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.
Advertisement - content continues below
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.
Advertisement - content continues below
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
Advertisement - content continues below
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.
Roadtripping 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.
Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough shared this photo of a new baby meerkat, which is about a month old. The zoo is asking visitors to be respectful when viewing the meerkats in their habitat as not to scare the baby and new family. (Photo: Riverview Park and Zoo)
There’s a new addition to the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough.
“Welcome to our new baby slender-tailed meerkat,” the zoo announced on social media on Monday (July 28), sharing a photo and video.
“The baby is about a month old now and is getting braver every day, exploring the habitat and learning new things. We don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl yet but we are excited to have this little one join the meerkat mob!”
Advertisement - content continues below
The slender-tailed meerkat, also known simply as the meerkat, is a small highly social mammal native to the arid regions of southern Africa. They have a slender body, pointed snout, dark patches around the eyes to help reduce glare from the sun, and a long tapering tail used for balance.
To avoid predators and the hot sun, meerkats make their homes in an extensive network of burrows — with its long and curved claws, a meerkat can dig through a quantity of sand equal to its own weight in just seconds.
These intelligent animals are known for their upright stance, alert behavior, and intricate vocal communication, making them one of the most recognizable and studied members of the mongoose family.
Advertisement - content continues below
Meerkats live in tight-knit groups called mobs or clans, often made up of several different families. They cooperate in activities like foraging, babysitting, and sentry duty.
Meerkats can reproduce any time of the year, but most births occur in the warmer seasons, with an average litter of around three pups. The pups are born within the meerkat’s underground burrow and require constant parental care for a period of time. Pups are allowed to leave the burrow at around three weeks, but with babysitters nearby.
As for the baby meerkat at the Riverview Park and Zoo, the zoo is asking visitors to “be especially respectful when viewing the meerkats in their habitat as not to scare the baby and new family.”
encoreNOW for July 28, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) "Wild Irish Geese" at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, Michael Kaeshammer at Westben in Campbellford, Irish Week at Peterborough Musicfest (Acrobat - The U2 Tribute Band, Mudmen with Irish Millie, and The Celtic Tenors), Big Sugar at The Grove Theatre in Fenelon Falls, the Port Hope Arts Festival, and "Jersey Boys" at Bancroft Village Playhouse. (kawarthaNOW collage)
encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.
This week, Paul highlights Megan Murphy’s play Wild Irish Geese at Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre, Juno-awarded jazz and boogie-woogie pianist Michael Kaeshammer at The Barn at Campbellford’s Westben, Peterborough Musicfest’s Irish Week concerts at Del Crary Park, legendary Big Sugar at Fenelon Falls’ Grove Theatre, the one-day Port Hope Arts Festival, and Jersey Boys on the Bancroft Village Playhouse stage.
Megan Murphy’s much-anticipated Irish settler play premieres at Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre
“Wild Irish Geese” playwright and actor Megan Murphy and cast members from the upcoming world premiere production, directed by Kim Blackwell, running from July 29 to August 30, 2025 at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook. (Photo: Wayne Eardley, Brookside Studio)
In a creative sense, is there anything Megan Murphy can’t do? As a talented actor, comedian, storyteller, director, filmmaker, and former morning radio show co-host, the Peterborough native can now add another notch to her belt: playwright.
From July 29 to August 30 at the Winslow Farm near Millbrook, 4th Line Theatre will lift the curtain on yet another world premiere in the form of Murphy’s Wild Irish Geese. It’s the second of the outdoor theatre company’s two-play summer bill.
Directed by 4th Line managing artistic director Kim Blackwell, Wild Irish Geese relates the story of the 1825 emigration of hundreds of impoverished Irish families to Scott’s Plains, and their subsequent struggles making a home, and surviving, in a new land. It’s being presented as a part of year-long wider commemoration of the bicentennial of Canadian politician Peter Robinson’s emigration plan that saw more than 2,000 Irish settlers escape brutal poverty by crossing the Atlantic Ocean in nine ships in search of a fresh start in the Peterborough region.
