kawarthaNOW | News, events, and community information for residents, visitors, and cottagers in Peterborough and The Kawarthas

A few of the more than 60-plus men and women who volunteered during the Women Build event hosted by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) from September 21 to 24, 2026 in Norwood, where Habitat PKR is constructing three affordable homes for local families. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)

Habitat PKR’s Women Build raises $15,250 to help build three affordable homes in Norwood

More than 60 participants joined four days of hands-on construction and fundraising in September to support affordable homeownership for three local families

kawarthaNOW - October 2, 2026

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

Peterborough singer-songwriter and fiddler Irish Millie and Lakefield indie-pop singer-songwriter Georgia Rose will perform at the Honky Tonk Angel Bar in Cavan-Monaghan on Saturday night. (Promotional photos)

Peterborough police mourn death of service dog Gryphon at age six

At its quarterly meeting at the Flato Academy Theatre in Lindsay on September 3, 2026, 100 Men of Kawartha Lakes donated $12,291.59 to Camp Kirk, a non-profit charitable organization offering recreational programs for neurodivergent children and youth. The collective philanthropy group also donated $2,500 to the Community Fund of Fenelon Falls and, in the absence of a third charity that was unable to attend the meeting, donated $2,500 to the new Forever Fund, a permanent investment fund being established by 100 Men of Kawartha Lakes through the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: 100 Men of Kawartha Lakes)

100 Men of Kawartha Lakes donates more than $17,000 to local charities and a new investment fund

Collective giving group directs $12,291.59 to Camp Kirk as membership grows to 173 ahead of December meeting in Fenelon Falls

kawarthaNOW - October 1, 2026

"Climate action is good for business." Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brenda Whitehead (middle) with Peterborough County economic development manager Rhonda Keenan (left) and Jigsaw Organizing Solutions founder and Women's Business Network of Peterborough treasurer Adeilah Dahlke (right) celebrating sustainable leaders in the community at an event hosted by Green Economy Peterborough in June 2026. (Photo: Heather Doughty)

A healthy environment is the foundation of a thriving economy in Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Located in the Township of North Kawartha in Peterborough County, Northeys Bay Road is a 13-kilometre county road that runs along Stony Lake from Highway 28 in Woodview in the west to County Road 6 in the east. While the scenic and winding road is popular with drivers, including motorcylists, local residents say drivers often exceed the posted speed limits. (Photo: Google Maps)

‘We need to do something’: residents along Northeys Bay Road in North Kawartha raise speeding concerns

KS & Co. Productions and New Stages Theatre present "Phantom & Friends – A Toast to Broadway" at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on October 22, 2026 featuring (top row) vocalists David Rogers, Kate Suhr, and Linda Kash and (bottom row) musicians Gavin Tessier, Victoria Yeh, and Sam Quinn. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)

‘Phantom & Friends’ brings Broadway favourites and hometown talent to Peterborough’s Market Hall on October 22

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

Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - September 30, 2026

Bill Swift, owner and manager of Swift Canoe & Kayak, carries a canoe that sold for $5,000 during the live auction at the 2025 Lakeside Gala at The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. The company will once again be donating a canoe for the 2026 Lakeside Gala on Saturday, October 3, one of many donated items that will be available for bidding during the live and silent auctions to raise funds supporting the Museum's core programming. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)

Celebrating the ‘Art in Adventure’ through the live and silent auctions at The Canadian Canoe Museum’s October 3 Lakeside Gala

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features 15 destinations for scenic trails in the greater Kawarthas region, including the Northumberland County Forest, Balsam Lake Provincial Park, Eagle's Nest Park, Peter's Woods Provincial Park, Doube's Trestle Bridge, Jackson Creek Trail, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Stony Lake Trails, McGeachie Conservation Area, Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park, James Cooper Lookout Trail, Ken Reid Conservation Area, Robert Johnston EcoForest Trails, Dahl Forest, and Trent University's Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Area. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: 15 scenic trails in the greater Kawarthas to view the fall colours at their peak

