The Lindsay Advocate - January 2026

Local immigrants looking to feel more connected

Get financially fit in 2026

Advice for youth on finding a good job

Kawartha Lakes’ Premier News Magazine • January 2026

REAL ESTATE UPDATE FOURTH QUARTER 2025 Author

EVAN CONNOLLY REALTOR®

705.928.5604 Office 705.328.3800 birdhouserealty.ca

Ontario has been among the hardest hit, posting both one of the sharpest slowdowns in housing activity and one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at 7.3% (StatsCan, Nov. 2025).

U.S. tariffs, near-zero population growth, and an approaching mortgage renewal peak in 2026 are what’s weighing on the housing market.

Why Jobs & Trade Matter for Housing The 2025 housing market was a tale of two halves. First-quarter growth, driven by falling mortgage rates, gave way to stalled sales activity after U.S. tariffs were imposed.

“We estimate that U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty they’re causing will wipe $50 billion from our economy.” – Prime Minister Mark Carney, Nov. 2025

“Ontario active listings reached 69,756 in October – a 12.3% annual jump and a 15-year high for October.”

– OREA, Nov. 2025

“Southern Ontario shoulders the nation’s highest unemployment rates: Windsor (11.1%), Oshawa (9.0%), Toronto (8.9%).” – Claire Fan, Senior Economist, RBC, Sept. 2025

Since 2020, household savings, investments, disposable incomes, and property values have all increased.

Throughout 2026, Canadians will be watching closely as U.S. trade negotiations and the future of CUSMA unfold.

Once trade disputes ease, rising buying power and pent-up demand are likely to collide with today’s attractive buyers market.

Growth in the housing market requires economic stability and affordability for rst-time buyers – the base of the housing ladder.

Since June 2024, the Bank of Canada has delivered eight rate cuts, yet sales and prices remain at.

should be viewed in the proper context. These mortgages were stress-tested between 4.8% and 5.2% – well above today’s ~4% rates.

The Crest of the Mortgage Renewal Wave

Renewal Waves Incoming -- Peak Expected June 2026 Canada (000s) Mortgage Maturities

A signi cant share of upcoming mortgage renewals are coming off the ultra-low rates of 2020, with most expected within the rst half of 2026.

“1.8 million Canadian mortgages renew in the next 12 months.” – Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist, BMO, Sept. 2025 Concerns around renewals, delinquency rates, or forced selling

Sources: BMO Economics, Bank of Canada City of Kawartha Lakes

Nov 2024

Nov 2025

% Change

Average Price

$715,196

$652,436

-8.8%

Active Listings

508

547

7.7%

Sales

101

85

-15.8%

Months of Inventory

5.0

6.4

28%

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1 0 0 - D AY R E P O R T Over the past 100 days, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into the role of President and CEO at Ross Memorial Hospital. It has been a busy, energizing start and I’ve felt fortunate to receive such a warm welcome back to the hospital where I’ve spent so much of my career.

Much of my time has been spent meeting with leaders, frontline teams, physicians, patients, and partners to understand both our strengths and the challenges ahead. These conversations have helped lay some of the groundwork for what the future of Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) holds by the people who know this hospital best.

My arrival also coincided with Dr. Michel Boivin joining RMH as our new Medical Chief of Sta . His leadership, clinical insight, and commitment to patient-centred care have already made a meaningful impact.

Together, we are focused on strengthening the hospital’s medical leadership and preparing for the next stage of RMH’s growth.

One message I want to ingrain is that Ross Memorial Hospital belongs to our community. We are here because of–and for–the people of Kawartha Lakes. I am committed to transparency being a hallmark of how we operate. Open communication, shared information, and community involvement are fundamental to building, maintaining, and adapting to meet the needs of our region.

In 2026, RMH will undertake two major planning processes: Master Planning and Strategic Planning. While these processes inform each other, they serve di erent purposes: • Master Planning focuses on the physical infrastructure and long-term space needs of the hospital. It asks: What buildings, facilities, and clinical programs will we need over the next 10–20 years to serve our community?

• Strategic Planning focuses on organizational goals, priorities, and services. It asks: What should RMH focus on to meet the needs of patients, sta and physicians, and strengthen health outcomes over the next 3-5 years?

Both processes require strong community involvement.

Your experiences, ideas, and expectations will help shape the future of healthcare in Kawartha Lakes. This spring, RMH will hold a series of community forums across Kawartha Lakes to share information and gather input from residents that will guide our planning work.

These sessions will be advertised well in advance, and I strongly encourage you to attend. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.

Healthcare does not begin or end at the hospital doors. A holistic approach to the continuum of care–across primary care, community agencies, long-term care, mental health services, and emergency response partners–is essential. Over the coming months and years, we will work intentionally with partners across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County to improve coordination, reduce gaps, and support patients throughout their care journey.