Knowing that anniversary was on the horizon, 4th Line Theatre founder Robert Winslow tapped Murphy on the shoulder to write the play. Following extensive research, which included a trip to Ireland to where the emigrants set off from, Murphy did just that. Among the roles she wrote in was that of a seanchaí, a traditional Irish storyteller — a role she fills in the play.
The cast also includes stage veterans Paul Crough, M. John Kennedy, Sebastian Sage, Lindsay Wilson, Indigo Chesser, and Darragh O’Connell. For Crough, Wild Irish Geese marks his 4th Line Theatre debut, but the others have appeared in past productions at the farm.
During my recent sit-down with Murphy for kawarthaNOW, it dawned on me that here’s an accomplished creative force who has well earned the right to have a little swagger; perhaps puff out her chest a bit. But Murphy remains as down-to-earth as ever with no pretensions and an over-the-top personality that lights up any room she’s in. It’s a true pleasure to spend any time with her — something that 4th Line patrons will again experience firsthand with Wild Irish Geese.
Curtain for Wild Irish Geese is 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays from July 29 until August 30, with an additional performance on Monday, August 25. But don’t delay getting your tickets — the two preview nights on July 29 and 30 and opening night on July 31 are already sold out, as are six dates in August.
Tickets are $52 for adults and $45 for youth and are available by phone at 705-932-4445 (toll-free at 1-800-814-0055), online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, and at 4th Line Theatre’s box Office location at 9 Tupper Street in Millbrook
Ivories tickler supreme Michael Kaeshammer performs at Westben in Campbellford on August 2
VIDEO: Michael Kaeshammer (2015)
Back in the day, my brother and I made a point of annually taking Dad to the Beaches International Jazz Festival held near the family home in Toronto.
Over the years, we took in some terrific acts at the free event, including legendary Toronto blues guitarist Paul James, who I bumped into — quite literally — in the Kew Beach washroom and subsequently had a great chat with. That’s a whole other story.
More to the point, one of the performances that had us talking for days afterwards was that given by Michael Kaeshammer. The jazz and boogie-woogie pianist, singer, and composer had us mesmerized, his fingers at one with the 88 keys before him. I hadn’t never seen, and have never seen since, anyone play the piano like that before. It really was something.
A native of Germany, Kaeshammer moved to Canada and put his classically trained skill to full use, performing at festivals across the country in his late teens. He released his debut album No Strings Attached in 2001, which earned him a Juno Award nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album – Instrumental. Twelve more albums have since been released, including Days Like These which won a 2008 Juno Award for Jazz Album of the Year.
Leave it to Westben in Campbellford to bring Kaeshammer our way, which is exactly what will happen Saturday (August 2) when he headlines at The Barn at Westben off County Road 30 in Campbellford. Don’t take my infatuation with Kaeshammer’s talent as gospel — check him out for yourself. You won’t be anywhere near disappointed.
Tickets for Kaeshammer’s 2 p.m. matinee performance cost $58, $56 for seniors, $30 for those under 30 and $5 for those under 18, at www.westben.ca.
Advertisement - content continues below
Peterborough Musicfest presents an Irish Week series of shows
VIDEO: Acrobat – The U2 Tribute Band
As mentioned, this year marks the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson Irish emigrants to these parts — a settlement that countless local families have ties to through their ancestors who arrived on one of the nine settler ships.
When the Nine Ships 1825 committee met to discuss the special events that will be held to mark the bicentennial, Peterborough Musicfest was on its radar. Rightly so — the summer music festival, with its twice weekly concerts at Del Crary Park, draws thousands.
To its credit, Musicfest was totally on board with a portion of its 2025 stage lineup having a decidedly Irish focus. Thus, Irish Week was born.
Irish Week at the park begins Saturday (August 2) with Acrobat – The U2 Tribute Band headlining. Channelling Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., the quartet will run through the many hit songs of what is arguably Ireland’s greatest rock music export. If you’re curious about just how good Acrobat is, consider that U2 had them join them for a concert at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.
VIDEO: “Who My Friends Are” – Mudmen
That show is followed on Wednesday (August 6) by Mudmen, with Peterborough’s own fiddling prodigy Amelia “Irish Millie” Shadgett opening.
