Rose Wilton, founder and program manager of The Rose Quest, in October 2024 with a donation of personal hygiene products for Kinark Child and Family Services. As the next step of the personal care initiative she founded in 2014, which became a non-profit organization in 2020 and a registered charity in 2024, Wilton's organization is raising $200,000 to create Ontario's first community-focused hygiene centre for those in need. The organization expects to provide 25,000 essential hygiene items to more than 2,000 people annually. (Photo: The Rose Quest / Facebook)
By supplying soap, shampoo, and other hygiene products to those living in poverty, Rose Wilton is on a quest to continue making a difference for those in need in Northumberland County.
Wilton recently announced the launch of The Rose Quest Hygiene Centre in Port Hope. Considered the first facility of its kind in Ontario, the centre is dedicated to tackling hygiene poverty and restoring dignity for individuals and families across the county, a media release noted.
In 2014, Wilton founded The Rose Project as a personal project to collect new, unopened, and unused toiletry donations to provide to people living on the streets and in shelters. The volunteer-run organization was incorporated as a non-profit organization called The Rose Quest Personal Care Initiative in 2020 and became a registered charity in 2024.
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The Rose Quest Hygiene Centre will feature a centralized distribution warehouse, a community classroom, and expanded outreach programs. Once fully operational, The Rose Quest will provide more than 25,000 hygiene items annually to more than 2,000 people, reaching schools, shelters, food banks, and frontline agencies throughout the region.
“It is a long-time dream in the making,” Wilton told kawarthaNOW. “To see this come to fruition and know that we can assist more people means so much to me.”
“When I started this 11 years ago it was something small — to give back to the human race by giving soap, shampoo, period products, anything they needed, to people struggling with poverty — but in the last few years, the need has grown so much.”
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“The new hygiene centre means we can meet that need by more than doubling our distribution from 12,000 to over 25,000 essential hygiene products delivered across Northumberland County and beyond, helping kids, youth, families, (and) everyone in need to restore their dignity and mental health, so they can confidently attend school or go to work and find a better future,” Wilton said.
Hygiene poverty extends beyond access to soap or toothpaste, she added.
“It is a barrier to education, employment, and dignity. This centre is a bold step forward, ensuring no one has to choose between food and basic hygiene.”
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The project will unfold in phases. The first phase involves establishing a central warehouse space for receiving, sorting, and distributing hygiene products, expanding programs, and opening a community classroom, as well as launching new initiatives for seniors, Indigenous communities, and newcomers.
“After more than a decade of grassroots service, we are ready to scale our impact,” said The Rose Quest board chair Caleb Carisse in a statement. “The hygiene centre will allow us to serve more people, respond to community needs in real time, and create a lasting foundation for health and dignity.”
The Rose Quest has set a goal of raising $200,000 to fund facility costs, purchase hygiene products, staff programs, and provide outreach initiatives. The organization said while early commitments have already been secured, community members, businesses, and foundations are invited to join as founding supporters. Naming opportunities are available.
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When Wilton considers the best thing that could happen from opening the new centre, she said, “that we can branch out to even more communities to ensure that no one has to pick between food and basic hygiene.”
“I won’t have to say, ‘I’m sorry I can’t help,’ to anyone,” Wilton added.
For more information, to donate, and to subscribe for campaign updates, visit therosequest.ca.
As Thanksgiving is both a federal and provincial statutory holiday, all government offices and all liquor and beer stores are closed. Many municipal facilities and services are either closed or operating on reduced hours. Some grocery stores are open, except in Peterborough where all are closed. Most malls and big box stores are closed, while most drug stores are open.
For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 302 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts, which may or may not be up to date, so please always call them first to confirm their hours (we’ve included phone numbers), especially where you see “call” or “call to confirm” (which means we couldn’t find or confirm holiday hours) or if you are travelling any distance.
If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not have the hours for restaurants in this list as there are far too many to include.
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
No collection or delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Library Branches Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Mon Oct 13 collection moves to Tue Oct 14, Oct 14 to 15, 15 to 16, 16 to 17
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
No change
City of Peterborough Green Bin Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
No change
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 1-888-597-1541
No change
City of Peterborough Social Services (for emergency shelter services call 705-926-0096) Closed, Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Yard Waste Pickup Peterborough 705-742-7777
No change
Cobourg Public Library 200 Ontario St., Cobourg 905-372-9271
The building at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield on October 10, 2025, the day after a fire engulfed the upper level apartments as well as Kawartha Home Hardware on the main floor. (Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township)
The fire that destroyed Kawartha Home Hardware and several apartments at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield just before the Thanksgiving long weekend has been contained, although several road closures remain in effect.
