Two Port Hope residents are now facing animal cruelty charges after Kawartha Lakes police discovered a dead dog, a second dog in critical condition, and a cat in poor health at a rental unit in the City of Kawartha Lakes in August.
Police began investigating on August 29 when officers attended the rental unit and found the three animals.
Officers immediately contacted the Ontario SPCA and removed the surviving animals so the SPCA could provide care and treatment.
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Police allege the animals had been abandoned for approximately one month without adequate food, water, care, or suitable living conditions.
Investigators subsequently identified two suspects and say evidence gathered during the investigation contradicted information the suspects had provided to police.
Police determined the two had left the Kawartha Lakes area and subsequently located them in Port Hope.
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A 38-year-old Port Hope woman was charged on Sunday (September 20), and a 33-year-old Port Hope man was charged on Monday (September 21).
Each faces one Criminal Code charge of cruelty to animals by causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury, along with three charges under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act: failing to provide standards of care, causing distress to an animal, and permitting distress to an animal.
The accused man and women were released on an undertaking with a court date. Police have not identified the accused or the date of their court appearance.
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In a media relesae, police thanked the Ontario SPCA for its assistance.
“The Kawartha Lakes Police Service remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, including animals that cannot advocate for themselves,” the release states.
No update on the condition of the surviving animals was provided.
Located in downtown Peterborough, Studio Savvy is a versatile event space and photography studio founded by content creator Carley Beal. The bright and minimalistic space has high ceilings with various backdrops and props to suit a wide range of content creation and photography needs, including a textured sofa, a wainscot wall, a brick wall, and an infinity wall. With a bar and "get ready" area, the studio can also be booked for intimate private events including bridal showers, workshops, and micro-weddings. (Photo courtesy of Studio Savvy)
Whether it’s the backdrop for a branded photoshoot or the setting for a special event, the power of having the right space can be transformative.
Fortunately, Carley Beal has crafted a one-of-a-kind content studio and intimate event venue in downtown Peterborough for that very reason. The clean, modern, and aesthetic space at Studio Savvy provides a blank canvas for creatives to capture eye-grabbing content and for event organizers to curate memorable experiences.
“It’s been my dream to open a content studio in the area, and the space I ended up with looked like it had the potential to be an event space as well,” says Beal, who has worked in network marketing, branding, and social media in Peterborough for many years. “It’s such a bright, open, versatile space that you can literally do anything it.”
Located at 426 George Street in Peterborough, the studio is a bright space with tall ceilings and crisp white walls, where sleek black décor adds contrast for a chic, minimalist design. From a brick wall behind a desk to a textured sofa against a wall of wainscot panelling, you’ll find a range of backdrops and props to accompany any style of branded photos or content shoots.
At the front of the room is what Beal calls her “prized possession”: a white infinity wall that runs from the ceiling to the floor without a connecting edge. This unique backdrop results in photos with a clean, white background.
“When you’re creating in a space that’s set up for photography and content creation, it creates a little bit more confidence behind your work,” Beal says. “Just going outside of your own home or workspace always inspires a bit more creativity.”
Carley Beal created Studio Savvy in downtown Peterborough to realize her dream of providing local creatives with a large, bright, open-concept studio space for shooting high-end content, with her “prized possession” being the white infinity wall that runs from the ceiling to the floor without a connecting edge. She also designed the space so it could be used to host elevated workshops, intimate networking nights, brand launches, creative meetups, and community events that feel chic and sophisticated without requiring travel to the big city. (Photos courtesy of Studio Savvy)
To help photographers and their subjects prepare for their sessions, Studio Savvy also has a half-wall cubicle equipped with a pair of mirrors, tabletops, and director’s chairs. The area allows creators to get ready in a space tha’s free of clutter, so behind-the-scenes and “getting ready” shots look as polished as the final product.
“With my network marketing experience in beauty companies, we were always looking for places where you can get ready with cute mirrors, instead of taking content in your bathroom at home,” Beal says. “It can also be used as a bridal suite so brides can have a space to do their thing with their girlfriends in the morning and leave for the wedding, and not worry about it being cramped in a hotel room or having to clean up after.”
A bridal suite is only one of many uses for which the studio can be rented. With a rounded bar equipped with high-top table seating, a full bar, a mini fridge, and sink, the space is suited to a range of events from birthdays to retirement parties, networking sessions, workshops, and other events with up to 50 people seated or 80 standing.
To make the event your own, you can work with three tables that seat up to 18 people, while a back storage room provides the space to store a cake and other food as required. Need more to bring your event to life? Studio Savvy can connect you with a local rental company that has everything else you might need to curate the event of your dreams.
Beal says one of the most beloved aspects of the studio is that its cozy and comfy design is ready to go as is. Even if you don’t want to plan décor, you’re still guaranteed to have a stylish, contemporary space to welcome your guests.
“No matter what event you’re hosting, it’s perfect for photos — whether you’re in the makeup room, on the couch in front of the wainscoting wall, or on the infinity wall for some more clean, crisp brand shots,” she says. “You can do that all while you’re there and having your event.”
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.
The seven candidates vying to become Peterborough's next mayor in the 2026 municipal election answer kawarthaNOW's questions on economic development, including what actions the next council should take to strengthen downtown Peterborough's economy, public safety, and quality of life. (Photo: Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
As seven candidates compete to become Peterborough’s next mayor in the municipal election on October 26, kawarthaNOW is asking the contenders to outline their plans for the economy, housing, taxes, and leadership at city hall.
Economic development is a fundamental priority of the mayor’s office, but voters want to know what candidates will actually do to drive growth in Peterborough.
With incumbent mayor Jeff Leal not running for re-election, the seven certified mayoral candidates are Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, Brian Lumsden, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, incumbent Ashburnham Ward councillor Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat.
The seven candidates vying to become Peterborough’s next mayor in the October 26, 2026 municipal election (left to right, top and bottom): Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, Brian Lumsden, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat. (kawarthaNOW collage of candidate photos)
Having conducted in-depth interviews with six of the seven mayoral candidates to introduce their campaigns (with Brian Lumsden to be interviewed soon), kawarthaNOW has asked the candidates to go on the record about the most pressing election issues.
On the topic of economic development, candidates were asked two questions: “What should Peterborough’s two highest economic-development priorities be, and what would you do during your first two years to support job creation and local business growth?” and “What two actions should the next council take to strengthen downtown Peterborough’s economy, public safety, and quality of life?”
kawarthaNOW is publishing the responses from the seven candidates verbatim.
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What should Peterborough’s two highest economic-development priorities be, and what would you do during your first two years to support job creation and local business growth?
