending at least one hour per week with Bob, a client of the organization, by participating in meaningful activities and conversations in his home.
“It’s making an impact in the community, even just on the one-on-one level, by having that connection and being able to provide meaningful support and meaningful time for an individual,” she says. “Not every day is a great day for them, because it is such an unpredictable disease, and just to have something that shines a little bit of light in their day honestly is impact enough. My biggest take away is being able to provide that to somebody.”
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A recent graduate of Trent University’s social work program who will be continuing her studies with a master’s degree from Western University this fall, Dowdall was personally motivated to volunteer with the Alzheimer Society in 2023 because three out of her four grandparents have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias — including one of her grandfathers who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2021.
“Bob has a lot of similarities to my grandfather, so it was very just an amazing opportunity,” she says. “My grandfather lived in Sudbury so I didn’t always get to see him, and I couldn’t just go over and do things and support him, so it’s really nice to be able to even just give an hour of my time to do an activity or to chat with Bob.”
According to the Alzheimer Society, the catchment area of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton has one of the highest dementia rates in Ontario, with an estimated 14,790 people having been affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. That number is expected to grow to more than 22,000 by 2030.
Community volunteers attended the Volunteer Appreciation Coffee Morning held by the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton on June 12, 2025. There are a number of opportunities available for people interested in volunteering for the non-profit organization, including in-home recreation therapy, in-office respite, fundraising events, the Minds in Motion social program that incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation for people living with dementia and their care partners, and more. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
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“The more volunteers we get on-boarded who are able to help with our programs and services, the more people we are able to serve and support,” says Alzheimer Society PKLNH resource development manager Ryan Arnold.
After losing many volunteers during the pandemic, the Alzheimer Society PKLNH received a $199,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant in 2023 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. The grant helped revitalize the organization’s volunteer program with funding for more staff, communications and marketing, computer software, administration costs, and launching new volunteer-led programs.
“Volunteers are integrated into all aspects of the organization,” says Arnold. “More than 45 years ago, it was a bunch of volunteers around a table that kick-started the organization and it’s since grown into what it is today with the help of volunteers in the community.”
On May 24 2025, community members gathered at Trent University for the regional chapter of the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, the largest fundraising event for Alzheimer Society of Canada, which raised more than $3 million. The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton organizes several fundraising events each year, with volunteers playing a vital role by assisting with everything from planning to helping to promote the events to assisting with the operations on event day. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
No experience is required for those interested in volunteering, as there is training for all new volunteers. In addition, roles can be flexible to each volunteer’s interests, skillsets, and availability.
Aside from the in-home recreation therapy program, volunteers can assist with running fundraising events, connecting with the community to build awareness, and providing in-office respite support for clients in a recreational setting while their caregivers attend Alzheimer Society education programs or support groups.
There are also opportunities to support Minds in Motion, an eight-week program that integrates physical activity and social interactions, and the new Coffee and Connections program which invites current and past clients of the organization to connect and support each other.
The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton’s Minds in Motion program is a community-based social program that incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage signs of dementia and their care partners. Volunteers like David get involved in the exercises, serve refreshments, and participate in cognitive activities. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
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“Many volunteers are university students like Kellie, so they gain the experience to advance their career but they also learn about the myths and the stats around dementia and bring more awareness,” says Alzheimer Society PKLNH volunteer engagement coordinator Maddy Scott. “They often return having learned so much, while having fun, making connections, learning to interact with people living with dementia, and being a part of our community.”
“It keeps them connected to their community as well,” adds Arnold. “They have the opportunity to learn, build connections, and build friendships themselves. It’s really impactful for both the volunteer and the client.”
Over the course of several months of visits, Dowdall has spent many hours with Bob, engaging in conversations, going on walks, and looking through old photo albums. But most of their time together has been spent building with LEGO blocks.
“I honestly have never touched LEGO in my entire life,” Dowdall says, noting she and Bob began building cars before moving up to 100-piece Star Wars spacecraft. “He loves building things and I’ve had so much fun — maybe even more than he has.”
As a non-profit organization, the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is supported by numerous volunteers who participate in fundraising events including the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. Other volunteer opportunities include in-home recreation therapy, in-office respite, the Minds in Motion social program that incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation for people living with dementia and their care partners, and more. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
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As they build, Dowdall listens to Bob tell stories about his career in the trades as well as his hobbies and interests, noting he “lights up when he talks” — all of which Dowdall attributes to Bob’s comfort level because he’s still living in his own home.
