From extreme weather and wildland fires to pivotal political decisions, 2025 tested the resilience of the Kawarthas region while also revealing its capacity for collective action and strength.

Some of the year’s most consequential stories were driven by the changing climate, with a spring ice storm leaving thousands without power and communities leaning on one another, and wildland fires scorching rural areas of the region during an August dry spell.

Politics also loomed large, as Peterborough reaffirmed its reputation as a bellwether riding with the federal election of Liberal Emma Harrison as Member of Parliament, while the municipality faced scrutiny over the use of strong mayor powers, code-of-conduct violations, and controversial development approvals and heritage decisions.

At the same time, residents mobilized to protect library services, oppose funding clawbacks, challenge planning decisions, and call out racism and homophobia. The strength of collective community action was also shown in the response to a fire that destroyed a historic building in Lakefield and fundraising to help a Peterborough neighbourhood association pay a punitive settlement after it lost its fight against city hall.

The year was also defined by future-looking decisions, with community-driven philanthropy helping to transform local healthcare, conservation efforts protecting thousands of acres of ecologically important land, and concerted efforts to support local businesses and regional tourism against a backdrop of job losses and U.S. economic protectionism.

These topics and more are covered in our selection of the 25 most-read, most-shared, and most interesting stories on kawarthaNOW over the past 12 months.

1. August wildland fires

In early August, several counties in the Kawarthas region issued open-air fire bans amid extreme dry conditions and wildfire risk. On August 9, four active forest fires began burning across the Kawarthas, including a 27-hectare fire near Burnt River that closed County Road 49. On August 11, two fires were still out of control in Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes and Marmora and Lake in Hastings County. By August 19, over a week after they started, all three remaining wildland fires were out. Community members were appreciative of the sustained efforts of fire crews, with one local artist supplying crews with water, drinks, and snacks.

2. Election of Emma Harrison as Peterborough MP

Emma Harrison’s political rise began in February, when kawarthaNOW’s profile of the Lakefield farmer noted that her social media commentary was attracting a national audience. In March, she was announced as the federal Liberal candidate and soon after officially launched her campaign. Momentum built with visits from Liberal leader Mark Carney, whose Peterborough rally energized supporters. On April 28, Harrison unseated Conservative incumbent Michelle Ferreri, later settling into life as Peterborough’s new MP.

3. Spring ice storm

In late March, Environment Canada warned the Kawarthas of a potent spring ice storm expected to bring widespread freezing rain and power outages. Two days later, the storm was confirmed as major, prompting Peterborough city and county officials to declare a significant weather event. By March 31, the region was grappling with extensive damage, prolonged outages, and hazardous roads. In early April, daily briefings detailed recovery efforts, followed by stories highlighting community solidarity and volunteer response.

4. Fire at Kawartha Home Hardware building in Lakefield

On October 9, a devastating blaze engulfed the historic Kawartha Home Hardware building in downtown Lakefield. By October 10, the fire was contained as community support efforts began for displaced residents. On October 12, the fire-devastated building was demolished, and by October 23, Queen Street reopened. In November, the Lakefield Curling Club raised more than $15,000, while plans were announced to open a pop-up Home Hardware store before Christmas.

5. Job losses in Peterborough

In June, Siemens Canada revealed its Peterborough manufacturing operations would wind down. In July, Lufthansa InTouch said its Peterborough call centre will close by 2026. Also in late July, the Coca-Cola Minute Maid plant announced job impacts tied to ending frozen product lines by 2026, prompting local leaders to form a task force to support regional industry.

6. Peterborough County response to impact of U.S. tariffs

In March, Peterborough County announced a series of actions it was taking in a coordinated response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, including supporting and promoting businesses located in the county by launching “The Local Advantage in Peterborough County” program to boost local businesses through storytelling, support initiatives, and advocacy.

As part of the program, kawarthaNOW partnered with Peterborough County on a series of profiles of 25 local businesses and organizations, including Kawartha Country Wines in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, The Little Building Company in Douro-Dummer, Paluski Boats in Lakefield, Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro, Entomo Farms in Norwood, 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, Bikinis by Bridget in North Kawartha, Millbrook Mercantile in Millbrook, Lakefield Farmers’ Market in Lakefield, Woodleigh Farms in Cavan Monaghan, Sanctuary Flower Fields in Douro-Dummer, Heritage Blooms U-Pick Flower Farm in Asphodel-Norwood, PondView Estates in Norwood, Style Your Nest in Buckhorn, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience in Douro-Dummer, Muddy’s Pit BBQ in Keene, HitcHinge in Apsley, Escape Maze in Otonabee-South Monaghan, The Eyrie in North Kawartha, Stoney Point Marina in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, At The Lake Distributing in Selwyn, Kawartha Ethanol in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Unbounded in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Jodi-Lee Nutrition & Wellness in Peterborough County, and Cherkam in Cavan Monaghan.

To help boost local tourism, kawarthaNOW also partnered with Peterborough County on the “Road Tripping in the Kawarthas” series, with each story in the series focused on one of the county’s eight townships, including North Kawartha, Trent Lakes, Douro-Dummer, Cavan Monaghan, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, and Selwyn Township.