A rendering of the shoreline bank near The Gore, between Romaine Street and Lock Street, as part of the concept plan for the City of Peterborough's Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project, which was approved by city council on September 28, 2026. The following day, more than $6.5 million in federal, municipal, and community funding was announced for a new 1.15-kilometre section along Crescent and Haggart streets. (Rendering: City of Peterborough)

Federal and city funding will extend Peterborough’s Little Lake Loop

Habitat PKR’s Women Build raises $15,250 to help build three affordable homes in Norwood

kawarthaNOW - October 2, 2026

More than 60 participants joined four days of hands-on construction and fundraising in September to support affordable homeownership for three local families.

Haliburton County sees surge in voter engagement as municipal election nears

October 2, 2026

Peterborough police service dog Gryphon with his handler, constable Dillon Wentworth. Gryphon, who was officially sworn in on March 2, 2022, died on September 30, 2026 at around the age of six following unexpected medical issues. (Photo: Peterborough Police Service)

Peterborough police mourn death of service dog Gryphon at age six

October 1, 2026

100 Men of Kawartha Lakes donates more than $17,000 to local charities and a new investment fund

October 1, 2026

‘We need to do something’: residents along Northeys Bay Road in North Kawartha raise speeding concerns

September 30, 2026

Kawartha Localist: 15 scenic trails in the greater Kawarthas to view the fall colours at their peak

Megan Gallant - September 29, 2026

From family friendly to more challenging trails, these hikes will take you through old-growth forests, rare ecosystems, and expansive lookouts,

Euphoria Wellness Spa owner Simone Dobson (left) with Tiffany Arcari marking 20 years of beauty, welness, and community at the U4 Rooftop Patio Bar at Euphoria's downtown Peterborough location. To celebrate the milestone, Euphoria is hosting the Euphoria Forever Beauty Event on Wednesday, October 7 featuring complimentary services, exclusive discounts, special gifts, and more. (Photo courtesy of Euphoria Wellness Spa)

Know Your Locals: Euphoria Wellness Spa celebrates 20 years in downtown Peterborough

September 29, 2026

Megan Murphy at the Women's Business Network of Peterborough on September 2, 2026 at Elmhirst's Resort in Keene where she spoke about storytelling. As a performer, filmmaker, playwright, director, writer, radio host, emcee, and storyteller, Megan can help people, businesses, and organizations discover and tell their own stories in an authentic way. She is available for hire as a professional emcee, keynote speaker, ideation consultant, branded documentary filmmaker, leader of story-mining workshops, and more. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)

Know Your Locals: Megan Murphy helps people find the heartbeat of their story

September 26, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features scenic destinations across the Kawarthas to enjoy the fall colours, including Skyline Park in Haliburton County, Burleigh Falls in Peterborough County, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Peterborough County, Eagle's Nest Park in Hastings Highlands, Windy Ridge Conservation Area and Fleetwood Creek Nature Area in Kawartha Lakes, Rice Lake in Northumberland County, Panorama Park Lookout in Haliburton County, Kamaniskeg Lake lookout in Combermere east of Hastings Highlands, and more. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: 10 scenic spots across the Kawarthas to enjoy the fall colours

September 22, 2026

Located in downtown Peterborough, Studio Savvy is a versatile event space and photography studio founded by content creator Carley Beal. The bright and minimalistic space has high ceilings with various backdrops and props to suit a wide range of content creation and photography needs, including a textured sofa, a wainscot wall, a brick wall, and an infinity wall. With a bar and "get ready" area, the studio can also be booked for intimate private events including bridal showers, workshops, and micro-weddings. (Photo courtesy of Studio Savvy)

Know Your Locals: Studio Savvy in downtown Peterborough is a versatile space for content creation and private events

September 22, 2026

nightlifeNOW – October 1 to 7

kawarthaNOW - October 1, 2026

Featuring live music listings at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas regio

‘Phantom & Friends’ brings Broadway favourites and hometown talent to Peterborough’s Market Hall on October 22