Fronted by bagpipe-playing brothers Robby and Sandy Campbell, Mudmen has rightly earned its place as Canada’s premier Celtic rock band. With a driving sound and high-energy stage presence, the band brings it in a very big way. Buoyed by 11 albums, Mudmen typically sell out wherever they play, and for good reason. Their show is a non-stop rollicking good time that demands as much energy from the audience as it does from the band members.
VIDEO: “Red-Haired Mary” – The Celtic Tenors
Closing out Irish Week the following Saturday (August 9) is an act directly from Ireland in the form of The Celtic Tenors.
With their unique blend of classical, folk, pop, opera and traditional Irish music, Matthew Gilsenan, Daryl Simpson, and George Hutton bring their unmatched harmony, charm, and heartfelt storytelling to bear. Originally known as Three Irish Tenors, the trio adopted its new name in 1999 and have sold more than a million albums since, gaining chart success on both sides of the Atlantic, and in Australia too.
As always, each concert is an 8 p.m. start, and admission is free, with Musicfest’s 38th season supported by a number of sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.
Fenelon Falls to be energized as Big Sugar plays the Grove Theatre
VIDEO: “Ultra-Violet” – Big Sugar
We now take you to sleepy Fenelon Falls, a village of some 2,500 permanent residents where life is good — peaceful, safe, and very laid back.
Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Kawarthas,” the village does know how to host a good time, with its Grove Theatre typically at the centre of the action. That trend will continue in a big way on Sunday (August 3) when Big Sugar visits the outdoor amphitheatre.
Led by founder Gordie Johnson, the powerhouse roots rock-reggae trio dates back to 1988. Over the years since, Big Sugar has released 11 albums, and from 1996 to 2016, was among the top 25 best-selling bands in Canada and amassed five Juno Award nominations, their music’s socially conscious lyrics resonating.
Joined by drummer Root Valach and bassist Anders Dreup, Johnson is bringing the band to Fenelon Falls as part of a tour marking the worldwide release of the deluxe vinyl of its 1993 groundbreaking album Five Hundred Pounds. Fans can expect to music from that album as well as hits such as “Diggin’ A Hole,” “If I Had My Way,” “Turn The Lights On,” and “Roads Ahead.”
This concert marks a great opportunity to catch a classic and beloved Canadian act close by. The wise will take full advantage.
Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show cost $75 plus fees, and can be purchased at www.grovetheatre.ca.
Advertisement - content continues below
Port Hope Arts Festival set to entertain and enthrall on August 9
VIDEO: Port Hope Arts Festival
I know I’m not alone when I say you don’t need an excuse to visit pretty Port Hope, but if you don’t share that sentiment, I challenge you to visit the municipality on Saturday, August 9 for the annual Port Hope Arts Festival.
With August designated Arts Month in Port Hope, there’s wide range of events, displays, and activities scheduled for the day. Of note, the Port Hope Arts Festival earned a place in the 2024 Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario list compiled by Festivals and Events Ontario.
One look at the schedule and you can figure out why. There’s a lot going on, but I want to highlight three of the featured events.
First, the 10-Minute Play Series that features 12 theatrical stagings at six outdoor downtown locations. The subjects run the gamut, with something for all tastes being presented from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the hour and the half-hour. Organizers assure attendees will “meet some of the warmest and most charming people in the theatre business” while being wholly entertained.
And Port Hope’s Capitol Arts Centre is getting into the spirit of the day in two ways.
At 1 p.m., Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam will host “The Making of Rez Gas.” As the co-writers of Rez Gas which will run at the Capitol from August 22 to September 7, they’ll share what it takes to write a musical “that can take the world by storm” by relating backstage stories, the highs and lows of the writing process, and how to create a musical out of a kernel of an idea. General admission is $5.
And then at 7 p.m., Under The Marquee, a street party featuring Ennismore’s Melissa Payne and her band, will be held exactly where stated — at, and in the vicinity, of the theatre’s Queen Street entrance. It’s a ticketed event, with tickets available at https://capitoltheatre.com/events/under-the-marquee-2025-08-09-700-pm/seats/.