7. Incidents of racism and homophobia

In 2025, there were a number of incidents of racism and homophobia across the region. Outrage erupted after Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal used a racial slur during a Trent University lecture, prompting calls from the Afrocentric Awareness Network for his resignation and a City Hall protest. Other incidents included vandalism of the Nogojiwanong Project panels in Peterborough, a racist harassment incident at a Peterborough mall, and vandalism of Pride-themed bollards in North Kawartha.

8. Land conservation efforts

Land conservation was a defining theme in 2025, led by the landmark announcement in June that a 26,300-acre tract south of Bancroft became the largest protected area owned by an individual in Canada.

Kawartha Land Trust also expanded its land conservation efforts, creating the MapleCross John Wolfe Forest Preserve, then rallying community support to secure the Kawartha Highlands South property, ultimately proceeding with the purchase and later establishing a new nature reserve, as well as protecting additional acres in Kawartha Lakes.

In other land conservation news, an estate gift enabled the expansion of Hazel Bird Nature Reserve, underscoring a region-wide commitment to safeguarding land for future generations.

9. Lindsay man charged with assaulting a home intruder

In August, kawarthaNOW reported on a controversial case in which a Lindsay man was charged after seriously injuring an intruder in his apartment, even though the intruder also faced criminal charges. The incident sparked national public debate about homeowners’ rights and self-defence. Days later, the Kawartha Lakes police chief defended the decision to lay charges, emphasizing that Canadian law requires defensive force to be proportionate to the threat. Legal experts across Canada echoed that self-defence is not automatic and is assessed case by case, making the story a flashpoint for broader discussions about crime, safety, and justice.

10. Notable residents who passed away in 2025

In 2025, the region mourned the loss of several prominent community leaders. The year began with the passing of Carl Oake, a longtime businessman and volunteer whose legacy lives on through the Rotary Swim. In March, healthcare leader Lori Richey died at 57. May brought the sudden loss of Lindsay businessman Linden “Lindy” Mackey, whose impact was later honoured through a new legacy fund. May also saw the passing of two-time Peterborough federal election candidate and Order of Canada member Dr. Betsy McGregor and longtime Peterborough businessman Ernie Ferguson. In June, the Peterborough arts community lost playwright and artist Chuck Vollmar. In November, the Peterborough community mourned the passing of civic leader Ann Farquharson, who was remembered as “a force for good.”

11. Funding for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association

In late November 2025, the City of Peterborough proposed revisiting a long-standing downtown funding agreement by drafting a by-law to assume authority over a $150,000 annual payment to the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) that was part of a 2017 casino appeal settlement. The proposal drew swift opposition, with the Peterborough DBIA issuing a strong warning that the move threatened downtown stability and broke trust. Following intense pushback by the public and the business community, city council unanimously rejected the proposed by-law, leaving the funding arrangement intact.

12. Proposed 17-storey high-rise building approved for Peterborough’s East City

In early 2025, a proposed 10-storey building in East City advanced through the planning process, drawing early concern from residents. By May, the project expanded dramatically to 17 storeys, prompting growing backlash as the developer argued intensification was city-directed. Despite community protests, city staff recommended approval of a zoning by-law amendment. On August 25, city council approved the zoning by-law amendment, later allowing demolition of part of Mark Street United Church on the site. A final 7–4 council vote sealed approval of the development, despite continued opposition from neighbouring residents.

13. Demolition of historic General Electric factory complex in Peterborough

In early October, a proposal to partially demolish the historic General Electric factory complex came before Peterborough city council. Days later, council approved demolition of most buildings, despite contamination concerns, prompting criticism that the decision violated the Ontario Heritage Act. Public opposition intensified as council again allowed demolition of contaminated structures, drawing scrutiny from Peterborough County council, while Ontario’s environment minister stated that ministry staff would ensure the demolition process “protects public health and the environment.” Efforts to expand heritage protection of some of the buildings in the complex were rejected, while public health officials sought a detailed demolition plan.

14. Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal contravenes council’s code of conduct

In late May, an integrity commissioner’s report found Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal contravened council’s code of conduct, concluding he intimidated councillor Alex Bierk and bullied councillor Joy Lachica. Days later, city council voted against penalizing the mayor, sparking public backlash. Community members organized a “Rally for Integrity”, which proceeded ahead of a ratification vote. Despite renewed pressure that the mayor be penalized for his behaviour, six of 10 councillors again voted against imposing penalties.

15. Peterborough neighbourhood association challenges use of strong mayor powers

In February 2025, Mayor Jeff Leal invoked strong mayor powers to fast-track Brock Mission’s transitional housing project, triggering a heated city council debate and lingering community unease as site testing began. In April, a neighbourhood group led by resident Sarah McNeilly launched a legal challenge, but it collapsed in December when the group was forced to abandon the case, agreed to a $22,500 settlement, and turned to community fundraising to cover the costs of the legal settlement, quickly reaching its goal.

