Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the entire Kawarthas region for showers and embedded thunderstorms beginning Monday night (August 31).
The special weather statement is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
Showers and embedded thunderstorms will begin Monday evening and continue until Tuesday morning.
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An embedded thunderstorm is a thunderstorm hidden within a larger area of clouds or steady precipitation, making it difficult or impossible to see from the ground or from an aircraft. Embedded thunderstorms can still produce lightning, hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Local rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm are expected, possibly exceeding 40 mm, especially for areas that receive thunderstorms. Environment Canada may issue rainfall warnings.
Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. For information concerning flooding, consult your local conservation authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources office. For the latest details, visit www.ontario.ca/page/floods.
"Reacher" star Alan Ritchson in an Instagram reel posted from Minden Whitewater Preserve in the Haliburton Highlands on August 29, 2026, one of the Ontario locations for the fifth season of the popular Amazon Prime Video action-thriller series based on the best-selling books by Lee Child. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Although the final episodes of season four of the popular action-thriller series Reacher are still to be released on Amazon Prime Video, filming is already underway in Ontario for the fifth season — including at a location in the Kawarthas region.
Under the code name “Honcho,” the production company for the show filmed exterior shots at Minden Whitewater Preserve south of Horseshoe Lake in the Haliburton Highlands, along with other nearby locations, during the last week of August.
Actor Alan Ritchson posted an Instagram reel from Minden on Saturday (August 29).
“I’m going in that,” Ritchson said, pointing to the Gull River. “We gotta go in that.”
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Reacher is based on the best-selling books by British author Lee Child, with Ritchson portraying the titular character Jack Reacher, a brawny yet astute former military policeman who becomes a drifter after leaving the army and uses his expertise and physical strength and combat skills to solve crimes and right wrongs.
The fifth season of the show will be based on 2015’s Make Me, the 20th book in the series. When Reacher steps off a train in a remote Midwestern town called Mother’s Rest, he finds himself entangled in a missing person case alongside a former FBI agent turned private investigator. As the duo investigates, they unravel a deeply disturbing, dark web conspiracy that forces Reacher to confront a deadly and unprecedented nightmare.
Canadian actors Amanda Ip and Jay Baruchel will also star in the season, with Ip portraying private investigator Michelle Chang and Baruchel playing local police chief Buck Bauer.
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As for the Minden location, the film crew began filming there at the end of July and returned again at the end of August, after the show finished shooting at Oshawa’s Kingsway Motel, which was transformed into the fictional Horseshoe Motel. While filming in Oshawa, Ritchson took a break to greet a large crowd of fans.
This isn’t the first time Reacher has filmed in the Kawarthas. In 2024, scenes from the third season were filmed in downtown Millbrook, which was transformed into a small town in Maine. In another local connection, Peterborough actor Wyatt Lamoureux appeared in a non-speaking role in the first season of the series in 2022.
The fifth season of Reacher is expected to be released in late 2027 or early 2028,
In October 2026, Angela McDonald's Sweet Fern Floral Studio will move from its current location at 387 Water Street in downtown Peterborough to a larger space at 208 Charlotte Street, where her parents once operated a flower shop for 22 years. (Photo: Sweet Fern Floral Studio)
businessNOW is back!
I have always believed that strong local businesses are the foundation of strong communities. As publisher of kawarthaNOW, I see important business news happening every day across our region, but it is often scattered across social media, newsletters, websites, and other channels. Stories about new businesses, expansions, investments, leadership changes, awards, and events can be easy to miss.
That’s why I’m pleased to bring back businessNOW, a column we originally published from 2017 to 2021. Every second Monday, businessNOW will bring together important business news and events from Peterborough, Kawarthas Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands. We’ve also introduced “People on the Move,” recognizing career and leadership milestones. Sometimes I’ll share a “Publisher’s Pick,” which is a stand-out item that I believe deserve your special attention.
For 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching our regional business community grow and evolve. I hope businessNOW will help business owners, professionals, organizations, and community leaders stay informed, connected, and inspired to support our regional economy.
Thank you for reading. Please send your business announcements, milestones, and story ideas directly to me at business@kawarthanow.com.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio returning to its roots at 208 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough
Sweet Fern Floral Studio owner and lead designer Angela McDonald opened her Water Street flower shop in 2024 after previously running the business from her home for years before. Two years later, she will be moving to a larger space at 208 Charlotte Street in October, where her once parents operated a flower shop for 22 years. (Photos: Sweet Fern Floral Studio)
I’ll admit my bias right from the beginning: I am a big fan of Sweet Fern Floral Studio. From its beautiful and creative floral designs to the warmth and care shown to customers, Sweet Fern is a wonderful example of what a creative, customer-focused, independent local business brings to our downtown. I was genuinely delighted to learn that owner and lead designer Angela “Ang” McDonald is preparing to grow the business again.
Sweet Fern will move from its current studio at 387 Water Street to a larger space at 208 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough in October. While the move will give Ang and her team the additional room they have needed for some time, it is also a deeply personal homecoming.
When Ang was six years old, her parents purchased a flower shop at 208 Charlotte Street. They operated it for 22 years, building it into one of Peterborough’s most successful flower shops. Ang spent much of her childhood there, learning the floral business, meeting customers, and watching her mother and staff create lasting connections while caring for people during some of the most important moments in their lives.
Ang carried those lessons into Sweet Fern. What began with Ang and her mother creating planters during the pandemic grew into a full-time home-based business. She opened Sweet Fern’s Water Street retail studio in 2024, offering pre-made and custom floral arrangements, bouquets, wedding and event florals, subscriptions, home décor, locally made art, and gifts. The studio uses locally grown flowers whenever possible and offers in-store shopping, pickup, and local delivery.
For Ang, flowers have always been about much more than what goes into a vase. They are about connection — celebrating someone, offering comfort, expressing gratitude, or reminding someone they matter. That philosophy is evident in everything Sweet Fern does and is one of the reasons I have become such a fan of the business.
Seeing Sweet Fern return to the very place where Ang’s story with flowers began feels wonderfully full circle. It is also exactly the kind of local business growth I love to see in downtown Peterborough: an independent entrepreneur building on deep community roots while creating something distinctly her own. I can’t wait to see Ang and the Sweet Fern team blooming in their new Charlotte Street home this October.
Peterborough’s Brant Basics enters a new chapter under Office Central
Now owned by Office Central, Brant Basics held a grand opening celebration of its new location at 701 The Queensway in Peterborough on August 13, 2026. Mayor Jeff Leal and city councillors Lesley Parnell and Kevin Duguay attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo: Brant Basics)
Brant Basics has moved from its longtime downtown Peterborough location to 701 The Queensway, but new owner Office Central is keeping the familiar local name.
Office Central acquired Brant Basics from the Cox family on June 30, 2023. The Richmond Hill-based company is owned by Trevor Katz and his two brothers and, like Brant Basics, has deep roots as a Canadian family business.
“We thought it was really important to maintain the presence within Peterborough and maintain the name of Brant Basics because it’s a well-known name in that city,” Katz told kawarthaNOW. “Why change it?”
Katz said keeping the business Canadian was also important.
“We didn’t want Brant Basics to be sold to a U.S. company,” he said.
The move to The Queensway gives the company a smaller, brighter, one-floor location with free parking. Katz said all local staff remain in place, including sales, delivery, purchasing, logistics, and retail employees.
Brant Basics has also expanded its product mix to include more education, arts and crafts, toys and higher-end stationery, with brands including Crayola and LEGO.
The company’s website has been expanded as well, with Katz estimating customers can now access around half a million products.
For Katz, the fit between the two companies goes beyond products.
“At the end of the day, the philosophies are the same,” he said. “We’re a family business. They were a family business.”
The Little Frozen Yogurt Company in Douro-Dummer expands with The Little Mini Golf Co.
Owned by Sean Harris and A.J. Sainsbury, The Little Mini Golf Co. celebrated its grand opening at 17 Indacom Drive in Douro-Dummer on August 6, 2026 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard, Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Douro-Dummer mayor Heather Watson, and Selwyn deputy mayor Ron Black. (Photo: Atticus Sikma / Peterborough County)
The Little Mini Golf Co. celebrated its grand opening on August 6 at 17 Indacom Drive in Douro-Dummer. The new 18-hole miniature golf course is inspired by the history, landmarks, and natural beauty of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, with features recognizing local icons including the Peterborough Lift Lock and the historic 1885 Douro dynamite explosion.
Owned by Sean Harris and A.J. Sainsbury, the attraction is the newest addition to The Little Frozen Yogurt Company and was created as an outdoor destination for local families and visitors.
The opening ceremony included remarks from Harris, Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Selwyn deputy mayor Ron Black, Douro-Dummer mayor Heather Watson, and Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard, followed by a ribbon cutting and complimentary rounds of mini golf.
For more information about the Little Mini Golf Co., visit minigolfco.ca.
Oogeema Ganoo (Mitchel Jerome) opens Indigenous mini-market in downtown Peterborough
Indigenous artist and entrepreneur Mitchel Jerome has opened Oogeema Ganoo, an Indigenous mini-market and custom clothing shop at 410 Chambers Street in downtown Peterborough. The store features Jerome’s Oogeema Ganoo clothing brand and provides space for Indigenous artists to showcase and sell their work. (Photo: Mitchel Jerome)
Indigenous artist and entrepreneur Mitchel Jerome has opened Oogeema Ganoo, an Indigenous mini-market and custom clothing shop at 410 Chambers Street in downtown Peterborough.
Oogeema Ganoo is Jerome’s Indigenous name, which means Chief Golden Eagle.