According to a media release issued by Selwyn Township late Friday afternoon (October 10), Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street remains fully closed, as does Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street. In addition, Queen Street from Regent Street to Reid Street and Charlotte Street from Reid Street to Burnham Street are open to local traffic only.
The township is asking residents and visitors to remain cautious when in the area as fire crews are still on the scene.
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“Businesses in Lakefield can open, except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage,” the media release states. “Customers are encouraged to check business social media pages or call ahead to confirm available services. Please note that the only parking available in downtown Lakefield is in the municipal parking Lot located beside The Village Inn. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.”
According to witness reports, the fire began on Thursday shortly after noon in the upper portion of the building, which contains several apartments, before spreading into the hardware store below. The cause was reportedly a kitchen fire in one of the apartments that got out of control, but this has not been confirmed by officials.
While everyone inside the building escaped safely, one witness reported that a long-time employee of Kawartha Home Hardware who lives in one of the apartments ran back into the building to save a pet. He suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital but has since been released. While a dog and cat were rescued, two other pets reportedly perished in the fire.
VIDEO: The aftermath of the fire at 24 Queen Street in Lakefield
From videos posted on social media, it appears that the entire building has been gutted by the fire.
In the media release, Selwyn Township expressed thanks to the first responders who contained the fire, including Selwyn Township firefighters and those from neighbouring municipal fire departments including the townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services. The township also thanked the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Enbridge, and Hydro One for their support on scene.
“On behalf of council and the entire community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and emergency responders who worked tirelessly to contain this fire and keep our residents safe,” said Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis in a statement. “The response from our local and neighbouring departments exemplifies the strength of collaboration and community spirit that defines Selwyn Township. Our hearts go out to the affected residents and business owners as we work together to support recovery in the days ahead.”
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Century 21 United Realty Ltd. in Lakefield is collecting donations for those who have been displaced by the fire and who have lost everything. Items needed include men’s L, XL, and XXL clothing and women’s L and XL clothing and size 10 shoes. Gift cards or cash donations are also welcome.
Items can be dropped off at the Century 21 office at 15 Queen Street in Lakefield until 7 p.m. on Friday or during the Thanksgiving long weekend, including Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you have donations but are unable to drop them off, you can call Century 21 at 705-313-4099 to arrange for a pick-up.
Smoke billows out of the historic building housing Kawartha Home Hardware at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield on October 9, 2025. (Photo: Mike Quigg)
In addition, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society has teamed up with Village Pet Food & Supply and Redfern Resort to provide support for families and their pets who have been displaced by the fire.
Free pet food and cat litter is available for displaced families and can be picked up during operating hours from Village Pet Food & Supply at 3305 Lakefield Road or from Lakefield Animal Welfare Society at 2887 Lakefield Road. Temporary boarding for dogs displaced by the fire is available through Redfern Resort at 2813 Lakefield Road by calling 705-760-2413.
“The township would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many township staff across departments who supported first responders on scene, as well as to members of the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents who came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire,” the release states. “Their generosity and community spirit are deeply valued.”
We are so saddened to share that the Kawartha Home Hardware was devastated by fire. Our thoughts and support are with…
Catherine McNeely accepts the "Bee a Hero" award from City of Kawartha Lakes councillor Pat Warren as the city's environmental advisory committee Deb Pearson (left) and Mayor Doug Elmslie look on during the committee of the whole meeting on October 7, 2025. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Kawartha Lakes video)
From creating a bog garden to building a strawbale house, local citizens and businesses have been recognized by the City of Kawartha Lakes for their environmentally conscious efforts.
During a committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday (October 7), Kawartha Lakes councillor Pat Warren, along with the city’s environmental advisory committee chair Deb Pearson and Mayor Doug Elmslie, presented the “Bee a Hero” and Environmental Hero awards.
“This is always a special time of year to honour some of our environmental heroes,” councillor Warren said. “I know there are lots out there, but these are people who have been brought forward by their community as heroes.”
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First up was the Bee a Hero award, which recognizes residents who create pollinator-friendly gardens.
Winner Catherine McNeely bought a house in winter 2023 and saw an opportunity where the sump pump drains. She created a bog garden in 2024, planting keystone native species, which are pollinator friendly.
