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Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
79 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 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...

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Open mayoral race brings new leadership choices for voters in Haliburton County's largest municipality.
The seven candidates 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

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Seven contenders answer kawarthaNOW's questions on economic development and strengthening the downtown's economy, public safety, and quality of life .
Located in the northern part of Haliburton County, the Township of Algonquin Highlands is a rural municipality with a population of around 2,600 permanent residents and around 10,000 seasonal residents. Communities in Algonquin Highlands include half the village of Dorset, part of Carnarvon, and the hamlets of Boshkung, Buttermilk Falls, Halls Lake, Little Hawk Lake, Maple Lake, Ox Narrows, and Oxtongue Lake. (Photo: Township of Algonquin Highlands)

Township of Algonquin Highlands candidates explain why they are running in the municipal election

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
First instalment in kawarthaNOW's Haliburton County election series features the county's most northern municipality.
The seven candidates vying to become Peterborough's next mayor in the October 26, 2026 municipal election (left to right, top and bottom): Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, Brian Lumsden, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat. (kawarthaNOW collage of candidate photos)

Meet the seven candidates vying to become Peterborough’s next mayor

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
In a new municipal election series, kawarthaNOW is asking the contenders to outline their plans for the economy, housing, taxes, and leadership.
Located in northwestern Peterborough County, the Municipality of Trent Lakes has a population of over 6,400 permanent residents and an estimated 10,000 seasonal residents. The municipality includes the hamlet of Buckhorn (pictured) in the south and a portion of the village of Kinmount in the north, as well as many smaller historic communities. (Photo: Municipality of Trent Lakes)

Trent Lakes candidates set out their priorities ahead of October 26 municipal election

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Candidates in the Peterborough County municipality address fiscal responsibility, public service, economic development, and environmental protection.
Located in southern Peterborough County along the north shore of Rice Lake, the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan has over 7,000 residents in 20 communities, including Bailieboro, Fraserville, Indian River, Keene (pictured), and Lang. (Photo: Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan)

With three seats acclaimed, Otonabee-South Monaghan municipal election race is down to mayor and...

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Scott Tower is challenging Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark for township mayor, with Joe Crowley and Tara Loucks competing for councillor at large.
Located in central Peterborough County on the eastern boundary of the City of Peterborough, the Township of Douro-Dummer has over 7,600 residents in 17 communities, including Douro, Donwood, Warsaw, and Young's Point. (Photo: Peterborough County)

Douro-Dummer municipal election candidates share their visions for the township’s future

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Incumbents, former office-holders, and political newcomers discuss their priorities for the Peterborough County township ahead of the October 26 vote
Now a Peterborough mayoral candidate, Rob Hailman (centre) chatted with Monaghan Ward councillor Matt Crowley (left) and Arthur editor-in-chief David King in the lobby at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough during the "So, You Want to Run for Council - Candidate 101 Information Session" on March 31, 2026. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

From frequent council delegate to mayoral contender, Rob Hailman wants to change Peterborough’s priorities

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Officially launching his campaign on September 14, the longtime citizen advocate makes the case for investment in transit, public housing, and community services.
The Township of North Kawartha is a rural municipality located in northern Peterborough County with around 2,877 year-round residents and around 12,000 seasonal residents. (Photo: Township of North Kawartha)

North Kawartha candidates explain why they are running in the municipal election

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Election hopefuls in the Peterborough County township discuss financial oversight, community involvement, and representation for year-round and seasonal residents.
The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is located in the southeast corner Peterborough County, with a population of over 5,000 permanent residents, including over 1,000 in the village of Havelock, and around 6,200 seasonal residents. (Photo: Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen)

Havelock-Belmont-Methuen council candidates make their case to voters

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Election hopefuls in the Peterborough County township discuss community service, responsible decision-making, and planning for the municipality's future.
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