UPDATE – On Sunday afternoon, Environment Canada cancelled the severe thunderstorm watch.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the southern Kawarthas region for Sunday afternoon and evening (July 13).
The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
A line of thunderstorms may develop over the region and move slowly eastward. The main threat for hazardous thunderstorms will be Sunday afternoon into early evening.
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Severe thunderstorms may include wind gusts up to 100 km/h, heavy downpours, and up to toonie-size hail.
Strong wind gusts can damage trees and buildings and overturn vehicles.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail.
"After the Storm", an oil painting by Buckhorn artist Michael Dumas that depicts a Canadian Lynx in an environment affected by climate change, won the Artists for Conservation Seerey-Lester Award of Excellence in 2024. "Of Light and Life" is a retrospective exhibition of five decades of Dumas' work at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre's Agnes Jamieson Gallery from July 17 to September 13, 2025, with an opening reception featuring the artist on Saturday, July 19. (Photo courtesy of Michael Dumas)
When an artist has had a five-decade career full of numerous awards, art shows around the world, and the kind of success that Michael Dumas has found, you might think he could create a new work in the blink of an eye — but that’s certainly not always the case.
At his upcoming exhibit at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery, located at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre in Minden, Dumas will be lifting the veil and offering a glimpse into the process of creating his distinctive works of art by displaying observational sketches and preliminary drawings.
On display from Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, September 13, “Of Light and Life” will feature work that spans his career offering several new pieces and styles that you might not anticipate from the acclaimed wildlife artist. An opening reception takes place on Saturday, July 19 from 1 to 3 p.m., where Dumas will also be launching his new book Algonquin Legacy.
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“I hope people will be able to see more deeply into the art and realize how much thought and time that goes into it,” Dumas says. “They’re not just pictures — they’re statements of something that’s much deeper than that.”
The title of the exhibition combines two foundational and active ingredients of Dumas’ work that are exemplified across the more than 70 pieces in the exhibition.
Light, he explains, creates colour but also reveals form, which supports the foundation for everything he does with his “first love,” drawing.
“I am very caught up in different circumstances of light,” Dumas says. “It can be very dramatic light, it can be subtle, but light has an ever-changing effect on the way we look at the world. Because of that, I often return to the same subjects at some of the same places, because it will appear very different depending on the change of light.”
Internationally renowned Buckhorn-based wildlife artist Michael Dumas in his studio in 2017 working on his oil painting “Looking Out” featuring an eastern phoebe in a flour mill. (Photo courtesy of Michael Dumas)
As for the component of “life,” he says there is a duality both in how he is depicting living things, while also offering insight into his own perception.
“My work is based on what I see and what I observe and what I experience and how it affects me, so a big part of that becomes my life I’m expressing through my paintings,” he says.
“There is a very strong emotional content. I will relate to things in my childhood, relate to different memories and other experiences, so by the time all of that filters through to the point where it’s so strong that I begin to paint, that’s the release.”
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Unlike traditional retrospective exhibitions, “Of Light and Life,” will not be organized in chronological order, but rather will be spread across three separate areas.
The first is devoted to process and progress, featuring earlier work that shows Dumas’ evolution as an artist.
The oldest piece on display will be a wax crayon drawing from 1954-55 when Dumas was only four or five years old. There will also be preliminary sketch work that helps him get visuals of the wildlife he later turns into his award-winning realist paintings.
“Oversized Shirt” and “Waiting for a Friend” are two sketches by world-renowned Buckhorn artist Michael Dumas. His retrospective solo exhibition “Of Light and Life” at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden from July 17 to September 13, 2025 will feature several observational sketches and preliminary drawings to give viewers a glimpse of the process behind an art piece. (Photo courtesy of Michael Dumas)
“It brings you in and you appreciate the work more, because you begin to realize that the art is not created just by someone sitting down and doing it all out in the head,” Dumas says.