Michael Eamon
Job growth is the overarching priority as it will help address other issues, including poverty and homelessness, additional revenues for infrastructure and a more equitable redistribution of the property tax ratio. No mayor and council can create jobs, but they can foster the right environment for economic growth. Several concurrent actions are needed; however, two largest priorities to get there would be:
A. Building bridges with Peterborough County and Townships. Peterborough is not an island and we need to re-establish a regional vision for economic development. The city needs to work with surrounding Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee South Monaghan and Selwyn townships to find mutually beneficial solutions to expand employment lands. We need to enhance and grow upon our current strengths. Agri-business, aviation, warehousing and supply chain management, environmental and electrical engineering, high tech, should be pursued. In particular, we need blue-collar, entry-level jobs. We also need next-level positions to keep workers, and their families, in the region.
B. Peterborough has shifted away from its industrial roots and now the largest seven employers are in the public sector (such as Trent, Fleming, PRHC, school boards, the MNR and the City). Another priority would be to create a city-led Group of Seven Committee with these institutions. The goal would be to establish a shared economic vision, break down barriers to collaboration and create more jobs in the short term. All these institutions share similar provincial obligations regarding accessibility, service delivery, etc. They hold land and have facilities maintained in whole, or part, by public funds. This task force would emphasize working together, sharing resource, and job creation.
Rob Hailman
The two biggest ways a municipal government can promote economic development are by being reliable for business to work with, and by fostering great communities to live in. Where senior management wants to live, or spend a lot of time, is often a major factor in where businesses choose to relocate or expand to.
To the first priority, we must look to streamlining permitting processes and keep the cost, in time and money, of dealing with the city low and predictable. To the second, we must understand that investments in arts and culture, in recreation, in housing and in transit are all themselves investments in economic development.
Brian Lumsden
Keep taxes low and clean up the streets. There is an in-house committee specifically for economic development; make sure our tax dollars are getting the desired results.
Jacob Méthot
Peterborough’s approach has to be realistic. We can’t expect a couple of giant corporations to come and save the day. Instead, we need to focus on developing what is already here. The focus of my campaign is twofold.
The first priority is communication. This includes the creation of a retention and expansion program for businesses that would involve regular meetings with local employers. Understanding their needs, wants, and struggles is part of the solution to allowing more small businesses to thrive. Part of this program would include making more information available and accessible to businesses in a readable format that is easy to understand. The city also needs to listen to what these large employers need, and if they feel the need to leave, understand what the City has done to fail them. Orienting the City around the future job markets and most potential for long-term growth is also important. A focus needs to be placed on under-utilized and underdeveloped properties with a higher property-tax rate applied to these when needed to incentivise development.
The second priority is comfort. Businesses want to be able to make money, that’s only possible if it is easy for people and supplies to get to them and comfortable enough for them to spend their money there. Beautifying the downtown with an expanded district of flowers and having a transparent cleaning program in place is part of that. Allowing more opportunities for events, sports-tourism initiatives, and supporting the regional airport which is growing even faster than expected would bring even more dollars into the community.
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Neil Morton
First, we must do a much better job of attracting new industry and high paying jobs to secure long-term prosperity to this community which will increase the commercial/industrial and residential assessment base — a key revenue stream that takes the pressure off existing taxpayers by adding new ones. This includes increasing the supply of industrial land and collaborating with Peterborough County and neighbouring townships to develop new opportunities — regional cooperation is paramount. As well, we need to be laser focused on retaining business, which means providing great customer service support from city hall — and gratitude — when they want to grow and expand. To make the process more seamless, we will be implementing a Planning and Building Permit Service Guarantee for all applications, ensuring builders, developers and the public receive predictable timelines and accountable customer service.
We need to anchor the revitalization of the waterfront at Del Crary and downtown by partnering with the private sector and other levels of government to develop a multi-purpose sports, entertainment, and convention centre, using a financing model that doesn’t place any additional burden on property taxpayers. This will be one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in the city’s history and will serve as a catalyst for economic development and the revitalization of both the waterfront at Del Crary and the downtown. The facility and surrounding projects will also increase our commercial and residential assessment base. It would spur the growth of the hospitality industry in that area, be a stimulus for new housing projects and create far more pedestrian traffic to and from the downtown. This would be great for the Petes as well as the Peterborough Lakers and for other local soccer, lacrosse, hockey, skating, and arts and culture organizations to make use of throughout the year at an affordable cost. As well, it will attract small to medium-size conventions whose participants will create economic activity for local businesses. It would also attract top-notch promoters to want to bring music acts and theatrical productions here from around the world. I would also envision a public square outside the facility with a PTBO Landmark sign and art installations where people can gather before events with entertainment like buskers and jugglers.
Keith Riel
My first priority is making Peterborough easier to invest in and do business with. My second is putting the assets we already have, employment land, Cleantech Commons, our creative sector and our institutions, to work creating jobs.
I’ll make Economic Development a direct priority of the mayor’s office. Businesses should have one front door, one point of contact and a clear timeline, not be bounced between departments.
I’ll meet with at least one local business every week to ask what’s working, what’s getting in the way and what the City can reasonably do to help.
We also need to pursue opportunities more aggressively. Taxpayers have invested millions in Cleantech Commons. It’s time to see results. Ontario attracts billions in film, television, and commercial production — Peterborough should be competing for its share. Our arts and cultural sector is also an economic driver and should be treated like one.
The test is simple: are businesses growing, investments happening and people getting good jobs?
Rebecca Schillemat
Priority 1: Support Existing Business Expansion and Downtown Vitality
Promote gentle densification and mixed-use infill development to boost municipal revenues and support public infrastructure.
Review Central Area CIP incentives and redirect funds into high-impact initiatives like storefront renovations, commercial tenant assistance, and rapid-response clean-up teams.
Priority 2: Attract New Investment and Expand Serviced Employment Lands
Partner with the County of Peterborough and surrounding townships to finalize agreements for expanded industrial lands and recruit supply-chain partners.
Streamline municipal planning processes by assigning dedicated project stewards and establishing predictable timelines to reduce approval delays by 25% in the first term.
Leverage local institutional partnerships with Trent University including Clean Tech Commons and Fleming College to drive research, innovation, startup incubation, and green energy projects.
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What two actions should the next council take to strengthen downtown Peterborough’s economy, public safety, and quality of life?
Michael Eamon
Peterborough deserves a renewed and revitalized downtown that is a commercial and cultural hub for the region. Achieving this will require a consistent and focused effort, engaging a large range of stakeholders.
My first action would be to create a dedicated, inter-departmental Downtown Task Force focused on the downtown, reporting directly to CAO and mayor. The task force will bring together all city departments that provide services in the downtown as well as the DBIA. The goal is to improve communications between the DBIA and city staff, as well as to reduce red tape ensuring a rapid response to issues of maintenance, cleanliness and safety.
I would create a Mayor’s Committee of Downtown Stakeholders to bring together business leaders, landlords, shelter and health-care workers, residents, and staff to encourage productive conversations and shared information. City staff will be asked to look at the implementation of concrete solutions to grow business, make the downtown more accessible and ensure a sense of safety, including:
A yearly report on the types of commerce and activity that exist downtown with market segmentation and other information that can be used to attract new businesses.