One major project RMH is excited to see moving forward is the expansion and renovation of our community’s Emergency Department.

This includes the creation of a state-of-the-art Mental Health Emergency Services Unit that will improve patient safety and timely, specialized care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The expansion will also includes a new trauma room with enhanced infection control measures and additional space to support emergency teams caring for patients requiring urgent, lifesaving treatment.

This project represents a signi cant investment in the future of emergency care in our community, and we will provide regular updates as the work progresses with an eye towards shovels in the ground by early 2028.

In addition to timely updates on the Emergency Department expansion, another focus is increasing public awareness and education about the broad range of clinical services available at RMH. We want residents to know what care is o ered locally—and how to access it. We welcome your questions about our programs and services, as well as suggestions for areas where more information could be provided. There are also volunteer opportunities available, including Patient Experience Partner openings on hospital committees. Please reach out with any comments or interest in getting more involved to quality@rmh.org or publicrelations@rmh.org.

Thank you to our patients, families, sta , physicians, volunteers, and community partners for making these rst 100 days so meaningful.

I look forward to working together as we build a stronger and more connected healthcare future for the our City of Kawartha Lakes.

With appreciation, Veronica Nelson President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital

JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 92

Roderick Benns

Rebekah McCracken

PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Trevor Hutchinson

Robyn Best

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

REPORTER

Cara Baycroft

Darren Hoiting

ADVERTISING SALES

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Art Direction + Design: Colour and Code Sarah Fournier

The team at Mabee & Associates Private Wealth Management, Lindsay.

IG Wealth Management is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Photo: Sienna Frost.

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16

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New Canadians to Kawartha Lakes are looking for work, connections

Getting fit in money matters in the new year ahead

Understanding one’s career path from an early age is daunting

Photographers: Sienna Frost Web Developer: Kimberly Durrant

• every issue •

Printed By: Cofax Printing Cover Photo: Chris and Jennifer Mabee of Mabee & Associates Private Wealth Management in Lindsay.

Photo: Sienna Frost.

letters to the editor 6 • benns’ belief 9 • business today 26 sarah’s say 30 • KL public library 38 • crossword 39 • cool tips for a hot planet 41 • just in time 42 trevor’s take 44 • the marketplace 45 • newcomer 46

Please send editorial inquiries to Roderick Benns at roderick@lindsayadvocate.ca or 705-341-1496.

Please send ad inquiries to Darren Hoiting at 705-991-3188 or darrenhoiting@outlook.com, or to Cara Baycroft at 905-431-4638 or cara.baycroft@gmail.com. lindsayadvocate.ca •

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PRIVACY POLICY: The Lindsay Advocate is independently owned & operated. The opinions expressed herein are the views of the contributors & do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine. Photos, text & art work contained in The Lindsay Advocate are copyrighted & may not be published, broadcast or rewritten without the express permission of the Publisher. Liability for incorrectly displayed advertising is limited to publishing corrections or advertising credit for subsequent issues. The Publisher reserves the right to reject, revise, cancel, omit, discontinue or even decline to print advertising without reason or liability, & without notice.

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to the editor Capitalism not to blame for society’s challenges My thanks to Roderick Benns for the article featuring Brian Walsh. (Lunch with Roderick Benns – Brian Walsh, counter cultural Christian and off-grid farmer, Dec. Advocate.) Dr. Walsh seems like he would be a very interesting person to have a conversation with.

Just a couple of comments on the content of the article if I may. First is an aside to Benns’ comment that the ancient flood story of Gilgamesh predates the Biblical account by Moses, which perhaps throws the truth of the account into question. I suggest that the numerous flood stories across different cultures indicate that they all perhaps find their origin in one actual true event (although the accounts change with time and the differing cultures).

My second comment refers to Walsh’s blaming “the greed of capitalism” for at least some of the evils of our society.

The culprit, I believe, is not capitalism but rather our sinful human nature. An examination of socialism, communism or I think any other “ism” will also reveal greed, inequity and corruption. A reading of Solzhenitsyn’s “Gulag Archipelago” reveals that even in the “Peoples’ Paradise” of early Russian Communism greed, inequity, corruption and brutality were rampant.

Human nature will corrupt whatever system is devised for politics or economics. That is, I believe, why Christ came to this world so many centuries ago, to provide the way forward for us to overcome and escape what we could not do for ourselves.

— Les Saunders, Bobcaygeon

Wealth gap worries After reading Trevor Hutchinson’s “What the Dickens?” column in which he expresses his dismay concerning “the world’s first trillionaire,” I read a Dec. 4 article: “Canada’s investment crisis: Shrinking capital undermines competitiveness and wages. Trade tensions, regulation and growth-stifling taxes are depressing business investment in Canada, undercutting productivity growth and workers’ incomes, according to a new C.D. Howe Institute report.”

