North Kawartha is investing in their fire response equipment after interference on a Rodgers tower caused disruption of communication signals.
Economic Development Officer Edward Hilton presented a report to council on July 14 recommending they approve the procurement, installation, and integration of a second VHF/DMR-capable radio repeater to enhance emergency communications coverage in the southern portion of the Township of North Kawartha.
Currently, the North Kawartha Fire Department operates a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio communication system that relies primarily on the Apsley Repeater Tower for dispatch and operational communications.
Youth of all ages enjoyed the fun rides at the midway during the 171st Lakefield Fair over the weekend. More pictures from the Fair, including games, politicians’ cattle show, demolition derby, mug bogs, and more are inside this edition!
A concerned resident in North Kawartha has approached Council to consider asking the County of Peterborough to lower the speed limit on HWY 620 around Chandos Beach.
Guy Sprung spoke to council during the July 14 regular meeting, suggesting that North Kawartha press upon the County to lower the speed limit from 80 km/hr to a 60 km/hr speed limit around the beach.
He said that the current speed limit is particularly dangerous during the summer months around Chandos beach, not only due to the many swimmers but also the boat launch area
Sprung explained that many times, the parking lot fills up fast with trucks and trailers, leaving boaters to park on the side of the road. This becomes dangerous with the speed in which vehicles travel down the road in this area.
“At the moment the speed limit is 80 km/hr, which, as we know, means about 90, and for some people 100 or more.”
Sprung said that he took a video that he shared with council to make his point. The video was taken on the long weekend of May near the boat launch and showed the road lined with trucks and trailers along the highway.
One of Lakefield’s favourite summer traditions is entering an exciting new chapter.
On Saturday August 8, 2026 the annual Lakefield sidewalk sale returns with a fresh identity as SolarFest Lakefield; an expanded community celebration presented jointly by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, together with the merchants and community organizations of Lakefield and Selwyn Township.
Taking place from 9:00am to 3:00pm, SolarFest will transform downtown Lakefield into a vibrant pedestrian festival, with Queen Street closed from Bridge Street to Reid Street to make way for shopping, live entertainment, family activities, local food, artisans and community experiences.
Guided by the theme “Family Fun Under One Sun,” SolarFest builds on the familiar tradition of the Sidewalk Sale while introducing exciting new attractions designed to create a full-day destination for residents and visitors alike.
Shop, Discover & Support Local
Local merchants will bring businesses outdoors with sidewalk sales, exclusive promotions, demonstrations and interactive activities. Visitors will be invited to discover everything Lakefield has to offer. A new Artisan Market will showcase talented local makers, offering handcrafted goods and unique creations that celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our region.
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.