The store features Jerome’s Oogeema Ganoo clothing brand and provides space for Indigenous artists to showcase and sell their work.
Plans for the storefront also include arts and crafts workshops. Store hours and updates are available on the Oogeema Ganoo Facebook page at facebook.com/OogeemaGanoo/
The Neighbourhood Vintage moves into Watson & Lou and Take Cover Books moves into The Neighbourhood Vintage
The Neighbourhood Vintage will officially move into Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough on Tuesday, September 1.
The collaboration brings together Jacquelyn Craft’s curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories with the locally made art, handcrafted goods, ceramics, stationery, jewellery, and gifts offered by Katie Küntz’s Watson & Lou.
The two owners share a commitment to supporting local creativity, sustainable shopping, and community-building.
The businesses will celebrate the collaboration during September First Friday on September 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors can explore the expanded shop, meet the owners, and browse the latest collections. Follow @watsonandlou and @theneighbourhoodvintage on social media for updates.
Meanwhile, the final day of Take Cover Books at its East City location at 59 Hunter Street East was Sunday, August 30. The bookstore, owned by brothers Sean and Andrew Fitzpatrick, is moving into The Neighbourhood Vintage’s former space at 391 Water Street, where it will reopen on Friday, September 4. For more information, visit takecoverbooks.ca.
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Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub opening in former Jethro’s Bar + Stage location in downtown Peterborough
The stage at Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub, which will soon be opening at 137 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough in the space formerly occupied by Jethro’s Bar + Stage, which closed in April 2026 almost four years after it was opened by musician Kayla Howran. (Photo: Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub)
Eldorado Music Bar and Social Pub will soon be opening at 137 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, in the space formerly occupied by Jethro’s Bar + Stage.
Like its predecessor, the new venue aims to provide a stage for local and visiting musicians while offering a welcoming place for people to gather. Along with live music, Eldorado plans to host pub quizzes, sports screenings, seasonal celebrations, and other special events.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, the pub will offer premium Canadian beer on tap, craft beer, cocktails, cold beverages, and bar snacks.
Two Tails Bakery launches homemade pet treats in Peterborough
Peterborough entrepreneur Nicole Grady’s Two Tails Bakery is a home-based business producing small-batch dog and cat treats using simple, wholesome ingredients. (Graphic: Two Tails Bakery)
Peterborough entrepreneur Nicole Grady officially launched Two Tails Bakery in July. The home-based business produces small-batch dog and cat treats using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Its introductory collection includes peanut butter-flavoured Two Tails Signature Biscuits, Cheddar Crunchies for smaller dogs and training, 100 per cent sweet potato chews, and Salmon Nibblers for cats.
Grady’s dog Toby and Milo the cat serve as the bakery’s official “quality-control department.”
Grady plans to introduce Two Tails Bakery at local events while growing the business’s online presence throughout the Peterborough area. Products and more information are available through the Two Tails Bakery online store at twotailsbakery.myshopify.com and on Instagram at @twotailsbakeryptbo.
Shoreline Furniture Co. celebrates 10 years in Apsley
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark (left) and North Kawartha mayor Carolyn Amyotte (right) presented certificates to Shoreline Furniture Co. owner Jessica Tucker recognizing the 10th anniversary of her Apsley-based business. (Photo: Shoreline Furniture Co.)
One of the businesses that always catches my attention when I drive into Apsley is Shoreline Furniture Co.
Located beside Tucker’s Marine, the store has a prominent “Shop Local” theme sign outside — a welcome reminder of the importance of supporting the independent businesses that help cottage-country communities thrive.
This year, Shoreline Furniture Co. celebrated 10 years in business. Owner Jessica Tucker was recognized for the milestone with certificates presented by North Kawartha mayor Carolyn Amyotte and Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark.
Tucker has built Shoreline Furniture Co. into a destination for residents, seasonal residents, and visitors looking for furniture, unique décor, artwork, home accents, kitchenware, and thoughtful gifts. The store’s carefully selected products help customers bring a little cottage-country style into their homes.
When I spoke with Tucker, she credited North Kawartha’s seasonal residents for making a point of shopping locally and supporting area businesses. Their loyalty has helped Shoreline Furniture Co. grow and succeed over the past decade.
As a retailer who relies on a seasonal economy, has survived the pandemic, and has raised her young family while growing a business, Tucker’s emphasis on supporting local cannot be overlooked.
“We all need to emphasize the importance of supporting local,” Tucker says. “It’s important to keep our local businesses open for the community.”
Congratulations to Tucker and her team on 10 years in business, and for continuing to remind everyone who drives by that shopping locally makes a real difference.
Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress celebrates 100 years in business with locations in Campbellford, Peterborough, and Kingston
Celebrating 100 years in business in 2026, Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress has locations in Campbellford, Peterborough, and Kingston. (Photos: Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress)
Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress celebrated its centennial with community recognition ceremonies at its Peterborough and Campbellford locations on August 11 and 12.
Founded as a single-family business in Campbellford in 1926, Bennett’s has since grown into a trusted regional retailer serving communities across eastern Ontario, with the Peterborough store opening in 1999 and the Kingston location in 2019.
The anniversary celebrations brought together elected officials, community leaders, charitable organizations, business partners, customers, and friends to recognize the company’s 100 years of service, community involvement, and lasting local relationships.
For more information on Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress, visit www.bennetts.ca.
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio celebrates 15 years in downtown Peterborough
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio owner Shannon Gray celebrated 15 years in downtown Peterborough on August 20, 2026 with a celebration attended by elected officials, community leaders, and representatives of Peterborough’s business community. (Photo: Office of MPP Dave Smith / Facebook)
Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio celebrated 15 years in business on August 20, marking a milestone for the locally owned downtown Peterborough business founded by Shannon Gray.
Sugar Me Right! opened as Peterborough’s first dedicated sugaring spa at a time when professional body sugaring was relatively unfamiliar in the local market. Since then, the award-winning studio has welcomed more than 5,000 clients, trained beauty professionals, and helped establish sugaring as a growing part of Peterborough’s beauty industry.
The anniversary celebration brought together elected officials, community leaders, and representatives of Peterborough’s business community. Mayor Jeff Leal presented Gray with an official 15th anniversary certificate recognizing the studio’s contribution to downtown Peterborough.
For more information on Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, visit sugarmeright.ca.
Six student entrepreneurs graduate from Community Futures Peterborough’s Summer Company program
Rutger Huntley, Aiden Budd, Zander Bromley, Caleb Galbraith, and Rielle MacDougall are five of the six Peterborough-area student entreprenuers who graduated from the provincially funded Summer Company program, administered locally by Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre. Not pictured is Emma George-Peters. The young entrepreneurs participated in a graduation ceremony at Venture North in downtown Peterborough on August 26, 2026 along with a tradeshow showcasing the businesses they launched and operated throughout the summer. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)
Six Peterborough-area students graduated from the provincially funded Summer Company program during an August 26 ceremony and tradeshow hosted by Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre at Venture North in downtown Peterborough.
The graduates were Aiden Budd of Dock to Driveway Detailing in Peterborough, Zander Bromley of Clearview in Peterborough, Caleb Galbraith of Joy Collectibles 3D in Lakefield, Emma George-Peters of Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care in Peterborough, Rutger Huntley of Peak Beach Volleyball in Millbrook, Rielle MacDougall of Lake Safe Swim Lessons in Peterborough.
Each student received business training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in funding to launch and operate a business over the summer. All six expressed an interest in continuing their entrepreneurial journeys.
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People on the Move
Jason Seguya appointed CEO of United Way Peterborough & District
Jason Seguya began his role as the new chief executive officer of United Way Peterborough and District on July 6, 2026, taking over leadership of the non-profit organization after previous CEO Jim Russell retired after almost 15 years. (Photo courtesy of United Way Peterborough and District)
Jason Seguya has been appointed chief executive officer of United Way Peterborough & District. He began the role on July 6, succeeding Jim Russell, who retired after leading the organization for almost 15 years.
Seguya brings experience in non-profit leadership, governance, human resources, communications, and community engagement. He previously served as executive director of The Fulcrum Publishing Society and Ontario Student Voices and as director of human resources for the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce.
Briar Sutherland promoted at Art Gallery of Peterborough
Briar Sutherland. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Briar Sutherland has been promoted to Curatorial Coordinator – Public Gallery and Contemporary Collections at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP). She previously served as the gallery’s communications and volunteer coordinator.
Sutherland has worked with the AGP for more than 13 years, contributing to exhibition installation, collections management, visitor services, communications, operations, and volunteer coordination. She holds an honours degree in art history with a fine art studio minor from York University and a postgraduate certificate in museum management and curatorship from Fleming College. Read the full AGP announcement.
Ryan Barnett appointed creative director of ReFrame Film Festival
Ryan Barnett is the new creative director of the ReFrame Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)
Ryan Barnett has been appointed creative director of Peterborough’s ReFrame Film Festival following a three-month national search.
He succeeds Eryn Lidster, who stepped down after three years in the role.
Barnett is an interdisciplinary curator, producer, writer, and documentary storyteller with experience in public programming and cultural engagement. He is the founder of Knockabout Media, which produces podcasts, books, and other non-fiction projects about Canadian culture and history. Barnett holds a master’s degree in film studies from Concordia University’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema.
Kelly Jessup promoted at Trent University
Kelly Jessup. (Photo: LinkedIn)
Kelly Jessup has been promoted to assistant director of recruitment marketing and communications at Trent University. She previously served as the university’s manager of recruitment communications and marketing.