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The report notes that the U.S. is far more robust, “hurting” Canadian competitiveness and threatening to widen the gap between U.S. and Canadian living standards.”

Would Trevor express his views on this topic in light of his concern regarding the widening wealth gap between the very rich and average workers?

— Gene Balfour, Fenelon Falls

Will Trump have been good for Canada in long run?

(Re: Fortune favours the bold, Benns’ Belief, December Advocate.)

While it might be hard to appreciate in this moment, perhaps U.S. President Donald Trump shaking Canada out of its trance of being dependant economically on easy free trade with America is in fact a gift in the long run.

In 1969, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau travelled to Washington to meet with President Richard Nixon and coined a phrase that has come to define relations between Canada and the U.S. “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt,” said Trudeau.

Trump’s executive orders are more than a twitch, and more than a grunt. Yet the will of the majority of Americans (according to polls), and the will of the U.S. Senate is to not have tariffs on Canada.

Trump will not be president forever.

— Randy Neals, Kawartha Lakes

System should better reward mothers and caregivers (Re: Choosing Childless, November Advocate.)

The real reason for choosing a childless life, which many don’t want to acknowledge, is continuing gender inequality in the system we live in. Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson, cited in the article, have not acknowledged this. They argue that the reason is women’s liberation! Maybe, but women finally have a choice to not have children until the system rewards the role of mother and caregiver.

— Rhonda Gossen, Kawartha Lakes

ENDLESS LAUGHTER. ICONIC MUSIC. Advocate appreciated

by Community Care

ALL SUMMER LONG

I wanted to congratulate you and your team on another wonderful publication.

Subscriptions + Single Tickets now on Sale for our Mainstage Shows!

I always enjoy reading the Advocate, and from a Community Care Foundation perspective, we were delighted to find our full page ad placed right after the article on loneliness. Many of our Community Care programs were also mentioned in the story.

July 1 - September 1, 2026

Your team did a wonderful job covering our various programs and tying them in as one of our community solutions to support folks feeling isolated.

We are so pleased and wanted to say thank you very much for highlighting both our programs offered by Community Care and also the foundation.

Regarding Lisa’s Hart observation that there are few social programs that run in the evening, I wanted to share that we do run a Walk in the Halls program on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

This might be a great way to connect with others and stay active during the dark, cold days of winter. And in the spring, we run an outdoor Nordic Pole walking group one evening a week.

— Cindy Williams, Foundation manager, Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes

The Advocate welcomes your letters. We do not publish anonymous letters unless it’s a matter of public importance and/or someone risks harm by writing us.

We publish under strict guidelines & only if we can verify the person’s identity. Keep your letters to 200 words or less. Simply email roderick@lindsayadvocate.ca.

From uproarious Tony Award–winning musicals and high-energy dance parties to beloved Canadian classics and heartwarming stories, this season delivers unforgettable entertainment in the heart of the Kawarthas.

For more info & to buy tickets: grovetheatre.ca

705-887-7937 • Box Office: 2 Water St, Fenelon Falls 7

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• benns' belief Save the Date

Wed, March 4

What we choose to see

International

Women’s Day

By Roderick Benns Publisher

When I arrived back in Lindsay in 2017 to kickstart the Advocate, I still remember the exhilaration I felt at finally coming home.

After a 20-year absence, returning only occasionally to visit my mom, I had finally gotten back to the town I love.

While many businesses and places had changed, many remained. The Olympia – a beloved restaurant anchor. The Academy Theatre, always in a constant state of reinvention. Retailers like Kent Florist, Cathy Allan, Kent Books and many more.

And as the Advocate developed its social media pages, we began to share our articles and columns online. If you want to feel insecure about the future of humanity, though, just spend some time on Facebook message boards.

Ayesha

We might load an article about an intersection expansion and soon people are debating the “Liberal agenda on immigration.” Or an opinion piece on defence spending elicits profanityfueled comments about how great Donald Trump is. Then someone else will chime in (perhaps all in caps, because at this point why not?) about how the city is getting bloated and we need to get back to the good old days of three men and a snowplow.

And it remains clear – from all manner of clues – that the least qualified among us usually have the most to say.

6:30-8PM Hosted by The Lindsay Advocate

With social media message boards, an accomplished doctor and a 21-year-old high school dropout can both comment on a post with potentially equal algorithmic weighting – but the 21-yearold’s post will generate more engagement if he’s rude. Traditional media gatekeeping may have had some flaws, but it at least created consequences for incompetence – and none better than not being published.

For me, the town I had returned to looked like a postcard, as did idyllic villages around Kawartha Lakes, from Kinmount, Fenelon Falls and others. But the beauty I saw in our downtowns and green spaces, not to mention in the efforts of community-driven people, was not reflected on online message boards. Here, Lindsay was denigrated and run down by couch commanders, agents of hatred whose only purpose in life seemed to be to tear down.