Attend one event at the Port Hope Arts Festival, or attend as many as you can. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. See all the details at www.porthope.ca/arts-festival
“Jersey Boys” brings Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons to Bancroft Village Playhouse from August 13 to 24
VIDEO: “Jersey Boys” at Bancroft Village Playhouse
Someone at Tweed & Company Theatre was on the ball when they decided to bring Jersey Boys to the Bancroft Village Playhouse.
The musical dramatization of the formation, success and break-up of 1960s rock ‘n’ roll quartet Franki Vallie and The Four Seasons ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2017 — a remarkable run of 4,642 performances — and won four Tony Awards, a Grammy Award and, in 2014, spawned a film version.
A big reason for that success was the music brought to the world by New Jersey lads Frankie Vallie, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi, and Tommy DeVito. Think “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “December 1963 (Oh, What A Night).” Those songs, and several more, formed a huge part of the decade’s soundtrack, and remain cherished by many.
Vallie, at age 91, is still touring, and typically selling out his performances. Tweed and Company Theatre is hoping for the same result with this staging, and will likely be very happy with the result.
Directed and choreographed by Julie Tomaino, with Caleb Di Pomponio starring as Vallie, joined by Griffin Hewitt as Gaudio, William Lincoln as DeVito, and Mayson Sontag as Massi, Jersey Boys opens August 13, and continues August 14 to 16 and 20 to 23, 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. performances August 13 and 14, 16 and 17, 20 and 21, and 23 and 24.
Tickets are $39.50 for adults, $35.50 for seniors, and $25.50 for students, youth, and arts workers, and are available at www.villageplayhouse.ca.
Advertisement - content continues below
Encore
The Kawartha Youth Orchestra has opened auditions for its Junior Kawartha Youth Orchestra, its Intermediate Kawartha Youth Orchestra, and its Senior Kawartha Youth Orchestra. There are two audition dates to choose from: Wednesday, August 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up for an audition at forms.gle/ch7a4SohL53dwR1Q7. Since forming in 2002, some 700 supported musicians have performed more than 70 concerts. For more information, visit thekyo.ca.
It’s great to see that Ribfest has been revived, and even better to see live music remains at the centre of the meat-loving affair. Set for August 22 to 25 at Del Crary Park — a switch from the event’s past home of Millennium Park when it was presented by Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club — the event also marks, on August 23, the return of Hootenanny, which was held on Hunter Street West for many years. Headliners Tebey and Elyse Saunders will garner a lot of attention, but also taking a stage turn that day are Georgia Rose, the Steve Waters Band, Harry Hannah, Haley McNeil, Chris Clark, Ella Campbell and Lauren Ann Yule.
Staff from Northumberland County, the Northumberland County Housing Corporation, politicians including Ontario Minister of Housing and Infrastructure parliamentary secretary Jennifer McKelvie, Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini and Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander, and private sector partners marked the completion of the Elgin Park affordable housing redevelopment project in Cobourg on July 24, 2025. (Photo: Northumberland County)
Northumberland County staff, area politicians, and other stakeholders gathered last Thursday (July 24) to announced the successful completion of the Elgin Park redevelopment project in Cobourg.
The work on the residential complex brings 20 additional affordable housing units to the community.
Wrapping up the project, Northumberland County and Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) noted the redevelopment nearly doubles the number of affordable housing units at Elgin Park from 18 to 40.
Advertisement - content continues below
With the final 20 units now complete and ready for occupancy, this milestone “marks a major achievement in the county’s ongoing efforts to address the region’s growing housing crisis, and “demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work in partnership to respond to the urgent need for affordable housing in our region,” the county stated in a media release.
“This project shows the strength of our commitment and the value of strong partnerships,” said NCHC chair Victor Fiume. “With phase one completed in 2023 and phase two now finished, Elgin Park is a model for how we can build high-quality, sustainable, and affordable housing for those who need it most.”
The partners said the project was delivered on time and on budget, through the coordination and commitment from county and NCHC staff, project contractors, and government.