Before joining Trent, Jessup spent almost 15 years promoting Peterborough and the Kawarthas to visitors, businesses, and investors through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. Her experience includes destination marketing, strategic communications, place branding, partnership development, and community engagement. View Jessup’s profile on LinkedIn.
Rizzan Delos Santos becomes interim executive director of Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce
The board of directors of the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce announced on August 27 that Rizzan Delos Santos has been appointed interim executive director of the organization. A digital entrepreneur, she is a former secretary of the board and the current president of the Lindsay Rotary Club.
Santos takes over the role from Terry Guiel, who has served as the Chamber’s executive director for almost three years. The board’s statement does not mention Guiel or the reason for his departure. Guiel began in the role in November 2023 just weeks after resigning as executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
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Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – Rural Ontario Development Business Stream Webinar
Host: Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs
Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
An information session for small rural Ontario businesses interested in the Rural Ontario Development Business Stream.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – September TBX with the Rotary Club of Peterborough
Host: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Riverview Park & Zoo, Peterborough
Cost: Free
The September edition of TBX – The Business Exchange brings together business owners, professionals and community leaders for informal networking and an introduction to the host organization.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – September Chamber AM with Senior Helpers and Nepal Hills Tea
Host: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Location: Senior Helpers of Peterborough, 72-320 Water Street, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Chamber AM is the Chamber’s recurring morning networking series, giving local businesspeople an opportunity to make connections, learn about the host businesses and network before the workday.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – City Express by Marriott Port Hope Grand Opening
Host: City Express by Marriott Port Hope and the Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Location: 2211 County Road 28, Port Hope
Cost: Free
The event celebrates the opening of Canada’s first City Express by Marriott Hotel. It will include a ribbon cutting, refreshments, hotel tours and opportunities to meet members of the local team and Marriott representatives.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – AI Foundations for Safe, Productive Use Webinar
Host: Workforce Development Board with Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce and Muskoka-Kawartha Employment Services
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
This webinar introduce core AI concepts, such as generative AI and large language models, while highlighting practical, low-risk use cases that organizations can adopt right away. Participants will learn how to apply AI safely to at least two everyday workflows, such as meeting summaries, email drafting, or document briefings using non-sensitive content.
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Trent Lakes
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Municipality of Trent Lakes Municipal Office (760 County Road 36, Bobcaygeon)
Cost: Free
Community Futures Peterborough is coming to Peterborough County municipalities this fall to get to know the entrepreneurs in the county. Learn what steps to consider when thinking of starting a business, followed by open house style networking. Representatives from Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss local business support programs and opportunities.
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – United Way 2026 Community Campaign Launch
Host: United Way Peterborough & District
Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough
Cost: $30
Presented by Miskin Law, the official launch of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 Community Campaign will bring community and business leaders together for lunch, an opportunity to connect with fellow Certified Neighbours and the reveal of the campaign’s fundraising goal. The launch is part of United Way’s 85th anniversary year.
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Business Plan Forecasting with Scotiabank
Host: Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre and Launch Kawartha
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Launch Kawartha, 165 Kent Street West, Suite 302, Lindsay
Cost: Free
Join Scotiabank for a workshop designed to demystify the financial forecasting process and help entrepreneurs build confidence in their numbers. Scotiabank experts will walk participants through the key components of a strong business plan, with a special focus on developing practical, accurate financial forecasts. You’ll learn how to estimate revenues and expenses, understand cash flow, identify key financial assumptions, and create projections that support your business goals.
Monday, September 21, 2026 – Small Business Energy Efficiency Demonstration with GreenUP
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, 175 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Learn how to identify energy inefficiencies and uncover cost-saving opportunities in your building in this hands-on walk-through from GreenUP Energy Advisor Clara Blakelock.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – ONWARD: Women & Money – Economic Security in Uncertain Times
Host: ONWARD and Maryam Monsef with Kawartha Financial Services, Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, kawarthaNOW, BDC, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, Baker Tilly
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Cost: $45.14
Focusing on economic security in uncertain times, this four-hour event will explore financial challenges affecting women, including the pay gap, the motherhood penalty, access to care including child care, and access to capital for business startups and expansion.
Having just wrapped up his second season as Patrick Hickey in 4th Line Theatre's "Wild Irish Geese" at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook, Darragh O'Connell is a rising star in Peterborough's art scene. The 14-year-old actor has been in about 15 local productions and has starred in commercials for national brands like Staples Canada and AAA Auto Insurance. Now working with a Toronto talent agency, O'Connell is eager to take on more acting gigs ranging from local theatre to on-screen performances. (Photo courtesy of Darragh O'Connell)
If you think it went unnoticed that you were sobbing into your palms during 4th Line Theatre’s staging of Megan Murphy’s Wild Irish Geese this summer, you are sadly mistaken.
Young actor Darragh O’Connell, who appeared as Patrick Hickey in this year’s remount as well as last year’s world premiere, played a game with himself during the play’s 21-show run, which wrapped up Saturday night (August 29) at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.
He counted just how many audience members were wiping away their tears during the play, which tells the story of the hardships faced by Irish families who left their homeland to settle in the Peterborough area during the Peter Robinson emigration of 1825.
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That, O’Connell says, helped him understand the impact he and the rest of the cast and crew were having on their audience.
“As much as it’s a bit scary and it can cause adrenaline to go in front of the audience, once we’ve taken the audience’s hand and said ‘Come with us for this journey,’ it’s so fulfilling to see how impactful we are on this group of people, some who might not have ever watched theatre before or were just forced to come there with their family,” he explains.
“There’s such a range of people that come to this show, but we get to give them that same performance. I just think that’s something really special about what I get to do.”
The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2022 production of “The Little Prince” was actor Darragh O’Connell’s first time taking to the stage. Ten years old at the time, he recalls knowing immediately that he wanted to continue acting and has since gone on to be involved with around 15 other local theatre productions as well as stared in some national commercials. (Photo courtesy of Darragh O’Connell)
It’s a good thing the 14-year-old actor is fuelled by the audience before him, because he has no intention of getting off the stage anytime soon.
Now partnered with a Toronto talent agency, O’Connell has his sights set on landing more and more acting gigs, whether it be more stage work, commercials, television shows, or whatever else comes his way.
“Everything is the dream,” he says. “If I get to act, getting paid for it is just an extra bonus at my age. That’s the dream — everything.”
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From a very young age while growing up in Toronto, O’Connell was told by everyone around him — family members, camp counsellors, babysitters — that he was funny and should be an actor. But it wasn’t until O’Connell’s family moved to Peterborough and he began taking improv classes with Linda Kash that he began to develop his own real passion for it.
When he stepped in front of an audience for his first time in the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of The Little Prince in 2022, there was no looking back.
“That was big — it showed me this is actually fun and I do want to do this,” he says about the improv classes. “The Little Prince just made me know for certain that this is what I wanted to do. I didn’t know at all how I was going to do it, but I knew that this was too fun to pass down.”
Darragh O’Connell with Peterborough-based actor Linda Kash, best known as the Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese angel as well as for her roles in Seinfeld, Waiting for Guffman, Fargo, and many more. After being told from a young age that he was funny and would make a good actor, O’Connell began taking improv classes with Kash through her Proactive School of Performing Arts (PAPA). Since then, he has continued to hone his craft by training with her and with other performing arts schools located in Toronto. (Photo courtesy of Darragh O’Connell)
O’Connell was only 10 years old when rehearsals for The Little Prince began, but says he remembers the energy he would get just from being surrounded by other creatives.
“I got to meet new people who were both my age and older. The directors were great and they would push me to work harder and harder and just see what I could do. I remember stepping out on stage, nervous — I was terrified because it was a 200-something seat theatre. When I walked out there, any feeling of dread just left my body. I felt so happy when I took the stage for the first time, which was able to reassure me this is what I want to do.”
While O’Connell guesses he’s been in around 15 or so productions locally, including having worked with 4th Line Theatre since 2023, he says he still gets a bit nervous before taking to the stage each time, and yet it pushes him even more.
“I love the feeling of being nervous before a show,” he says. “It has slowly declined as I get more accustomed to being in front of an audience, but having that little bit of adrenaline before going on makes it so much more fun and the stakes are higher. It’s much easier to act with high stakes because it just keeps you going. You feed off the adrenaline.”
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One of the things O’Connell prioritizes when stepping into a new character is “finding what makes this character’s performance special and impactful on the audience.” He says he does this by studying the script carefully while also connecting with the rest of the cast.
“At 4th Line, we do a lot of beat work, where you break down a scene beat by beat to fully understand and then make decisions on what is happening in those individual parts of the scene,” he says.
“Assistant drector Mandy (Roveda) helped us so much with diving deeper into our characters,” O’Connell says of Wild Irish Geese. “She would always come up to us after a scene and ask us things we hadn’t thought about before. That’s why I think, and as we’ve heard from so many audience members, that the show this year is so much deeper. It’s because we went so much more into depth of their characters than we did last year when we were doing it for the first time.”
VIDEO: Darragh O’Connell in “Back to School 2026” for Staples Canada
Though O’Connell wants to keep doing local community theatre, he’s been spending more time auditioning for other things as well now that he has an agent.
He’s done commercials for Staples Canada, Ontario Power Generation, and AAA Auto Insurance, has gotten a callback for an Ed Mirvish Theatre production, and was shortlisted to star in a TV show shot in Dublin.
“I can’t even describe the feeling that you get while being on set — it’s so different than being on stage or being at rehearsal,” he says.
He adds that he loves auditions where he gets to be creative, like when he had to choreograph a two-minute dance to the song “I was Made for Loving You.”
