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Police charge 40-year-old Peterborough man with second-degree murder

A 40-year-old Peterborough man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with a suspicious death earlier this week.

On Tuesday (August 12), a 33-year-old Peterborough woman was found dead in an apartment on Charlotte Street near Rubidge Street.

Police took a 40-year-old Peterborough man into custody.

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On Wednesday, police charged the man with indignity to a dead body.

As a result of further investigation, police have now charged the man with second-degree murder.

The accused man, who has appeared in court on August 13 and 15, is being held in police custody.

Pride in the Highlands will be dancing in the street in Minden on August 23

Formerly Minden Pride, Pride in the Highlands is celebrating Pride Week in the Haliburton Highlands with a series of events running from August 18 to 24, 2025. (Photo via My Haliburton Highlands website)

Haliburton Highlands residents are invited to dust off their cowboy boots and join Pride in the Highlands and partners for a session of line dancing in the street in Minden during Pride Week in the Highlands, which runs from August 18 to 24.

Dance Happens Here Haliburton (DH3) is partnering with Pride in the Highlands and the River Cone to host “Out in the Street Line Dancing” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.

“We’d be thrilled if some people who came who may have been a little nervous about line dancing left with a smile on their faces and feeling confident and comfortable, dancing, and moving together with others,” DH3 committee member Myra Stephen told kawarthaNOW.

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“We will be excited if people are introduced to the work that Pride in the Highlands does and try the excellent food and drinks at the River Cone if they’ve never been there before,” Stephen added. “We will be thrilled if people of all ages and abilities come together to share good vibes and good feelings.”

Inclusion is the theme of the event, which is free although donations are welcome. Dances will be led by local line dance instructor Jacqui Bell, and everyone is welcome to join in.

“My approach is to teach some simple steps so that everyone feels comfortable joining in,” Bell said. “There will be something for everyone.”

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In addition, as part of the afternoon activities, dancers from some of Bell’s classes will show off their moves.

Located at 119 Bobcaygeon Road, the River Cone will have food and beverages available, “plus a few special Pride in the Highlands features,” a media release noted.

“We’re so excited to have this happening at the River Cone,” said Monica and Ben Scott of the River Cone in a joint statement. “We are all about families and love doing things for the community.”

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Pride in the Highlands co-chair Allan Guinan said the group is “thrilled” to partner with DH3 to host the community dance during Pride Week.

“We hope everyone will join us as we dance on the street to all kinds of music including queer artists and choreographers from Orville Peck, Elton John and others,” Guinan said. “Don your favorite street dancing shoes and come enjoy the fun.”

The event is possible due to funding support from the Government of Canada and donations to DH3.

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Formerly Minden Pride, Pride in the Highlands is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the Haliburton Highlands, which includes Minden Hills, Algonquin Highlands, Dysart Et Al, and Highlands East.

Pride Week in Haliburton Highlands kicks off on Monday (August 18) with an official flag raising and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the municipal offices in Minden Hills, followed by the another flag raising with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. at the Haliburton arena, with other events throughout the week.

For more information about Pride in the Highlands and a list of all the events, visit www.prideinthehighlands.ca.

Celebrate harvest season 19th-century style with a Corn Roast at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on Sunday

There will be plenty of cooked corn smothered in butter for the entire family to enjoy during the annual Corn Roast event at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on August 17, 2025. Find out the many ways 19th-century settlers used corn, watch a variety of harvest-related and historic demonstrations, enter a corn-on-the-cob eating contest, and more. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)

While the corn will be boiled rather than roasted this year because of the county-wide fire ban, Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene will still be celebrating the summer harvest season in settler style during the annual Corn Roast event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday (August 17).

Along with plenty of cooked corn with butter, the day of family fun includes historic demonstrations, live music, and more.

Tour the historic village in a horse-drawn wagon while you discover the many different ways 19th-century settlers used corn, with harvest-related demonstrations including threshing, bagging, fanning mill, corn husk braiding, and corn shelling.

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Other historic demonstrations include natural dyeing using native plants, flop mattress repairing and stuffing, stitching with the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild, weaving on the Jacquard loom, wood turning with the Kawartha Woodturners Guild and the Peterborough Artisan Centre Wood Turners, rug hooking with the Northumberland Rug Hookers, grinding at the Grist Mill, and more.

Listen to harvest songs being played on the organ in the Glen Alda Church and traditional music performed by Glen Caradus on the Weaver Shop porch.

