The Peterborough Examiner
Cold snap heats up shelter concerns
With temperatures expected to dip as low as 37 C with wind chill Saturday, Peterborough's cochairs of housing and homelessness are again raising concerns about shelter spaces for the city's homeless population. “Our own city numbers show that...
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Demolition of historic farmhouse closer to reality
A derelict farmhouse on Carnegie Drive in the city's north end — the old house that overlooks the Heritage Park subdivision — is a step closer to demolition. The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) met Wednesday evening...
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AURORAS OVER CHEMONG
Deb Aben basks in the glow of a brilliant northern lights display over Chemong Lake in Ennismore on Tuesday night. The aurora borealis were vibrant as they danced across the sky, a phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with...
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Leal walks out on debate over his use of racial slur
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal walked out of council chambers Monday, refusing to hear from residents addressing an integrity report regarding his use of a racial slur. Two residents had signed up to speak on an integrity commissioner report that found...
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Rotary swim marks 40th anniversary
The 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim is taking place at the YMCA in Peterborough on Feb. 27 at 7 a.m. “Forty years later, this event is still bringing people together and still changing lives,” said Tony Grady, president of the Rotary Club of...
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Early Petes goal proves to be winner over Niagara IceDogs
A quick start for the Peterborough Petes proved to be everything Saturday night. Kieron Walton's goal 46 seconds into the game stood as the winner as Easton Rye stopped 25 shots for his second shutout of the season in a 10 win over the Niagara...
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Pappas Billiards marks 120 years
Pappas Billiards on George Street in Peterborough celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, with the business being handed down from father, Dean Pappas, to son Basil Pappas. “I'm 60 years old — I'm half the age of the business,” said Dean — former...
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New Peterborough business hall of fame class announced
The COVID pandemic took its toll on a number of small businesses, but the Avant Garden Shop found a way through it, and Brenda Ibey says the Peterborough community deserves a lot of the credit. “During the pandemic, there were customers that were...
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Habitat for Humanity hands keys to newest homeowners
A milestone was celebrated on Sunday when the keys to Habitat for Humanity's 100th home were handed over to a Fraserville family. Kayla, Jimmy and their three children achieved their dream of affordable home ownership thanks to Habitat for Humanity...
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Gaza man's Trent hope remains in limbo
A Palestinian student accepted to a doctoral program at Trent University in 2024 has had to defer his studies for a second time as he remains stuck in Gaza without word from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Waseem, whose last name...
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Leal's use of slur did not break council code of conduct
Peterborough's integrity commissioner has found that Mayor Jeff Leal did not contravene the council code of conduct when he used a racial slur against Black people during a guest lecture at Trent University in March 2025. In the report, released...
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Petes joining with cancer survivors for charity game
Two Peterborough teams who lead the way in cancer research fundraising are joining forces for the 17th annual Pink in the Rink. The Peterborough Petes and Survivors Abreast, through their annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, have combined to...
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Wilson dedicated his life to community
Paul Wilson, noted rugby and squash player, founding sports director of Trent University and former city alderman in Peterborough, has died. He was 86. Wilson died Sunday following a short hospitalization. He is survived by wife Gillian and daughter...
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Leal welcomes city residents to new year
Mayor Jeff Leal says he is looking forward to getting back to work for the people of Peterborough in 2026, noting that the city is set to make headway on some major projects this year. During the annual Mayor's New Year's Levee, held this year at the...
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DiCunzolo and Rye shine in Petes' new year's win
Gerry DiCunzolo has shown flashes of the offensive skills which made him coveted by the Peterborough Petes and Penn State University. His first OHL gamewinning goal was a highlight reel type in the Petes' 31 New Year's Day matinee win over the...
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What made headlines in 2025 in Peterborough?
It’s not every year a Canadian mayor is caught saying a racial slur in the middle of a university lecture, and perhaps even more seldom is it that the same mayor is found to have broken his own council’s code of conduct on two separate occasions. But...
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A look at Examiner's news photos of the year
The year 2025 was a busy one for news in Peterborough. Here is a look at some of our best news photos of the year, captured by awardwinning staff photographer Clifford Skarstedt.
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Examiner's favourite sports photos of the year
There was no shortage of local sports action for Peterborough Examiner photographer Clifford Skarstedt to capture in 2025. Here is a look back at some of Clifford's favourite photos of the year.
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Our favourite news, feature photos of 2025
Not all great photographs are taken during breaking news events. Some of veteran Examiner photographer Clifford Skarstedt's favourite photos from 2025 are of people living their daytoday lives in Peterborough and our surrounding communities. Here...