“The auditions where you get to be creative and then do your own choreography, your own dance, or your own improvised scene, those are really, really fun auditions,” O’Connell says. “I love doing the creative ones where I get to really make mostly my own decisions.”
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While so many auditions — before his summer performances at 4th Line Theatre, he was doing 12 to 14 per week, he says — would burn out anyone, it’s clear O’Connell keeps himself grounded by remaining positive and focusing on his love of the job.
“It’s all about the mindset, he says. “If I have the mindset of ‘I’m going to book this audition every single time,’ that will definitely make you want to quit because you’re not going to book every one.”
“So much is out of my control. I might be too tall, too short, my eye colour might be wrong, my hair isn’t this (or that). There are so many factors that come into play that is away from talent that you can’t have the mindset of being disappointed. It’s okay to be disappointed if you don’t book a job, but if you really let it get to you, you won’t be able to sustain yourself.”
Peterborough actor Darragh O’Connell on the set of a AAA Auto Insurance commercial. Prior to his summer at 4th Line Theatre, the 14-year-old emerging actor was doing anywhere from 12 to 14 auditions per week for commercials, theatre, and television shows. (Photo courtesy of Darragh O’Connell)
As O’Connell goes in search of his next gig, he remains grateful for Peterborough for helping him get to where he is today. While Toronto should have more opportunities, he finds it can be more competitive or cost more to be an emerging actor in the big city.
“What’s amazing about Peterborough is it’s still competitive, it’s still hard work, but there’s so much more opportunity to be a local performer, which then opens up the horizons, and, of course, helped me get the agent in Toronto and then got me working in the industry,” he says.
“I would not be where I am now if it weren’t for the move to Peterborough.”
The Township of Cavan Monaghan is a rural municipality in southwestern Peterborough County with a population of over 10,000 residents. (Photo: Township of Cavan Monaghan website)
With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Peterborough County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.
Residents of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes— will be voting for members of their lower-tier councils whose leadership makes up the membership of county council.
In the multi-part series of stories, kawarthaNOW asked candidates to introduce their campaigns by answering the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” and has published their responses verbatim. This series will present candidate responses by municipality.
The Township of Cavan Monaghan’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors, with one elected in each of three wards: Ward 1 (formerly North Monaghan), Ward 2 (formerly Cavan), and Ward 3 (formerly Millbrook).
Incumbent members running for re-election are mayor Matthew Graham, deputy mayor Ryan Huntley, Ward 1 councillor Nelson Edgerton, and Ward 3 councillor Lance Nachoff.
Jaccob Burnett, Jim Chaplin, and Julia Herrick are challenging Graham for the position of mayor, incumbent Ward 2 councillor Gerry Byrne is challenging Huntley for deputy mayor, and John Collver is challenging incumbent Edgerton in Ward 1.
Ward 2 candidates are Malcolm Byard, David Lundrigan, and Saskia Mattern, while Chanelle Courville and Linda Coulter will challenge incumbent Nachoff in Ward 3, where David Lundrigan withdrew his nomination the day before the nomination period ended.
kawarthaNOW did not receive responses before publication from incumbent deputy mayor Huntley or any of the Ward 1 or Ward 3 candidates. Ward 3 candidates Courville and Coulter provided responses after publication. Chaplin, who filed his nomination papers on the final day of the nomination period, was asked for comment after this story was originally published and has provided a response. Collver also provided a response after publication. This story will be updated with any other responses received from the remaining candidates.
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Mayor
Jaccob Burnett
I am running for Mayor because Cavan Monaghan is my home, and I believe our Township is entering an important period of growth and change that requires responsible, accessible and accountable leadership. An important reason behind my decision to run, is the financial pressure facing residents across Cavan Monaghan. With the cost of everyday life continuing to increase, I believe municipal government has a responsibility to carefully examine how taxpayer dollars are spent, look for efficiencies and ensure residents are receiving meaningful value.
I have deep roots in this community. My family has called Millbrook home for three generations, and growing up here has given me an appreciation for the character, history and sense of community that makes Cavan Monaghan such a special place. As we continue to grow, I want to ensure we welcome new opportunities without losing the identity and character of the communities that have brought us here.
What makes me a unique candidate is the combination of public service, business and leadership experience I would bring to the role of Mayor. Serving as an Ontario Provincial Police Constable gave me firsthand experience in public safety, legislation, investigations, conflict resolution and serving communities during difficult circumstances.
I bring approximately 14 years of hands-on business, sales and commercial negotiation experience through the antique, collectibles, classic vehicle and movie industry. I have had the opportunity to work with local customers, businesses and organizations. This experience has taught me the importance of building relationships, negotiating fairly, solving problems and being accountable for the decisions you make.
My involvement in leadership and public service began at a young age. I spent several years with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program, where I progressed through leadership roles and attained the rank of Warrant Officer First Class and served as Squadron Commander. During this time, I instructed aviation, survival and led field training exercises. The program taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, responsibility and leading by example.
In 2015, I was also elected Prime Minister of the Clarke High School Student Council. In that role, I worked with students and staff to organize events and coordinate student initiatives. This was my first experience in an elected leadership position. It gave me early experience representing others, listening to different perspectives and working as part of a team toward common goals.
Those experiences helped shape a belief that has stayed with me throughout my professional life: leadership is ultimately about service. It means listening, being accountable for your decisions, working with others and being willing to take responsibility when people place their trust in you.
Jim Chaplin
I have 8 years previous Council experience, have served on may boards and committees in the community over my 50 years living here, including Chamber of Commerce, BIA, Community Care, Millbrook Manor, Library board, Community School associations for both elementary and high school and others.
I have worked elections for both Elections Canada and Elections Ontario and most recently worked on the 2026 census.
My reasons for running, which I had decided not do again, are that I am disappointed with the current Council. There is little to no communication with the public and it seems they do not use common sense and logic. In addition I was encouraged by some residents to run because they too are dissatisfied with how the current Council operates.
For fourteen and a half years my wife, children and I operated a successful pizza business in Millbrook and briefly had a location in Bethany. My son carried on the business in Peterborough, Norwood and briefly in Campbellford. My grandson continued with the Norwood location until his health, covid and other unfortunate situations cause him to cease operation after 37 years in business.
I was also a freelance DJ for 50 years. My DJ business and many other activities, including a part time job at the Oshawa radio station, were undertaken while working in General Motors, where I held a variety of jobs, including as a facilitator in the training department and finishing up in Quality Audit. I retired from GM before running for Council in 2006 and I served on the Council until 2014.
I can’t say I want desperately to serve as Mayor but I am willing to give it all I have if the voters decide they want me for their Mayor. The fact that some residents have encouraged me to run shows that there is confidence in my ability to take on the job.
When someone wants badly to be on Council and particularly sit in the Mayors chair I wonder if they have an ulterior motive or a personal agenda, I do not. If I am unsuccessful my life will be much easier come Oct. 27, 2026. If my campaign lands me as Mayor of Cavan Monaghan I will spend the next four years immersed in the job and will do my best to do what is in the best interest of this township. I know I can’t please everyone and no matter what I do someone will not like it. My past experience on Council has taught me that. My second term I was the only member of the Council of the day to get re-elected, so I must have done something right.
I will not make a bunch of wild promises just to convince people to vote for me. Too many politicians make promises they can’t keep just to get elected.
Matthew Graham (incumbent)
I am running for re-election to continue to serve the residents of Cavan Monaghan. This is a crucial period in time for the Township as we manage the growth pressure that is already here, and plan for the future of the Township with the work just starting on our Official Plan.
The on-going Provincial Facilitation discussion that we are required to participate in will also be very important to the future of our Township. Many of the decisions over the past two terms have put us in a fantastic strategic position to demonstrate that we are more than capable of managing our own future, not just for our own benefit, but for the entire region.
We’ve been able to accomplish a lot despite the economic challenges. We are investing in new recreation amenities, we’ve built a new fire hall and ambulance bay, we are creating employment opportunities and funding our asset reserves for the future, all while keeping tax increases to their lowest levels in more than a decade. I want to continue this commitment to strategic, efficient and fiscally responsible government.
Julia Herrick
I’m running for Mayor because I believe Cavan Monaghan needs a fresh perspective and a stronger focus on affordability, responsible spending, and actually listening to residents before decisions are made. I also believe our community deserves a Mayor who is visible, approachable, and actively present in the community (not just at Council meetings), in all corners of the Township.
What makes me different is the experience I bring from outside politics. I’m a Master Electrician, college professor, small business owner, mom, and active and present in community events. I’ve worked in the trades, industry, and education, where solving problems means asking questions, understanding the numbers and finding practical solutions. I’m not a career politician, and I’m not interested in maintaining the status quo. I want to bring common sense, accountability and new ideas to Council.
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Deputy Mayor
Gerry Byrne
Firm believer in local politics is critical and the rural portion is to often ignored (talked about, the actions don’t match the talk). Politics is community and people need to feel they have a voice in it. In the past 4 years as Councillor in Ward 2 I feel I have made that accessibility to the people who actually live in the Township my number one priority as an employee of those people.
Regardless of who you vote for, Please VOTE.
Ward 1
John Collver
Growth is coming, with pressures from Peterborough, the County and the Province.
There are questions about infrastructure, finances, development, rural character, water, heritage and our future identity.
My concern isn’t simply whether Cavan Monaghan grows. It’s how intelligently it grows, what it costs existing residents, and what remains after. Do we allow change to shape us, or do we have the vision and courage to shape that change ourselves?
Cavan Monaghan isn’t a small municipality that needs saving, but a community with enormous, untapped potential that needs to manage growth responsibly, protect what makes our community special, deliver value for taxpayers and plan for the future without losing sight of the people who live here.