Visit the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building to see the entries submitted for the Peterborough Agricultural Society’s Homecraft Show (also running on August 15 and 16), and view the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation quilt on display. There will also be a display by the Otonabee South-Monaghan Public Library

Tour Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene in a horse-drawn wagon and watch harvest-related demonstrations including threshing, bagging, fanning mill, corn husk braiding, and corn shelling during the annual Corn Roast event at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on August 17, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
Tour Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene in a horse-drawn wagon and watch harvest-related demonstrations including threshing, bagging, fanning mill, corn husk braiding, and corn shelling during the annual Corn Roast event at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on August 17, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)

Enjoy steaming cooked corn smothered in butter and, if you’re up for a challenge, enter the afternoon corn-on-the-cob eating contest taking place on the Village Green.

The Keene Lions Club food truck will at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building courtyard selling BBQ goods (cash only), sweet treats and cold beverages will be available for purchase in the Keene Hotel, Ben’s Kettle Corn will be popping up fresh kettle corn for sale, and the Cheese Factor will be selling fresh Empire Cheese curd and bread.

Admission costs $17 for adults, $12 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $9 for children and youth ages five to 14, with free admission for children under five. Family admission is also available for $45 and includes two adults and up to four children and youth.

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Visitors may purchase admission at the gates or in advance online. To purchase advance admission or for more information, visit langpioneervillage.ca.

This is the final special event for the summer at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. Special events for the fall include Applefest on Sunday, October 5 and Spooky All Hallows’ Eve on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25.

Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s summer hours of operation of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays continue until August 31. From September 1 to November 14, outside of the special events mentioned above, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays.

Historic demonstrations during the annual Corn Roast event at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on August 17, 2025 will include natural dyeing using native plants. Some of the demontrations will be modified this year to accommodate the county-wide fire ban. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
Historic demonstrations during the annual Corn Roast event at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on August 17, 2025 will include natural dyeing using native plants. Some of the demontrations will be modified this year to accommodate the county-wide fire ban. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)

Northumberland County urges county forest visitors to exercise ‘extreme caution’ amid extreme fire risk

In a region classified as experiencing high to extreme fire risk, Northumberland County is reminding all who frequent the Northumberland County Forest to take every precaution necessary to prevent sparks that might ignite a fire, including from cigarette butts and engines. Pictured is a prescribed burn in April 2015 in the red pine plantation south of the Beagle Club Road parking lot to reduce fuel (pine needles) and prepare the site for ongoing restoration and conversion from a red pine plantation to oak forest. (Photo: Northumberland County Forest / Facebook)

Northumberland County is issuing a call for hikers and others who visit the county forest to be vigilant and prevent sparks as wildfires burn elsewhere in the greater Kawarthas region.

With the region classified as experiencing high to extreme fire risk, Northumberland County is reminding all who frequent the Northumberland County Forest to help protect the forest by taking steps to prevent fires.

Given the dangerously dry conditions, people are asked to take every precaution necessary to prevent a fire and respect the county-wide open-air burn ban announced by the County Fire Chiefs Association on August 6, a media release from the county noted.

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“Our area is now considered a high to extreme fire risk due to current drought conditions, which have left the forest tinder dry,” said Todd Farrell, the county’s natural heritage manager, in a statement.

“One small spark — from something as simple as a cigarette butt or a hot engine — could start a wildfire that spreads rapidly. A potential fire wouldn’t just damage the forest; it could threaten homes, properties, and lives in our community.”

Open flames — including campfires, fireworks, sparklers, and flares — are never permitted in the Northumberland County Forest.

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As a result of the fire risk, Northumberland County is keeping a close eye on the forest, said Kate Campbell, director of communications for Northumberland County.

“Forest staff have enhanced monitoring and surveillance activities, revised work plans to minimize proximity to dry vegetation, and are thoroughly assessing any equipment used in operations that generates heat, to minimize risk of ignition,” Campbell told kawarthaNOW.

The county asks those who visit the forest to take extreme caution to extinguish and properly dispose of cigarette butts, lighters, and matches, and preferably avoiding smoking in the forest altogether.

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People should also be cautious using motorized vehicles or equipment that could spark, leak fuel, or ignite dry vegetation. Riders should ensure they have a properly functioning exhaust and spark arrestors.

“Northumberland County continues to closely monitor fire risk conditions and may consider additional precautions to limit risk as the situation evolves,” the release noted.

Local fire departments urge residents and visitors to immediately report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1.

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“No matter where you see or smell smoke, call 9-1-1 immediately,” Farrell said. “Quick reporting helps emergency services respond faster and protects our community. And remember — there is absolutely no burning allowed in the forest — now or at any time of the year.”

Elsewhere in the greater Kawarthas region, two of the three wildland fires burning in the region — HAL018 in Hastings County and HAL019 east of Burnt River — are “being held” (contained) as of Thursday (August 14).