“There’s a whole involvement with environment, with experience, and those things generate not just facts, but they generate emotions and impressions of things. And all of that dictates the direction of the painting. You get an idea or concept and it’s like a string, a thread you hold onto while you’re painting, and as long as you can hold on to that thread, it leads you in the right direction.”
“All the preparation and keeping hold of that emotional content of what inspired you in the first place is very important to me,” he adds.
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Perhaps surprising to Dumas fans who are most familiar with his works depicting nature, the second section of the show will include portraits of people.
“That room is going to be dedicated to people, places, and things,” he says.
“A lot of that is going to be very much not just new paintings for people, but a new overall impression of what I do and have done my whole career.”
“Luis” (oil on birch) by Michael Dumas. Fans of the Buckhorn wildlife artist might be surprised to know that he has done portraits throughout his career. Some of these, as well as pieces focused on places and things, will be on display during his solo exhibition “Of Light and Life” running at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden from July 17 to September 13, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Michael Dumas)
But, to no surprise, the largest room will be dedicated to the wildlife and nature-oriented subject matter for which Dumas has become well known not just locally, but around the world.
Throughout five decades, he has used his artwork to promote and raise funds for conservation initiatives and groups. In 2023, he was the recipient of the Simon Combes Conservation Award from Artists for Conservation.
“To me, it’s this privilege of seeing the secret lives of very evasive creatures you don’t get to see every day, and which can be a bit of a mystery,” Dumas says. “These are paintings of things that are happening in the world when nobody is around to see them. That’s how I look at the paintings: I try to be an invisible ghost observing these things but they’re really happening unbeknownst to the rest of the world.”
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During the July 19th opening reception for “Of Light and Life,” Dumas will also be celebrating the launch of his new book Algonquin Legacy, which will document his appreciation for Algonquin Provincial Park.
Born and raised in the hamlet of Whitney, on the southeast border of the park, Dumas spent years working as a park ranger and has been involved in research projects — including getting to cuddle bear cubs to keep them warm.
Through stories, photographs, and, of course, many visuals, Algonquin Legacy will include some of these stories and show Dumas’ appreciation for a place that has played a “tremendous role” in his life. The latter quarter of the book will depict works where his life has taken him beyond the park.
When Michael Dumas celebrates his new retrospective exhibition “Of Light and Life,” at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre’s Agnes Jamieson Gallery with an opening reception on July 19, 2025, he will also be celebrating the release of his new book “Algonquin Legacy,” which shares stories of the significant role that Algonquin Provincial Park played in his life while he was growing up in Whitney and throughout his career. (Images courtesy of Michael Dumas)
“I wanted to create a book envisioning the way I would want a book of an artist that I really liked,” he says. “I would want to see big images. I want to see how the artist has done things. I would want drawings to be there, and I want to see the relationship of things.”
Dumas encourages community members to join him at the opening reception, which will be full of bites, beverages, art, and lots of stories.
“I want to extend a really big invitation for people to come out and see it and not be shy in approaching me,” he says. “I love talking to people.”
The Agnes Jamieson Gallery is located at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre at 174-176 Bobcaygeon Road, a four-acre site in the village of Minden that also includes the Minden Hills Museum & Heritage Village, Nature’s Place, and the Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton County Public Library.
Michael Dumas sketching a penguin on Avian Island in Antarctica in 1990. (Photo courtesy of Michael Dumas)
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott engages with young students interested in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) on July 10, 2025 as Ampere celebrated its first summer camps in its new makerspace at 12 Peel Street in Lindsay, which was renovated with the help of a $200,000 grant from the provincial government's Ontario Trillium Foundation. (Photo: Ampere)
Ampere is moving full steam ahead in Lindsay with its first series of educational summer camps in its new space for students of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
At a media event on Thursday (July 10), Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott stopped by to see the team at Ampere and discuss the impact of a $200,000 capital grant the non-profit organization received in 2024 through the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The grant was used to purchase and install flooring and lighting at Ampere’s new makerspace, located at 12 Peel Street in Lindsay. The facility, which is more than triple the size of Ampere’s former makerspace, is now welcoming its first groups of summer campers.