This includes the earlier completion of phase one in November 2023, which added the first 20 units. The second phase, initiated in late 2023, has now added an additional 20 units, completing the site’s transformation.
Advertisement - content continues below
The completed redevelopment includes a mix of 28 subsidized and 12 market rental units.
With a local rental vacancy rate of just one per cent, and more than 1,000 households on the wait list for subsidized housing — many facing wait times of up to 10 years — the urgency for purpose-built rental housing is “critical,” the release noted.
The Elgin Street site was selected for intensification because of its proximity to services, transit, and amenities.
“Elgin Park is a meaningful step forward for housing in our community,” said Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini. “These new units mean more people can live, work, and raise a family in the community they call home. I’m grateful to see the province’s investment supporting projects that deliver results for the people of Northumberland.”
Advertisement - content continues below
The project received significant investments from both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario.
With an estimated construction budget of $16 million, the redevelopment was led by Northumberland County as the primary contributor. The federal and provincial governments contributed $2.4 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, and $5.7 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative.
“The completion of Elgin Park — delivered in two phases, on time and on budget — is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander. “These 40 new homes represent security and stability for individuals and families, and real progress toward a more inclusive community.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Overall, increasing the number of affordable housing units in Northumberland County is a key priority, Ostrander earlier told kawarthaNOW. He pointed to another development underway on Ontario Street in Cobourg, and noted the county has secured land in Cobourg for future construction.
Meanwhile, in the village of Colborne, the county announced in 2024 additional units for the affordable housing development on King Street.
NCHC has more than 366 owned and operated housing units in Northumberland County.
Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, and Hydro One communications and marketing vice president and Bronwen Evans planting a tree at Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth on June 16, 2025 when Hydro One announced that Selwyn Township is one of 50 municipalities and Indigenous communities in Ontario that would receive up to $10,000 to assist in recovery efforts from March's devastating ice storm. (Photo: Hydro One)
Selwyn Township residents can get a free tree as part of the township’s 2025 ReLeaf program, an initiative designed to restore and enhance the community’s tree canopy on private properties as a result of the devastating ice storm this past March.
Selwyn Township is one of 50 municipalities and Indigenous communities in Ontario that have each received up to $10,000 from Hydro One’s Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant.
“The ice storm caused severe and widespread impacts across the province, leaving many communities and municipalities with devastating damage,” said Bronwen Evans, Hydro One’s vice president of communications and marketing, in a media release. “We know how important trees and green spaces are in communities and are proud to support Selwyn Township in its effort to replant the tree canopy.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Selwyn Township will be making available 600 free native tree saplings to residents, including red oak, swamp oak, sugar maple, silver maple, or red maple trees. According to the township, the species are native to Ontario and were selected for their ability to promote biodiversity and withstand severe weather events.
“The 2025 ReLeaf Program is more than just a tree giveaway — it’s an opportunity for residents to directly contribute to the long-term environmental health and beauty of our community,” said Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis. “We’re grateful for Hydro One’s support in making this initiative possible.”
The ReLeaf Program is only open to Selwyn Township residents, with one tree allocated per property.
Advertisement - content continues below
Residents must register to receive a tree. Registration opens online at 9 am. on Tuesday, August 5 at selwyntownship.ca/releaf.
After registration has closed, successful registrants will be notified and given details on how to pick up their tree in the fall. Residents will select their tree species at the time of pick-up, with tree species distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
When picking up their tree, residents will receive planting and aftercare instructions to ensure their trees thrive.
Jack Copland and Calvin Rea star in dual roles as two competing comic double acts in Globus Theatre's production of "The Comeback" by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen, a U.K. comedy writing and acting duo. The Canadian premiere of the hit comedy runs for 11 performances in Bobcaygeon from July 30 to August 9, 2025. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
With Globus Theatre having just wrapped up its murder mystery dinner theatre show Murder at the Blue Moon Saloon, the professional theatre company in Bobcaygeon is wasting no time in presenting the fifth show of its 22nd season: the Canadian premiere of the U.K. comedy play The Comeback, which runs for 11 performances from July 30 to August 9.