“It is an effective, positive environmental act which everyone can do to make a change from traditional gardening,” the slide in the slideshow presentation about McNeely noted.
Before-and-after photos of Catherine McNeely’s bog garden, where she planted pollinator friendly native species in the location of her yard where the sump pump drains. Her positive environmental act earned her the “Bee a Hero” award from the City of Kawartha Lakes during the committee of the whole meeting on October 7, 2025. (Photos: Catherine McNeely)
The environmental business hero award was bestowed to Zachary Steele of Kawartha Bird Control. Steele is involved in a variety of local environmental projects, centred around bird and wildlife conservation in City of Kawartha Lakes.
He is focused on falconry-based bird abatement, bird-window collision mitigation using feather-friendly window markers, and community conservation outreach.
Steele has been involved in more than 14 local projects and partnerships, including being a founding member of Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes and the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee.
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Warren then presented the other environmental hero awards.
Diane and Glenn Hunt built a straw bale house on an angle to optimize solar radiation with “smart windows,” a fireplace with a warming oven, and solar panels. They also helped maintain the butterfly garden in the Rosedale Parkette and also managed and maintained garbage and recycling in the parkette.
Ashton Goble, LilyAnna Goble, Caprice Henwood, and Aiden Peel are young residents who “worked tirelessly” to clear trees and help out wherever needed after the spring ice storm.
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John Bush, grounds director of Port 32 Community in Bobcaygeon with a background in conservation management, has volunteered with Bobcaygeon Public School, Kawartha Settlers’ Village, Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park, Big Island, and Kawartha Land Trust’s Hammer Family Nature Preserve in Lakehurst, and also has encouraged others to volunteer.
Warren noted Bush is also co-president of Environmental Action Bobcaygeon and a proponent of active transportation.
Julia Taylor is a passionate environmentalist who has been instrumental in tree planting and runs a business called Country Cupboard that is focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling. At her business, she has implemented a discount program for customers who bring in a reusable jar for bulk food purchases.
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Kristie McCabe, interim director of planning and development services at Kawartha Conservation, has built a career in environmental protection and has worked for many environmental organizations. She is also a certified forest therapist who helps people reconnect with nature, and led clean-up efforts “with strength and resilience” after the ice storm damage at Ken Reid Conservation Area.
Bonita O’Neill has made significant contributions to the Lindsay Community Gardens, a showcase for environmentally responsible gardening hosted by Fleming College that include 88 individual plots as well as shared herb/pollinator gardens, an orchard of 15 trees, and a demonstration bed for native perennials.
As well as designing the garden layout, O’Neill tended the herb/pollinator garden, entry plantings, and other communal spaces, did weeding, kept the pathways topped with wood chips, and labelled plants for the convenience of gardeners and visitors.
After four years of curating collections of high-quality casual clothing for women in Apsley, DJC Casual Clothing will be shutting its doors for good after October 25, 2025. In thanks to the community, owner Nancy Wiskel is holding a store closing sale featuring savings on remaining styles. After the Apsley store closes, the collections featured at the store will be available at DJC Modern Apparel in Peterborough and also online. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
After four years of providing women a cozy place to find curated and chic collections of high-quality clothing for cottage life, DJC Casual Clothing owner Nancy Wiskel is bidding a “bittersweet farewell” to her Apsley store this fall.
The final day to shop in person at DJC Casual Clothing at 126 Burleigh Street will be Saturday, October 25.
“We’ve loved every minute of being part of the Apsley community, from the friendly faces who stopped in each summer to the community events we were fortunate to have been a part of,” says Wiskel. “We’ve built so many wonderful friendships here and we are deeply grateful for the warmth and support shown to our store over these past four years.”
Wiskel opened the North Kawartha boutique in 2022 as a sister store to Peterborough’s DJC Modern Apparel (formerly “Dan Joyce Clothing”), which has been providing built-to-last and stylish apparel for women for more than 45 years. While the Peterborough location focused on stylish work and city wear for the modern woman, the Apsley store sported fashions that emphasize effortless and casual comforts that don’t sacrifice style.
DJC Casual Clothing offered a welcoming small-town atmosphere frequented by cottage-goers making a stop on their way north for the weekend and year-round residents who enjoy their rural lifestyle. The boutique built a reputation not only for its high-quality clothing but its convenient location, personable service, and vibrant community spirit reflected in events like the annual Holiday Hop.
