Home Authors Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
95 Articles
Bethan Bates is a writer and charitable sector professional who is interested in the issues affecting our society. An experienced writer and editor, Bethan has covered a host of topics from local events to international affairs to media reviews. Through her work, writing, and volunteering, Bethan is dedicated to advocating for women’s and children’s rights. In her free time she can be found doing yoga, reading, or cuddling with her cat. Her reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith with YES Shelter for Youth & Families emergency shelter manager Paige Hewie and executive director Aimée Le Lagadec in a short video from the non-profit organization celebrating a $40,700 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that has helped YES strengthen its internal and staff capacity to better support unhoused and at-risk youth and families in the community. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)

Peterborough’s YES Shelter uses $40,700 grant to better to better support unhoused and at-risk...

Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has helped the organization update its case management and training systems, including for outreach workers.
A cross-union solidarity rally took place at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on October 21, 2026 in support of paramedics with Peterborough City-County Paramedics (PCCP) represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4911, who will be in a legal strike position on October 31. (Photo: CUPE / Facebook)

‘We don’t want to strike’: Peterborough paramedics push for a deal before legal strike...

CUPE Local 4911 president Jordan Lean says improved compensation and mental health coverage are needed to retain experienced staff.
Lakelands Public Health's associate medical officer of health Dr. Maxwell Tran (top right) provided an update on the fall respiratory illness season to the board of health during its meeting in Port Hope on October 21, 2026. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of YouTube video)

Lakelands Public Health says flu and COVID-19 vaccines for general public available starting October...

Associate medical officer of health Dr. Maxwell Tran provides update on respiratory illness season at board of health's October 21 meeting.
Kelli Marshall performs a traditional jingle dance during an event to commemorate Red Dress Day at Peterborough City Hall on May 5, 2026. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

Survey seeks to understand urban Indigenous community’s priorities for cultural spaces in Peterborough

Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group and Trent Society of Architects are gathering input to guide potential spaces, programs, and community initiatives.
Peterborough family physician Dr. Madura Sundareswaran is the founder and medical director of the Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic and the founder of the Peterborough Family Physician Think Tank, now known as PTBO Fam Docs. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic)

Too much paperwork can mean longer waits for patients, says Peterborough family physician

Study led by PTBO Fam Docs founder Dr. Madura Sundareswaran better defines administrative burden and identifies priorities for action.
Veronica Nelson, president and CEO of Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, will be leading four community town halls in Coboconk, Pontypool, Fenelon Falls, and Lindsay in October 2026 on the topic of local cancer care and supportive services, along with updates on the hospital's master planning and major projects. (Photo: Ross Memorial Hospital)

Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay bringing cancer care conversations to four Kawartha Lakes communities...

Led by hospital president and CEO Veronica Nelson, free town halls will explain local services and regional partnerships, with updates on hospital planning and major projects,
Trillium Lakelands Elementary Teacher Local president Mike De Rose (back left) with educators advocating for special education resources and supports from the Ontario government for the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, which operates 40 elementary schools in the Muskoka, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton regions. (Photo: Trillium Lakelands Elementary Teachers Local / Facebook)

Local solutions at stake in Ontario elementary teacher bargaining dispute, says Trillium Lakelands union...

Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario planning a November strike vote while unions and province await ruling on which issues belong at central and local tables.
Part of the "Where Change Takes Root" photo exhibit on display at the Peterborough Public Library in downtown Peterborough until October 31, 2026. Presented by Inter Pares in collaboration with the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), the exhibit shares how women in communities in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Togo are finding ways to grow food, sustain livelihoods and care for the land in the face of a changing climate. (Photo: Inter Pares / Facebook)

West African women’s stories bring global climate challenges into focus at Peterborough Public Library

Presented by Ottawa's Inter Pares in collaboration with Peterborough's Kawartha World Issues Centre, 'Where Change Takes Root' photo exhibit is on display until October 31.
Located in southwestern Haliburton County and the seat of the county, the Township of Minden Hills is a rural municipality with a population of around 7,000 permanent residents and up to 16,000 seasonal residents. The village of Minden is the primary residential and commercial centre of the township, with smaller communities including Carnarvon, Gelert, Ingoldsby, Irondale, Lochlin, Miners Bay, and Moore Falls. (Photo: Haliburton County)

Minden Hills council hopefuls make their case for leading the township forward

With every council position contested, candidates in the Haliburton County municipality explain why they are running and what sets them apart.
Seven candidates are competing to take the mayor's seat in council chambers at Peterborough City Hall in the municipal election on October 26, 2026. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

Peterborough’s mayoral candidates outline their approaches to leadership and accountability

Seven contenders share their first 100-day priorities, proposals to restore public confidence at city hall, and positions on using strong mayor powers.

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