Written by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen, a U.K. comedy writing and acting duo known as The Pin, The Comeback began as a 55-minute Edinburgh fringe show in 2018 and premiered at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End in December 2020 during the pandemic.
In The Comeback, characters Alex and Ben are two young comics booked as the warm-up act for the fading veteran vaudeville act Jimmy and Sid, with the two now elderly comics touring the country hoping to make a comeback.
Advertisement - content continues below
When both acts perform to a sparse crowd in a sleepy town, Alex and Ben have a crisis of confidence about their performance and decide to resurrect some older material. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Sid are tired of their old sketches and decide to try some new material.
When the four comedians discover a famous Hollywood director is sitting in the audience, both acts realize its their chance for their big break or a comeback and the performance descends into a desperate battle for the limelight.
Ashenden and Owen — who are also co-writers of the 2025 British action comedy film Deep Cover that was released on Amazon Prime Video in June — performed as both Alex and Ben and Jimmy and Sid in the original production, where each performance also featured an appearance from a special guest star, including Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman.
Advertisement - content continues below
Filled with mistaken identity, prop comedy, pratfalls, and farcical mayhem, The Comeback is described as a heart-warming exploration of bittersweet nostalgia and the enduring power of friendship. Broadway World called it “an unmissable show full of heart and hysterical chaos that will leave you smiling for days.”
Globus Theatre’s production of The Comeback is its second Canadian premiere of a hit U.K. play, having opened the season with Desperate to be Doris in May.
“We love bringing Globus audiences new plays that have not yet been performed in Canada,” says Globus Theatre’s artistic producer James Barrett, who is directing the play. “The Comeback wowed crowds in London’s West End and we have two of the brightest new Canadian performers ready to do the same here. I’m excited for our audience to see this unique, high-energy, very, very funny play.”
Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen perform in the original production of their comedic play “The Comeback” at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End in December 2020. (Photo: Marc Brenner)
The two Canadian performers who will be taking on the roles of Alex and Ben and Jimmy and Sid are Jack Copland and Calvin Rea.
Copland made his debut on the Globus stage as Jeff Kincaid in 2022’s Screwball Comedy by Norm Foster and, later that year, appeared as Buttons in Globus Theatre’s original British panto Cinderella. On screen, the graduate of George Brown Theatre School is known for his roles as Eugene Chambers in CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and voicing Wayne on Teletoon’s Total Drama Island.
A Toronto-based actor, Calvin Rea is a graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan Theatre program. He has appeared on stage with Mixtape Productions and on screen in the web series Sweet Nothings. He made his debut on the Globus stage in Murder at the Blue Moon Saloon, which also featured Copland.
Advertisement - content continues below
The Comeback opens on Wednesday (July 30) at 8 p.m. with evening performances continuing until Saturday, August 2, and then again after the long weekend from Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 9. There are also 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturday, August 2 and Thursday, August 7.
An optional dinner is available at 6 p.m. before the evening performances.
Tickets are $50 for the show only or $100 for dinner and the show (plus tax and fees) and be ordered online at https://www.globustheatre.com/shows-all/the-comeback or by calling the box office at 705-738-2037 (toll free at 1-800-304-7897).
Juno and multiple CCMA award-winning country music artist Jess Moskaluke performs a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on July 26, 2025. (Publicity photo)
With a population of about 1,200, Langenburg in Saskatchewan is as laid-back as it gets: a one-school highway town where everyone knows everyone’s business, and any attempted secrets are doomed to become public knowledge.
It was in that oh-so-rural setting that Jess Moskaluke was born and raised and, not unlike many young girls in the mid-to-late 1990s and beyond, idolized another small-town girl by the name of Shania Twain.
Fast forward to 2014 and the release of Moskaluke’s debut studio album Light Up The Night and her subsequent release of the single “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes.” That song would later be certified platinum for sales, making Moskaluke the first Canadian country artist to achieve that lofty status since Twain attained likewise in 1995 with her breakthrough album The Woman In Me.