Nancy Wiskel opened DJC Casual Clothing in Apsley in 2022 as a sister boutique to DJC Modern Apparel in Peterborough, offering casual, cottage-chic styles for the modern woman. Frequented both by cottage-goers and year-round residents, the boutique became known for its high-quality clothing, friendly service, and community spirit. After the Apsley store closes on October 25, 2025, the collections featured at the store will be available at DJC Modern Apparel in Peterborough and also online, and Wiskel is planning future pop-ups and special events. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
According to Wiskel, that inviting atmosphere was fostered by the store’s two dedicated team members, Brenda and Viveca, who were both vital to the store’s success and who customers came to know and love.
“They were truly the heart of our Apsley location,” says Wiskel. “Their warmth, care, and connection with our customers helped make this store such a special place.”
To thank area residents for supporting DJC Casual Clothing over the past four years, Wiskel will be holding a store closing sale until October 25, featuring extra savings on all remaining styles. However, although the Apsley location is closing, the collections featured at the store will be available at the Peterborough location and also online.
While the closet is being cleared out in Apsley, it’s not goodbye forever. Operating just one storefront will allow Wiskel to introduce more fun initiatives and opportunities — and you never know where DJC Modern Apparel might host a pop-up.
“It’s been a joy to be part of Apsley’s small-town charm,” Wiskel says. “We’ll miss our summers here dearly, but we’re so grateful for the support, friendship, and memories this community has given us.”
Know Your Locals™ is a branded editorial feature about locally owned independent businesses and locally operated organizations, and supported by them. If your business or organization is interested in being featured in a future “Know Your Locals” branded editorial, contact Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com or visit our Advertise with kawarthaNOW page.
Smoke billows out of the historic building housing Kawartha Home Hardware at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield on October 9, 2025. (Photo: Mike Quigg)
A devastating fire broke out in downtown Lakefield on Thursday (October 9), engulfing the building housing Kawartha Home Hardware at 24 Queen Street.
As of 5:30 p.m., nearby residents reported the building — which has apartments on the upper levels — has been “mostly gutted” and has suffered extensive water damage.
Emergency crews remain on the scene Thursday afternoon as heavy smoke continues to pour from the historic structure, which sits at the heart of the village’s main commercial block.
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According to witness reports, the fire began in the upper portion of the building before spreading into the hardware store below.
“The danger is, of course, because it’s such an old building,” said one local resident. “It’s progressed down into the Home Hardware itself, which would be absolutely devastating for the community.”
Flames were seen engulfing the structure shortly after noon. Thick dark smoke blanketed much of the downtown, with residents as far away as nearby streets reporting that they had to close their windows due to air quality.
Firefighters battle a blaze at the historic building housing Kawartha Home Hardware at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield on October 9, 2025. (Photo: Mike Quigg)
According to witness reports, everyone inside the building was able to get out safely — including a dog and a cat.
Selwyn Township firefighters are leading suppression efforts, with support from fire crews from the townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan Monaghan, and Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services.
Police have closed all access to downtown Lakefield, and residents are being urged to stay clear of the area. Those who parked vehicles downtown will not be able to retrieve them until emergency crews reopen the area.
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Artist Emerance Baker, who owns the fine craft gallery Divine Craft at 15 Burnham Street with artist Christy Haldane, posted on Facebook about the fire.
“Christy and I are so deeply saddened about the fire that destroyed the Home Hardware building right across our gallery today,” Baker writes. “We saw our neighbours and friends lose their homes, business and jobs in this devastating fire today.”
“Our gallery suffered smoke damage and the power is turned off to our block for the near future. But it’s all so insignificant compared to the absolute destruction of our neighbouring business. I still can’t truly believe it. We had to leave knowing we have zero control over what’s going to happen next. We don’t know when we’ll be able to open again.”
Firefighters battle a blaze at the historic building housing Kawartha Home Hardware at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield on October 9, 2025. (Photos: Mike Quigg)
Kawartha Home Hardware is a longstanding local business and a cornerstone of Lakefield’s downtown. The timing of the fire — just before the Thanksgiving weekend — has left many residents shocked and saddened.
“This is really tragic for Lakefield,” one community member shared. “It’s one of those places everyone goes to — for supplies, advice, a chat. It’s hard to imagine downtown without it.”
Peterborough resident Neil Morton, whose father-in-law co-owns Kawartha Home Hardware, posted on Facebook that the store is the “epicenter” of Lakefield.