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“It’s exciting to see the (OTF) invest this $200,000 in Ampere association’s headquarters/makerspace renovation,” said MPP Scott in a media release. “This funding will help expand access to vital digital skills and technology services, helping to empower the people of Kawartha Lakes to take part in the growing STEAM economy.”
For over a decade, Ampere (formerly the Pinnguaq Association) has partnered with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to provide people with access to STEAM education and opportunities.
Ampere said the new makerspace is designed and conceived to function as a learning space for people of all ages and will also serve as a community hub for events and gatherings of all types.
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“The lighting and flooring are key elements of those objectives and are fundamental to creating a warm, welcoming space where community members of all ages can thrive,” the organization noted.
“This grant helped us create a warm environment that’s welcoming to all, but also flexible and able to adapt to unique learner or group needs,” said Ryan Oliver, Ampere’s CEO.
“Everything has been chosen intentionally, from floors that consider young learners and robot wheels, to lighting zones that create warm, natural light, while offering flexibility to accommodate specific event or participant needs.”
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Ampere’s 4,500-square foot Lindsay makerspace is “filled with robots, maker kits, oozing oobleck, Minecraft marvels, and some of the best STEAM educators in Canada,” according to Ampere’s website. “It’s also a community hub where people of all ages can learn about and embrace the power that STEAM creates, in their own lives, in their own way.”
Ampere applies a “lifecycle” approach to education, which aims to ensure it’s supporting learners at every age and at every stage of life. The organization offers programming through its makerspaces in Lindsay, Iqaluit, Nunavut, and New Brunswick, and works directly with community partners, social organizations, governmental funders, and educational institutions across the country.
In another first for Ampere, the organization offered its inaugural STEAM School scholarship in the Kawartha Lakes this year. The scholarship was available to one child or youth between the ages of nine and 12 years old.
A value of more than $1,300, the scholarship allowed one child to attend STEAM school one day per week between January and June.
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Jamie Steel, Ampere’s senior lead of community relations, told kawarthaNOW at the time that Ampere had high hopes for the scholarship and STEAM education overall. Steel said STEAM school gives children and youth the chance to explore their interests and passion for the subjects in a hands-on environment.
“Not only will what they learn help prepare them for the STEAM-powered world we live in, the way they learn — in an inclusive community of peers — is intended to support relationship building and a sense of belonging.”
The STEAM School, which Ampere launched in Kawartha Lakes in September 2024, is a day school that gives learners in Grades 4 to 6 the chance to advance their knowledge of STEAM subjects and learn how they can contribute to the STEAM sector.
To learn more about Ampere and STEAM education, visit amp.ca.
A view of Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Thursday, July 17 at 12 p.m., the following beaches are unsafe for swimming:
Rogers Cove in Peterborough
Lakefield Park in Lakefield
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area in South Monaghan
Burnt River Beach in Somerville
Rotary Head Lake Beach in Haliburton County
In addition, as of July 3, Peterborough Public Health has received multiple reports of residents experiencing swimmer’s itch, a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection with certain parasites of birds and mammals, after swimming at White’s Beach in Trent Lakes. For more information and precautions, visit the Swimmer’s Itch page on the health unit’s website.
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
As of 2025, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides weekly testing results for only six designated public beaches in Hastings County and Prince Edward County. It no longer regularly samples another 13 beaches due to historically low occurrence of high bacteria levels.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the southern Kawarthas region beginning Friday (July 11) and possibly continuing until next Thursday.
The heat warning is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
Southern Ontario will experience a multi-day period of hot and humid conditions. The temperatures and humidex will meet or be extremely close to heat warning criteria, with the hottest day being Saturday. A shift in the weather pattern on Thursday will likely end the heat.