We need to plan for growth, protect what matters, build financial sustainability, support local business, improve transparency and communication, work collaboratively and measure the results; and that can only occur with a Council that can work together.
My landscape architecture and multi-disciplined design background in both the private and governmental sectors makes me one of the strongest differentiators.
I’ve spent a career developing and stewarding place—how land, people, infrastructure, landscape, development, movement and identity fit together. That is extraordinarily relevant to this municipality.
I’m not approaching Council with a long list of promises, but with a way of thinking: creative, strategic, independent, collaborative, and willing to question what the best benefits are for our community and the solutions we can provide to achieve them
Ward 2
Malcolm Byard
My decision to run for council comes from a base of over 25 years of voluntary service to communities. As a board member (and at times leader) of three different not for profit organizations I have built and fostered relationships with all levels of government. This experience will enable me to communicate with and effectively represent the interests of Cavan residents.
There have been many changes to the landscape of Cavan Monaghan Township since I moved here in 2009. Defense of our rural identity and respectful development in the future as well as lobbying for the new school and proposing a much needed medical clinic will be paramount to my platform if elected.
David Lundrigan
I’ve decided to change the direction of my candidacy by stepping away from the Ward 3 race and putting my focus where I believe I can make the greatest difference and Where I live – Ward 2.
We’re growing, and with that growth comes an opportunity to make Cavan Monaghan an even better place to live. I want to help shape that future with thoughtful planning, strong community connections and a focus on what makes Cavan Monaghan such a great place to live.
My message is simple:
Grow Smart. Stay Local.
Build local – growing businesses, creating opportunity, and strengthening Cavan Monaghan’s economy. I have a passion for creating more opportunities for youth and seniors, strengthening recreation, encouraging local spending and bringing more community events and activities to our towns.
I also want to bring a strong voice for Ward 2 while contributing to the growth and success of all of Cavan Monaghan. I believe the best communities are built when residents, businesses, community organizations and local government work together.
I’ve spent years building a business, creating youth programs, working with families and investing in our community. Now I want to take that same energy and bring it to the Township.
1) I’m a local business owner – Millbrook Fit
2) I’m involved in the community – Cavan Monaghan Youth Softball Association
3) I understand recreation from multiple perspectives
I’ve developed youth fitness camps this summer
I’m a member of the Cavan Monaghan Task Force on Downtown Park and Remaining CMCC Land
I’ve created fitness programs for seniors of all fitness levels
I’ve developed Inclusive and accessible recreation for people of all abilities
4) I’ve been an Entrepreneur for 20 plus years.
My family and I live here. We work here. We invested here.
Cavan Monaghan is more than where we live. It’s where our lives happen. And that’s something worth being proud of.
Saskia Mattern
I’m running for Council because I love Cavan Monaghan, and I want our community to remain a place where families can afford to build their lives, local businesses can thrive, and our rural character is protected as we grow.
What sets me apart is the combination of, my perspective, my professional background, and my hands-on community involvement.
I bring a perspective that reflects the realities of different stages of life. I understand the challenges facing young families today, including balancing a full-time career with everyday responsibilities and rising costs. At the same time, I think about the future I want for my parents and others who have spent decades working hard and deserve the opportunity to enjoy a secure and well-earned retirement. I believe good municipal decisions should consider both the needs of families building their lives today and the importance of creating communities where people can feel confident about their future.
At the same time I have an evidence-based engineering mindset, with an education and career in the engineering field, I have the ability to look past opinions, analyze technical documents, weigh trade-offs, and focus on practical solutions. I will bring this same analytical approach to Council, asking good questions and making well-informed decisions based on evidence and the long-term interests of our community.
My community involvement has also given me a practical understanding of what makes Cavan Monaghan special. As a member of the Millbrook Valley Trails Advisory Committee, I have the opportunity to contribute to the stewardship and improvement of the outdoor spaces that so many residents value. Through this work, I’ve connected with residents who care deeply about our community and its future.
Ultimately, I believe Cavan Monaghan deserves a Council that combines thoughtful decision making with a genuine understanding of the people who call this community home. I want to bring my professional skills, my perspective, and my commitment to our community to the table, while helping to ensure that as we grow, we do so thoughtfully, responsibly, and in a way that preserves what makes Cavan Monaghan such a great place to live.
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Ward 3
Linda Coulter
I’m running because I believe our community deserves a councillor who will listen, ask questions, represent residents, and work hard to make responsible decisions for our future.
Our township is growing quickly, and with that growth come important questions about development, roads, infrastructure, services, protecting our rural character, and making sure our community continues to be a great place to live.
This campaign isn’t just about me — it’s about our community.
I feel I’m a unique candidate because Millbrook isn’t just where I live, it is my home!
I’ve lived here my entire life. I attended all 3 schools here — the Old Millbrook School for grades 1-3, South Cavan for grades 4-6 and the High School for Kindergarten and grades 7-13. Yes I graduated High School here! It was during my grade 12 year that I had the opportunity to do a Co-op placement at our local dental office. That placement led to me developing my career as a Dental Hygienist. I worked many years at the Medical Centre here in Millbrook before I entered Public Health. My career has given me the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds and to listen to their concerns, find solutions, work collaboratively, and advocate for the people I serve.
I raised my children here. I have 4 children that I am so very proud of. And a new grandbaby that fills my heart. My children attended school here and were all involved in many community activities. Those years were busy and as the saying goes — “it takes a community to raise a child” was so very true! We all leaned on each other to help.
I have spent my life being part of this community. Being involved in school life, volunteered and held many roles in minor hockey including manager and treasurer positions and I represented our township for the Agricultural Society. My father was also born and raised here and his father before that. My parents had a successful business in the village for over 25 years. Where I worked and had the opportunity to be part of our downtown charm!
My history here has helped develop me as a person. A person who deeply cares about our community. A genuine love for this area!
I can make one promise to the residents of Millbrook — I will be a voice for the people who live here — those who have been here for generations, those who have recently chosen Millbrook as their home, and the families who will grow up here in the years ahead.
Millbrook raised me and helped me and my family when we needed it most. My community shaped me. And now I want to give back.
Chanelle Courville
My name is Chanelle Courville, and I am running for Ward 3 Councillor because I care deeply about the community my family and I call home. I want to be part of making sure Millbrook remains a great place to live while also helping it move forward.
My professional background has given me a perspective I believe would be valuable at Council. I spent almost a decade working in education before moving into the federal government, where I now work as a policy analyst. My work has taught me how to research complex issues, understand policy, look at the numbers, ask difficult questions, and turn ideas into practical plans.
I have brought that same approach to my campaign. Rather than simply talking about what I would like to see in our community, I have taken the time to develop economic proposals that explore how we can make those ideas financially realistic. This includes a proposal for a new indoor sports dome that could provide much needed recreational space for local families while creating a potential source of revenue for the Township. I have also developed a proposal for a Millbrook focused tourism website that would showcase our businesses, heritage, events, trails and attractions and encourage more people to visit and spend money in our community. These are just a few of the things I have been working on.
I believe we need to start thinking creatively about how we grow our local economy and bring new revenue into the Township. If we can create sustainable sources of revenue, we have an opportunity to help reduce the financial pressure on residents and make it easier to manage costs such as water bills and property taxes.
My commitment to this community also extends beyond this election. I hold a seat on the board of directors with the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society and serve on the Municipal Revitalization and Heritage Committee. I believe in giving back, supporting local organizations and being involved in the community rather than simply talking about the importance of community. I truly believe if you have the ability to help, you have the moral obligation to do so.
I am running because I believe Ward 3 deserves someone who will show up for the residents, do the work they say they will do and bring forward new, achievable ideas.
I am not running because I think everything is wrong. I am running because I believe we can do better.
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 August 30 to include responses from Chanelle Courville and Angela Lloyd, as well as a response from Jim Chaplin. The original version of this story indicated that Chaplin had not provided a response before publication; in fact, he was only contacted to provide a response after publication.
This story was updated on September 2 to include a response from John Collver.
"Here Comes the Sun" by Barbara Miszkiel, one of 27 artists participating in the 2026 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour being held at artists' studios across North Kawartha Township from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20. The self-guided, juried tour features nine studios where artists will display and sell their work, connect with visitors and share their creative process, and lead demonstrations. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
Summer might soon be coming to an end, but that means we are just weeks away from stunning fall colours and an annual celebration of the vibrant arts community in North Kawartha Township.
The Apsley Autumn Studio Tour is returning for its 33rd year on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can step into nine studio spaces across the township to browse work from 27 juried local and visiting artists and get a behind-the-scenes look into their creative process.
“A lot of people will say they can’t wait for the studio tour every year and it’s something they really look forward to,” says Apsley Autumn Studio Tour president and participating artist Britt Olauson.
One of 27 artists participating in the 2026 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour in North Kawartha Township on September 19 and 20, Aubre Scott works with pyrography and gains inspiration from the scenery, landscape, and wildlife of the local area. During the studio tour, she will be located at Studio H at 2229 Balmer Road alongside fellow artists Dolores Hopps, Judy Sparkes, Kathy Robichaud, Mary Ellen Gerster, and her mother Catharine Scott. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
“Women like to make it an annual girls’ weekend so they can get to the cottage and also go shopping and find all these very unique items that you wouldn’t find in a store in downtown Toronto or wherever else. But we also have a huge support from cottagers and locals.”
From sterling silver jewellery to mosaic glass work to woodworking to carved stone to vibrant acrylic paintings, there’s a wide range of art forms and mediums featured on the tour. Much of these original works are created by artists inspired by the natural beauty of where they live and work.