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“I have gotten to know the employees there over the years and they are great humans who care deeply about community and each other and customers,” Morton writes. “People go to that Home Hardware and others like it in small towns because of the exceptional customer service and smalltown stories (sunshine sketches) they get there. It’s an experience. If you know, you know.”
“A lot of tenants were displaced in the apartments above and the amazing (Home Hardware) employees, led by their manager/community guy/volunteer firefighter Garnet (Hinds), are in shock and wondering what’s next.”
“I hugged Garnet (standing there for hours on Main Street with his team) and first thing he says to me is deflecting to the care and empathy he has for his employees. That store is everything to him. It’s everything to that town, and the locals and cottagers who use it. It’s the lifeblood.”
Firefighters battle a blaze at the historic building housing Kawartha Home Hardware at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield on October 9, 2025. (Photos: Mike Quigg)
On Thursday night, Selwyn Township issued a media release indicating that Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street is closed to all traffic. Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street is also closed to allow fire crews to draw water from the Otonabee River to right the fire.
“The Office of the Fire Marshall has been called, and it is expected that Queen Street may remain closed for several days,” reads the media release. “Until there is further information about the structural integrity of the building, there may be impacts to local businesses.”
Those businesses include the Lakefield IDA Pharmacy, which is attached to the north side of the building.
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Selwyn Township has advised residents that, due to the excessive amount of water being used to fight the fire, Lakefield residents may notice water discoloration and they should run their cold water for 15 to 20 minutes until the water runs clear.
As of Thursday night, firefighters remained on site, working to contain the blaze and prevent further spread to neighbouring buildings.
The full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are not yet known.
This is a developing story and is being updated as more information becomes available.
Local musicians will perform a tribute to Toronto country-rock icons The Sadies on Friday night when Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough hosts the 3rd Annual Ptbo Salutes: The Sadies, with proceeds donated to charity in memory of founding member Dallas Good (front), who died from coronary illness in 2022 at the age of 48. (Photo: Ron Johnson)
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, October 9 to Wednesday, October 15.
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).
A scene from the 2019 documentary "Town of Widows" by Natasha Luckhardt and Rob Viscardis about the fight for justice by former General Electric workers and their widows in Peterborough who believe illnesses and cancer deaths in their community are linked to toxic exposure from the GE plant. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Peterborough city council’s recent decision to allow the partial demolition of the General Electric complex contravenes the Ontario Heritage Act, according to city councillor Joy Lachica.
Lachica is also expressing concerns that the notice of demolition was only brought to council’s attention almost a month after the city received it, and that framing the demolition plan as a heritage assessment does not consider environmental and public health impacts given the use and storage of hazardous chemicals at the complex over the past 130 years.
Meeting as general committee on Monday night (October 6), council considered a staff report that recommended hiring a consultant to conduct a peer review of a 154-page heritage impact assessment (HIA) report prepared by ERA Architects Inc. on behalf of GEPR Energy Canada Inc., a subsidiary of GE Vernova — an energy equipment manufacturing and services company that was formed from the merger and subsequent spin-off of General Electric’s energy businesses in 2024.
The General Electric factory complex began operations in 1891 as the Canadian Works of the Thomas Edison Company and later continued under General Electric. The site includes a complex of 33 buildings built between 1891 and 1981 and used for industrial manufacturing and ancillary purposes.
The entire complex is listed on the city’s heritage register under the Ontario Heritage Act, although it has not been designated.
GE Vernova is proposing demolishing and removing 25 buildings in the complex’s centre block that haven’t been used since 2018, which represent around 84,500 square metres (910,000 square feet) of the 104,000 square metre (1.1 million square feet) site.
GE Vernova has maintained office space for 60 employees in the site’s east block and leases several buildings in the west block to BWXT, which was originally part of GE Vernova’s nuclear energy division but has since became an independent company, and the HIA report recommends retaining eight buildings that are currently in use or have heritage value.
After a discussion on Monday night that lasted almost two hours, with much of the discussion about the environmental impact of the proposed demolition, council ultimately decided against the staff recommendation to hire a consultant to conduct a peer review of the HIA report, and then for staff to consult with the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) when the peer review report is completed, and report back to council on the whether the property should be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Instead, council decided to accept the recommendations made in the HIA report for which buildings should receive heritage designation and allow demolition to proceed, and to take that decision to PACAC for review.
Responding to councillors who expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the demolition, city staff said the demolition would fall under the purview of the Ontario government and that the municipality has no authority to require any kind of environmental assessment prior to demolition since no change in land use was being requested.
