Home Authors Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
87 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.
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.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board trustee candidates Shawna Blackwood and Jack Henry are campaigning together in an effort to elect both of them to the two public school board trustee seats in the City of Peterborough on October 26, 2026. Julie Chatten is the third candidate in the public school board trustee race. (Photo courtesy of Jack Henry)

Beyond the mayoral and councillor races, Peterborough voters face important choices for school board...

The October 26 election will determine who represents the city on its English public and Catholic school boards, overseeing education budgets.
The seven candidates vying to become Peterborough's next mayor in the 2026 municipal election answer kawarthaNOW's questions on how they would manage property tax increases, set spending priorities for city services such as public transit, and pay for needed infrastructure improvements. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

Peterborough’s mayoral candidates share their approaches to taxes, services, and infrastructure

Ahead of the October 26 election, the seven contenders explain how they would manage property tax increases, set spending priorities, and pay for needed improvements.
At an all candidates meeting for the Municipality of Highlands East hosted by the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project in Cardiff on September 12, 2026 in advance of the October 26 municipal election, moderator Heather Reid (at podium) led the "rapid-fire" portion of the event with Highlands East mayoral candidates (left to right) Dave Burton, Mike Killingsworth, Cheryl Ellis (hidden by podium), Steve Kauffeldt, and Krystle Anne Pegg. (Photo: Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project)

Haliburton County sees surge in voter engagement as municipal election nears

The Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project is helping voters meet candidates and prepare to cast their ballots.
Peterborough mayoral candidate Brian Lumsden at ArtsVote Peterborough 2026, hosted by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) on Wednesday, September 23 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

Brian Lumsden again puts opioid crisis at centre of his second Peterborough mayoral campaign

One of seven candidates in the October 26 election, Lumsden proposes involuntary residential treatment, changes at Trinity Community Centre, and a lower mayoral salary.
Located in southeastern Haliburton County, the Municipality of Highlands East is a rural municipality with a population of around 2,700 permanent residents and around 13,000 seasonal residents. Communities in Highlands East include the hamlets of Cardiff, Highland Grove, Wilberforce, Tory Hill, and Gooderham. (Photo: Municipality of Highlands East)

Municipality of Highlands East candidates tell voters why they are running in the municipal...

Race is wide open in one ward of Haliburton County municipality, with candidates challenging incumbent mayor and incumbent councillors in remaining three wards.
An aerial view of a portion of downtown Peterborough in 2012, looking east across the Hunter Street bridge to East City. Since this photo was taken, several multi-storey residential developments have been built in East City where, in 2025, city council also approved the construction of a new 17-storey high-rise. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

How will Peterborough’s next mayor tackle housing affordability and homelessness?

Ahead of the October 26 election, seven mayoral candidates share their approaches to neighbourhood growth, affordable housing, and mental health and addictions supports.
Located in central Haliburton County, the United Townships of Dysart, Dudley, Harcourt, Guilford, Harburn, Bruton, Havelock, Eyre and Clyde — commonly known as the Municipality of Dysart et al — is a rural municipality with a population of around 7,200 permanent residents and over 20,000 seasonal residents. The municipality's largest community is the village of Haliburton, with other smaller communities including Donald, Eagle Lake, Fort Irwin, Goulds, Harburn, Harcourt, Kennisis Lake, and West Guilford. (Photo: Municipality of Dysart et al)

Candidates in Municipality of Dysart et al share why they are running in municipal...

Open mayoral race brings new leadership choices for voters in Haliburton County's largest municipality.
The seven candidates vying to become Peterborough's next mayor in the 2026 municipal election answer kawarthaNOW's questions on economic development, including what actions the next council should take to strengthen downtown Peterborough's economy, public safety, and quality of life. (Photo: Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)

Peterborough’s mayoral candidates outline their plans for jobs, business growth, and downtown renewal

Seven contenders answer kawarthaNOW's questions on economic development and strengthening the downtown's economy, public safety, and quality of life .

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