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Liberals are `headed in the right direction,' MP says
There is a sense of optimism in Ottawa among members of the Liberal caucus as 2025 comes to a close, according to Peterborough MP Emma Harrison. This shouldn't come as a surprise after a year which saw the political tables turn following the...
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Mayor talks affordability, housing as year wraps up
Mayor Jeff Leal is hosting his New Year's Levee at the Miskin Law Community Complex on Jan. 4, starting at 1 p.m. “There will be free skating at our brandnew facility,” he said in his office at city hall. Leal mentioned it as he sat down with The...
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MPP Smith looking to the future after year of victories
At the end of a year that returned Doug Ford’s PC government to power following a snap election called in the midst of widespread uncertainty caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith says he remains focused...
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Northcrest neighbours GoFundMe campaign wraps up
Northcrest Neighbours for Fair Process (NNFP) has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to cover the costs of a $22,500 settlement following the group’s abandoned legal challenge of strong-mayor powers. Last week, the group announced it had...
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`Harmony for Healing' returns in February
The third annual “Harmony for Healing” concert returns in February with “Power of Love: Voices of Youth.” This locally produced mentalhealth awareness event is a live concert experience that brings the community together for a night of...
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Sherbrooke Heights workers reach agreement
Workers at Sherbrooke Heights have reached a tentative agreement with their employers for better wages and benefits. The ratification of a threeyear agreement was reached on Saturday and prevented a strike or lockout, which was expected to occur on...
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HEALING WITH HARMONY
Musician Caitlin O'Connor performs during an event at The El(P) to announce details of the third annual Harmony for Healing: Power of Love concert at Market Hall on Feb. 19. The event has sold out every year and has become a signature community...
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Mount Community Centre purchases Argyle property
The Mount Community Centre has taken ownership of the sixacre property at 780 Argyle St. in Peterborough to be developed into a community hub for affordable housing and nonprofit and medical office space. The announcement was made Wednesday during an...
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Birrell takes his final bow with inspiring performance
An emotional performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Monday night marked Syd Birrell’s final performance with his beloved Peterborough Singers. The concert at Emmanuel United Church in downtown Peterborough was Birrell’s final time conducting the choir...
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Kids' Christmas Party tradition continues dad's legacy
Christmas came early for about 80 Peterborough children on Saturday as Santa made a special appearance to deliver gifts during a party organized by Tom Crewe, his daughters Melanie and Shantelle, and volunteers from St. Andrews Church. “Every seat was...
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LOONIES ON THE STREET
Santa and the Grinch collect donations in East City on Friday morning during the 25th Loonies on the Street fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Share. To date, more than $205,000 has been raised. For more on the fundraiser, see
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Deal struck to maintain slots at Kawartha Downs
A new fiveyear agreement has been reached to keep Shorelines Slots operating at Kawartha Downs, reversing a closure scheduled for 2026 and saving approximately 150 jobs. Kawartha Downs president Richard Weldon confirmed Thursday that a new fiveyear...
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Agency raises alarm over plan to require cash for bail
Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough executive director Debbie Carriere says the province's new cash for bail proposal will only punish the disadvantaged. Last month, the Ontario government announced it would introduce legislation that would require...
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Downtown skating rink set to open this week
The outdoor skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square is expected to open this week, possibly as soon as Wednesday afternoon. While some who attended the lighting of a Christmas tree in the park, between Charlotte and King streets, on Friday night...
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Toddler now facing second cancer fight
Wrenley Hartung fits her first name perfectly. Poised to mark her third birthday in two months, the youngster has grace, charm and — most importantly — tenacity. The latter has factored greatly as the toddler not only battled — and won — a bout with...
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Family helps rejected dog thrive
Match a tiny puppy fighting for survival with a grieving family and you have a story about the power of healing. Maggie was in dire straits when Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) staff found the newborn puppy cold, dehydrated and barely moving on June...
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COMMUNITY UNITES FOR LAKEFIELD TREE LIGHTING
Lakefield residents and business owners gathered by the site of the former Kawartha Home Hardware building to catch a Christmas treelighting ceremony Thursday night. Two new trees were donated by the Beresford family and Hyland Tree Care, while...
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SHOPPING WITH COPS
Axel Taylor, 11, and Staff Sgt. Mark Reesor shop for Christmas gifts during the return of the 19th annual CopShop event at Lansdowne Place in Peterborough on Thursday. Twentyfive schoolchildren received a $200 mall gift card, courtesy of Lansdowne...
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Peterborough County approves 5.29%tax hike
Peterborough County approved a 5.29 per cent tax levy increase as part of its 2026 budget during a council meeting on Wednesday morning. The increase includes a 2.5 per cent infrastructure levy and a 2.8 per cent increase to the county's operating...