An acceleration of the Official Plan goal to “intensify” downtown with both residential and commercial development.
Development of a “Friends of Downtown” association that, with the Downtown Task Force, gains residents’ support and fosters new ideas, such as a yearly “Spring Cleanup” and other promotions.
Expansion of “clean teams,” re-establishment of police foot patrols, and re-establishment of roving mental health and addiction teams to ensure continued cleanliness, safety of downtown areas and wellness of residents.
Rob Hailman
Many of the challenges facing downtown are issues of perception. Actual public safety downtown, and its perception by people who choose not to visit downtown, are two separate but related issues. Much of the positive action the municipality can take relates more to perception.
Changes in city policy around insurance and risk management have made it progressively more difficult for businesses and cultural organizations to hold events downtown, and council should take steps to reverse this trend, allowing more partners the opportunity to give more people reason to visit downtown for special occasions.
At the same time, much of the crime that does occur downtown are crimes of opportunity and desperation. That is not a problem that can be rebranded away, and in my opinion closely related to the housing crisis. The next council must take decisive action toward solving homelessness and promoting housing affordability in all its forms.
Whatever actions are taken, the city too often forgets that downtown Peterborough is a densely-populated working class residential neighbourhood. Those voices must be heard in order to find real solutions to issues downtown.
Brian Lumsden
Investigate the business practices of One City. Reclaim the trinity church and move One City’s drug hub outside of the city. I want a long term plan in place in cooperation with the health department, police department and city hall.
Jacob Méthot
The two issues I hear most from residents, businesses, and visitors to downtown is parking (including getting ticketed before you walk to the machine) and the problems surrounding homelessness, mental health, and addiction. The first of these problems needs to be addressed with greater leniency and communication around parking. If people get punished for spending money in downtown Peterborough, they won’t return.
The second solution is most crime is a solitary crime, ones that happen when nobody is around. When people are around, foot traffic especially, people don’t feel comfortable committing crime. Peterborough needs a coordinated downtown team focused on visible public safety, mental-health and addiction outreach, bylaw enforcement, cleanliness, lighting and rapid response to problem properties. A joint-organizational approach is needed. The goal isn’t simply more enforcement, it’s making sure that people who live, work and visit downtown feel safe while connecting vulnerable residents with the services they need.
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Neil Morton
The downtown and its businesses/residents are the heartbeat, epicenter and nourishment of this community, and as such I will advocate for it and have its back. Our downtown belongs to all our residents, and I will work to ensure people have the opportunity to work, live and enjoy our downtown in a safe and secure manner. As such my first action will be launching a Downtown Ambassador Program to provide a friendly, visible, and caring presence that enhances the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike to make it safer. Knowledgeable ambassadors would greet visitors, assist shoppers and tourists, provide directions and local information, and report maintenance concerns and other public safety hazards. Team members with specialized training would also help connect individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges with appropriate community services. In addition, we will make residents feel more engaged with the downtown by a) launching real-time Downtown Response App that enables residents to report property standards, maintenance, and cleanliness issues by submitting photos directly to City staff, and b) establish the Peterborough Proud Program, a city-led initiative that encourages citizens to take pride in their downtown through programs such as adopt a block, downtown cleanup days, a youth service program, and business proud awards. Beyond what the city can do directly, I will work with federal and provincial governments to create more supportive housing with suitable wraparound services, advocate for more treatment centres for those suffering addiction and mental issues, and create more jobs to help lift people out of poverty.
Keith Riel
First, take care of the place. Downtown should look and feel cared for. I’ll set clear standards for garbage, graffiti, sidewalks, weeds, washrooms, lighting and City-owned spaces using the staff and resources we already pay for.
Second, make downtown work for everyone. Being homeless isn’t a crime, and I won’t treat it like one. But moving someone from one doorway to another isn’t a solution.
We need visible policing where it’s needed, alongside outreach, shelter, civilian crisis response, mental-health and addiction supports, and housing. Public spaces must remain welcoming and accessible to everyone, while people in crisis have somewhere safe and appropriate to go. We have to do both.
Rebecca Schillemat
To improve Quality of Life council must provide enough shelter spaces for those who are experiencing homelessness, improve garbage clean up and by-law enforcement downtown. Our downtown requires a compassionate yet structured approach to address complex social challenges. As mayor I will plan a winter shelter response using existing municipal buildings close to downtown that includes enough space for Everyone experiencing homelessness in our community. I also have a long term plan to tackle the homelessness and addictions crises, which includes establishing a Whole-of-Community Hub, modeled after the framework in London, ON, to provide a streamlined continuum of care with low-barrier employment pathways, mental health treatment, recovery programs and proactive community safety measures.
As mayor I will address safety and public order with clear public space standards, more garbage cans downtown and along trails, window and graffiti repair within 24 hours, and proactive policing and by-law enforcement alongside health-led crisis response. I will advocate to the provincial and federal governments for funding and policy changes to support social housing, healthcare, mental health facilities, addictions recovery programs, court capacity, and bail reforms to ensure long-term stability and safety across our downtown core.
Quality of Life means we need to have a city where Everyone can walk in public without the need to watch behind them or look out for feces and needles on the sidewalk or in municipal parking lots.
kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim, without editing for grammar or format. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.
The story has been updated at the request of Michael Eamon’s campaign to correct a misspelling in one of his responses, which his campaign said should have been corrected in the original submission before it was sent to kawarthaNOW.
Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking witnesses to a hit-and-run on County Road 28 that seriously injured a motorcyclist just south of Bewdley early Monday morning (September 21).
Shortly after 9:30 a.m., emergency crews responded to a collision involving a motorcycle and a car on County Road 28 near Ganaraska Road.
The driver of the motorcycle, a 53-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre.
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Police are seeking to identify the driver of the vehicle that failed to remain at the scene of the collision, which they describe as a white sedan with tinted windows and possibly with a spoiler.
County Road 28 between Boundary Road and Ganaraska Road was closed while police investigated and documented the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam or other video footage is asked to contact the Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122, referencing incident number E261373805. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
encoreNOW for September 21, 2026 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Jeff Leeson at Lindsay's FLATO Academy Theatre, Cultivate Festival in Port Hope, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour in the city and county of Peterborough, "A Woman's Love List" at Bobcaygeon's Globus Theatre, the Small Town Shorts Film Festival at Campbellford's Aron Theatre, and New Stages Theatre's staged reading of "Mustard" at the Market Hall in Peterborough. (kawarthaNOW collage)
encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.
This week, Paul highlights Jeff Leeson at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre, the Cultivate Festival at Port Hope’s Haute Goat Farm, the return of the annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, Globus Theatre’s staging of A Woman’s Love List, the Small Town Shorts Film Festival in Campbellford, and New Stages Theatre’s new season opener Mustard in Peterborough.