“Most of the artists on the tour really enjoy getting out into nature and take a lot of inspiration from the flora and fauna of this area and the landscape,” Olauson notes. “Most of us kayak or hike or camp and get out a bit as well as doing our work in the studio. The arts community is really thriving in this area and the tour is a great way to see that work.”
Lisa Mace is one of 27 artists participating in the 2026 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour when it returns for the 33rd year on September 19 and 20 in North Kawartha Township. The painter will be working at Studio C at 296 Burleigh Street alongside woodworker Britt Olauson and jeweller Silver Timbers. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Mace)
A woodworker herself, Olauson has been a regular participant of the tour and says one of the best parts is getting to connect with visitors who might not otherwise have the chance to step inside the studio.
“Often people don’t even know there’s an artist working in the space until we open up the doors on that weekend,” she says. “People are allowed to come in and check out the space and enjoy all the incredible things that we do every day that they don’t even know about.”
“As an artist, you’re working alone most of the time. I deal with my clients one-on-one, but when I’m actually making in the studio it’s just me. So having the chance to feel that energy of people that are super into what you’re doing is so satisfying, and keeps you going through the year.”
Anja Hertle is one of 27 artists participating in the 2026 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour taking place across North Kawartha Township on September 19 and 20. Hertle works with broken china, pottery, porcelain figurines, and tile to give them a second life in her mosaic art pieces. During the tour, she will be based at Studio G at 17 Fire Route 52A alongside painter David Grieve. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
Visitors can plan their tour route by picking up one of the printed maps available at selected businesses across North Kawartha or at the participating studio locations during the weekend.
Alternatively, the map is available through the free Toureka! app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app offers biographies and art samples for each participating artist so you can curate your weekend with the tour stops you are most excited about. After you’ve selected the artists you wish to visit, the app will curate a route for you which can be accessed even when you’re offline.
“The Toureka! app has been really great for helping people to plan their route and have a preview of the artists involved, so they can figure out which ones they really want to visit if they don’t have time to do it all,” says Olauson.
Judy Ranieri is a longtime participant of the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, held every year in North Kawartha Township on the third weekend of September as the fall colours are taking over the landscape. For the 2026 tour weekend on September 19 and 20, Ranieri will be located at Studio E at 205 Gazelle Trail alongside painter Brenda Rudder and jeweller Glynis Williams. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
That includes the four studios on the tour where artists will be not just be showing their work and connecting with visitors, but leading demonstrations that demystify their creative process.
“It definitely gives a better understanding of all the work that’s put into the final pieces that we present during the studio tour or in shows or festivals,” Olauson says. “With glassblowing, for example, it starts from a liquid state and there are so many different steps to getting it to the end result. It helps people appreciate how much work goes into what we’re doing and have a better understanding of how things are made.”
Over its 33 years, Olauson says the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour has not just been instrumental in exposing visitors to the talented artists who work in the region, but in helping artists build their own community.
“Word of mouth gets around and then collaborations start between the artists,” Olauson points out. “Last winter, I had this really nice couple call and ask if I’d be interested in making a custom hanging for a textile piece that they had bought from another artist at the studio tour. Things started happening organically and we ended up working together through the people that come to support us.”
Acclaimed artist Arne Roosman was a longtime member of the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, having been on the tour for decades including as recently as last year. Roosman died in January 2026 at 93 years old. To honour his legacy, the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour has renamed the annual award given to a local Grade 8 student who shows creative promise to the Arne Roosman Award in Arts. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
Connections made through the studio tour is how Olauson first met local painter Arne Roosman, who is being honoured during this year’s studio tour. Roosman, who has been a participating artist on the tour for roughly two decades including last year, passed away this past January at the age of 93.
“From the moment I met him, we were great friends,” Olauson says. “He was so inspiring, and such a wonderful spirit and so creative. He was a huge inspiration for anyone that met him, just with his zest for life and his spirit. He was an amazing artist as well on top of all of that, so we’ll miss him but we’re so lucky that we had him in this area and involved in the arts community.”
To further honour the acclaimed artist, the annual award the tour gives to a Grade 8 student from Apsley Public School has been renamed the Arne Roosman Award in Arts. It’s given to a graduating student who shows promise for arts and creativity.
“We think it’s important to support the youth and children in our communities to continue or embrace their creative sides,” Olauson says. “It’s to help foster the creative arts because they don’t have too much art in school these days. We don’t want to lose that so we’re trying to help kids continue to grow creatively.”
For your convenience, below is an alphabetized list of the artists participating in the 2026 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, complete with their disciplines and tour stop locations, as well as a copy of the tour map.
Alex Anagnostou is a glass artist who has worked in the visual arts field for over 20 years. Sculpting blown and cast glass combined with metal, much of her work is inspired by how glass has expanded our ability to see on a microscopic and macroscopic level.
A lifelong visual artist, Rachel Conlin was introduced to the magic of wool when she farmed sheep. Now a full-time artist, she paints with wool by needle felting and dyeing the fibres.
She uses a combination of an industrial felting machine and a handheld felting machine before finishing all pieces by hand to create one-of-a-kind tapestries and clothing. She hand-dyes her fibre to achieve the perfect blend of colours.
Working from his home on the edge of the Canadian Shield, Brad Copping maintains a successful practice as both a sculptor and a functional glass blower, often traversing the line between. His work examines how we live with each other within physical spaces, and often references water in some form. He will be doing hot glass demonstrations for the tour.
Mary Ellen Gerster sees the world according to shape, value, and colour, immersing the viewer in her bright and glowing watercolour paintings. Through the layering of transparent colours she creates photo realism in her still life, fruit, flowers and waterscapes. She is inspired and challenged by subjects with strong lights, shadows, shapes, colours and is especially drawn to high contrast and bright colours.
First introduced to oil painting as a child, David Grieve has been painting ever since and has developed a unique distinctive style. He uses a multi-layered technique, applying thick swaths of oil paint to create images inspired by the Ontario landscape.
Anja Hertle works with broken china, pottery, porcelain figurines, and tile to give these elements a second life in her whimsical mosaic art pieces. She also incorporates forks, beads, buttons, bottle caps, and typewriter keys.
Dolores Hopps’ work includes quilts, using imported fabrics from England and Japan, as well as wall hangings, runners, and smaller items. Many of her pieces have wool felting incorporated into the quilting, as well as beads, silk, and quite a number of other interesting embellishments.
Lisa Mace is a long-time participant of the Apsley Studio Tour. While you can expect to see elements of her previous techniques, her art has evolved and she is introducing fresh twists, new subjects, and a variety of materials and tools she’s been experimenting with.
Jillian Messervey is a Peterborough-based weaver who is inspired by colours and textures she sees in nature, and who uses natural fibres and traditional patterns to make hard-working and functional pieces that also decorate the home or wearer. Her blankets, scarved, and towels are woven by hand on her antique floor looms.
An architect by profession, Barbara Miszkiel traded blueprints for paintbrushes. With an eclectic style, she follows whatever catches her eye: old barns with good bones, quirkily indoor scenes, wildlife that refuses to sit still, and landscapes in every season. Working mostly in acrylics, she layers, scrapes, and experiments until something on the canvas clicks.
A visual artist, Molly Moldovan’s primary focus in recent years has been abstraction and, occasionally, conceptual work. Her art tends toward dramatic gesture and emotional colour and sometimes reflects the ever-changing beauty of her surroundings. She is drawn equally to intense colour, texture, and intent.
Britt Olauson enjoys making custom furniture in an old-school manner using traditional joinery to ensure the object is made to last. She employs traditional woodworking techniques in making her functional designs.
Working out of his studio on Looncall Lake in Kawartha Highlands, woodworker Tom Parsons enjoys working collaboratively with clients who can choose from a wide range of wood species for their projects. From burl bowls and bird’s eye maple end tables to walnut charcuterie boards and live-edge tables, he is always making something.
After working for many years in the tech industry, Judy Ranieri retired and began to explore her creative passions. Many of Judy’s projects are inspired by nature and utilize natural fibres, fabric, colour, design, and textures to create one of a kind textile and fabric art pieces.
In her 30-year career as a glass artist, Susan Rankin has drawn inspiration from the landscape in which she lives. An avid gardener, she continues to explore the idea of garden through her vessel and sculptural works and is well known for her vibrant floral vessels.
Kathy Robichaud has been a stained glass artist for over 25 years, using traditional techniques to produce stained glass art. Concentrating on the copper foil method, Kathy looks to nature for inspiration.
Brenda Rudder is a wildlife artist who specializes in creating artworks on natural wood. Her pieces are rich in intricate details and vibrant colours, showcasing a deep connection and passion for the natural world. Having experimented with many media over the years, she now solely uses acrylics on reclaimed wood scraps from a local mill.
Born in Romania, Nina Sampaleanu discovered her passion for art when she moved to Canada and began a career working in mixed media, using wax, wood, metal, paper, and other materials. Her pottery explores themes of destruction and fragility and of strength and materiality.
Aubre Scott (Piping Hot Pyro Studio) is an emerging artist based out of Whitby. She began working with pyrography (wood-burning) in 2021, gaining inspiration from the scenery, landscapes, and wildlife of the local area.
Catharine Scott is a self-taught artisan who is inspired by the natural beauty of coloured gem stones, the ability to form and create meaningful pieces of art through wire working, and her own creative style of stringing that can be worn at any time of the day with any style of fashion.
Clare Scott-Taggart aka Rusty Girl (Metal Sculpture, Studio F)
Clare Scott-Taggart (Rusty Girl) has worked in metal for the past 30 years. She maintains a small studio in Thousand Islands where she recently moved and continues to create birdbaths, climbers, and trellises.