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Daytime highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius are expected, with humidex values of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the heat, with lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius.
To help deal with the heat and humidity, Environment Canada is providing the advice listed below.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Representatives from Lions Club Districts A3 and A16 as well as 21 individual Lions Clubs from across the greater Kawarthas region presented Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway (bottom right) with a donation of $100,000 on July 9, 2025 in support of the Campaign for PRHC and the expansion of the pediatric cancer care clinic at the regional hospital. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Lions Clubs from across the greater Kawarthas region have come together to raise more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
The donation from the Lions Clubs of Districts A3 and A16 to the PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC means the foundation has met its fundraising goal for an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer clinic space at the hospital to meet the growing needs of young cancer patients close to home.
Representatives from many of the participating Lions Clubs gathered at the regional hospital on Wednesday (July 9) for a special cheque presentation and photo to mark the fundraising milestone.
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“It’s so exciting to be together here today to recognize the wonderful achievement of your collective pledge in support of the pediatric cancer clinic space at PRHC,” said PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway in a media release.
“We’re incredibly grateful for your commitment to your community, your regional hospital and the care of childhood cancer patients, and all the efforts it took to make this generous donation possible.”
Along with donations from Districts A3 and A16, these 21 individual Lions Clubs contributed to the pediatric cancer care initiative: Bobcaygeon District, Brighton, Campbellford, Chemung Lake, Bridgenorth & Ennismore District, Coboconk & District, East Peterborough, Fowlers Corners & District, Haliburton & District, Havelock, Keene, Kendal, Kinmount & District, Lakefield & District, Lakefield Village, Lindsay East & District, Marmora Crowe Valley, Millbrook & District, Norwood, Oakwood & District, Peterborough, and Stirling & District.
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“The Lions’ childhood cancer focus came about because of a lack of services and care for kids with cancer in other countries,” said District A16 chair for childhood cancer Christine Weerdenburg.
“Now, we are very fortunate to be able to help support cancer services and care here. We want to do whatever we can to make a child’s care easier. When we ask the clubs for their support, they do everything they can to make it happen. District A16 and A3 are an amazing bunch of Lions who serve.”
While some of the Lions Clubs’ pediatric cancer care fundraisers will continue over the summer, all the raised funds will be included in the $100,000 donation to the PRHC Foundation.
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“Not only has it been an honour to have been a part of this campaign, but it’s also been a wonderful opportunity and learning experience to work with the many clubs in District A3 and the organizing club in District A16,” said District A3 chair for childhood cancer Lydia Elliott.
“The overall response from all the members has been spectacular and we’re thrilled that we’ve met our goal before the expected deadline. All the participating clubs in both Districts A3 and A16 should be proud of their efforts in making this initiative for the much-needed expansion to pediatric cancer care very successful.”
For more information on the Campaign for PRHC and how to get involved or donate, visit prhcfoundation.ca.
Singer-songwriter Steven Page will perform a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on July 12, 2025, featuring songs from his solo career as well as selected tunes from his time with Barenaked Ladies. (Photo: David Bergman)
If you had a million dollars, would attending a Peterborough Musicfest concert be on your list of things to spend some of your abundant wealth on?
Well, you can hold onto your money. Thirty-eight seasons on, admission to the summer concert series remains free.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Steven Page
When: Saturday, July 12, 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.
Having co-founded Barenaked Ladies in 1988 with Ed Robertson, and subsequently enjoying much commercial success via a number of hit songs, “If I Had A $1000000” among them, it’s a pretty safe assumption that Steven Page has accumulated the wealth he fantasized having. If not, he has got be close, with his Musicfest appearance on Saturday (July 12) at Del Crary Park adding to the pot.
There’s no denying Page has well-earned the rewards, both monetary and personal, that have come his way as a member of Barenaked Ladies and the supergroup Trans-Canada Highwaymen, and as a solo performer since 2009.