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Councillors reject plan to assume control of DBIA funds
City council unanimously voted down a bylaw that would have stopped an annual payment of $150,000 to Peterborough's Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) from the city. Instead, the city would have taken on the duty of spending that same sum —...
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NOURISH THE MIND
Andrea Sturgis, a coop student and Dean's List scholar at Trent University, talked about her Nourish to Flourish: Peterborough Youth Food Support program at the Seasoned Spoon Café on Friday. She used a microgrant to deliver meals from the Seasoned...
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She had `the biggest heart in Peterborough'
Ann Farquharson, a local lawyer, former city councillor and advocate for women in politics, was remembered in a celebration of life on Saturday as “the woman with the biggest heart in Peterborough.” The description was from Farquharson's friend Megan...
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HIGHFIVE FOR SANTA
Walmart shoppers can start filling Santa's Sleigh with toys and gifts for kids involved in the Children's Aid Society. On Thursday, the annual Santa's Sleigh event was launched at the Walmart on Chemong Road. The annual initiative is organized by the...
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Restaurant owner worries crime becoming normalized
A midday incident that resulted in damage to the locks on the side door of Charlotte Street restaurant Soupcon has coowner Vanessa Horner speaking out about safety and security in Peterborough's downtown. A video taken by a customer and sent to...
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Judge says strongmayor challenge not in public interest
The neighbourhood group Northcrest Neighbours for Fair Process has to pay $30,000 in security costs before an application challenging the legitimacy of bylaws passed under strongmayor powers can be heard in court. Ontario Superior Court Justice Susan...
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`No free ride': City to consider fees for Riverview parking
Peterborough is looking at potentially monetizing the Riverview Park and Zoo, with city council considering all revenuegenerating ideas, including paid parking. During municipal budget talks earlier this month, council voted 65 to approve a motion...
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`Incredible legacy that she has left behind'
Terry Guiel is mourning a friend, but says the community should be mourning an activist who helped make the Peterborough community a better place to live. Lawyer, former Peterborough city councillor and tireless local volunteer Ann Farquharson died at...
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NDP leader Stiles calls for Bill 60 pause
NDP Leader Marit Stiles says the party will continue to push back against the Ford government's omnibus Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act. “We are very concerned about Bill 60, which is this government's bill that's going to...
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Never forget: City marks sombre Remembrance Day
Matthew Stewart was born and raised in Peterborough, and he owes his life to both his grandfathers who served in the Second World War and managed to return home. Stewart was one of the hundreds gathered at Peterborough's Confederation Square Tuesday...
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BEFORE THE SNOW FLIES
A volunteer collects garbage atop Armour Hill during the Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group and Clean Up Peterborough fifth biannual Before the Snow Flies fall cleanup event in Peterborough on Saturday. Snow hit the Peterborough region on Sunday....
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`Start of an exciting new chapter': Bonnerworth Park reopens to public
Bonnerworth Park reopened on Saturday with 14 new pickleball courts, Peterborough's first pump bike track, and a newly expanded skateboard park. The park is located at Monaghan Road and McDonnel Street. Each of its new amenities attracted many people...
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Former teacher pleads guilty to sex crimes involving teen students
Former Grade 8 Port Hope teacher KellyAnne Jennings sent and solicited explicit images from former students, a court heard. Jennings pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on Thursday. According to court documents obtained by...
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Name change may be coming for Lakefield's Prince Andrew Island
Prince Andrew Island — a tiny island in the Otonabee River in Lakefield — may soon be renamed so it no longer honours a disgraced exprince. “For such a small island, there's all of a sudden great interest in the name,” said Selwyn Township Mayor...
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Council won't save further GE buildings
Peterborough city council ratified a preliminary plan on Tuesday night not to designate any further parts of the former General Electric plant under the Ontario Heritage Act. It means that GE Vernova, the company that owns the 50acre former factory...
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Council may not protect any more of GE plant
Peterborough City Council has voted not to designate any further parts of the former GE plant under the Ontario Heritage Act. The decision, in a 64 vote, came during a brief, 10minute, special general committee meeting during which council...
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East City school mourning the death of Grade 6 student
Sylvan Brill, 11, is being remembered as a curious, inquisitive student, with knowledge beyond his years. Brill, a Grade 6 student at Kaawaate East City Public School, died tragically on Wednesday. According to the Peterborough Police Service,...
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`I am speechless': Blue Jays fans react to Game 7 loss
Jordan Cleveland sat alone quietly at a booth with his hands on his face in disbelief and lost for words as Toronto Blue Jays fans left Peterborough's Shoeless Joe's in a hurry following the team's extrainnings, Game 7loss to the LA Dodgers on...
