Home Authors Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Articles by Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
61 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.
Kevin McPhillips of McSweeney & Associates, the consulting firm retained by the City of Peterborough to facilitiate the creation of the city's new five-year economic development strategic plan, waits to make a presentation during a community open house at Miskin Law Community Complex on July 20, 2026. (Photo: Bethan Bates / kawarthaNOW)

City of Peterborough looks beyond ‘chasing smokestacks’ in new economic development strategy

At July 20 open house, consultant says attracting residents, retaining businesses, and diversifying investment will help Peterborough build a more resilient economy.
Kawartha Lakes city council deliberating during a special council meeting on November 26, 2024 where the mayor's proposed budget was discussed. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)

Kawartha Lakes mayoral race heats up while some ward candidates face no opposition

Two sitting councillors are among four candidates seeking the mayor’s chair, as low registration in some wards creates the potential for acclamations.
The candidates running for the two councillor positions in Ward 4 (Ashburnham) in Peterborough's municipal election, as of July 20, 2026, are (left to right, top and bottom) incumbent Gary Baldwin, Ashley Bonner, Andrew McGregor (photo unavailable), and Jason Stabler. (kawarthaNOW collage of photos from City of Peterborough and candidate websites)

Peterborough Ashburnham Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election

With one incumbent seeking re-election and three challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 4.
Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project (HHHDP) steering committee members Sean Pennylegion, Jessica Slade, Lauren Hunter, Barrie Martin, and Carol Moffatt in front of part of a textile collection by local artist Wendy Wood at The Link in Haliburton. The non-partisan grassroots community group was formed in 2025 to strengthen local democracy and promote higher levels of civic engagement. (Photo: HHHDP)

Grassroots group aims for more choice on Haliburton County’s municipal election ballots

Non-partisan Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project is encouraging candidates to register and voters to participate in local elections.
As of July 14, 2026, Peterborough resident Corey Scott is the only local candidate to have registered as a school board trustee for the City of Peterborough in the municipal election. (Photo via Corey Scott / Facebook)

Single local candidate for school board trustee stands in stark contrast to crowded Peterborough...

While 29 candidates have registered for mayor or councillor, only one local candidate has put his name forward a school board trustee.
The candidates running for the two councillor positions in Ward 3 (Town) in Peterborough's municipal election, as of July 12, 2026, are (left to right, top and bottom) incumbent Alex Bierk, Jenni Cathcart, Jessica Kuhlmorgen-Hill, and incumbent Joy Lachica. (kawarthaNOW collage of photos from City of Peterborough and candidate websites/social media)

Peterborough Town Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election

With two incumbents seeking re-election and two challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 3.
Looking south down George Street from Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)

Economic development and safety concerns dominate discussion at downtown Peterborough revitalization session

Peterborough mayoral candidate Neil Morton held the fourth of five campaign policy sessions on July 7 at Knights of Columbus Doyle Hall.
The candidates running for the two councillor positions in Ward 2 (Monaghan) in Peterborough's municipal election, as of July 7, 2026, are (left to right, top and bottom) incumbent Matt Crowley, Ashley Flynn, Jen Lacey, and AJ Shearer. Incumbent councillor Don Vassiliadis has not yet declared whether he will seek re-election. (kawarthaNOW collage of photos from candidate websites/social media)

Peterborough Monaghan Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election

With one incumbent seeking re-election so far and three challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 2.
The candidates running for the two councillor positions in Ward 1 (Otonabee) in Peterborough's municipal election, as of July 4, 2026, are (left to right, top and bottom) incumbent Kevin Duguay, incumbent Lesley Parnell, Chris Potter, and Jessica Correa. (kawarthaNOW collage of photos from candidate websites)

Peterborough Otonabee Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election

With both incumbents seeking re-election and two challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW begins a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 1.
21-year-old Trent University student Jacob Méthot is seeking to become Peterborough's next mayor in the 2026 municipal election. He is the youngest of the five current mayoral candidates, who also include Michael Eamon, Neil Morton, incumbent councillor Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat. Incumbent mayor Jeff Leal has yet to declare his intentions. (Photo courtesy of Jacob Méthot)

At 21, Jacob Méthot wants to bring a ‘fresh perspective’ to Peterborough’s mayoral race

The Trent University student says his campaign is focused on transparency, housing affordability, transit, and engaging younger voters in municipal politics.

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