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Not unlike a lot of very successful and cherished pop/rock groups, how Barenaked Ladies came to be provides us yet another example of worlds colliding in the most random of circumstances.
Back in the late 1980s, Page held a grudge against high school classmate Robertson, who allegedly stole away his best friend. There things sat until after a Peter Gabriel concert when Page bumped into Robertson quite by chance and discovered he too was a huge fan of the English singer-songwriter. That shared fandom brought them together and ultimately led to the formation of the band that first took Toronto, and then Canada and beyond, by storm.
Struggling to get a solid footing on the music landscape, Page and his bandmates discovered there’s nothing wrong with a little controversy.
VIDEO: “Brian Wilson” – Steven Page with Barenaked Ladies
After contributing an upbeat version of Bruce Cockburn’s “Lovers In A Dangerous Time” for is 1991 album Kick At The Darkness, Barenaked Ladies was invited to perform at that year’s New Year’s Eve concert at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square.
All was good, until a Toronto City Hall staffer complained loudly that the band’s name objectified women. That dissent gained traction, and media attention, and the band’s invite was withdrawn. But from that point on, with the help of their cover of “Lovers In A Dangerous Time” entering the Top 40, it seemed like everyone was talking about Barenaked Ladies in a good way.
In July 1992, Barenaked Ladies released Gordon, the band’s debut album. It topped 80,000 sales in Canada within 24 hours of its release, topped the Canadian charts for eight weeks, and earned Group of the Year honours at the 1993 Juno Awards. Besides “If I Had A $1000000”, the album’s singles “Enid,” “Brian Wilson,” and “Be My Yoko Ono” — all written or co-written by Page — garnered a lot of attention, as did the accompanying fun videos.
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Barenaked Ladies would go on to record and release another 13 albums, right up to 2023’s In Flight, and win six more Juno Awards. In February 2009, shortly after the band released its Juno award-winning children’s album Snacktime!, Page announced he was leaving the band to chase a solo career.
Since striking out on his own, Page has released six albums, including 2010’s Page One, which produced the singles “Indecision” and “Over Joy.” It was Page’s first album comprised wholly of original material, most all of it written by him.
Come July 2016, Page found himself a member of Trans-Canada Highwaymen, a supergroup of Canadian musicians — including Chris Murphy of Sloan, which coincidentally is headlining Musicfest on July 16. Trans-Canada Highwaymen toured in 2017, but didn’t release its debut album until 2023.
And on March 25, 2018, Page performed with Barenaked Ladies for the first time in nine years at the Juno Awards in Vancouver, in celebration of the band’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
VIDEO: “Indecision” – Steven Page
Page arrives in Peterborough having put his much-publicized 2008 arrest and conviction for drug possession well behind him as he handles bipolar disorder, something he revealed publicly in 2011.
Still producing music, with his most recent album being 2022’s Excelsior, Page continues to creatively flourish. While he recalls his time with Barenaked Ladies as rewarding and special in its own way, it’s clear that chapter of his life is well in the rear-view mirror as he tours and continues to thrive — as Steven Page, not Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies.
“I approach shows like it’s catching up with old friends,” said Page in a June 2025 interview with Roger Knox of The Chilliwack Progress.
“You’ve got to let them know where you’re at, where you’re going, and what you’re thinking, but you also have lots of time to reminisce and enjoy what we did together in the past. So you’ll get a real mix of stuff.”
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The interview was done prior to a string of shows on the West coast featuring a trio comprised of himself, Craig Northey on guitar, and Kevin Fox on cello, and after a string of shows in the northeastern United States.
“I think it was some of the best shows we’ve ever done,” assessed Page. “The trio is really on a high right now, just kind of playing our best. I think the audiences are really anxious to get out there and connect, and to have a good, fun, positive experience.”