“The home is often a comfort space and it’s where they spend a lot of time,” Dowdall says. “It’s a lot easier for them to be more relaxed and more comfortable at home, especially for clients with mobility issues. Being at home makes a big difference.”
Over the months, Dowdall has also developed a strong relationship with Bob’s wife and son, who both live with him at home.
“They’re so amazing, kind, and generous so they’re always chatting with me, and it’s nice to have that connection as well,” Dowdall says. “They’re Bob’s biggest support system, and they also benefit from the visits too.”
The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton held a Volunteer Appreciation Coffee Morning on June 12, 2025 to share with Peterborough-Kawartha MPP David Smith the impact of a Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincially funded Ontario Trillium Foundation. Since 2023, the grant has helped the organization revitalize its volunteer program. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
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Arnold suggests that in-home recreation therapy is a popular choice for volunteers because it allows them to build these “one-on-one connections” with clients.
“Social stimulation is great for all forms of dementia,” he says. “Stimulating the brain is keeping you active and helping you engage in the community longer. We want to keep people in the community as long as we can, and having volunteers connect with people living with dementia really helps and keeps them engaged.”
Dowdall, who immediately felt a connection with Bob, saw first-hand how much impact just one hour per week can have on a person living with dementia.
“Bob said to me once ‘I don’t remember much nowadays, but I remember every week that you come,'” she says. “For me, that was so meaningful because it just meant that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. We’ve built a really good relationship over the last many months, and it’s been really amazing to watch the progression and comfort level.”
A recent graduate of Trent University’s social work program who will be continuing her studies with a master’s degree from Western University this fall, Kellie Dowdall volunteered for the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton’s in-home recreation therapy program. She found her weekly one-on-one connection with Bob, who is living with dementia in his own home, to be a meaningful and fulfilling experience. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society PKLNH)
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After Dowdall wrapped up her last session with Bob before moving to London to begin her master’s degree, she felt just as enriched by the experience as he did.
“It’s nice just to shine a little light into a community that often sits in a lot of darkness,” she says. “It’s such a fulfilling volunteer role to do and, while it does seem daunting from the outside, having that connection makes it so worth it.”
For more information about volunteering with the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton and to apply, visit alzheimer.ca/pklnh/en/take-action/volunteer or contact Maddy Scott by calling 705-748-5131 (toll free at 1-800-561-2588) or emailing volunteer@alzheimerjourney.ca.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
The Peterborough Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to Our Daughters' Home, one of nine Peterborough-area charities that received a total of $52,150 from the foundation, whose board meets bi-annually to review grant applications. The grant for Our Daughters' Home will support the purchase of an accessible duplex to be built on Sophia Street in Peterborough East City for seven adult women with developmental disabilities. Pictured are attendees celebrating during a ground-breaking ceremony on July 9, 2025 for the new build, a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region and Our Daughters' Home. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
From $3,350 for helmets for therapeutic horseback riding to $10,000 to help seven adult women with developmental disabilities secure a permanent home, the Peterborough Foundation has awarded nine local charities with a combined total of $52,150.
Following its June meeting, the Peterborough Foundation’s board of directors decided to distribute the grant money to nine organizations in Peterborough to help fund pilot projects or capital purchases.
“Our greatest hope would be that these funds have a meaningful impact on providing needed funding to support the mission of these organizations, who provide a broad range of services in the city and county of Peterborough,” Pat Hooper, Peterborough Foundation board member and secretary, told kawarthaNOW.
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The Peterborough Foundation has supported hundreds of local charities over the past seven decades.
Incorporated in 1953 from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Magie, the foundation has distributed more than $2 million from an original capital base of just under $1 million. The work of managing and distributing the foundation’s funds is done by volunteers.
“Since 1953, dedicated individuals have volunteered their time and expertise to watch over the foundation’s investments and to disburse funds to local charities which bring people together to make Peterborough a great place to live,” Hooper noted.