Jeff Leeson providing the laughs we need at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre
VIDEO: “The world’s greatest dinner guests” – Jeff Leeson (graphic language)
With each passing day, the need to laugh becomes more pressing.
There’s much to be gloomy about, what with the trade war’s effects on the Canadian economy, and conflicts far from home messing badly with fuel and food prices. Now, we have the looming municipal election which sees us being reminded daily of all that’s wrong with our communities as opposed to what’s right.
Well, timing is everything, and Jeff Leeson’s being on tour is providing the medicine we need to forget, if even for a bit, all that threatens to bring us down and keep us there.
On September 25, the veteran Canadian stand-up comic brings his hilarious act to Lindsay’s FLATO Academy Theatre — one of several stops for his Only Gonna Say This Once tour.
For more than 25 years, Leeson has combined stand-up comedy with improv, the result being no two shows are alike but are equally entertaining. Away from the stage, his footprint has been no less impressive in the form of two comedy specials aired on Prime and a YouTube special titled “Sorry I’m Not Kevin Hart.”
If flattery expressed by one’s peers is the ultimate compliment, we can put considerable stock in the fact that his fellow comics have deemed Leeson The King of Crowd Work.
Port Hope’s three-day Cultivate Festival back for its 10th year
VIDEO: “Cuckoo” – Lemon Bucket Orkestra (2024)
Multi-day festivals are a dime a dozen, but relatively rare are those that provide an environment that is suitable for all ages, including the little ones.
Returning for a 10th year to do just that is Cultivate Festival, presented by the non-profit charity Cultivate Community from September 25 to 27 at Haute Goat Farm at 1166 5th Line in the Municipality of Port Hope.
Haute Goat’s 200-acre property will again be hopping in the form of numerous live music performances, local food offerings, and activities galore — including the Cultivate Kids creative village, where kids can explore art, music, and nature via interactive workshops, engaging performances, and inclusive play spaces.
The music lineup alone is well worth our attention, with Polaris Music Prize and Juno Award-nominated Terra Lightfoot leading an impressive pack that includes Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Cuff The Duke, Melissa Payne, Durham County Poets, Ahmed Moneka, Waahli, Doghouse Orchestra, Less Toches, Polky, Pete Moss, The Jimmy Bowskill Band, Nimkii Osawamick, and Päter. For the kids, there’s even a Sharon, Lois and Bram sing-along.
The full three-day schedule is available at cultivatefestival.ca/festival, where you can also find information on weekend and day passes, and trailer and tent camping options.
In keeping with the festival’s kid-friendly theme, admission is free for youth under 18 years old.
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Embrace fall and the talent of regional artists during the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour
VIDEO: Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour (2022)
With the end of summer and cooler autumn temperatures, we can do one of two things: lament what was, or embrace what’s coming.
Since 1984, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour has encouraged us to get out and explore the natural beauty of the region, all while visiting the studios of countless artists and artisans across the region. The free-admission tour returns September 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Organized and facilitated by the Art Gallery of Peterborough as one of its signature offerings, this is one of the longest-running studio tours in Canada. The self-guided tour sees participating artists and artisans in the city and county of Peterborough open their studio doors wide and welcome visitors to the intimate spaces where their ideas take shape and various materials come together to form the basis of their creative work.
Tour participants watch live demonstrations, learn about artistic processes, connect directly with those creating the work, and have the opportunity to purchase artworks and support local talent. If that’s not enough, the tour comes at a time when the fall colours are making their return, making the journey equally as fulfilling as the destination itself.
This year’s tour features 52 artists and artisans doing their thing at 42 studio locations across Peterborough city and county. Returning this year is the tour passport, where participants earn a stamp for every studio visited, with every 10 stamps entering them into a draw for a prize from the gallery gift shop valued at more than $100.
A full listing of the artists and studios, as well as a tour map, can be found at kast.agp.on.ca.
Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre staging yet another Norm Foster hit comedy
Sarah Quick, Elana Post, and Allan Cooke star in Norm Foster’s comedy “A Woman’s Love List” at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon from September 30 to October 10, 2026. (kawarthaNOW collage)
As my wife Mary and I close in on 50 years since the night we met, I find myself pondering what she saw in me that kept piqued her interest and kept it. I mean, I’m engaging and all, and I like to think I have a big heart that’s in the right place, but there’s not a whole lot else.
So it was that when I first read the storyline for A Woman’s Love List, I realized how lucky I was to make the cut that October night in 1976. In hindsight, things could have gone sideways in a hurry.
Opening Wednesday, September 30 at Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre, Norm Foster’s A Woman’s Love List is a sequel of sorts to his 2003 comedy The Love List, about two men writing up a list of qualities defining the perfect woman who, much to their surprise, appears.
With A Woman’s Love List, Foster turns the tables, bringing us Megan (Sarah Quick) and Carly (Elana Post), who write down a list of qualities that their perfect man possesses. When that perfect man (Allan Cooke) shows up, much hilarity abounds.
What the ladies discover is that genuine love isn’t a quest for perfection, but a willingness to love someone fully — quirks, flaws, and all the rest.
A Woman’s Love List is being staged in the round — meaning the audience will be on all sides of the stage — at 8 p.m. from September 30 to October 3 and October 7 to 10, with additional matinee performances at 2 p.m. on October 3, 8, and 10. An optional dinner is available at 6 p.m. before evening performances.
Tickets are $50 for the show only, or $100 for the show preceded by dinner, and are available at www.globustheatre.com.
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The Small Town Shorts Film Festival returns to Campbellford’s historic Aron Theatre
Originally opened as a purpose-built cinema in 1947, the Aron Theatre in Campbellford has hosted films, concerts, and other social events over the decades. In 2022, the Aron Theatre Co-operative purchased the venue. (Photo: Aron Theatre Co-operative)
Here to remind us that there’s another reason to visit Campbellford besides Empire Cheese, Dooher’s Bakery, and World’s Finest Chocolate at The Outlet at Sharpe’s: the Small Town Shorts Film Festival.
Featuring short films made and submitted by community members in Trent Hills, Marmora and Lake, Stirling, Madoc, Asphodel-Norwood, Tweed, North Hastings, and Brighton, the festival returns on Thursday, October 1 to Campbellford’s Aron Theatre.
Back in the day, the Marmora and Lake Public Library and the Trent Hills Public Library got together for the purpose of creating a collaborative event that would highlight the creativity that exists in small towns. The Small Town Shorts Film Festival was the result.
The festival awards jury and audience prizes based on age level categories. However, there’s something else at play here: the event also showcases the historic Aron Theatre, which opened in 1947 and remains one of Ontario’s few remaining independent theatres — thanks in no small way to the Aron Theatre Cooperative that purchased the venue in 2010. It has since invested serious money into its upkeep and upgrades.