After a 36-year career as a graphic designer, illustrator, and colour correction artist, David Smith creates landscape painting and does printmaking full time from his home studio in North Kawartha. A leader in the arts, he has had solo exhibitions, sits on exhibition juries, has won awards, and taught painting and general art workshops for adults and teens.
Obsessed with the relationship between great food and handmade pottery, Judy Sparkes believes eating from handmade pots elevates the dining experience. Her work is carefully hand crafted to be enjoyed as everyday art.
Marci Smith is the “queen bee” behind Swift Acres Apiary & Farm in Apsley, where she and her family offer raw unpasteurized honey products, beeswax candles, and natural body essentials like beeswax lip balm and goat’s milk soap.
Silver Timbers (Sterling Silver Jewellery, Studio C)
From the delicate to the dramatic, Silver Timbers’ jewellery designs are timeless treasures, which will serve as wearable art for years to come.
“I believe that jewellery is an essential element of attire,” the artist states. “Even when I am riding camels in the Moroccan desert, I wear my bracelets. My pieces are designed to be worn 24/7 wherever you are in the world.”
Having created with sterling silver for many years, Glynis Williams finds designing jewellery pieces and the manipulation of metal as both challenging and fun. After heating, bending, hammering, sawing, soldering, and completing the final polishing stage, she turns a one-of-a-kind object into a wearable piece of art.
Anne Young is a guest artist who works just west of Peterborough and has loved clay, glazes, and firing pottery for over 45 years. Her functional high-fired work is easily recognized by the spirited swirled handles, colourful glazes, and bark-like texture on the outside of a lot of pieces. Her non-functional Raku work features horsehair, feathers, and sugar sprinkles.
First launched in 1994, the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour creates public awareness of the arts by promoting and supporting artists in the community.
For more information on the 2026 Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, visit apsleystudiotour.com. You can also follow the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour on Facebook and Instagram.
Find the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour on the Toureka! app or download the tour map and watch for the black-and-white studio tour signs that mark each studio location. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As Lakelands Public Health will complete water-quality monitoring at the end of August, this is the final Beach Report of the season.
As of Friday, August 28, the following beach is at high risk for swimming, meaning the beach is closed due to high bacteria levels or hazardous water conditions:
Lions Park – Coboconk
The following beaches are at moderate risk for swimming, meaning swimming is not advised due to elevated bacteria levels:
Rogers Cove – Peterborough
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon
Rotary Beach Head Lake – Dysart et al
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the regional health unit websites at Lakelands Public Health and Southeast Public Health.
In the following results, low risk means the water is safe for swimming, moderate risk means swimming is not advised due to elevated bacteria levels, and high risk means a beach is closed due to high bacteria levels or hazardous water conditions.
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City and County of Peterborough
Lakefield Beach – Selwyn – Moderate Risk
Rogers Cove – Peterborough – Moderate Risk
Belmont Lake – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Low Risk
Beavermead Beach – Peterborough – Low Risk
Chandos Beach – North Kawartha – Low Risk
Crowe's Line Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
Douro Park North – Douro-Dummer – Low Risk
Ennismore Waterfront Beach – Selwyn – Low Risk
Henry's Gumming – Curve Lake First Nation – Low Risk
Hiawatha Beach – Hiawatha First Nation – Low Risk
John Street Beach – Trent Lakes (Buckhorn) – Low Risk
Jones Beach – Selwyn (Bridgenorth) – Low Risk
Kasshabog Lake – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Low Risk
Lime Kiln Park – Curve Lake First Nation – Low Risk
Quarry Bay Beach – North Kawartha – Low Risk
Sandy Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area – Selwyn (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area – South Monaghan (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area – Douro-Dummer (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
White's Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
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City of Kawartha Lakes
Lions Park – Coboconk – High Risk
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Moderate Risk
Birch Point – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Blanchards Road Beach – Bexley – Low Risk
Bond Street – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Burnt River Beach – Somerville – Low Risk
Centennial Park West – Eldon – Low Risk
Centennial Verulam Parkette – Low Risk
Four Mile Lake Public Beach – Somerville – Low Risk
Head Lake Beach – Laxton – Low Risk
Norland Bathing Area – Laxton – Low Risk
Omemee Beach – Low Risk
Riverview Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Low Risk
Sturgeon Point Beach – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Valentia Sandbar Beach – Low Risk
Verulam Recreational Park – Low Risk
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Northumberland County
Crowe Bridge Park – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Hastings Waterfront North – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Hastings Waterfront South – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Little Lake – Cramahe – Low Risk
Sandy Bay Public Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – Low Risk
Victoria Beach- Cobourg – Low Risk
Haliburton County
Rotary Head Lake Beach Lagoon – Dysart et al – Moderate Risk
Bissett Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Dorset Parkette – Algonquin Highlands – Low Risk
Eagle Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Elvin Johnson Park – Algonquin Highlands – Low Risk
Forsters Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Gooderham Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Glamour Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Haliburton Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Horseshoe Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Paudash Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Pine Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Rotary Beach Head Lake – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Rotary Park Lagoon – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Rotary Park Main – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Sandy Cove Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Sandy Point Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Slipper Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Twelve Mile Lake Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Wilbermere Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
Beaches sampled monthly
Moira Lake Park – Moira Lake – Low Risk
Centennial Park, Deseronto – Bay of Quinte – Low Risk
Frankford Park – Trent River – Low Risk
Kingsford Conservation Area – Salmon River – Low Risk
Tweed Park – Stoco Lake – Low Risk
Wellington Beach – Wellington Bay – Low Risk
Beaches sampled once at the start of bathing season
Centennial Park, Northport – Bay of Quinte – Low Risk
Ali the serval cat, pictured with Friday at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough in 2013, has passed away. She arrived at the zoo in 2010, joining Friday and the zoo's other female serval, Kabala, who have also since also passed away. (Photo: Riverview Park and Zoo)
The last serval cat at Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough has passed away.
The zoo announced on Friday (August 28) that Ali died just shy of her 23rd birthday.
Ali arrived at Riverview Park and Zoo in 2010 as a donation from the Toronto Zoo, joining the zoo’s two other female servals, Friday and Kabala.
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In 2020, Ali lost her right front leg after breaking it in a fall, but she quickly adapted to the three-legged life and remained a favourite of both zoo staff and visitors.
After Friday and Kabala passed away, Ali spent the rest of her life living with Torty, the zoo’s African spurred tortoise.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the serval is a medium-sized wild cat known for its long legs, slender build, large ears, and spotted and striped golden coat.
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Found mainly in grasslands and wetlands, servals are skilled hunters that use their exceptional hearing to locate small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects before leaping as high at 2.7 metres in the air to pounce on their prey. Servals have the longest legs of any cat relative to their body size, earning them the nickname “giraffe cat.”
In the wild, servals are known to live between 10 and 12 years and can exceed 20 years of age in captivity.
Owned and operated by the City of Peterborough, Riverview Park and Zoo is Canada’s only free-admission zoo accredited by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), meeting national standards for animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and safety. Open year-round, the zoo is home to over 40 species across more than 20 animal habitats.
Ali the serval cat at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough circa 2017. (Photo: Riverview Park and Zoo)
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is located at 1 Hospital Drive in Peterborough. (Photo: PRHC)
The Ontario government is providing Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) with almost $8.2 million to support hospital operations and help reduce wait times.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith joined PRHC president and CEO Dr. Lynn Mikula at the hospital on Friday morning (August 28) to announce the $8,193,000 investment.
The funding is part of a $1.1-billion investment in Ontario’s hospital sector included in the 2026 provincial budget. According to the province, the investment represents a four per cent increase in annual hospital funding for the fourth consecutive year.
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“This investment is a major win for families in Peterborough-Kawartha,” MPP Smith said in a media release. “By strengthening core clinical services at PRHC, we are ensuring our local hospital has the reliable funding needed to shorten wait times, expand diagnostic imaging, and deliver high-quality care closer to home.”
According to the release, the funding will support the operation of PRHC’s core clinical services as the regional hospital responds to growing patient demand.
Along with helping PRHC maintain around-the-clock emergency department operations and manage inflationary and wage pressures, the funding is aimed at reducing wait times for surgical and diagnostic procedures, including MRI and CT scans, cardiac and stroke care, neurological services, orthopedic procedures, and cataract surgeries.
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“Over the last several years, Peterborough Regional Health Centre has been strategically investing into the care we provide and how we provide it,” Dr. Mikula said.
“Provincial investments like this one are critical to furthering ongoing work in priority areas at PRHC, including the continued growth and expansion of our leading-edge data and analytics program and establishing a command centre to support real-time decision-making and improve access to care across the hospital.”
Dr. Mikula thanked MPP Smith, Ontario Health, and the Ministry of Health for the funding, which she said recognizes the work and achievements of PRHC staff over the past year to help patients access care closer to home.
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“We remain deeply committed to achieving the ambitious goals we have set out for ourselves, and to ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care and service to the 600,000 people we serve across this region,” Dr. Mikula added.
In a statement, deputy premier and health minister Sylvia Jones said the funding will allow PRHC to continue providing care while reducing wait lists and wait times.
“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system, ensuring that more people in the Peterborough region can connect to the care they need, where and when they need it,” Jones said.
The PRHC funding announcement follows an August 11 announcement of more than $7.6 million in provincial funding for Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay.
That funding included $3,765,800 from the same $1.1-billion provincial investment to support hospital operations and reduce wait times, as well as $3,866,243 for infrastructure upgrades and repairs.