“I think I enjoy it (performing) more now than I ever have. I’m having a blast, and life is good right now. I’m really lucky to be able to play with the people I play with. I enjoy spending time with them on and off the stage. I feel like we’re on the top of our game.”
VIDEO: “Zoom” – Steven Page
All 11 tracks on Excelsior were composed and produced entirely by Page, with the lion’s share of the album’s material workshopped for audiences via Page’s popular pandemic-era virtual concert series Live From Home that he has conducted via Zoom since April 2020 from his home near Syracuse, New York. Appropriately, the song “Zoom” was the album’s first single.
This fall, The Steven Page Trio will open select North American dates for The Who — which Page says is the first band he “fell in love with.”
“We’re not using drums on the Who dates. We can’t compete with them, so the best thing you can do in that situation is to do the thing you do well.”
That will no doubt prove to be more than good enough for his Musicfest audience, who can expect to hear a mix of Page’s solo work along with some Barenaked Ladies songs.
This Saturday’s concert will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by blues-roots rock singer and guitarist Emily Burgess performing under the Cogeco tent near the George Street entrance to Del Crary Park. The Maple Blues Award recipient is appearing as part of Musicfest’s new Future Sound Series featuring the talents of nine local performers this summer.
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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.
YMCA Northumberland is getting ready for "Encore at the Midway," a fundraiser at the historic Midway Drive-In Theatre near Port Hope, which runs on September 5 and 6, 2025. Residents can vote now for the four movies to be shown at the 2141 Theatre Road South venue, which closed in 2023 and is reopening for this special event. (Graphic: YMCA Northumberland)
While the days of watching classic movies in your car under the stars are mainly memories of the past, Northumberland County residents and visitors can rewind time and enjoy the drive-in experience at the end of summer for a good cause.
For two nights in early September, movies will return to the big screen at Port Hope’s former drive-in theatre, which closed in 2023, with four movies on the bill.
YMCA Northumberland is gearing up for the fundraising event, called “Encore at the Midway,” which takes place on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
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The two nights of movies are being dubbed as a special farewell celebration at the historic Midway Drive-In Theatre, located halfway between Cobourg and Port Hope at 2141 Theatre Road South.
Through their ticket purchases, movie-goers will support YMCA Northumberland’s Back on Track program, described as a transformative program that supports at-risk youth in need across Northumberland County.
“Our hope is that Encore at the Midway honours the legacy of the beloved drive-in, brings our community together to share an unforgettable weekend, and turns the moment into positive momentum for youth facing challenges in Northumberland,” Kathryn Harrison, director of marketing and philanthropy for YMCA Northumberland, told kawarthaNOW.
“Our best possible outcome would be to sell out both nights and exceed our fundraising goal of $50,000 for the YMCA Back on Track program,” Harrison added.
Cars parked at the Port Hope Drive In, located on Theatre Road south of Highway 401 about halfway between Port Hope and Cobourg. (Photo: Port Hope Drive In)
When the Midway Drive-In Theatre reopens for the event, it will be transformed into “a vibrant hub of entertainment and community spirit,” according to a media release.
Each night will include a double feature, with the films screening each night to be chosen by popular vote from the community, allowing Northumberland residents the chance “to help curate the final chapter of this beloved local landmark.”
On both nights, family-friendly films will start rolling around 8:15 p.m., with broad appeal movies following at approximately 10:30 p.m. Voting for the films is open now through Tuesday (July 15).
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On Friday night, two “golden era favourites” will be shown. The options for the early show are the musical fantasies The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Mary Poppins (1964) and the animated adventure The Jungle Book (1967). The options for the late show are the thriller adventure Jaws (1975), the sports drama Rocky (1976), and the musical comedy Grease (1978).
On Saturday night, two “blockbuster classics” will screen, with the options for the early show the horror comedy Ghostbusters (1984), the sci-fi comedy adventure Back to the Future (1985), and the animated musical The Lion King (1994). The options for the late show are the action adventure Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the sci-fi adventure Jurassic Park (1993), and the action adventure Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).