The remaining fire — OFR001 south of Kirkfield — is still out of control but not spreading.

nightlifeNOW – August 14 to 20

In advance of the free festival weekend at Nicholls Oval Park, the Peterborough Folk Festival is presenting Ottawa indie rocker Nixon Boyd (guitarist with Hollerado) at The John at Sadleir House in downtown Peterborough on Friday night with VanCamp and I, The Mountain opening. (Photo: Adam Crosby)

Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, August 14 to Wednesday, August 20.

If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.

With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).

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100 Acre Brewing Co.

390 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough
705-243-2444

Thursday, August 14

5-8pm - Zack Erickson (no cover)

Saturday, August 16

Cornhole Fundraising Tournament ($25) featuring live music by The Griddle Pickers (1-4pm) and Melodi Ryan (5-8pm)

Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, August 14

8-10:30pm - Open mic w/ Bruce Longman

Friday, August 15

8-11pm - Brian Bracken

Saturday, August 16

8-11pm - Bruce Longman

Monday, August 18

7:30-9:30pm - Local talent night ft Brian Richardson

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Thursday, August 14

7pm - Andrew Irving

Belly's Lakeside Bar + Restaurant

17 Fire Route 82B, Buckhorn
705- 931-4455

Friday, August 15

6-8pm - Steve Waters

Saturday, August 16

6-8pm - Lizeh Basciano

Sunday, August 17

1-3pm - Bread & Soul

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, August 14

7-10pm - Jazz & Blues Night ft. Carling Stephen & Rob Phillips

Friday, August 15

5-8pm - Lizeh Basciano; 9pm-12am - Dave Tough & The Scholars

Saturday, August 16

5-8pm - Brennan Sloan; 9pm-12am - Julian Fuego & The Black Japanthers

Sunday, August 17

4-7pm - Bob Butcher

Monday, August 18

7-10pm - Crash & Burn w/ Rick & Gailie

Tuesday, August 19

6-10pm - Open mic w/ Joslynn Burford

Coming Soon

Friday, August 22
5-8pm - Joslynn Burford; 9pm-12am - Night Howlers

Saturday, August 23
5-8pm - Rocky Islander; 9pm-12am - High Waters Band

Sunday, August 24
4-7pm - Tex Mudslide

Bonnie View Inn Dockside Patio

2713 Kashagawigamog Lake Rd., Haliburton
800-461-0347

Wednesday, August 20

5-8pm - Rockin' Bobs

Boshkung Social - Boshkung Brewing Co.

20 Water St., Minden
705-809-0512

Thursday, August 14

6pm - Cam Galloway

Saturday, August 16

3pm - Beach Patio Party w/ Van Hillert

Sunday, August 17

2pm - Will Surphlis

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Boston Pizza Lindsay

435 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-0008

Thursday, August 14

8-11pm - Open mic and karaoke

Friday, August 15

8-11pm - Darren Bailey

Burleigh Falls Inn

4791 Highway 28, Burleigh Falls
(705) 654-3441

Friday, August 15

6-8pm - Bob Butcher

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursday, August 14

9pm-1am - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross

Saturday, August 16

2-5pm - KC Carter; 10pm-2am - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross

Sunday, August 17

2:30-5:30pm - Asthma Kids

Crook & Coffer

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-876-0505

Thursday, August 14

7-9pm - Stu Ross

Friday, August 15

7:30-10:30pm - Cam Fraser

Saturday, August 16

2:30-4:30pm - Sean Hully; 7:30-10:30pm - Darryl Odderbreaux

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Saturday, August 16

7:30pm - Ian Tamblyn ($30 in advance at https://dominionhotel.gpr.globalpaymentsinc.ca)

Sunday, August 17

4-7pm - Jazz Bros

Tuesday, August 19

5-9pm - Van Hillert

Coming Soon

Saturday, August 30
7:30pm - Russell DeCarle Trio ($35 in advance at https://dominionhotel.gpr.globalpaymentsinc.ca)

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Saturday, August 16

2-6pm - Marty and the Mojos (no cover)

Coming Soon

Saturday, August 23
8:30pm - Port Hope Jazz presents Oakland Stroke ($35)

Saturday, September 6
8pm - Brooks & Bowskill ($30 cash at Zap Records or The Ganny)

Sunday, September 7
2pm - Brooks & Bowskill ($30 cash at Zap Records or The Ganny)

The Granite

45 Bridge St. W., Bancroft
613-332-1500

Saturday, August 16

5-8pm - Laura Keating

Haliburton Highlands Brewing

15543 Highway 35, Carnarvon
705-754-2739

Friday, August 15

7-9pm - Rich Howard

Saturday, August 16

2-4pm - Chris Smith

Sunday, August 17

2-4pm - Trina West

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Jethro's Bar + Stage

137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-931-0617

Friday, August 15

8-10pm -Dan Hick, Lucy Ferrill; 10pm-12am - Allura

Saturday, August 16

8-10pm - Ryan Naismith, Chris Gostling; 10pm-12am - Peterborough Folk Festival After Party w/ The Jet Airliners ft Jeanne Truax