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More of former GE factory may be saved from demolition
City councillors could move on Monday to protect more of the former General Electric factory from demolition than propertyowner GE Vernova had planned to save. Nine shuttered GE buildings (rather than eight) could be preserved, plus the façades of...
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`One cat can be responsible for 10,000' kittens
A feral cat colony will explode in population if left unchecked and the Peterborough area has no shortage of colonies. Operation Catnip is a small grassroots volunteer group working to control the area's feral cat population and divert kittens from...
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Child pulled from water at Lock 20 in Peterborough
Emergency crews pulled a child out of the water at Lock 20 in Peterborough Wednesday afternoon. According to the Peterborough Police Service, officers responded along with firefighters and paramedics to the lock in the area of Maria Street and...
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`Urgency and sensitivity' wanted in GE building demolition
The province has not yet received a demolition plan from GE Vernova. That is according to a letter from Todd McCarthy, Ontario's environment minister, to Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal, the text of which was released by the mayor's office...
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Couple questions what killed their dog
Hired to tidy up the shoreline along Canal Road earlier this month, Phil Donnelly saw no harm in bringing along his 13yearold companion — a Lab mix named Tasha. “I brought my dog with me to play in the water … she was having fun,” he said Friday, as...
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Hermione Rivison: storyteller's story
Sitting across from a courting couple at a Tim Hortons in Peterborough, Hermione Rivison had no idea they were affiliated with a biker gang. There was nothing out of the ordinary — no leather, patches or biker gang attire — just two people in love...
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Addiction treatment facility to begin admission process Nov. 3
After years in the planning, Paddock Wood — the city's first publicly funded addiction treatment facility — will begin to admit clients in just a matter of days. Donna Rogers of Fourcast, the Peterboroughbased addiction treatment agency chosen to run...
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`I'm grateful every day to this community'
Examiner photojournalist Clifford Skarstedt was honoured Wednesday evening during the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award ceremony for his more than 25 years documenting the lives of Peterborough residents. “The President's...
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Bonnerworth Park set to officially reopen
Bonnerworth Park will officially reopen in about two weeks. The City of Peterborough is calling the Nov. 6 event a “grandopening celebration for the new bike pump track, expanded skateboard park, new pickleball courts and other enhancements.” The...
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PORCH PIRATES, AHOY!
From left, Kawartha Food Share's Melissa Pulham, Ashlee Aitken and volunteer Susan Dunkley, with her dog Charle, are ready for the return of the Porch Pirates For Good food drive on Saturday. Volunteers will drive around Peterborough and collect...
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Warsaw farmers' lawsuit to proceed
A Superior Court judge has granted Warsaw cattle farmers Walter and Gwenda Ray leave to pursue a multimilliondollar lawsuit against Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS). In December 2021, PAWS, Ontario's animal police, removed 100 of the Rays'...
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New group to oversee affordable housing projects
A staff report to accept a slate of directors for the newly incorporated Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation (PHMSC) will be presented to councillors during a general committee meeting Monday night. The inaugural meeting of the PHMSC...
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Police receive $982K in provincial funding
The Peterborough Police Service will receive $981,888 from the Ontario government to enhance initiatives related to retail theft and human trafficking. The funding was announced Friday as part of the $91million community safety and policing grant...
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Rhonda Hollend reflects on loss of historic store to fire
Rhonda Hollend said seeing the remains of the building, which once housed Hollend's Department Store, destroyed by fire was like watching her family history go up in smoke. The store was started by her grandparents Rae and Martin Hollend in 1926 on...
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United Way report shows homelessness crisis growing
Chronic homelessness in Peterborough is deepening, with the unhoused population growing older and Indigenous people continuing to experience homelessness at a higher rate. This is according to a report released Tuesday by United Way Peterborough and...
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Demolition begins after blaze guts historic Lakefield building
Work has begun to demolish the Kawartha Home Hardware building in downtown Lakefield after a fire tore through the historic structure on Thursday. Crews from Priestly Demolition were on scene during the holiday weekend with a “grappler,” slowly...
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Councillor wants details on demolition plan for GE buildings
Coun. Joy Lachica wants details about a proposal to raze most of the shuttered General Electric buildings. “It (the site) has a legacy like none other, of toxicity,” she said in an interview Wednesday. “There's too much at stake here. I'm not being...
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Blaze leaves historic building `shell with nothing left inside'
As the fire smoulders and debilitated bricks crumble from below the awning of 24 Queen St. in Lakefield on Friday, concerned community members looked on in disbelief as they learned the historic building at the corner of Queen and Burnham streets will...
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