September 30, 2026

Canadian jazz veteran Mark Ferguson, an Ottawa-based pianist, trombonist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, will perform at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on October 16, 2026 with his quartet, featuring Ben Di Millo on guitar, J.P. Lapensée on bass, and Jamie Holmes on drums and percussion. (Promotional photo)

Canadian jazz veteran Mark Ferguson brings his quartet to Peterborough’s Gordon Best Theatre on October 16

September 27, 2026

Sarah Quick, Elana Post, and Allan Cooke star in Globus Theatre's production of Norm Foster's romantic comedy "A Woman's Love List," which runs from September 30 to October 10, 2026 in Bobcaygeon. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)

Globus Theatre asks whether the perfect man really exists in Norm Foster’s romantic comedy

September 26, 2026

"Rez Gas" co-playwrights Genevieve Adam and Cale Crowe. Crowe composed all of the music, Adam wrote a lot of the script, and the pair came up with characters and plot together. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)

‘Rez Gas’ by Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam shortlisted for national playwriting award

September 25, 2026

A healthy environment is the foundation of a thriving economy in Peterborough and the Kawarthas

GreenUP - October 1, 2026

From tourism and agriculture to workforce attraction and retention, sustainability and protecting the environment helps local businesses flourish,

businessNOW: Local businesses and organizations put down roots and build for what comes next

September 28, 2026

11-year-old Wyatt Robertson of Cobourg, a client of Five Counties Children's Centre, with happy customer Yvette Virgin, who holds an articulated animal that Wyatt made through his fledging 3D printing business called Prints Charming. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

11-year-old Wyatt Robertson of Cobourg turns his passion for technology into a 3D printing business

September 23, 2026

RTO8's research and special projects manager Hillary Flood and 4th Line Theatre's general manager Lindy Finlan will join "Growing Your Business with Green Tourism Strategies," an online discussion hosted by Green Economy Peterborough (GEP) on October 7, 2026 on implementing green initiatives in tourism-based businesses. Earlier this year, both Flood and Finlan attended GEP's annual Leadership in Sustainability Celebration, which recognizes sustainable initiatives led by small businesses across the community. (Photo: Heather Doughty)

Green tourism takes centre stage at upcoming Green Economy Peterborough discussion

September 17, 2026

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Business Advisory Centre manager Rosalea Terry (back and front row, far left) and Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark and City of Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal (front and back row, far right) with the successful applicants for the 2026 cohort of the Starter Company Plus program at Community Futures Peterborough on September 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

Community Futures Peterborough announces largest-ever cohort for 2026 Starter Company Plus program

September 16, 2026

Nature, play, and community connection celebrated during GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night

GreenUP - September 24, 2026

More than 250 people attended August 27 celebration, with activities helping inform plans for permanent outdoor learning stations.

Downtown Peterborough's Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale on August 8, 2026 allowed people to experience Charlotte Street free of car traffic. Many Canadian cities are starting to reimagine their streets as places for pedestrians, not just cars. (Photo: Brett Throop / GreenUP)

Reimagining streets: GreenUP working to make school zones safer for local kids

September 10, 2026

The 2026 Great Canadian Bioblitz happens from September 18 to 27, with observations recorded through the iNaturalist program. There's no cost to create an iNaturalist account or download the app, pictured in use here. GreenUP and the Peterborough Field Naturalists are hosting a kick-off to the Great Canadian Bioblitz at Ecology Park on Saturday, September 19. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

Grow your ecological literacy by getting to know the species in your own backyard

September 3, 2026

The 23rd annual Hike Haliburton Festival is returning to the Haliburton Highlands from September 17 to 20, 2026. The award-winning festival features more than 35 guided hikes led by local volunteers, self-guided hikes, paid excursions by local adventure outfitters, and cultural events and activities taking place across Haliburton County. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)

Award-winning Hike Haliburton returns September 17 to 20 across the Haliburton Highlands

September 1, 2026

A young girl with gear during summer heading to a beach for a swim. (Stock photo)

The Beach Report for August 28, 2026

August 28, 2026

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