The screen flickers to life at 6 p.m. at the 54 Bridge Street East theatre, with tickets set at an entirely reasonable $5. Visit arontheatre.com for more information and tickets.
New Stages Theatre in Peterborough opens a new season with Kat Sandler’s “Mustard”
Directed by Dahlia Katz, New Stages Theatre’s staged reading of Kat Sandler’s award-winning play “Mustard” on October 4, 2026 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough features (left to right, top and bottom) M. John Kennedy as Mustard, Aurora Browne as Sadie, Kris Siddiqi as Leslie, Jason Gray as Bug, Jayda Freeman as Thai, and Matt Schermann as Jay. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
There’s nothing like the excitement of a new season dawning, especially when that new season is associated with one of Peterborough’s longest-standing presenters of theatrical art.
On Sunday, October 4 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborugh, New Stages Theatre will open the curtain on its 2026-27 season with a staged reading of Kat Sandler’s dark comedy Mustard.
The recipient of a 2016 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play, this “funny, wistful and wildly creative play” introduces us to Mustard (M. John Kennedy), a fantastical imaginary childhood friend who refuses to say goodbye to Thai (Jayda Freeman), even though she is now well into her teens.
To Thai’s dismay, the recalcitrant Mustard suddenly becomes visible to Thai’s mom (Aurora Browne) and the two begin dating. Meanwhile, two unsavoury characters (Kris Siddiqi and Jason Gray) come looking for Mustard to enforce the rules governing imaginary childhood friends. Also appearing in the staged reading is Matt Schermann as Thai’s older boyfriend.
Described as a “twisted fairy tale about friendship, love, growing up, moving on, and finding magic where you least expect it,” Mustardis directed by Dahlia Katz, a Dora Mavis Moore Award-nominated director and theatre photographer who calls both Toronto and Lakefield home.
Due to strong language and mature themes including violence, suicide, and drug use, Mustard is not suitable for young children and is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older.
Tickets are $30 plus taxes and fees, with a $20 “welcome rate” available for those who need it and a $40 “pay it forward rate” for those who can afford to help cover the cost of the lower-priced tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the Market Hall box office at 140 Charlotte Street, by calling 705-749-1146, or online at tickets.markethall.org.
Meanwhile, for more information on New Stages Theatre’s full 2026-27 season, visit www.newstages.ca.
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Encore
Elyse Saunders
Two weeks back, I asked you to cross your fingers for Peterborough’s Elyse Saunders, who was nominated in two categories at the Mississauga Music Awards.
Well, you did your part and it worked — the country singer-songwriter came away from the awards as Artist of the Year, getting the nod over Triumph, illScarlett, and The Dreamboats.
If you want to see and hear for yourself what all the fuss is about, a great chance to do so is October 9 when Saunders brings her Cowboy Up tour to The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Robert Winslow
There’s little I can add to the remembrances of, and tributes to, 4th Line Theatre founder Robert Winslow that dominated the social media landscape in the wake of his sudden September 12 passing, but I feel I’ve drawn to try.
Over the course of several years, I interviewed Rob at the Winslow Farm venue near Millbrook. He was always generous of his time and, despite the breadth of his knowledge around all things storytelling, he never spoke down to me. Quite the contrary — he patiently explained the process. I always came away from those encounters more educated and, as a result of what I wrote, so did many others.
My thoughts remain with Rob’s longtime collaborator Kim Blackwell and the entire 4th Line family. This is tough — the toughest, actually — but what Rob built and nurtured for close to 35 years is bigger than he for whom our tears fall. Rob’s legacy is clear and secure, and that will guide 4th Line through however more summer seasons lay ahead.
Police officers outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville on September 20, 2026, when an exchange of gunfire near the synagogue where worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur sent a 29-year-old man man and a police officer to hospital. (Photo: CBC)
Peterborough police are increasing their presence at Beth Israel Synagogue on Monday (September 21) following a shooting outside a Belleville synagogue that left a police officer and a 29-year-old man in hospital.
In a statement issued Monday, Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts said he has spoken with the president of Beth Israel Synagogue about the situation and its local impacts, as well as with Belleville’s police chief to offer support.
“As a service we are being vigilant and there will be heightened police presence at the synagogue here in Peterborough throughout the day,” Betts said.
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Betts’ statement comes the morning after an exchange of gunfire near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville on Sunday evening, as members of the Jewish community gathered for the beginning of Yom Kippur, which is one of the most sacred days of the Jewish calendar.
In its statement, the Peterborough Police Service acknowledged the impact the incident could have on local residents’ sense of security, calling the known details of the incident “difficult to hear, process and quite frankly, angering.”
At a media conference on Monday afternoon (September 21), the Belleville Police Service identified the wounded suspect as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West and the wounded officer as Constable Jeff Smith.
Smith had been parked outside Sons of Jacob at the request of the synagogue. Police also revealed that a second officer who arrived at the scene also discharged his firearm.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Ward died in hospital on Monday night. Smith remains in critical but stable condition.
“While the details of the incident have not been widely made available, we want our community to know that we are aware that these events can be concerning and cut at our sense of safety.”
Chief Betts also expressed support for the injured Belleville officer.
“I have had a conversation with the Chief in Belleville to offer our support and of course relay our best wishes to their injured officer,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the officer who was shot during this incident while ensuring the safety of others in their community,” the Peterborough Police Service statement said. “We wish them a full and speed recovery surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.”
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Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal also issued a statement on Monday about the Belleville shooting.
“My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville, here in Peterborough, and across Canada,” Mayor Leal said.
“It is especially disturbing that this violence occurred at a synagogue as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Everyone deserves to gather, to worship, and to practice their faith in safety and without fear. Antisemitism, hate, and violence have no place in our communities.”
The mayor added that the “what happened in nearby Belleville will be deeply felt by Jewish members of our own Peterborough community. At this difficult time, I encourage everyone to show friendship, empathy and kindness to our Jewish friends, family members, and neighbours.”
“My thoughts are also with the Belleville Police Service officer who was injured in the shooting, as well as the officer’s family and loved ones. We are grateful to the police officers and first responders who acted to protect the community during this frightening incident.”
“Peterborough stands with the Jewish community in Belleville and here at home,” Leal said.
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Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the Belleville shooting.
According to the agency’s preliminary information, a Belleville police officer was near the synagogue, in the area of Victoria and Bleecker avenues, at approximately 7 p.m. when an exchange of gunfire occurred involving a man armed with a shotgun.
The man and the officer suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital. In its Monday release, the agency described the officer’s condition as critical but stable and the man’s injuries as life-threatening. Four investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.
Sons of Jacob Synagogue president Norman Weddum told CBC News he was ushering people into the sanctuary to begin services when he heard gunshots. He said the officer had been stationed outside the building in an unmarked car.
After going to the lobby and realizing someone was shooting, Weddum said he ran back into the auditorium, where those gathered took cover.