Advertisement - content continues below
Peterborough Musicfest presents Jess Moskaluke
When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
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.
Small town and big dream later and here we are, as Moskaluke readies to take the Del Crary Park stage on Wednesday (July 30) at Peterborough Musicfest. Admission to her 8 p.m. concert is free as always, thanks to the ongoing support of several longtime sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.
Moskaluke’s journey began in earnest in 2011 when she won The Next Big Thing contest joint sponsored by Regina-based Big Dog 92.7 FM and SaskMusic. Just a few months later, more heads were turned when Moskaluke was presented with the New Artist Showcase Award at the Canadian Country Music Awards.
Buoyed by that success, Moskaluke released her debut single “Catch Me If You Can” in June 2012, followed by the release of an EP by the same name. A second single from that EP, “Hit N Run,” cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Canada Country Chart in 2013, bringing Moskaluke the 2013 Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association. You can bet she was the talk of her town.
VIDEO: “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes” – Jess Moskaluke
With momentum wholly in the corner, in October 2013 Moskaluke released “Good Lovin,” the first single from her upcoming debut album and her first single to reach the top 20 on the Billboard Canada Country chart. Her platinum-certified single “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes” along with the single “Used” were released after the album dropped the following April.
In September 2015, Moskaluke released her second EP Kiss Me Quiet with the singles “Kiss Me Quiet,” “Take Me Home,” and “Elevator,” earning her the 2017 Juno Award for Country Album of the Year. She also won Female Artist of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) for three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016.
Intending to record and release her second studio album, Moskaluke saw that plan changed by the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Unable to travel from her Saskatchewan home to Nashville to record new music, she opted to dip into her back catalogue of songs not yet recorded. Working with her producer, she transformed those demos into a fully produced album.
Advertisement - content continues below
In February 2021, The Demos was released, giving Moskaluke her first number-one hit in the form of “Country Girls,” and the additional well-received singles “Halfway Home,” “Leave Each Other Alone,” and “Mapdot” — the latter a tribute to Langenburg, which Moskaluke continues to call home.
The video for “Mapdot,” which peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Canada Country Music chart, was filmed in Rocanville, 58 kilometres distant from Langenburg. Whether Langenburgers were impressed with that choice, who knows, but there was no denying their girl’s pride in her small-town upbringing.
Since then, Moskaluke has enjoyed chart success with the singles “Knock Off” and “Heartbreaker” and, as 2025 dawned, “Life For Me” and “I Ain’t Country.”
VIDEO: “Mapdot” – Jess Moskaluke
In a May 2025 interview with Aileen Goos of Atwood Magazine following the release of “I Ain’t Country,” Moskaluke addressed the idea she’s not “country enough” — the same criticism levelled against her musical hero Shania Twain back in the day.
“It’s a more honest representation of where I am right now,” Moskaluke said. “For me, it’s about pushing the genre and challenging what people expect from country music.”
“People used to say I needed to add a banjo or a fiddle to be country. They didn’t think I was country enough. I think we’re pushing the genre. Shania Twain did that, and I think it’s up to us to create music that feels good.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Any comparisons to her childhood idol, added Moskaluke, are fine by her.
“It’s such a full-circle moment being compared to her,” she said, adding “It’s the ultimate compliment. I’m just trying to do what feels right for me. You just have to be yourself. And if you think you’re country, then you are.”
“It sometimes scares me that something I do or say might not be the perfect role model thing. But it’s also really cool to see these little girls looking at me the way I looked at my role models.”
Ahead for Moskaluke is her cross-Canada Life For Me tour that begins September 11 in Kelowna, BC, and includes an October 16 concert in Langenburg. In fact, her Musicfest appearance is her last scheduled show before that stretch of near-daily performances that concludes in Halifax on November 8.
VIDEO: “I Ain’t Country” – Jess Moskaluke
“There are massive hurdles all the time,” reflected Moskaluke. “Being a woman in this industry wasn’t always easy. It’s something we could work on, but it’s getting better.”
That said, she has no regrets whatsoever over the path she chose.