As of July 8, close to 500 votes had already been cast, Harrison noted.
Doors will open early, and live local bands, food trucks, and other surprise activities will be part of the non-alcoholic event.
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Each ticket purchase includes admission for one carload to all the festivities, as well as access to both features and complimentary popcorn while supplies last. With a capacity of 400 vehicle spots available per night, organizers encourage people to grab their tickets early when they are available.
“Encore at the Midway is more than just a movie night — it’s a celebration of community, connection, and the power of giving back,” said Eunice Kirkpatrick, CEO of YMCA Northumberland, in a statement.
“With the support of our sponsors and the community who join us to share this special time together, we’re helping youth across our region feel seen, supported, and set up for success.”
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YMCA Northumberland is giving a shout-out to presenting sponsor, BIN-IT Ltd. and CUT-IT Ltd., for their provision of the venue and additional support for running the event. The community festivities are made possible as a result of a partnership with local Rotary Clubs of Cobourg and Port Hope and Northumberland Sunrise, the release noted.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local businesses and organizations to lend their support to the event, and ultimately, youth in Northumberland.
For updates about the event, to vote for the movies, and to purchase tickets when they are available, visit ymcanrt.org/encore.
Singer-songwriter Sarah Jayne Riley is kicking off her summer tour with a hometown show at Sadleir House in Peterborough on Friday night, with Mary-Kate Edwards and Drea Lake opening. (Photo: Tim Leyes)
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, July 10 to Wednesday, July 16.
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).
8pm - Flamenco on Tour ft Spain-based guitarist Dennis Duffin, percussionist and singer Dani Carbonell, and dancers Makeda Benitez and Lia Grainger ($28 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1428
Federal, provincial, and city politicans and staff gathered at Peterborough city hall on July 10, 2025 for the announcement of $42.9 million in collective funding from the Canada and Ontario governments for a new $58.5-million 10,500-square-metre public transit garage and maintenance facility in the City of Peterborough. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
The federal and provincial governments are collectively providing almost $42.9 million towards a new 10,500-square-metre public transit garage and maintenance facility in the City of Peterborough.
Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, and Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal made the announcement on Thursday morning (July 10) at Peterborough city hall.
The City of Peterborough first identified the need for a new transit garage in 2012. The current transit garage at the Townsend Street Public Works yard is only capable of storing 42 buses inside. Peterborough Transit currently has a fleet of 61 conventional buses and 11 specialized buses.
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“We’re incredibly grateful to both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for this significant investment in Peterborough’s transit future,” said Mayor Leal in a media release. “The funding for a new transit garage is not only timely, it’s essential.”
“Our current facility is aging and no longer meets the needs of a growing city. A new, modern garage will support fleet expansion, improve maintenance capabilities, and prepare us for the future of transit, including the integration of electric and low-emission vehicles. This investment will help us deliver more reliable, efficient, and sustainable transit services for the people of Peterborough.”
In 2022, city council approved the preferred site for the new transit garage at 901 Monaghan Road and 575 Romaine Street, where the Canadian Canoe Museum used to be located.
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According to the city’s 2025 budget, the property purchase was to be finalized in the first quarter of this year. Although the property purchase has not been publicly announced, a land acquisition was discussed by city council in closed session on June 23.
The costs for a new transit garage will include land acquisition, demolition of existing buildings, site servicing, site preparation and remediation work, construction of the new transit storage garage, construction of vehicle servicing and fuelling infrastructure, construction of a new transit maintenance facility, renovation of the office space to support staff and administration activities, and the completion of external works on the site to mitigate impacts to adjacent properties.
According to the city, the total cost for the new transit garage will be $58.5 million. The federal government is investing up to $23,400,000 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support this project. The Government of Ontario is investing up to $19,498,050.
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