Unforeseen structural issues at the Ennismore Arena have caused an increase in costs for the township of Selwyn as they move through a replacement of the ice floor and chiller.
Mike Richardson, manager of recreation services for the township, presented a report to council on Tuesday June 23 requesting approval for additional funding in the amount of $286,000.
He explained that while the council had approved $1.9M for work do be done to replace the 54 year-old ice floor, 32 year-old chiller and associated portions of the refrigeration system at the Ennismore Arena, there has been unforeseen circumstances that require additional funds to bring the structure up to code.
He clarified at the council meeting that during the replacement process of the Ennismore arena floor, it was discovered that it had a sand apron around the perimeter, which is not permissible. No structural engineer would sign off on this type of structure today.
He was requesting $191,000 to replace that apron, in addition to $15,000 for possible testing and $80,000 in contingencies in case there were any more unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or emergency work.
Lakefield dedicated their Veteran’s Memorial Crosswalk on Saturday. The first to cross it was WWII veteran, Lawrence Parker, escorted by Lakefield Legion’s past president Jim Marsden (left). Local veterans were invited to cross it next. A good crowd came out to watch the dedication which included the Legion’s colour party, a bagpiper and a bugler as well as remarks from special guests.
Tensions and emotions ran high during the Douro Dummer June 16 regular meeting where council received a delegation presenting a petition opposing the rezoning of a property on the Sixth Line South Dummer. However, no application has been brought before council to rezone the property in question.
Nancy Proctor presented the petition which she said had over 160 signatures from local residents all opposing the rezoning of 600 Sixth Line South Dummer for the purpose of a treatment facility for outpatient, private or for-profit transitional housing, weekend retreat/rehabilitation, or any other use not permitted in current zoning of “RU”.
While there has been no formal applications started
for this type of rezoning, Proctor told council that in April the owner of 600 Sixth Line, who Proctor named as Peggy Shaughnessy, approached Proctor and her husband to inform them that she was planning on using the property as a weekend retreat for people who’ve had a hard week. Proctor went on to tell council that Shaughnessy operates Redpath Wellness Center in Peterborough, which provides structural programs related to trauma, addiction, and mental health.
Outside of a private visit from Shaughnessy, there is no publically available information about the potential retreat site at this location because there has been no formal process started to re-designate the lands to allow such a use at that location.
Lakefield, ON – Peterborough County, Selwyn Township, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield joined veterans, community members, and invited guests on June 20, 2026, to unveil the new Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield, a lasting tribute recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of local veterans and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield.
The unveiling, emceed by Lorna MacDonald, President of the Lakefield Legion, included remarks from Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis, MPP Dave Smith Allie Bonner on behalf of MP Emma Harrison’s office, and Keith Knott of Curve Lake First Nation, with the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party, local veterans, and other invited guests in attendance.
The crosswalk was completed through a collaborative partnership between the Lakefield Legion Branch 77, Peterborough County, and Selwyn Township. Peterborough County contributed to the road marking installation, while Selwyn Township supported the unveiling event as part of the Legion’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
In 2026, the Royal Canadian Legion is recognizing 100 years of supporting veterans, strengthening communities, and advancing remembrance across Canada. As one of the earliest chartered branches, Branch 77 Lakefield is also marking its 100th anniversary.
This short documentary is a portrait of a tiny town, Lakefield, Ontario, and its independent weekly, the Herald. Across North America, newspapers are dying, but in Lakefield, Terry McQuitty, the town paper’s publisher, carries on a rich, 150-year-old tradition. Set to the pace of small-town life, Unheralded is a testament to the vital role newspapers can still play, and the close bond between reporter and reader.