Sunday, August 17

Closed (Jethro’s Blues Jam All Stars are playing at the Peterborough Folk Festival)

Wednesday, August 20

9pm - The Space Heaters

The John at Sadleir House

751 George St. N., Peterborough
705-742-3686

Friday, August 15

8:30pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents Nixon Boyd (of Hollerado) w/ VanCamp and I, The Mountain ($25 in advance at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/55033/)

VIDEO: "Every Time We Turn a Corner" - Nixon Boyd

Kawartha Country Wines

2452 County Road 36,, Buckhorn
705-657-9916

Sunday, August 17

1-4pm - Ralph Thrun (no cover)

Kelly's Homelike Inn

205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234

Friday, August 15

7-10pm - Matt SImpson

Saturday, August 16

4-8pm - Shaun Savoy

The Locker at The Falls

9 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls
705-887-6211

Thursday, August 14

7:30-10pm - Open mic w/ Rick Hughes

Saturday, August 16

5-8pm - Live music TBA

Sunday, August 17

1-4pm - Sean Jamieson

Mainstreet Bar & Grill

1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094

Friday, August 15

7:30pm - Karaoke hosted by DJ Ross

Saturday, August 16

7pm - Rob Donaldson

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Thursday, August 14

7-11pm - Karaoke

Sunday, August 17

1-3pm - Steph Morris

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Friday, August 15

9pm-1am - Jacob Henley

Saturday, August 16

9pm-1am - Cale Crowe

Sunday, August 17

8pm - Karaoke and open mic

Tuesday, August 19

8pm - Joanna & Danny Bronson

Wednesday, August 20

8pm - Kevin Foster

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The Mill Restaurant and Pub

990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177

Thursday, August 14

6-9pm - Midnight Crossing

Muddy's Pit BBQ

3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255

Sunday, August 17

3-6pm - Big Bad Jug Band

Pig's Ear Tavern

144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255

Friday, August 15

8pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents B.A. Johnston w/ The Stavely Project ($5 at door)

Saturday, August 16

8pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents The Silver Hearts ($5 at door)

Tuesday, August 19

9pm - Open stage

Wednesday, August 20

9pm - Karaoinke

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Friday, August 15

7pm - Karaoke w/ Ian Clement

Saturday, August 16

8pm - Brian Black

Rolling Grape Vineyard

260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876

Thursday, August 14

5:30-8:30pm - Sean Jamieson

Sunday, August 17

2-5pm - Mike Tremblett

Royal Crown Pub & Grill

4 King St. E., Colborne
905-355-1900

Saturday, August 16

8pm - DJ Mary (no cover)

Scenery Drive Restaurant

6193 County Road 45, Baltimore
905-349-2217

Saturday, August 16

5-7:30pm - Mike Tremblay

The Social Pub

295 George St. N., Peterborough
705-874-6724

Saturday, August 16

1-4pm - PMBA presents Al Black & The Steady Band w/ Melissa Payne and Maddy Hope & Parker Farris (no cover, donations appreciated)

Springville Tap n' Grill

2714 Brown Line, Peterborough
(705) 876-9994

Friday, August 15

7pm - Karaoke Party

Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Campbellford

18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333

Thursday, August 14

7-10pm - Justin Cooper

Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Marmora

16 Forsyth St., Marmora
613-666-9767

Thursday, August 14

7-10pm - Matt Marcuz

TheBack40 Smoke House

217 Fairbairn Rd., Bobcaygeon
705-928-0270

Thursday, August 14

6-9pm - Open mic

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, August 14

8:30-10pm - Road to Cultivate After Party ft Matt Bazinet

Friday, August 15

8pm-12am - Cale Crowe

Saturday, August 16

8pm-12am - Harry Hannah

Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort

1045 Settlers Line, Keene
(705) 295-4591

Tuesday, August 19

7pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Nicholas Campbell ($10 cover for show only, $39.95 for BBQ & show)

Coming Soon

Tuesday, August 26
7pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Carling Stephen Band ($10 cover for show only, $39.95 for BBQ & show)

Rotary Club of Peterborough unveils plans for a $1.5-million accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo

At a media event on August 14, 2025, the Rotary Club of Peterborough unveiled conceptual plans for a $1.5-million accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo in partnership with the zoo. Rotary has launched a community campaign called Project ROAR to raise funds for the new Rotary Accessible Playground, which is its latest legacy project. (Rendering: Basterfield & Associates Landscape Architects)

In partnership with the Riverview Park and Zoo, the Rotary Club of Peterborough has announced its next legacy project: a completely redesigned accessible playground at the zoo, along with a community campaign to raise $1.5 million for its construction.