“So that’s when we ran back into the auditorium of the synagogue, closed the doors behind us so as to not leave a visible target and we hit the floor,” he told CBC.
“Literally everyone went down,” he said. “I yelled for everyone to get on to the floor and the shots continued for a few more seconds, and then it was basically over.”
Police had not said what led to the shooting or whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted. Belleville police said there was no risk to public safety and asked people to avoid the area while officers investigated.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford were among the public figures who issued statements following the shooting.
“Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives,” Carney wrote on social media.
Ford expressed gratitude to the wounded officer and other first responders.
“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to this brave officer and to all the first responders who acted so quickly to keep the community safe,” he said.
Weddum told CBC the congregation could not return to the synagogue on Monday to complete its Yom Kippur services because the building remained closed for the investigation.
“Once the building is released we’ll get back to having services,” he said. “We will carry on.”
This story was updated with the identities of the suspect and officer released by the Belleville Police Service on Monday.
Located in the northern part of Haliburton County, the Township of Algonquin Highlands is a rural municipality with a population of around 2,600 permanent residents and around 10,000 seasonal residents. Communities in Algonquin Highlands include half the village of Dorset, part of Carnarvon, and the hamlets of Boshkung, Buttermilk Falls, Halls Lake, Little Hawk Lake, Maple Lake, Ox Narrows, and Oxtongue Lake. (Photo: Township of Algonquin Highlands)
With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Haliburton County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.
Residents of the four municipalities that form Haliburton County — Township of Algonquin Highlands, Municipality of Dysart et al, Municipality of Highlands East, and Township of Minden Hills — will be voting for members of their lower-tier councils whose leadership makes up the membership of county council.
In this multi-part series, kawarthaNOW is publishing responses from candidates in each municipality to the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” Stories in the series, presented by municipality, will be updated as required to include candidate responses received after initial publication.
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Located in the northern part of Haliburton County, the Township of Algonquin Highlands is a rural municipality with a population of around 2,600 permanent residents and around 10,000 seasonal residents. Communities in Algonquin Highlands include half the village of Dorset, part of Carnarvon, and the hamlets of Boshkung, Buttermilk Falls, Halls Lake, Little Hawk Lake, Maple Lake, Ox Narrows, and Oxtongue Lake.
The council for the Township of Algonquin Highlands includes a mayor and four councillors representing three wards, with one councillor elected in Ward 1 (former Township of Sherborne and part of Dorset), two elected in Ward 2 (former Township of Stanhope), and one elected in Ward 3 (former Townships of McClintock, Livingstone, Lawrence & Nightingale). At the first meeting of the new council, one of the four councillors will be elected to serve as deputy mayor for the term.
Incumbent members of council who are seeking re-election are mayor Liz Danielsen and Ward 2 councillor Lisa Barry. Incumbent deputy mayor and Ward 3 councillor Jennifer Dailloux and incumbent Ward 1 and Ward 2 councillors Julia Shortreed and Sabrina Richards are not seeking re-election.
Challenging Danielsen for the mayor’s seat is Mike Lang.
Karla MacKay was acclaimed as Ward 1 councillor after the closure of the nomination period, as she was the only nominated candidate.
In Ward 2, James Cooper, Gary Trapp, and Kent Wallace are competing for the two councillor seats along with incumbent Barry.
In Ward 3, Don Embree and Darren Wiebe are running for the single councillor position.
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Mayor
Liz Danielsen (incumbent)
I started my municipal career in the northwest territories, and when I came back to Ontario I worked for a local newspaper as a roving municipal reporter. During that time, I was asked by numerous people to run for council. I found that it is truly something that gets in your blood. I have been on council in Algonquin Highlands for 16 years now. The first three terms as a deputy mayor and this past term I was successful in my run for mayor. I absolutely love solving problems on behalf of the residents, particular living in a small community like ours where our tax base is limited to residential and the economy is primarily tourism based. Over my time here we have faced many challenges, particularly environmental in nature, given that our economy is based primarily on the health of our lakes. We have struggled at both the upper and lower tiers on items, like Shoreline preservation, septic inspection programs, short-term rental legislation as well as community, safety and well-being. I believe I bring a very balanced approach to municipal governance, and that my knowledge and experience will serve us well while we go through the ongoing governance and financial sustainability study that the county is undertaking. There is a little doubt that without raising taxes we must find different solutions, learn to work together, partner on service provision, and try to reduce costs wherever we can. It is my sincere hope that I am successful in my run so that I can continue the good work that has already been started across Haliburton County.
Mike Lang
I am running for council because I believe Algonquin Highlands deserves leadership focused on change, transparency and good governance. After 15 years as a resident, I have seen both the strengths of our community and the opportunities to do things better. I want council to listen to residents, make informed decisions, respect taxpayers and focus on the issues that matter most to our community.
I bring 35 years of public service and leadership experience, including management responsibilities in the federal government. I understand how government works, how policies and regulations affect people, and — equally important — the different roles and responsibilities of each level of government.
I am a consensus builder who believes in working with people rather than working against them. I am retired, a husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman and handyman who understands the practical realities of living in our community.
I believe good leadership means listening carefully, being transparent, finding practical solutions and knowing which battles are worth fighting. I am prepared to bring that experience, independence and common sense to council and work together to make Algonquin Highlands an even better place to live, work and invest.
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Ward 1
Karla MacKay (acclaimed)
I am running for council in ward 1 because I believe each ward needs a local voice at the table. The MacKay family has been in Dorset since 1863 … Angus MacKay was on council then and I want to bring the name back to its civic roots.
I have raised my children here and my children would like to do the same. I want this village to thrive!
I believe we need responsible, honest people helping lead the township and councilors willing to listen, ask questions and take the ward’s concerns to council.
Ward 2
Lisa Barry (incumbent)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
James Cooper
I am a full-time resident, who has been coming to the region since the late 1970’s with my wife and family. It was the safe, connected community, where neighbours look out for each other, that convinced us to retire in Algonquin Highlands. These are community values that I want to preserve. As a seasoned Information Technology Sales professional, I have sold multi-million dollar enterprise deals to some of the largest corporations in the world. My background allows me to bring proven leadership, fiscal responsibility, and creative problem-solving to the Algonquin Highlands council. Given the state of the global economy and how its effect is filtering down to our municipalities, your representative on council needs the strong business and financial background that I can bring to meet the new economic realities we are facing. I believe I can bring fresh ideas and critical thinking about how our tax dollars are utilized and to the challenges that continue to be persistent in Algonquin Highlands. For the last 4 years I have been deeply involved in monitoring our existing Council’s activities and advocating for issues affecting not only Algonquin Highlands’s residents, but also those in Haliburton County. I believe everyone needs a voice in our township’s decisions, and I would like to be that voice for you!
