Lakefield Installs Pride Crosswalk at Queen Street at Reid Street Intersection

An all-inclusive Pride crosswalk has been installed on Queen Street at Reid Street in Lakefield to demonstrate and promote inclusivity, diversity and belonging within the Selwyn Township, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The crosswalk celebrates the 2SLGBTQ+ community within Selwyn Township and all of Peterborough County throughout the year according to a press release. It continues to state that it will serve as a reminder to support, respect and welcome everyone to Peterborough County not just during Pride Month but year-round.  

“The Township of Selwyn continues to be a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone to visit and live,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn mayor. “No matter who you are, you are safe, valued and welcomed in our community.” 

“I am pleased to see that the newly designated All-Inclusive Pride Crosswalk has been placed at a busy intersection in the heart of the Lakefield community for visitors, newcomers, residents, and especially our 2SLGBTQ+ friends and family to see this summer,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough Country warden. “We must continue with intentional acts of inclusivity such as this to demonstrate our commitment to welcoming all people to our communities.”  

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Total Burn Ban Lifted for Selwyn Township

On Monday, Selwyn Township Fire Department has lifted the Total Burn Ban which was issued April 11.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

Burn barrels are not permitted in the Township and open air burning is not allowed in built-up areas. Burn permits are still required for any fire that is not a campfire or outdoor fireplace.

To purchase a burn permit visit the Bridgenorth Fire Hall (833 Ward Street).

For more information, contact the Township of Selwyn Fire Department at (705) 292-7282.

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Total Fire Ban Remains in Effect for Selwyn Township

A total fire ban from April 11 remains in effect for the Township of Selwyn.

photo courtesy of selwyn township, facebook.

The Total Burn Ban came into effect on April 11 because of the dry conditions and forecasted warm weather.

All open air burning (including campfires) is prohibited and all fire permits that have been issued are now void until the fire ban is lifted. Residents will be notified by public service announcements, on the Township website, social media and electronic sign boards when the fire ban has been lifted.

For more information, contact the Township of Selwyn Fire Department at (705) 292-7282.

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Selwyn Township Receives $100,000 Grant to Enhance Local Tourism

Selwyn Township receives a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 from the Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) towards the enhancement of there downtown, announced Monday.

File photo.

This funding will go towards the enhancement of the public realm within the downtown area of the Village of Lakefield, and include the replacement of neglected, aged and cracked interlocking brickwork with stamped concrete and the installation of metal art banners on streetlights along Queen Street.

“Investments in public spaces within our community help create a memorable experience for visitors and residents alike. With tourism being an integral part of our local economy, this project will ensure Lakefield remains a top destination in Kawarthas Northumberland.,” says Andy Mitchell, Mayor of Selwyn Township.

The $100,000 contribution for Selwyn Township is through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the RTO8.

RTO8 supports the regional tourism industry, supporting them in attracting visitors, generating economic activity and creating local jobs. They received $3 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

FedDev Ontario is contributing approximately $120 million across southern Ontario through the Tourism Relief Fund.

“With this funding, southern Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario are providing hundreds of local businesses and organizations with the support they need to create jobs, attract more visitors and grow local economies, now and into the future,” says The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

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First Peterborough County Makerspace Opens at Selwyn Public Library In Lakefield

The first Makerspace in Peterborough County opens at the Lakefield branch of the Selwyn Public Library (SPL) with help from the Ontario Trillium Foundation on Friday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Makerspace is a place for all ages and skill levels to craft, create, explore technology and share skills using high-tech to no-tech tools.

Appointments must be made to use the space and can be pre-booked on their website.

Everything from vinyl signage to 3D printing can be crafted using equipment such as the Ultimaker S3 or the Cricut.

A $78,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation funded the formation of the creative space, transforming SPL’s former Renewed Classics thrift shop into the Makerspace.

“When you look around this room at what has been done, they have taken $79,000 and they have probably added over $200,000 worth of value for the community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

Some renovations completed through the Trillium Resilient Communities grant include new paint/flooring and the conversion of an old vault into a podcasting suite. They were also able to get new furniture and a security system.

“For quite some time the board has received reports about the Makerspace,” said a 20-year SPL board member. “We weren’t really sure what it (Makerspace) was going to be and what it was going to look like but (the staff) have done a tremendous job with $79,000.”

The SPL Makerspace is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Free Senior Skating Returns to Selwyn Township

With aid of returning sponsors, senior skating is a go with free admission for the Ennismore Community Centre and the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre through The Township of Selwyn.

FIle Photo.

With help from returning sponsors, The Gardens of Peterborough Retirement Communities and The Regency of Lakefield, admission fees for the season are covered to all senior public skates at the Ennismore and Lakefield arenas.

Senior skating is available every Monday at the Ennismore Community Centre from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and every Tuesday and Friday at the Lakefield-Smith Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for everyone 55+.

The first sponsored skate in Ennismore takes place next week Monday and skating will be offered on Mondays through to Mar. 27.

In Lakefield, the first sponsored skate takes placeon Tuesday. Skating is offered on Tuesdays and Fridays through to Mar. 31.