16. City of Peterborough reverses decision on cuts to library staff

In late May, community pushback began when concerned parents formed Our Future Peterborough in response to proposed staffing cuts at the Peterborough Public Library. Opposition quickly gained national attention as prominent artists and writers signed an open letter urging the city to reverse course. Days later, the city paused the planned cuts, followed by the departure of library CEO Jennifer Jones. By September, the library committed to reinstating librarian and CEO positions, and appointed Melissa Redden as the library’s new CEO in November.

17. Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes loses Ontario Land Tribunal appeal

After Peterborough city council denied its temporary rezoning application for a proposed sleeping-cabin community in 2024, Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes submitted an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal and, in early 2025, focused its efforts on building community capacity while it awaited a hearing. Momentum grew in February when the group opened its first completed tiny home in partnership with One City Peterborough. In May, organizers hosted a fundraiser to support the legal challenge. The effort ended in October when the tribunal rejected the appeal, halting plans for the Lansdowne Street cabin project.

18. Warming room at Cobourg shelter closes and reopens temporarily in Northumberland County building

In early 2025, Northumberland County expanded homelessness supports as more than 160 people accessed Cobourg’s Division Street shelter, though concerns soon followed. By spring, the county was working to address health and safety issues and, two months later, a town hall meeting saw residents voice frustration and concern with the shelter. Following council direction, the county closed the warming room at the Cobourg shelter and searched for alternatives. After months of exploration, council approved a temporary warming room at county headquarters, which opened in late November and was averaging 15 nightly visitors by mid-December.

19. Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds supports Grace Bowen’s family in Cobourg arena renaming

In April, famous Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds asked Cobourg council to rename a local arena at Cobourg Community Centre in honour of Grace Bowen, a nine-year-old Grafton hockey player who died of cancer in 2015 and whom he credited with profoundly impacting his life. The request quickly gained public support, leading the Town of Cobourg to move forward with the tribute. In September, the community gathered as plans were announced for an arena renaming ceremony. Reynolds joined Grace’s family and local officials to officially open the Grace Bowen Arena, celebrating her legacy and spirit.

20. New Canadians Centre in Peterborough ushers in a new chapter

In April, the New Canadians Centre in Peterborough marked a major milestone when it assumed ownership of St. James United Church after more than a decade as a tenant, securing a permanent home on Romaine Street while allowing the church congregation and St. James Players to remain. In July, the organization announced new leadership with the appointment of Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam as executive director, himself a Canadian newcomer, ushering in a new chapter of the organization’s mission to support immigrants to the region.

21. High-speed rail project with a Peterborough stop moves closer to reality

In February, a proposed high-speed rail network with a planned stop in Peterborough moved closer to reality when it received approval to move into development, backed by $3.9 billion in federal funding and a partnership between Alto and the Cadence consortium. As planning advanced, local engagement deepened in October when Joel Wiebe left the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce to join Alto as a senior advisor. In December, the federal government confirmed the Ottawa–Montreal segment as the project’s first phase, with expansion to Peterborough planned in later stages.

22. Peterborough celebrates the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson emigration

In January, a year-long commemoration began as the bicentennial of the 1825 Peter Robinson Irish emigration was marked with historical presentations. By spring, the city was preparing for major August celebrations, alongside cultural programming including Trent Valley Archives Theatre’s play “Crossing Over” and Irish-themed Peterborough Musicfest concerts. Summer highlights included 4th Line Theatre’s world premiere of “Wild Irish Geese”, as well as the dedication of a memorial plaque at St. Peter’s Cemetery, honouring the settlers and their descendants.

23. Measles returns to the Kawarthas region

In April, local public health officials warned of the growing threat of measles in the region, prompting renewed calls for vaccination. By May, officials acknowledged the risk of local spread, followed days later by a confirmed exposure at Lindsay’s hospital. In June, the first regional case was confirmed, including a rare breakthrough infection. Peterborough soon reported its first locally acquired case in more than a decade, followed by a second case. Although there was no measles outbreak in the Kawarthas in 2025 following these cases, they underscored a resurgence of the disease in Ontario and Alberta that saw Canada lose its measles-free status after almost three decades.

24. Expansion of community healthcare clinics and family doctor recruitment

In early 2025, the Canadian Mental Health Association launched mental health walk-in clinics in Peterborough and Lindsay. Spring brought broader primary-care efforts, including community feedback on Port Hope’s walk-in clinic and a new George Street clinic for unattached patients in Peterborough. By May, physician recruitment gains were reported in Peterborough. Summer and fall saw fundraising successes, new clinics, a physician recruitment specialist for Northumberland County, the opening of the Peterborough Community Health Centre, expanded mobile outreach for rural and Indigenous communities in the Peterborough area and, in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the arrival of new family doctors in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon.

25. Lesley Heighway of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation recognized for leadership in healthcare philanthropy

The impact of healthcare philanthropy in Peterborough was underscored when Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway was named Business Citizen of the Year in October, in recognition of her leadership in mobilizing community support for the regional hospital.

In 2025, the PRHC Foundation celebrated the launch of a donor-funded Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) courtyard and the opening of donor-funded state-of-the-art interventional radiology suites, while continuing to raise funds through its $70-million Campaign for PRHC to bring a donor-funded hybrid operating room and donor-funded digital pathology for cancer care to the hospital.