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Gary Trapp
My wife and I have been full-time residents in Algonquin Highlands for the past 20 years, having previously cottaged here. I feel this gives me an appreciation for the perspectives of both permanent and cottage residents. We are part of a close neighbourhood community and volunteer in various capacities in Algonquin Highlands and Haliburton County.
I believe we are entering a new chapter in Municipal governance where fresh eyes and business-like perspectives are needed to meet the challenges of rising costs and public demand to more effectively deliver basic services. Years of political experience can make career politicians complacent. I believe what is needed is great leadership which is related to experience, but not the same.
I am committed to life long learning and leadership growth coming from a broad corporate business background, mostly in the highly regulated financial services industry. I’ve built and led operational teams of various sizes after CPA beginnings. My experience includes working in different governance models, volunteering both locally and abroad with not-for-profit organizations on humanitarian trips, serving on a municipal council committee and I currently serve locally as the Chair of the Medeba Adventure Camp Board. Leadership and service are proven key values for me, along with integrity and openness.
I am committed to: Fiscal responsibility; Focussing on basic essential services (challenging new & existing programs); and, Improving public input with Council.
Kent Wallace
I’m running for council because this community has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My family has roots in Stanhope going back generations, and I’ve recently made the decision to make Algonquin Highlands my permanent home. I care about where this community is headed and felt it was time to step up rather than just have opinions from the sidelines.
What I bring is a combination of deep local roots and a different kind of experience. I spent more than 20 years in business, including owning and operating a company for over a decade and managing multimillion-dollar lines of business. I also spent several years working in the waste management and environmental services sector. My career has involved managing budgets, people, contractors and customers, while being accountable for both financial and operational results.
I think that experience is particularly relevant right now. Municipal costs are rising, taxpayers are feeling the pressure, and Algonquin Highlands and Haliburton County are facing significant decisions about how services should be delivered in the future.
I want to bring a practical, common-sense approach to council: look carefully at where our money is going, find opportunities to work together and eliminate unnecessary duplication, protect the services and local representation that matter, and make decisions based on what provides the best value for taxpayers.
Most importantly, I’ll listen. Whether someone lives here year-round or spends part of the year here, I want people to feel their concerns are heard and that council is working for them.
Ward 3
Don Embree
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Darren Wiebe
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.
This story was updated on October 13 with a response from Ward 2 candidate Gary Trapp.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. (Photo: SIU)
Ontario’s police watchdog has found no reasonable grounds to believe any Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the May death of a 28-year-old man who suffered a medical crisis while in police custody in Cobourg.
In a report released by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) on Friday (September 18), director Joseph Martino concluded the officers responsible for the man’s custody acted with due care for his health and well-being before and during his detention.
The man was arrested in Cramahe Township on the evening of May 24 after a family member contacted police to request a welfare check. During a video call earlier that day, the family member said they had seen the man had significant facial injuries, including swollen black eyes and blood on his face.
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OPP officers initially attended a residence in the township shortly after 7 p.m. and were told the man had suffered a seizure in a garage, injuring his face and arms. After later learning the man had returned to the residence, officers went back and entered because they believed there were urgent medical circumstances.
Police found the man with visible facial injuries and determined he was violating a release order requiring him to live at his mother’s residence. He was arrested without incident.
The man told police he had fallen during a seizure and had not taken his prescribed medication that day.
Although he initially denied recent alcohol or drug use, he later told paramedics he had used cocaine the previous night and that other seizures he had experienced were associated with sleep deprivation and drug use. Paramedics warned there was a risk of another seizure and recommended that he be assessed at hospital.
The man was taken to Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, where he underwent a CT scan. He was medically cleared, prescribed two medications, and discharged back into police custody.
Police took him to the Cobourg detachment, where he was searched and placed in a cell shortly before midnight to await a bail hearing. The search found no contraband, and a previous search following his arrest had also found no contraband.
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According to the director’s report, the man was checked at intervals of 15 minutes or less and custody video showed he appeared to have slept on the cell bench for more than nine hours.
Shortly before 10 a.m. the following morning, custody video showed the man use the toilet and then turn his back to the camera. Martino wrote that he appeared to reach into the toilet bowl and described his actions as “curious.”
The man was provided breakfast at around 10 a.m. and then laid down on the bench. A few minutes later, he began showing signs of a seizure, fell off the bench, and convulsed on the floor.
Officers immediately entered the cell, provided care, and called paramedics. The man was initially responsive and briefly became combative, requiring officers to restrain him, but his condition deteriorated and he suffered another apparent seizure.
Paramedics arrived at around 10:32 a.m. and transported him to Northumberland Hills Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:09 p.m.
An autopsy did not identify any injuries that would account for his death. His cause of death remained pending when Martino completed his report on September 15.
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In his review of the incident, Martino considered whether the officers’ conduct amounted to failure to provide the necessaries of life or criminal negligence causing death.
Failure to provide the necessaries of life requires conduct representing a marked departure from the care a reasonable person would have provided under the circumstances. Criminal negligence causing death requires a marked and substantial departure from reasonable care that demonstrates a wanton or reckless disregard for another person’s life or safety.
Martino found the officers’ conduct did not approach either threshold.
The man was lawfully arrested for breaching his release order, Martino concluded, and officers appropriately arranged for paramedics to assess him before he was taken to hospital because of his injuries and seizure history.
After the hospital determined he was medically fit for police custody, officers regularly monitored him in the cell and responded promptly when he began convulsing.
In his report, Martino wrote “There is a suspicion in the evidence” that the man may have accessed and consumed cocaine while in the cell, possibly precipitating the seizures.
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However, Martino stressed the evidence had not established whether drug use occurred and concluded it would not change his assessment of the officers’ potential criminal liability.
The man had been searched twice before being placed in the cell, with neither search finding an illicit substance.
Martino noted that only a strip search might have detected a concealed substance, but such searches are highly invasive and permitted only in exceptional circumstances when police have reasonable grounds to believe one is necessary.
He added that police did not appear to have grounds for a strip search, particularly because the man had not been arrested for a drug-related offence.
The officer designated as the subject of the investigation declined to be interviewed or provide his notes, as was his legal right.
The investigation included interviews with six civilian witnesses and four police witnesses, as well as a review of body-worn, police-cruiser, and cell-block video, police communications and custody records, medical records, and preliminary autopsy findings.
“For the foregoing reasons, there is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges in this case,” Martino concluded. “The file is closed.”
The SIU launched its investigation on May 25 after being contacted by the OPP. The civilian agency investigates incidents involving police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
With Ennismore Pharmacy owner and pharmacist Mehul Pathak standing to her left, Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis cuts the ribbon to officially open the pharmacy's new telemedicine clinic. The clinic offers OHIP-covered virtual consultations with licensed healthcare professionals for assessments, treatment, prescription services, referrals, and follow-up care. (Photo courtesy of Ennismore Pharmacy)
A new telemedicine clinic in Selwyn Township gives residents of Peterborough County another option for accessing primary healthcare closer to home.