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The following organizations received the latest grants:
Our Daughters’ Home: $10,000 towards the down payment for a home in East City
The New Canadians Centre: $10,000 for building renovations
Trent Valley Archives: $6,000 for the purchase of a point-of-sale technological device
VON Peterborough-Victoria-Haliburton: $5,000 for a video intercom system
St. Joseph’s at Fleming: $5,000 for the purchase of iPads
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre: $5,000 for enhancing its sound system
Geriatric Health/Alzheimer Society: $4,000 towards its “Dementia Care at Home” film
Peterborough Folk Festival: $3,800 for an equipment purchase
PARD Therapeutic Riding: $3,350 for the purchase of helmets
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Hooper said the Peterborough Foundation will issue another round of grants in December, with applications due by November 1. The board will meet in December to review the applications, and will then follow up with the submitting organizations before deciding which organizations will be granted money and how much.
Applicants must be not-for-profit charitable organizations with a charitable number carrying out operations within the city and county of Peterborough. Grants are for capital purchases only, not operating costs or deficits.
A statue of a buck (male deer) welcomes visitors to Buckhorn, the heart of The Kawarthas, located in the southwest corner of the Municipality of Trent Lakes along Trent-Severn Waterway. The buck statue is located in the parking lot leading to Lock 31, one of the busiest locks on the waterway and a must-see attraction for the entire family when taking a road trip through Trent Lakes. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
Nestled in the northwest corner of Peterborough County, the Municipality of Trent Lakes is known for its vast forests and pristine lakes, enjoyed by thousands of year-round and seasonal residents, as well as visitors eager to escape the big city and reconnect with nature.
Accessible both by road and by water via the Trent-Severn Waterway, the bustling village of Buckhorn is the heart of the area, with its abundance of locally owned shops and restaurants. Within Buckhorn and beyond, Trent Lakes offers a wealth of natural attractions to explore as well as a thriving arts scene with galleries, events, and experiences that showcase local artists and artisans.
Trent Lakes is a destination where you and your family can unwind, discover something new, and enjoy the serene beauty of The Kawarthas.
“People can come here and just disconnect, relax, and take it easy while getting out in the middle of nowhere,” says Trent Lakes Mayor Terry Lambshead. “You hear no boats, no trucks, no cars — nothing but birds chirping and animals walking, and for me, that’s one of the most beautiful things. You can be as peaceful as you want.”
Morning: Begin in Buckhorn, the heart of The Kawarthas
Begin and end your Trent Lakes road trip in the village of Buckhorn, known as the heart of The Kawarthas. Located in the southwest corner of Trent Lakes, Buckhorn is easily accessible by county roads from every direction and by water via the Trent-Severn Waterway. (Photo: Kasandra Bateman)
What better way to begin your road trip through Trent Lakes than in the village of Buckhorn, known as the heart of The Kawarthas? Located in the southwest corner of Trent Lakes and easily accessible by county roads from every direction, Buckhorn is a fun-filled place to start your day.
Buckhorn is located along the Trent-Severn Waterway, a historic 386-kilometre waterway of lakes, rivers, canals, and locks that connects Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario. The Trent-Severn Waterway is the only Canadian destination to be featured in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025.”
Boaters can moor at Lock 31 and easily walk to Buckhorn, which is a designated Trent-Severn Trail Town — one of 10 communities in Kawarthas-Northumberland where businesses are ready to serve boaters, paddlers, road trippers, cyclists, and any other visitors travelling along the waterway. Look for the Trail Towns logo in the window of local businesses!
Buckhorn is located along the Trent-Severn Waterway, a historic 386-kilometre waterway of lakes, rivers, canals, and locks that connects Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario. Boaters can moor at Lock 31 and easily walk to the shops, restaurants, and attractions of Buckhorn. (Photo: Parks Canada)
On Lakehurst Road, indulge in a home-style breakfast at The Ice House Restaurant. Don’t fret: though it’s named for its unique history as a traditional ice house built to preserve goods before modern refrigeration, you can find plenty of hot dishes on the menu.
Get your caffeine fix and a baked goodie right next door at Bikini Beans Café, a cozy coffee shop nestled within Boathouse Boutique, where you can pick up road trip souvenirs and lake-inspired home décor.
Continue your shopping spree by walking south to Georgeygirl Art, where you can browse the artwork of Georgine Ciulla, a local artist who specializes in bold and bright landscape and floral paintings. Then stop in at Style Your Nest, a home décor shop stocked with high-quality products for your home, cottage, and garden as well as bath and body products, pottery, jewellery, and more.