The infrastructure funding for Ross Memorial Hospital will support the replacement of sections of the hospital’s aging roof as well as upgrades to its chilled-water distribution system, heat exchangers, HVAC pumps, flooring, and sanitary waste and vent piping.
The province says it plans to invest approximately $64 billion in major health infrastructure over the next decade, including more than 50 major hospital projects that are expected to add around 3,000 hospital beds across Ontario.
The Township of Asphodel-Norwood is a rural municipality in southern Peterborough County with a population of over 4,600 residents. (Photo: Township of Asphodel-Norwood website)
With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Peterborough County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.
Residents of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes— will be voting for members of their lower-tier councils whose leadership makes up the membership of county council.
In the multi-part series of stories, kawarthaNOW asked candidates to introduce their campaigns by answering the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” and has published their responses verbatim. This series will present candidate responses by municipality.
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The Township of Asphodel-Norwood’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors elected at large.
Incumbent members running for re-election are mayor Patrick Wilford, deputy mayor Lori Burtt, councillor Barry Walsh, and councillor Paula Warr.
Incumbent councillor Stephanie Hodge-Greaves will challenge Wilford for the mayor’s seat, along with former mayor Rodger Bonneau, Jesse Savary, and Robert (Bob) Tytko. Tom Moher is challenging Burtt for the deputy major position.
Along with incumbents Walsh and Warr, candidates for the three councillor positions are Trever Donnelly, Cory Kozmik, Joseph (Joe) Maddison, and Alison Westrop.
kawarthaNOW did not receive responses before publication from any of the seven candidates for mayor or deputy mayor or from Warr or Westrop. Savary and Westrop both provided responses after publication, which have been added to the story. Deputy mayor candidate Tom Moher provided a response after publication, which has been added to the story. The story will be updated if any other responses are provided.
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Mayor
Jesse Savary
I’m running for mayor because people are hurting right now, including people who never thought they would be. These aren’t normal times. A township can’t fix everything, but it can move quickly, be straight with people, and finish what it starts.
I moved here about ten years ago, when my mother relocated for work. Neighbours brought treats by, someone left a card welcoming us to the neighbourhood, and we were never made to feel like outsiders. But there was nothing here for me, and I couldn’t see a future for myself, so when a job came up in London I took it. I missed this community, and I was only able to come back because I work for myself now. Most people don’t get that. People should be able to stay here, whether they’re just starting out or growing old.
I build software for a living, and I run the whole business for the people I work for. That means I don’t get to hand off the hard part. I’ve been reading Asphodel-Norwood’s council packages the same way I read a project I’m on the hook for. I look for what was promised, what got done, and what slipped to next year. Residents should be able to see that too.
I never pictured myself in politics. But people are hurting, and I’m done waiting for someone else to do something about it.
Deputy Mayor
Tom Moher
I am running for Deputy Mayor because I believe we need continued improvement. I view the position to be an opportunity to utilize my 25 years of leadership experience to ensure balanced development that doesn’t overburden infrastructure, build on community initiatives and events to generate greater economic prosperity for local businesses while protecting our agricultural heritage and finally provide strong financial oversight, planning and transparency to our residents.
I am a unique candidate because of my extensive leadership experience, my history of service to others and my strong financial acumen. I was fortunate to have a career that spanned across twenty five years in leadership roles that included Director of Real Estate and Business Development, Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Sales across the Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods and Security Industries. Born and raised on a farm in Peterborough County, specifically Douro Dummer Township, I was taught to serve others. I have over 15 years of combined volunteer Board and Committee experience across cancer support organizations, retail industry associations, the Asphodel Norwood Police Services Board and the Asphodel Norwood Business Advisory Committee. I also have a strong financial background gained through my real life work experience and education. I am proud to be a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and hold a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Queens University.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be a resident of Asphodel Norwood after an early retirement from my many leadership roles. I have the time, I have the skills and I want to see our Township prosper.
Councillor
Trever Donnelly
I’m running for council as politics has always been a deep interest of mine since first learning about politics in grade 6, I follow and stay as current as I can on all levels of politics, whether it be federal, provincial, or municipal. I’m proud to call Asphodel-Norwood home. Being a new family man, I want to see this community continue to be a safe and prosperous area for everyone.
What makes me a unique candidate is my age, work experience and campaign platform. I’m 32 years old. Most people we see in municipal office are 50 years of age and up. I believe it’s time for municipal politics to get some “fresh blood” in. Depending on peoples age, their wants and needs from a township change. I feel the 25-35 age bracket is always underrepresented and I want to change that. As for my work experience, I’m a blue collar worker, not a white collar worker. I have been in the heavy truck repair industry for 14 years now. Sometimes blue collar workers see life and issues in different perspectives than other people.
As for my platform, I don’t have a concrete campaign platform, It would be arrogant of me to come in promising sunshine and rainbows, talking about all of the things I want to do and change. I want to hear from the taxpayers of Asphodel-Norwood, Things they are happy with and what needs to change or be improved.
Cory Kozmik
I am a mother, the partner of a dairy farmer, and a professional in the field of lands governance. With a diverse education, versatile skills and experience, I have worked in the fields of research, conservation, business and development. From homes, roads and bridges to billion-dollar energy infrastructure, I have informed projects where growth and sustainability can successfully exist together.
Current governance and decision-making frameworks would benefit from new perspectives, broad-based skillsets, strong leadership and a resilience to pressure. Removing the people from decision-making erodes the very meaning of democracy, and governance should be transparent, accessible, and informed by our communities, who are the very fabric of what our towns represent.
Growth and progress can be achieved when done in a strategic, community-centric and balanced way, and when planning with future generations in mind. How we define assets carries great responsibility. They are far more than what we can build, sell or extract. They are knowledgeable people, agricultural communities, and the ecological systems we rely on to keep our towns healthy, fed, safe and resilient. They all deserve to be considered in balanced decision-making.
Current goals should never limit goals of the future, and ensuring future generations have a strong, healthy and functioning landscape to support those goals should be paramount in all decision-making. With my education, experience, and a well-rounded perspective, I bring an unwavering commitment to do right by those I represent. I am running to effect change, and improve the space for community, farmers, and future generations to inform how decisions are made. My goal is to ensure that no one gets left behind in the name of “progress.”
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Joseph Maddison
As a life long resident, with all my family and friends within a stones throw away, this town means everything to me.
I believe growing up here, from pre school to high school as well as having my “career” in hockey and baseball for Norwood really helped shape the man I am today. I can still remember all of my teachers names as well as having close relationship with former coaches who have become friends.
Being a member of the Norwood Lions cemented my commitment to making our community the best it can be.
I’m running for council after some serious thought, because it is not a small choice. You have to be dedicated, thoughtful and be willing to listen to all the concerns of your community. Over the last year and a half I have had several people suggest that I would be an ideal candidate for the position. Truly, it wasn’t on my to do list until these citizens convinced me. From there the idea took hold and now I’m giving it all my effort.
I believe that I’m unique because all of my life, Norwood has grounded me and filled me with pride. My family have been here for generations and I want to help lead our town into whatever the future may hold.
I know what struggle is. I’ve seen hard times. I still work full time and I know that a paycheck only goes so far.
I want to make life easier for our residents. It won’t be easy. It will take hard work and tough decisions I believe. I feel like I am the person to help my fellow councillors, deputy mayor and mayor with the choices we have to make.
I’m looking forward to serving my community. I believe a life of service to others, helping when and there you can is very rewarding.
This is why I want to be part of the team that helps Norwood/Asphodel become even more successful than it already is.
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Barry Walsh (incumbent)
At the heart of my campaign is a commitment to continuing to deliver valued services and programs to our community in a fiscally responsible manner.
I will work collaboratively with Council to strengthen relationships with federal and provincial representatives and pursue the funding needed to support essential infrastructure upgrades supporting continued housing growth, and ongoing incremental support for our new medical center.
We will continue investing in improvements to our extensive road network to better serve residents and enhance everyday travel throughout the community.
I consider myself a strong listener who is focused on building meaningful relationships with residents and ensuring every voice is heard.
I bring flexibility, experience, and a steady commitment to meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead.
We have accomplished a great deal — not because of one person, but because people worked together with a shared vision. I hope to continue being part of that progress and to keep serving our great, growing community.
Alison Westrop
I am running for council because I believe local government should be about discussion, argument and ultimately making good decisions for the community.
I will have an opinion about almost everything that comes before council. Sometimes it will come from my own experience, sometimes from what I jokingly call “Granny research”, and from reading the data and doing the homework. What I cannot claim is that I will know everything about every issue. No councillor can.
What I can promise is that I will study the information, form an opinion, argue for it and be prepared to be persuaded by the other councillors or experts in the room with me. And if my position doesn’t carry the day, I will still do my best to make the decision work for the best possible result for the community.
I think that is what representation means. Residents choose their representatives; they don’t get to make every decision themselves. They have to trust that their councillors have listened, considered the competing interests and then exercised good judgement.
I am relatively new to Asphodel-Norwood. Therefore, I am getting to know the Township by driving its roads and concessions and visiting its different areas. It is creating questions. For instance, what are we doing for the adolescent population on the north side of Highway 7?
I care deeply about the environment. Someone else may care more about roads, taxes, development or recreation. That’s fine. You don’t need everyone to care about the same set of issues. It is that diversity that leads to broader and more balanced consideration of the issues confronting the Township.
It is a group endeavour, not a monarchy.
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 August 29 with a response from mayoral candidate Jesse Savary.
This story was updated on September 1 with a response from councillor candidate Alison Westrop.
This story was updated on September 4 with a response from deputy mayor candidate Tom Moher.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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