The clinic at Ennismore Pharmacy offers OHIP-covered virtual consultations with licensed healthcare professionals for assessments, treatment, prescription services, referrals, and follow-up care.
Located at 470 Robinson Road in Ennismore, the clinic provides a private consultation space where patients can connect securely with healthcare providers, with pharmacy staff available to provide support.
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The clinic officially opened on Friday (September 18) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis, healthcare advocates, and local residents.
Warden Clark presented Ennismore Pharmacy owner and pharmacist Mehul Pathak with a certificate of recognition from Peterborough County marking the clinic’s opening.
“At Ennismore Pharmacy, we are committed to finding innovative ways to support the healthcare needs of our community,” Pathak said in a media release.
“The new telemedicine clinic provides convenient access to healthcare professionals and helps connect patients with the care they need, when they need it. We are proud to offer this service to local residents, visitors, and cottagers alike.”
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The clinic is intended to provide another option for people who may not have timely access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, particularly in a rural community where accessing in-person healthcare services can require travelling elsewhere.
“We are pleased to see local businesses continuing to invest in healthcare solutions that benefit residents across Peterborough County,” Clark said.
“This new telemedicine clinic adds another access point for primary care and demonstrates how community partnerships can help address healthcare challenges while improving access to services closer to home.”
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Mayor Senis said the new service is an example of how local businesses can contribute to healthcare access in Selwyn Township.
“Selwyn Township welcomes innovative healthcare services that help improve quality of life for our residents,” she said.
“The addition of a telemedicine clinic at Ennismore Pharmacy demonstrates how local businesses can play an important role in strengthening healthcare access and supporting community well-being.”
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The telemedicine clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Appointments can be booked online at gooddoctors.ca or by calling 705-304-1036.
Founded by Pathak, Remedy’sRx Ennismore Pharmacy is an independently owned community pharmacy serving Ennismore and the surrounding area.
A pharmacist, entrepreneur, and community advocate who was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Peterborough in 2000, Pathak also owns Remedy’sRx Parkhill Pharmacy in Peterborough, Remedy’sRx Keene Drug Mart, and Remedy’sRx Buckhorn Pharmacy.
Introduced in May 2024 to replace VIA Rail Train 651 that was suspended during the pandemic, VIA Rail Train 641 included stops in Cobourg and Port Hope before arriving in Toronto just before 9 a.m. (Photo: VIA Rail Canada)
Cobourg and Port Hope residents who rely on an early-morning train to reach Toronto before 9 a.m. will lose that connection next month, just over two years after municipal advocacy helped bring morning commuter service back to Northumberland County.
VIA Rail will discontinue Train 641 effective October 25 as part of broader schedule changes along the Québec City–Windsor corridor. The train currently operates Monday through Thursday.
The Town of Cobourg is warning the cancellation could affect both residents who commute to Toronto and local businesses that depend on visitors arriving by rail.
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“For many Cobourg residents, VIA Rail is not simply a convenience; it is an important connection to employment, education, family and opportunity,” says Mayor Lucas Cleveland in a September 17 media release.
“On behalf of Cobourg council, I say this decision being taken by VIA is beyond unacceptable for commuters along this vital transportation corridor. This decision is even more disappointing given the years of advocacy by our MP, MPP and myself to re-establish early-morning stops in May 2024, only to have that decision revoked two years later.”
Train 641 was introduced in May 2024, serving Cobourg and Port Hope on its Ottawa–Toronto route. The train departs Cobourg at 7:35 a.m. and Port Hope at 7:44 a.m., arriving in Toronto at 8:48 a.m.
The service replaced Train 651, which had departed Kingston and served Northumberland communities before reaching Toronto around 8:10 a.m. That train was suspended during the pandemic and remained absent when almost all of VIA’s previous routes had resumed by June 2022.
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When Train 651 did not resume service, Northumberland County and its municipal partners spent 18 months pressing for morning service to return. A county survey collected more than 2,500 responses about the need for the connection.
In late 2022, Northumberland and Hastings counties, along with Quinte West, Belleville, and Kingston, released a joint report outlining the importance of commuter rail for employment, education, retraining, and medical appointments.
Welcoming the restoration in 2024, then Northumberland County warden Brian Ostrander also called for infrastructure improvements to sustain effective commuter service.
In its September 16 announcement, VIA Rail says the upcoming changes follow its twice-yearly schedule review and are intended to better match passenger demand and improve reliability.
The Crown corporation says Train 41 will continue to provide an early-morning option to Toronto, departing Ottawa at 4:56 a.m. However, that train will depart Cobourg at 8:44 a.m. and not arrive in Toronto until 9:37 a.m., and it will not stop in Port Hope.
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For the town, the loss raises concerns about the ability of people to live in Cobourg while accessing employment in Toronto, describing reliable early train service as an important alternative to driving on Highway 401.
The town also warns that less convenient passenger rail service could have consequences for its tourism economy. Direct connections from Toronto, Ottawa, and other communities help bring visitors to Cobourg’s waterfront, downtown, accommodations, restaurants, events, and local businesses.
While acknowledging the operational considerations involved in running a national passenger rail network, the town says service decisions should account for the economic, workforce, tourism, and transportation needs of the communities along the corridor. It is calling for further discussion of the potential cumulative impact of schedule changes on those communities.
A September 17 open letter to VIA Rail from federal, provincial, and municipal leaders in Clarington and Northumberland County — including Cleveland and Port Hope mayor Olena Hankivsky — says they are “incredibly disappointed” by the decision.
“We understand that your reasoning for this cancellation was low ridership,” the letter states. “That is not what we are hearing from the people we represent who use the train each day. If low ridership was truly the reason for this cancellation, then we are calling on you to publicly release the ridership numbers that forced you to make this decision. A disruption of this magnitude demands complete transparency and honesty.”
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Northumberland County municipalities are not alone in raising objections to VIA Rail’s announcement.
According to the Toronto Star, Kingston’s mayor has criticized the changes, saying they will result in eight fewer trains serving the city and expressing concern about the continued erosion of passenger rail service.
Toronto deputy mayor and Scarborough councillor Paul Ainslie has also called for VIA Rail to reverse its decision to end service at Guildwood station, the Star reports. He warned that removing the stop would make travel less convenient and reduce transportation options for Scarborough residents.
VIA Rail will also stop serving Malton. It says removing the two stops will improve overall travel times, citing their proximity to Union Station and access to GO Transit and local services.
Across the Ottawa–Toronto route, VIA Rail says the revised schedule will result in an average of one fewer train daily. Alongside reductions to several services, Train 55 will begin operating daily and Train 644 will expand to daily service.
In a statement to the Star, VIA Rail said local elected officials and eastern Ontario stakeholders were informed before the public announcement and that it continues to engage with them about their concerns.
Passengers whose existing bookings are affected will be contacted directly and offered rebooking or a full refund at no additional cost, according to VIA Rail.
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