The plans for the new Rotary Accessible Playground and the fundraising campaign were revealed at a media event at the Riverview Park and Zoo on Thursday (August 14).

Designed to allow people of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space, the accessible playground would include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and shady spaces with sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

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The connection between the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo has a long history, as the zoo was founded in 1933 by Rotarian Ross Dobbin, who was president of Peterborough’s water utility at the time.

“(Ross Dobbin) attended a water works conference in Florida and was unexpectedly gifted two alligators,” said Rotary president Tony Grady. “That unusual beginning sparked a tradition. Over the next three decades, orphaned and injured animals found a home here, and what started as a modest collection grew into the beloved Riverview Park and Zoo we know today.”

The plans for the accessible playground were originally developed through community consultation in 2018. In 2024, Riverview Park and Zoo manager curator Cathy Mitchell presented the concept for the project to the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough gathered at the Riverview Park and Zoo on August 14, 2025 to announce the club's latest legacy project: a $1.5-million accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo. The community campaign to raise funds for the project is called Project ROAR. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough)
Members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough gathered at the Riverview Park and Zoo on August 14, 2025 to announce the club’s latest legacy project: a $1.5-million accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo. The community campaign to raise funds for the project is called Project ROAR. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough)

“These engineered playground plans were created to address the diverse needs of our community, bringing all ages and all abilities together for outdoor recreation and play,” Mitchell said. “Thanks to Rotary and this legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”

Under the leadership of former president Betty Halman-Plumley, Rotary conducted a comprehensive outreach process to decide on club’s next legacy project, connecting with community members, local groups, and organizations to listen to their ideas, insights, needs, and possible projects.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow — regardless of ability,” Halman-Plumley said. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome.”

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The community campaign to raise $1.5 million for the Rotary Accessible Playground is called Project ROAR, with the Rotary Club of Peterborough encouraging people to make donations at peterboroughrotary.ca/page/rotary-accessible-playground.

Halman-Plumley said Rotary will match all donations to a maximum of $125,000 this year.

In addition to donating directly to Project ROAR, members of the community can visit Rotary’s website and the Hatch Café at Riverview Park and Zoo to review the plans and designs and share ideas for improvements. People can also support the project by volunteering for on-site tours, fundraising events and special events, or providing in-kind contributions such as writing grant applications.

“Together with the Riverview Park and Zoo we are building more than just a play space — we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive,” Halman-Plumley said.

Kim Mitchell closes out Peterborough Musicfest’s 38th season on Saturday night

Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell will perform songs from his solo career and his former band Max Webster during a free-admission concert at Del Crary Park on August 16, 2025, closing out Peterborough Musicfest's 38th season. (Photo: Al Pettman)

When venerable Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell takes to the stage this Saturday night (August 16), he’ll do so with a Peterborough connection that goes back decades.

Not only will the season-closing concert mark the Sarnia native’s fifth Peterborough Musicfest appearance — he first headlined in 1997 followed by performances in 2002, 2007, and 2012 — but Mitchell is returning to play in the hometown of his good friend and longtime associate Greg Wells.

After moving to Toronto from Peterborough at age 17 years old, Wells played keyboards in Mitchell’s band, both on tour and in the recording studio.

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Years later, Wells, one of the recording industry’s most sought-after producers, visited Mitchell at his Toronto home. Mitchell handed over some new songs and asked his friend to give them a listen. Wells did just that and, impressed by what he heard, produced The Big Fantasize, Mitchell’s eighth album released in 2020.

One can only imagine what a full-circle moment that was for the Adam Scott graduate who earned his chops courtesy of Mitchell.

While no can say for certain whether Mitchell will relate this tale at Del Crary Park, what we do know is the 73-year-old rocker will serve up the hits that proved to him, and to an appreciative international audience, that there was and still is a whole lot of life after Max Webster, the band he founded in 1972.

Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is, as always, free, thanks to the support of a number of longtime festival sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.

VIDEO: “Paradise Skies” – Max Webster with Kim Mitchell

Mitchell began his musical career playing in bands while he was in high school in Sarnia, moving to Toronto at the age of 17 where he played in bar bands and studied guitar under Tony Bradan.

After briefly touring in Greece, Mitchell returned to Toronto where he formed Max Webster with Sarnia keyboardist Terry Watkinson, bassist Mike Tilka, and drummer Paul Kersey. Fellow Sarnia native, the poet Pye Dubois, served as the band’s chief lyricist (Mitchell has said “I hate writing lyrics … I speak through my six strings”).

From 1972 to 1981, Max Webster provided Mitchell with a music career that any musician, then and now, would kill for.