“Whether it was a success or a failure, everything got me to where I am now. If I could say anything to my 14-year-old self, I’d just tell her to enjoy the ride — maybe slow down a bit.”
Wednesday’s Moskaluke concert will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by Cobourg-based country music artist Ryan Scott performing under the Cogeco tent near the George Street entrance to Del Crary Park. He is appearing as part of Musicfest’s new Future Sound Series featuring the talents of local performers this summer.
Advertisement - content continues below
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 38th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until Saturday, August 16th.
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 2025 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2025 season.
Ontario's long-term care minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini participated in a ground-breaking event on July 25, 2025 for Presqu'ile Place, a new 256-bed long-term care home in the Municipality of Brighton. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of video by office of Minister Kusendova-Basht)
Construction is underway on a new 256-bed long-term care home in the Municipality of Brighton.
Omni Quality Living, provincial government ministers, Brighton’s mayor, and others gathered on Friday (July 25) for a ground-breaking event at the site of the future facility, located at 20 Georgina St.
Presqu’ile Place, which will be owned and operated by Omni Quality Living, is expected to welcome its first residents in 2027.
Advertisement - content continues below
The project received a “construction funding subsidy” top-up and is part of the provincial government’s plan to create jobs and ensure long-term care residents “get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve,” a media release noted.
Municipality of Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander said the Prequ’ile Place announcement is welcome news for Brighton.
“The current need for a new long-term care home in our community reflects the growing demand for accessible, high-quality care and support for our seniors and those in need of long-term services,” Ostrander told kawarthaNOW. “As our population ages, it becomes increasingly important that we have local facilities, that offer compassionate care without families having to travel distances.”
Advertisement - content continues below
“This new long-term care home will help meet these needs by offering a range of services to support residents’ health and well-being in a familiar and welcoming environment. It will also create local employment opportunities and strengthen our community’s health care infrastructure,” the mayor said.
Ostrander noted Municipality of Brighton council is committed to ensuring local residents continue to receive the services they most need.
“We are grateful to Omni and the province for this significant investment.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Presqu’ile Place home will feature eight resident home areas, which are designed to create a more intimate and familiar living space for residents. Each area features dining and activity areas, lounges, and bedrooms with balconies.
Omni Quality Living president and CEO Raheem Hirji said the home will feature a combination of basic and private rooms.
According to the release, the home’s amenities are designed to foster resident engagement and support overall quality of life. Features will include outdoor gardens and seating, a place of worship, multipurpose rooms, a bistro, and a hair salon and barber shop.
Advertisement - content continues below
“When construction is complete, 256 residents will have a modern, comfortable home where they can access the care they need,” said Ontario’s long-term care minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta in a statement.
The project is part of the Ontario government’s commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province, as outlined in the 2025 Ontario budget. The plan to improve care for long-term care residents is built on four pillars: staffing and care, quality and enforcement, building modern, safe, and comfortable homes, and connecting seniors with faster and more convenient access to the services they need.
Following the ground-breaking event, Minister Kusendova-Bashta joined Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini for a tour of Golden Plough Lodge Courthouse Road in Cobourg, a 180-bed long term care home operated by Northumberland County that is under construction and co-located with the new Northumberland County Archives and Museum.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Kawarthas region starting Sunday (July 27).
The heat warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawarthas Lakes, Northumberland County, and Hastings Highlands.
A multi-day heat event begins on Sunday and will continue Tuesday, with the hottest conditions expected on Monday.
Advertisement - content continues below
Daytime highs of 30 to 34 degrees Celsius are expected, with humidex values of 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. Overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the heat, with lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius.
There is some uncertainty in the duration of the heat event for some regions. In central Ontario, the heat event may end Monday night. Over some areas, the heat event could persist into Wednesday.
To help deal with the heat and humidity, Environment Canada is providing the advice listed below.
Advertisement - content continues below
Take action to protect yourself and others, as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.
Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
Advertisement - content continues below
Drink water often, and before you feel thirsty, to replace fluids.
Close blinds and shades to keep the sunlight out, and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library, or shaded park.
Advertisement - content continues below
Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.
Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