Visit the public skating schedule at www.selwyntownship.ca to learn more.

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Selwyn Township Receives $750,000 To Renovate Upper Level Of Former Lakefield post Office

The Township of Selwyn has been approved for up to $750,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), to retrofit the former Lakefield post office to create an accessible and comfortable upper-level community space.

The clock tower of the former Lakefield Post Office building, which currently houses the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce satellite office. Photo courtesy of The Township of Selwyn.

The CCRF is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and provides funding for projects that aim to revitalize downtown cores and main streets, reinvent outdoor spaces, create green infrastructure and increase the accessibility of community spaces.

Selwyn applied for this funding to retrofit the former Lakefield post office, which currently houses the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and Police Services, to create an accessible and comfortable upper-level community space.

According to the Township, this space has been under-utilized and is in need of accessibility upgrades and repairs, due in part to its age. This project includes the installation of an elevator/lift, construction of an accessible washroom and kitchenette, office/work stations, and board/meeting room, making this the perfect location for a community space that can be used by everyone.

“We are very excited to announce this project to the community of Selwyn Township. Not only will we be creating a space that is accessible to everyone, while preserving the heritage features of this historic landmark; but we are also creating a space that will benefit so many in our community,” said Andy Mitchell, Mayor of Selwyn Township. “From those who are taking their first steps in the world of entrepreneurship or those who are just looking for a quiet space to work. A space that will encourage learning, growth, and collaboration.”

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Two Long Running Selwyn Festivals To Take Place This Weekend

The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival and the Ennismore Shamrock Festival will both take place this weekend after two years of cancelled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy of The Township of Selwyn.

The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival will take place on Saturday at Isabel Morris Park 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Visitors to the outdoor evet will be able to listen to live, local music from Marsala Lukianchuk and Friends,
Logan Murray and the Spoon Lickers and many more. A full list of performers is available here.

Artisans and food vendors will be open and available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a full list of vendors click here.

Admission is $10 and can be paid upon entry.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn.

The Ennismore Shamrock Festival will take place on Sunday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Robert E. Young Recreation Complex.

The Shamrock Festival hosted it’s inaugural event in 1967, to celebrate Canada’s Centennial year.

The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a BBQ, hosted by the Shamrock Festival Committee - includes peameal bacon on a bun, burgers, hot dogs and drinks. There will also be a youth soccer and baseball tournament.

Beginning at 10 a.m. visitors will be able to enjoy a bouncy castle, outdoor games, a petting zoo, free ice cream sundae decorating and many more child friendly events.

The Shamrock Festival is free to attend, though entrance to the Craft Show (located inside) is $2.

For a detailed list of events click here.

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Selwyn Dentist Celebrates Wedding Day On Stage With Carrie Underwood

Selwyn dentist and newlywed Courtney Toms got the experience of a lifetime on stage at a Carrie Underwood concert in Las Vegas, hours after her wedding.

Toms, who practices at and owns Selwyn Family Dental, married her husband James Peterson on April 2 in Las Vegas.

According to Karen-Lee Toms, Courtney’s mother and office manager, the two decided to escape the hustle and bustle of work, head to Las Vegas alone and get married.

To celebrate the two went to a Carrie Underwood concert, where Toms wore a sash that read ‘Bridgenorth ON’ in hopes someone from Underwood’s team would recognize the hometown of the singers husband - the plan worked.

Toms was spotted by Underwood’s team before the show and asked to go on stage.

“Carrie Underwood has been Courtney’s idol since she was very young,” said Karen-Lee. “She knows everything that she does, knows every word to every song.”

When she got on stage, Underwood joked that she was now her Maid of Honour and the two sang Underwood’s popular ‘All-American Girl’ together.

Carrie Underwood posted a photo of the two to social media.

“It was the perfect wedding for Courtney.”

“They’ve been dating since they were 17,” said Karen-Lee. “But Courtney’s been so busy with school, with a new practice, they put themselves on the backburner for a bit and then COVID came, they said it’s not worth the stress so they went to Vegas and were going to whoop it up just the two of them.”

Karen says Courtney had never even been on an airplane before this trip.

“It’s so nice for people to see good things happening to small-town people,” said Karen-Lee. “Courtney is a sweetheart and all the staff and all her patients have taken so well to her.”

Comments on Selwyn Family Dental’s social media post were filled with praises for Dr Toms, celebrating the exciting news.

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St. Paul Elementary School Lakefield Students Thank Selwyn Fire Department For Putting Out Fire on School Property

Students at St. Paul Elementary School Lakefield sent cards to the Selwyn Fire Department on Tuesday to thank them for responding to a fire on school property on Feb. 16.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. last Wednesday, officers were called to a shed fire at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Lakefield.

Selwyn Township firefighters responded and prevented the fire from spreading to the school building. While the shed was destroyed, there was no damage to the school or portable classrooms as classes resumed the following day.

“On behalf of the students, staff members and families of St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Selwyn Township firefighters who worked hard to protect our school,” said Principal Lisa Gemmiti-Folz.

Fire prevention officer Andrew Bowyer and firefighter Greg Frost picked up the cards in person at the school on Tuesday.

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