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The band recorded six albums in five years, all certified gold for with the exception of 1979’s A Million Vacations, which attained platinum status. It took longer than it should have but, in 2023, Max Webster was recognized via its induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Having gone his own way in 1982, Mitchell didn’t waste any time, recording a self-titled mini-album that same year before going to work on his debut full-length album. That led to the 1984 release of Akimbo Alogo, with its single “Go For Soda” (with lyrics by Dubois) scoring its creator international success. While the tune was not intended to be about drinking and driving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in the U.S. adopted it as its campaign theme song.

Just two years later, Mitchell proved that success was no fluke via the release of his most successful solo album to date. Among the tracks on Shakin’ Like A Human Being were the songs “Alana Loves Me,” “Easy To Tame,” and “Patio Lanterns” — the latter proving to be Mitchell’s biggest hit.

VIDEO: “Go For Soda” – Kim Mitchell

In 1989 and 1992, two more albums — Rockland and Aural Fixations, respectively — also reaped Mitchell commercial success. Critical acclaim naturally followed in the form a 1990 Juno Award for Male Vocalist of the Year. The coveted statue took its place alongside earlier Junos awarded for Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Shakin’ Like A Human Being.

Starting with 1994’s Itch and concluding with 2020’s The Big Fantasize, Mitchell recorded four more albums and continued to tour. However, in early 2016, a heart attack and subsequent surgery shut him down — a forced respite which, based on his work pedigree up to that point, must have been very difficult for him.

However, as he related in a March 2024 interview with April Savoie of 519 Magazine, Mitchell came out of his health scare smarter in terms of his choices.

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“I want to take care of myself because I think it serves the audience better than a burnt-out old dude walking out on stage going, ‘Oh god, here we go,'” he says. “That’s not me. I want to go out on stage and think, ‘Yeah, I’m older but check this out. I’m ready to give it my all for you.'”

“Truth be told, my gastroenterologist hates when I go on the road because after 50 years of 2 a.m. shows and coming off stage, it’s a terrible lifestyle. I do recommend being a musician, but a touring musician’s life — unless you’re at a level like Bryan Adams where you have a chef 24/7 and you’re a vegetarian — it’s tough.”

During the same interview, Mitchell recounted the fortuitous reconnect with Wells that resulted in The Big Fantasize — his first album in 13 years, and the first since his heart surgery.

“Assuming he’s a successful guy, I said ‘I’ve written some songs.’ That’s the last thing a producer wants to hear, but he responded, ‘Yeah, man, absolutely’ when I asked if he’d listen to my stuff. So, I gave him the metaphorical USB key of shame with some songs on it. Two weeks later, he got a hold of me and said, ‘Please come to Los Angeles. Let’s record this.'”

VIDEO: “Patio Lanterns” – Kim Mitchell

As for a possible Max Webster reunion, Mitchell made it clear that’s not in the cards.

“The keyboard player, Terry Watkinson, is totally retired from music. He just paints his art now. Gary McCracken, the drummer, he’s completely retired. Paul Kersey, the first drummer, he’s totally retired. Mike Tilka, one of the bass players, is not retired. He actually lives in Florida and Toronto and plays a lot, but he kind of does jazz gigs. That Max Webster ship sailed a long time ago.”

That said, Mitchell plans to keep on keeping on, as long as he’s able to.

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“It’s just sort of the most comfortable thing I do,” Mitchell said. “I love transmitting musical energy with a band to an audience.”

“I think it’s a pretty magical thing that we humans do. We all get together with one common thing, and that is to sort of escape into Rocklandwonderland (a song from Mitchell’s 1989 album Rockland) and let this musical energy that’s being transmitted wash over us. It’s just a nice way of escaping for two hours because there’s a lot going on in the world.”

As for Mitchell’s fifth appearance at Peterborough Musicfest, he recently told Tim Durkin of Quinte Broadcasting that “I love playing Del Crary Park.”

“It holds a huge piece of real estate in my heart, because some of our bigger crowds have been there and most enthusiast audiences,” he said, adding that he will even sometimes drive to Peterborough just to sit in Del Crary Park.

VIDEO: “All We Are” – Kim Mitchell

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.

All three wildland fires in Kawarthas are now out

Crews fighting the HAL019 fire east of Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes. By the end of the day on August 13, 2025, the fire's status had been upgraded from "out of control" to "being held," which means fire crews have established a boundary around the fire and are confident the fire will not escape that boundary. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lake

Updates – On Thursday, August 14, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) reported that fire HAL018 in Hastings County is now deemed as being “under control.” A wildland fire is considered under control once it has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.

On Friday, August 15, MNR reported that fire HAL019 east of Burnt River is now deemed as being under control. County Road 49 from County Road 121 to Bury’s Green Road was reopened as of 12:30 p.m. Late Friday afternoon, MNR reported that fire OFR001 near Kirkfield is also under control. Prospect Road has been reopened.