Buckhorn is home to quaint shops including Style Your Nest, Boathouse Boutique, and Georgeygirl Art where you will find locally sourced souvenirs, home decor, apparel, art, and more. (Photo: Kasandra Bateman)
Take a leisurely stroll or a short drive east of the downtown where you’ll find the Adam & Eve Rocks, large glacial “erratics” left behind by the last ice age and named by early Trent Lakes settlers.
According to local folklore, if you and a loved one each touch one of the boulders while holding hands and kissing, your lives will be blessed.
For lunch, grab a bite at Mainstreet Bar & Grill. With a lakeside patio, an ice cream parlour, live entertainment, and an extensive menu of bites and bevvies, this spot is made for the whole family (including your furry friends).
Located on property donated to the Buckhorn community by Charles and Edith Jones in 1963, the Adam & Eve Rocks are large glacial “erratics” left behind by the last ice age and named by early Trent Lakes settlers. According to local folklore, if you and a loved one each touch one of the boulders while holding hands and kissing, your lives will be blessed. (Photo: Kasandra Bateman)
In the mood for some delicious homemade pizza? See why locals travel far and wide for Pizza Alloro.
Take your pie to go and explore the gardens of the new Ode’naag Park, which leads up to Lock 31. Connecting Upper and Lower Buckhorn Lakes, Lock 31 is one of the busiest locks along the Trent-Severn Waterway — grab a seat to watch the action while you enjoy a slice.
On the way to your next adventure, drop in to the Buckhorn Welcome Centre to chat with the friendly staff of the Buckhorn District Tourist Association and discover all there is to see, do, eat, and experience across Trent Lakes.
Afternoon: Unwind and explore
Kawartha Country Wines is a family-owned winery specializing in small-batch wines made from Ontario-grown fruits and berries. Open seven days per week year-round, this is a pet-friendly spot to unwind, taste the flavours of The Kawarthas, and find some new wines to bring home with you. (Photo: Kasandra Bateman)
From Buckhorn, take a scenic drive north on County Road 36 to kick off the afternoon at Kawartha Country Wines, a charming family-owned winery specializing in fruit wines and ciders, all made with Ontario-grown fruit and berries, along with wine coolers, vinegars, and gourmet preserves. Open seven days per week year-round, this is a pet-friendly spot to unwind, taste the flavours of The Kawarthas, and find some new wines to bring home with you.
Continue on County Road 36 until you arrive at Miskwaa Art Studio and Outdoor Gallery. In his studio, artist Daniel Marlatt works with a variety of carefully selected natural elements, including stone from the nearby Miskwaa Ziibi River. Explore the year-round outdoor art gallery featuring work by Marlatt and other local artists under the shaded canopy of mature maple trees, or spend some time relaxing by the shore of the idyllic river.
Located in a rustic log cabin just minutes away from the gallery is The Subtle Shift, where you can book a holistic wellness retreat. Owner Denise Benning will guide you in an experience designed to nurture, balance, and heal the mind, body, and spirit. Between sessions, you can explore the forest trail or spend some time in a yurt nestled among the trees for meditation, quiet contemplation, and yoga.
Katie Krelove, an Ontario campaigner for the BC-based Wilderness Committee, examines an eastern hemlock tree in the Catchacoma Forest in Trent Lakes. The forest is home to the largest-known stand of old-growth eastern hemlock in Canada, with some trees over 375 years old. The family-friendly trails (where on-leash dogs are also welcome) are perfect for hiking or just some forest bathing. (Photo: Mitch Bowmile)
Once you have reconnected with yourself, spend some time reconnecting with nature by heading back to County Road 36 and north to the Catchacoma Forest Walking Trails. The forest is home to the largest-known stand of old-growth eastern hemlock in Canada, with some trees over 375 years old. The family-friendly trails (where on-leash dogs are also welcome) are perfect for hiking or just some forest bathing — the Japanese practice of immersing all your senses in the natural world as a proven way to reduce stress.
Trent Lakes Mayor Terry Lambshead’s Must Do’s
Go hiking or fishing in Kawartha Highlands Signature Site.
Visit the Kinmount Fair on the Labour Day weekend.
A road trip in Trent Lakes wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Kawartha Highlands Signature Site — a place that has special lifelong memories for Mayor Lambshead.
“It’s just an absolute treasure,” he says. “I call that my backyard. I’ve played and walked and hiked and fished there my entire life.”