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On Wednesday (October 8), Lachica told kawarthaNOW she attended a PACAC meeting the previous night as an observer — councillors are no longer allowed to officially participate in citizen committees — and PACAC “expressed their indignation about what happened on Monday night.”
kawarthaNOW has obtained a copy of a letter dated October 6 sent by PACAC chair Stewart Hamilton to council in which he outlined the requirement under the Ontario Heritage Act that council consult with its municipal heritage committee prior to making a decision to remove a property from the heritage register — which council effectively did by voting to allow the partial demolition to proceed.
“As committee chair, I’m requesting the entire matter regarding the GE Properties be sent by City Council to PACAC for a review,” Hamilton wrote.
According to Lachica, council can’t make a decision to delist a property from the heritage register prior to consulting with PACAC, calling it a “breach” of the Ontario Heritage Act.
“Apparently, according to city staff at the PACAC meeting last night (Tuesday), it was the direction of legal counsel at the City of Peterborough that it come to council first,” Lachica said.
“Council didn’t have any of this information about the plans of GE. For 30 days, only the mayor knew (about the notice of demolition) and the mayor did not share any of that with the rest of council. We laid eyes on it when the agenda came out for that Monday meeting.”
According to the meeting agenda, GEPR Energy Canada Inc. gave the city a 60-day notice of its intent to demolish part of the GE complex on September 8 — 29 days before the item was brought forward to council.
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Lachica told kawarthaNOW that the city’s commissioner of infrastructure, planning, and growth management Blair Nelson said the notice was being reviewed by the city’s building department during that time, “but it’s not the building department’s jurisdiction to look at that package — it’s for council to have 60 days to assess the situation.”
Under the Ontario Heritage Act, property owners must give municipal council a minimum of 60 days’ written notice before demolishing or removing a building on a property listed on the heritage register. This interim protection allows the council to consider if the property should be designated as a heritage property and prevents a demolition permit from being issued until the notice period is complete.
“The mayor did not convene with council in any way,” Lachica said. “We had a whole cycle of council pass, none of this was on the agenda, and the clock’s been ticking all that time.”
“For something of a national heritage significance and a local significance in terms of the legacy of the workers … that’s to me tragic, because we need to make a very significant decision about the future of that property, and this is our window to have GE be responsible and accountable for 130 years of things. That’s part of the heritage legacy as well as the workers’ legacy. The fact that the mayor kept this to himself is not appropriate in my mind.”
Lachica said that council’s decision has come to the attention of the labour movement, including the Ontario Federation of Labour, which is planning to take action.
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On Thursday (October 9), Lachica issued a media release that reflected some of her earlier comments to kawarthaNOW.
“The details of this plan were concealed by the mayor,” the release states. “There was no public consultation, and because of this vote, there may be no accountability for GE — after the company contaminated that land, polluted our community, and allowed their workers to be poisoned on the job.”
“Demolition will release unknown levels of contamination into the surrounding neighbourhoods, lets GE paper over the harm it caused injured workers, and paves the way for taxpayers to absorb the risk and cost of a massive, un-remediated brownfield.”
“This whole process has been a violation of public trust — putting the wellbeing and history of our community in the hands of a $230 billion corporation, and a provincial government who’s shown they’re either unwilling, or unable to hold companies like these accountable.”
“Residents have a right to know when a project across the street might threaten their health. Councillors have a right to know the details of time sensitive plans that will affect their constituents. And the community has a right to real consultation – before decisions are made, not after.”
VIDEO: “Town of Widows” trailer
“Council now has less than 30 days to stop the demolition going forward, by applying a heritage designation to the property. We are calling on the Mayor and those who supported GE’s plan to do the following:
1. Change their votes at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, October 14th.
2. Advocate for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.
3. Support an objective, independent heritage assessment of the whole GE property.
4. Work with us and the community to develop a real plan for cleaning up the property.”
The release also quotes Sue James, a former GE employee and injured workers activist.
“We’ve buried so many of our friends and co-workers, now this decision is threatening to bury our history,” James said.
Decisions made at general committee will be considered for approval at the next regular council meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday after the Thanksgiving long weekend.
To speak as a registered delegation at the meeting, people must register no later than 11 a.m. on the day of the meeting. To register, complete the online application at www.peterborough.ca/delegations, or call 705-742-7777 ext. 1820.