On Tuesday, August 19, MNR reported that fire HAL019 east of Burnt River remains under control and that fire OFR001 near Kirkfield has been deemed as “out,” which means the fire has been totally extinguished.

On Wednesday, August 20, MNR reported that fire HAL018 in Hastings County and fire HAL019 east of Burnt River are deemed as out.

 

Original story from August 14

Two of the three wildland fires burning in the Kawarthas region, HAL018 in Hastings County and HAL019 east of Burnt River, are now being held, with the remaining fire — OFR001 south of Kirkfield — still out of control but not spreading.

Early on Wednesday (August 13), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) provided an update that the HAL018 fire in Hastings County — located on Crown land in the Municipality of Marmora and Lake south of Coe Hill in Wollaston Township and east of Aspley in North Kawartha Township — was being held.

By Wednesday evening, MNR had updated the status of the HAL019 fire, located east of Burnt River and south of Kinmount, to the same.

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“Being held” means that, with current committed resources, crews have taken sufficient suppression action so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions.

During a virtual media briefing on Thursday morning organized by the City of Kawartha Lakes, MNR fire information officer Evan Lizotte clarified the “being held” status for HAL019, which remains at 27 hectares in size.

“Essentially, fire rangers have established a boundary and they are confident that the fire will not escape that boundary,” Lizotte said.

A firefighter working on the HAL019 fire east of Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
A firefighter working on the HAL019 fire east of Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)

Lizotte added that five crews remain on the ground to bring the fire under control, which means it has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire. Once the fire has been completely extinguished, including all hot spots, it is labelled as being “out.”

“We are cautiously optimistic about that news,” said Kawartha Lakes mayor Doug Elmslie about the being held status for HAL019. “I am reminded that conditions are still very dry and we’re probably one lightning strike from being in the soup again.”

Elmslie later said that the suspected cause of the HAL019 fire was a lightning strike during a thunderstorm last Friday.

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A road closure remains in effect on County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green, although City of Kawartha Lakes communications manager Cheri Anderson said “we may see some changes later today.”

While the OFR001 fire south of Kirkfield remains out of control and 33.5 hectares in size, Lizotte said crews are “making good progress on the ground, and do not require aerial attack,” although aerial support is available if required.

Seven crews continue to fight the fire, and Prospect Road remains closed from south of 1304 Prospect Road to north of 1375 Prospect Road.

Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service crews receiving a briefing about the HAL019 fire east of Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service crews receiving a briefing about the HAL019 fire east of Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)

“We are also somewhat optimistic on the Kirkfield area fire, and we hope to hear news at the end of the day that progress has been made in that area,” said Mayor Elmslie.

He said the municipality is not contemplating any evacuations at this time, but noted farmers in the area of the OFR001 fire “have moved some livestock because they felt they might be threatened.”

The mayor reiterated that, so far, the fires have not caused any injuries among civilians or firefighters.

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A total fire ban remains in effect in the entire Kawarthas region.

As for the possibility of forecasted hot weather increasing the fire risk, Lizotte said the MNR takes into account weather forecasts and their potential impact on fire activity.

“We are ready for that,” he said.

 

The original version of this story has been updated several times to reflect the status of the three fires.

33-year-old man drowned in Lake Dalrymple in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday night

A 33-year-old man drowned in Lake Dalrymple in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday night (August 12).

At around 7:55 p.m. on Tuesday, City of Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to a 9-1-1 call about a swimmer who had gone missing in Lake Dalrymple, located northwest of Kirkfield.

The man, who was on a boat with two others, got off the boat to swim but did not resurface afterwards.

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Police searched the area but were unable to locate the missing man. On Wednesday, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit recovered the man’s body from the lake.

Police are not releasing the name of the 33-year-old victim out of respect for the family’s privacy.

City of Kawartha Lakes OPP are continuing to investigate the incident. If you have any information that could aid the investigation, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

How to save young trees in Peterborough during the hot, dry summer

Jonathon Armstrong, GreenUP native plant nursery assistant, waters a young tree at Ecology Park. There are many tips for proper tree-watering during hot, dry weather, such as watering at the drip line at least two to three times a week. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

Trees are a natural air conditioner, shading homes, businesses, parks, and trails from the heat of the sun, helping to keep temperatures down during heat waves. In built-up areas like the City of Peterborough, trees counteract the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb heat, making it hotter than natural areas.

Normally trees follow an organic cycle, whereby older trees die off and are replaced with young saplings. In natural areas, young trees come up on their own, while in built-up areas, they are usually planted.

Between the derecho three years ago, the ice storm earlier this year, and the emerald ash borer, a substantial number of mature trees have been lost in the Peterborough region in a very short period of time.