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site is a personal favourite of Trent Lakes Mayor Terry Lambshead, who has hiked and fished there for his entire life. Dip your paddle into one of the park’s lakes, accessible from many backcountry access points in Trent Lakes. To extend your stay, book one of more than 100 backcountry camping sites, where you’ll fall asleep beneath the stars to the sounds of the many bird species that thrive within the park’s rock barrens. (Photo: Ontario Parks)
For an afternoon on-the-water experience, dip your paddle into one of the park’s lakes, accessible from many backcountry access points in Trent Lakes. To extend your stay, book one of more than 100 backcountry camping sites, where you’ll fall asleep beneath the stars to the sounds of the many bird species that thrive within the park’s rock barrens.
Another picturesque way to spend the afternoon on the water is to take a self-guided tour along the winding Nogies Creek Paddling Route, located in western Trent Lakes. Heading south from Nogies Creek Canoe and Kayak access point, you’ll encounter calm waters, wetlands, and a lake with islands great for swimming and picnicking. Don’t forget a fishing rod, because Upper Nogies Creek is one of several hotspots to cast a line in Trent Lakes.
“If you’re here, you have to go fishing,” says Mayor Lambshead. “Trent Lakes has some of the most spectacular fishing in the world. There are speckled trout lakes, lake trout lakes, bass lakes, muskie lakes. With the variety of fish, it’s just something you should do at least once in your life.”
Evening: Settle in for a Peaceful Night in Trent Lakes
Located on the edge of Buckhorn and open year round, Shambhala Bed & Breakfast has been hosting guests from around the world since 2006. A nature getaway, the log cabin sits on more than 40 acres of ponds, trails, and tranquil spots ideal for reflection while you listen to the sounds of nature. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
End your day by returning south towards Buckhorn but, along the way, be sure to stop at Belly’s Restaurant, located just off County Road 36. Dine al fresco on smash burgers and refreshing cocktails while enjoying live music right on the lake. Your four-legged furry friends are more than welcome too!
Not ready for the adventure to end? Stay overnight at Shambhala Bed & Breakfast, located on the edge of Buckhorn, which has been hosting guests from around the world since 2006. A nature getaway, the log cabin sits on more than 40 acres of ponds, trails, and tranquil spots ideal for reflection while you listen to the sounds of nature.
Another pet- and child-friendly accommodation open year-round is Westwind Inn on the Lake, a rustic country inn with cozy rooms, lakeside dining, and a range of outdoor activities.
The Kinmount Fair is another personal favourite of Trent Lakes Mayor Terry Lambshead, who has been going there for more than 40 years. Held annually at the Kinmount Fairgrounds over the Labour Day weekend, the celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage offers tractor pulls, demolition derbies, equestrian shows, live entertainment, a marketplace of crafts and baked goods, line dancing, a midway, and more. (Photo: Kinmount Agricultural Society)
As a four-season destination, there is always another reason to plan another trip in Trent Lakes.
Explore the creative talents of the municipality by returning during the annual Buckhorn Festival of the Arts, organized by the Buckhorn Community Centre. Held every August for more than 45 years, this two-day summer arts celebration features more than 70 professional and emerging artists from across Canada. The work is accompanied by live music, food vendors, youth art exhibits, art activities, and awards.
Over Labour Day weekend, travel to the northernmost part of Trent Lakes for the Kinmount Fair, held annually at the Kinmount Fairgrounds. The celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage offers something for everyone with tractor pulls, demolition derbies, equestrian shows, live entertainment, a marketplace of crafts and baked goods, line dancing, a midway, and so much more.
“I’ve been going there for 40-plus years myself,” says Mayor Lambshead. “It’s a magnificent asset for Trent Lakes and it draws people from all over the world.”
When the snow flies, explore the scenic winter landscapes of Trent Lakes with the help of The Buckhorn District Snowmobile Club. Stewarding 165 kilometres of trail from Chemong Lake to Gooderham and providing free public parking at two lots, the club ensures the details are taken care of so you can focus on exploring Trent Lakes in all its glory.
Road Tripping in The Kawarthas is a partnership between kawarthaNOW and the Peterborough County Tourism and Communications Division, created to showcase the unique and distinct townships of The Kawarthas.
This series supports the regional Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) campaign by inviting locals and nearby neighbours to rediscover the places, people, and businesses that make this region unforgettable. Every visit to The Kawarthas supports our local economy — and adds another chapter to your Kawarthas story.
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