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Mayor Leal issued a statement on Friday (October 10) in response to Lachica’s media release, saying “The accusation that I have concealed anything to members of council is false and defamatory. To claim that I have concealed anything is ludicrous and patently, provably false.”
In his statement, he says he learned on September 5 that GE Vernova would be making an announcement the following week and “immediately notified all members of council.”
Leal states that, on September 8, GE Vernova announced their demolition plans by launching a website and mailing 4,500 letters to the neighbourhood on the same day.
He adds that he met with GE Vernova representatives at their request the following day, and spoke to the Peterborough Examiner about the meeting in an article published on September 15.
However, in his statement, the mayor does not address Lachica’s accusation that he was aware of the notice of demolition the city received from GE Vernova — on the same day the company announced their demolition plans and the day before the mayor met with company representatives — and chose not to bring it to council’s attention until the general committee meeting on October 6.
In a response to Leal’s statement, Lachica told kawarthaNOW that she has made it clear she became aware of the demolition plan by reading a copy of the neighborhood notice in tandem with a story in the Peterborough Examiner, and that her accusations about the mayor refer to subsequent events.
“The mayor did not communicate to council details of his meeting with GE, nor did he facilitate a provision of documents of intention or the ERA Heritage Impact Assessment,” she said.
This story has been updated to include details about Mayor Leal’s statement in response to councillor Lachica’s accusations, and Lachica’s response to the mayor’s statement.
Some of the 124 volunteers who participated in the inaugural Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup in Cobourg on September 28, 2025. The volunteers collected 1,200 pieces of plastic and other debris along the Cobourg shoreline of Lake Ontario. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
More than 120 people recently rolled up their sleeves to tackle litter on the Cobourg shoreline of Lake Ontario, collecting 1,200 pieces of plastic and other debris.
The Town of Cobourg was one of six communities in Ontario that took part in the Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup, hosted by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and funded by the Government of Ontario. The inaugural event took place on World Rivers Day, which occurs annually on September 28 and highlights the importance of healthy waterways.
“I was thrilled to see the Cobourg community once again come together for a great cause,” Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland told kawarthaNOW. “We were hoping for at least 50 volunteers and ended up with 124 registered. I’m so grateful to the many community organizations who came out with such enthusiasm for this event.”
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Calling the shoreline “the heart of our community,” the mayor said residents enjoy the beach daily but with that privilege comes the responsibility to keep it clean.
The Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup aims to help combat the large amount of waste that annually pollutes shorelines and waters. Pollution in the Great Lakes has a negative effect on natural ecosystems, wildlife, and clean water that is needed across Canada.
In Cobourg, the cleanup crew met at the Cobourg marina building at 11 a.m. to sign-in, collect supplies, and have a coffee before getting to work.
More than 120 volunteers gathered at the Cobourg marina on September 28, 2025 to participate in the inaugural Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup, hosted by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and funded by the Government of Ontario. The cleanup efforts focused on Victoria Beach, Lucas Point Park, and the Waterfront Nature Park. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
The town said it’s thankful for the many individuals and organizations who participated in this year’s cleanup, including Blue Dot Northumberland, the Ecology Garden, Northumberland Land Trust, A Greener Future, Willow Beach Field Naturalists, Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, Community Power Northumberland, EV Society Northumberland Chapter, Seniors for Climate Action Now, Stalwood Homes and the Green Party of Ontario.
New Amherst Homes was the event’s community sponsor.
Prior to the big day, Cleveland said he was “incredibly proud” that the Town of Cobourg was selected as a partner in the Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup.
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Cobourg is one of the original members of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a multinational coalition of municipal and Indigenous government executives representing more than 350 communities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region who are working to promote economic prosperity in those communities and protect fresh water for the benefit of current and future generations.
The initiative aims to advance the environmental, economic, and social health of the region by addressing issues impacting its residents.
“Continuing Cobourg’s active participation in the (initiative) remains a key priority,” noted Cleveland, who also serves as co-chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Economic Transformation for the initiative, in a media release.
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The Great Lakes contain almost 20 per cent of the world’s surface fresh water and sustain 4,000 species of plants and animals.
They are a source of drinking water for one in four Canadians, and home to one-third of Canada’s population.
An estimated 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes each year. Canadians living in the Great Lakes Basin throw away approximately 1.5-plus million tons of plastic waste each year, with up to seven per cent of that waste estimated to leak into the environment.