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The loss of mature trees is concerning and has not gone unnoticed. Tree planting is taking place on both public and private properties to replace these majestic beauties.

The City of Peterborough, for example, has an Urban Forest Strategic Plan and is working to replace each tree lost to the emerald ash borer. Ensuring that these young trees grow into mature trees is important for counteracting hot summers, one of the many benefits of trees.

This summer has been unusually hot and dry, creating problems for young trees. The average temperature in July was 21.3°C, compared to the normal of 19.7°C. Peterborough received just 10 millimetres of rain last month, according to data from the Trent University weather station. As of early August, no rainfall has been recorded.

Volunteers plant a tree along the Trans Canada Trail in GreenUP Ecology Park in June. On both public and private properties, tree planting has been taking place in an effort to restore heavily damaged local canopies. The hot, dry weather has put these young trees at risk. Caring for and watering them properly is key to their survival. (Photo: Yvonne Hollandy / GreenUP)
Volunteers plant a tree along the Trans Canada Trail in GreenUP Ecology Park in June. On both public and private properties, tree planting has been taking place in an effort to restore heavily damaged local canopies. The hot, dry weather has put these young trees at risk. Caring for and watering them properly is key to their survival. (Photo: Yvonne Hollandy / GreenUP)

Young trees are especially vulnerable to the combined effects of heat and low precipitation. Their growth and survival depend on having enough water during periods of high temperatures.

With such a hot, dry summer unfolding, many trees and shrubs planted in the last three to five years are showing signs of heat stress such as wilting leaves, scorched leaf edges, and a sparse-looking canopy.

Most cities in Ontario do not water trees beyond the first year, but this summer is no average year in the Peterborough area. Young trees need water. A community of people willing and able to help could make a big difference to their survival rate.

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Whether watering young trees at home, or pitching in to help water trees in a boulevard, park, or apartment building, there are a few important tips to consider.

The goal of watering is to keep the soil moist without oversaturating or letting it get too dry. They need to be watered slowly to ensure the water penetrates deep into the soil.

A light rain is not enough to help young trees that are struggling, yet watering every day can suffocate root systems and create opportunities for rot and disease to develop. Be sure to water only two to three times per week in hot, dry weather.

Linden Crane pitches in by watering a vulnerable specimen on a local boulevard. Community members can help young trees survive by adopting one to help water. (Photo: Susan Sauvé / GreenUP)
Linden Crane pitches in by watering a vulnerable specimen on a local boulevard. Community members can help young trees survive by adopting one to help water. (Photo: Susan Sauvé / GreenUP)

Here is some further guidance on how to water trees and shrubs effectively.

Identify the root zone

The roots of a tree, especially the water-absorbing ones, are primarily in the top 60 cm (2 feet) of soil and extend beyond the drip line, the area under the tree’s canopy. Avoid watering directly at the trunk, as it can lead to root rot.

Choose a watering method

Bucket or watering can: water slowly using two to three buckets or watering cans per tree.

Soaker hose: Lay the hose in a circle around the tree, under the canopy drip line and turn it on for an hour.

Garden hose: Turn the hose to a slow trickle and move it around the drip line for an hour or more. The bigger the tree, the more water it needs.

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Consider mulching

Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed and grass growth. Many grasses survive by releasing chemicals from their roots which inhibit the growth of trees.

Apply an eight-centimetre (three inch) layer of organic mulch (like wood chips or bark) extending at least to the drip line, keeping it away from the trunk.

Other important notes

Water in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.

Continue watering into the fall, especially newly planted trees, to help them prepare for winter.

Avoid synthetic fertilizers and manure around newly planted trees. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen will encourage top growth which could spell doom for trees which are stressed and need strong root systems first.

Students at Keith Wightman Public School worked with GreenUP last fall to rewild parts of the schoolyard to help provide shade, play areas, and learning opportunities. GreenUP is inviting community volunteers to help care for these vulnerable young plants and trees while students are away for the summer. (Photo: Laura Keresztesi / GreenUP)
Students at Keith Wightman Public School worked with GreenUP last fall to rewild parts of the schoolyard to help provide shade, play areas, and learning opportunities. GreenUP is inviting community volunteers to help care for these vulnerable young plants and trees while students are away for the summer. (Photo: Laura Keresztesi / GreenUP)

To help a young tree survive this weather, consider adopting one for watering near home or work that is wilting, has lost leaves, or has scorched leaf edges.

GreenUP is inviting community volunteers to help care for young plants and trees recently installed in partnership with local schools.

To tend to the plants at St. John Catholic Elementary School at 4 p.m. on Monday (August 18), register at SJSchoolyardBlitz25.eventbrite.ca. To help at Keith Wightman Public School at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, register at KWSchoolyardBlitz25.eventbrite.ca.

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