Safe routes to walk and roll to school are the goal when school zone speed limits are lowered. Only 50 per cent of people struck by a vehicle traveling at 50km/h will survive their injuries, whereas 90 per cent will survive being struck at 30 km/h. (Photo: Pete Rellinger)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Ashley Burnie Seeds, Active Transportation Program Coordinator, GreenUP.
October is “Walktober,” a month to celebrate the joys and simple pleasures of walking to school. To mark the occasion, Active School Travel Peterborough is highlighting how far the city has already come on the journey toward safer routes for kids and families to walk and roll to school, and looking ahead to what’s next.
In 2023, Peterborough city council approved a city-wide speed reduction in school zones, the implementation of community safety zones for 30 elementary and high schools, and enhanced traffic safety treatments for five schools — one in each ward — to pilot additional measures. At the time, some councillors expressed concern about lowering speed limits around schools centred on enforcement. Would motorists yield to new signs or treatments?
Two years later, city reports show that these measures and speed limit reductions have in fact reduced vehicle speeds by 6.5 km/h, but the average speed in 40 km/h zones remains 11.5 km/h over the limit.
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Ontario government to ban speed cameras
In September 2025, Ontario premier Doug Ford announced his government would introduce legislation in October that will ban the use of municipal automated speed enforcement cameras across the province.
Ford has since rejected a request in a letter from 22 mayors that automated speed cameras be allowed in school zones during school hours.
To support the Peterborough Police Service and ensure key locations see a reduction in overall traffic speed, in May of this year the City of Peterborough approved four automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras for a two-year pilot. The Peterborough Police Service expressed support for the use of ASE in the city, as resources are limited for continuous police presence in these areas.
Other communities in Ontario have documented success with similar programs. In Ottawa, prior to installing ASE in 2020, speed limit compliance in targeted zones was at only 16 per cent.
Within three months, compliance jumped to 57 per cent, and up to 81 per cent three years later. Even more compelling, excessive speeding (over the 85th percentile) in Ottawa has dropped to 0.4 per cent from 14 within that same time period.
These are results worth celebrating, as lower speeds increase safety by reducing collision severity and stopping distance. Statistically, only 50 per cent of people struck by a vehicle going 50 km/h will survive their injuries, while 90 per cent will survive being struck at 30 km/h. That 20 km/h can make a big difference in terms of survivability, and should be understood by all motorists.
Community safety zones are designated stretches of roadway where public safety is of great concern. This can include roadways near schools, seniors’ centres, daycares, hospitals, or parks. These zones mean increased penalties for not following the rules of road and are used as one tool to deter unsafe driving. (Photo: Ashley Burnie Seeds / GreenUP)
Speeding also impacts a driver’s ability to perceive hazards and account for unexpected events. In a school zone, drivers are more likely to encounter children running onto the street, cyclists swerving to avoid parked cars, or a range of other unexpected events. When such an event occurs, visibility is crucial, but another key factor is stopping distance.
The faster a motorist is travelling, the more distance they require to identify a hazard and then stop safely. Stopping distance for vehicles travelling at 30 km/h is approximately 35 metres (8 car lengths), versus 65 metres at 50 km/h (14 car lengths).
If the above statistics are widely known, and the public realizes how dangerous speeding is, one question remains: Why is it hard for many drivers to consistently slow down in these areas?
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One answer may be by design.
In the City of Peterborough, many schools are located on arterial roads, classified to carry high volumes of urban traffic, with limited access points and (often) higher speed limits, essentially engineered to have maximum movement of vehicles. Arterial roads have subtle elements that make speeding feel “comfortable” to the average motorist, such as long sight lines, wider lanes, and gentle curves.
These speed-friendly features can be improved upon by adding road treatments that mitigate driver “comfort,” such as bollards, transverse rumble strips, or enhanced road signs — but these are only a few tools in the box when it comes to crafting safer school zones for everyone.
Enhanced road safety treatments were installed at five local school sites featuring enhanced signage, bollards, road markings, and transverse rumble strips. St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School is one of the pilot sites, with several treatments installed along Otonabee Drive. (Photo: Ashley Burnie Seeds / GreenUP)
As Peterborough marks Walktober, it’s a good time to reflect on the progress made in making school zones safer, and to recognize the work still to come.
Whether walking, biking, rolling, or driving near a school, remember: every choice to slow down makes a difference. Slower streets save lives, reduce stress and help build healthier, more connected communities. Communities where children and families feel safe and confident on their daily journey to school.
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