If you want to feel insecure about the future of humanity, though, just spend some time on Facebook message boards.

At first, I tried to engage. One regular commenter seemed educated enough, but everything was negative. He had moved here from Toronto and didn’t seem to like anything about the community. I wrote what I believed to be a thoughtful post, suggesting he get involved and volunteer to make the kind of change he wished to see.

I received no response, of course, for that would have meant engaging in civil discourse, rather than pointless agitation.

We choose to see what we want to see.

During my time away, professional theatre began to flourish at Globus Theatre, near Bobcaygeon. And since I returned nine years ago, in Fenelon Falls we now have the magical Grove Theatre. Incredible new businesses like The Pie Eyed Monk, Kindred Coffee Bar (in Lindsay and Bobcaygeon), Queen’s Bistro, and wonderful non-profits like Kawartha Community Foundation and Ampere have all come into their own.

As 2026 begins, I still carry with me a feeling of gratefulness to be back.

Lindsay is growing, yes.

I’m just going to choose to grow along with it.

Follow Roderick on Instagram @roderickbenns

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• feature

Calvin Baalaboore settled in Lindsay in 2024, from Ghana, to attend Fleming College. Photo: Sienna Frost.

New immigrants in Kawartha Lakes face employment and belonging challenges

By Robyn Best

When Calvin Baalaboore immigrated to Lindsay from Ghana in 2024, he couldn’t help but feel lonely. With no established connections here and abilities that didn’t match up for Canadian jobs, he found it to be a difficult transition.

It would have been even harder without the support and services offered

by Kawartha Lakes & Haliburton Integrated Immigrant Services Association (KLHIISA).

Baalaboore came to Lindsay to obtain Fleming College’s postgraduate certificate in advanced water systems

and operations management. While attending the program, he struggled to find part-time work. After nine months of living here, he had bills piling up, with no job to pay for them.

That’s when he heard about KLHIISA. “I sent an email explaining my situation to them, then they responded (and) we had a meeting where we discussed my goals,” Baalaboore said.

From there KLHIISA was able to help him obtain his food handlers certificate which allowed him to finally gain employment.

After nine months of living here, he had bills piling up, with no job to pay for them. That’s when he heard about KLHIISA.

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Connecting new community members with job opportunities is one of the goals of the young organization.

Geraldine Silva, one of KLHIISA’s founders and directors, said that their job-matching program aims to benefit both the person looking for work and the employer.

“We will support them on the job for as long as it takes. If there’s any issue with the employment, the employer can reach out to us. We are making it clear that immigrants are among the hardest working, most committed employees that you can find.”

Silva herself immigrated to Canada in 2010, and only recently came to Kawartha Lakes but she saw a need to have the support available to make the transition into a new city smoother.

“Almost every newcomer or immigrant that we’ve come across here needs community connections, one way or the other. It could be that they need information. It could be that they need services from other service providers.”

“We will support them on the job for as long as it takes. If there’s any issue with the employment, the employer can reach out to us. We are making it clear that immigrants are among the hardest working, most committed employees that you can find.”

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KLHIISA has been expanding its services by working with other organizations to help newcomers access any supports they may need. “Now we have community partners who we can refer our (new) community members to go see a doctor,” Silva said, as one example.

“Some immigrants have life threatening conditions or have ongoing health issues. So, we can make the connection to service providers who can help someone get medication,” said Silva, noting her organization isn’t the one paying for prescriptions. Physiotherapy services may soon be included as well.

Organizations and community members offering up their services is just as important as receiving financial support, according to Silva.

If companies are willing to hire immigrants or are able to help provide a service for new residents, she said it’s all beneficial.

KLHIISA is also working closely with Ampere. Jamie Steel, senior lead of community relations at the non-profit, said they are an organization that is excited to learn and grow by listening to what newcomers need and want in the community – and then making it happen. “We’re working with (KLHIISA) to make sure that what we offer is actually helpful to the people that need it,” Steel said.

Ampere currently offers programs for both adults and youth. “There are live workshops that happen either in person or virtually, and they walk you through and teach you digital skills in whatever capacity,” said Steel.

These workshops range from teaching someone how to use email to more advanced skills like social media marketing for a small business.

For kids, Ampere offers a lot of STEAM programs, with drop-in sessions that allow youth to follow their passions.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived in Lindsay for a month. It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here all your life.

You walk in and you can grab a robot, you can start playing on the laptops or tablets that they have set up you. It’s an equal learning space,” Steel said.

The hope, says Steel, is to ensure the services they offer are in line with what newcomers need. “What (KLHIISA) offer this community is invaluable, and if we can play a small role in amplifying that work… that’s exciting to me,” she said, with Ampere having a goal of building a stronger sense of belonging in the community in 2026.

“Almost every newcomer or immigrant that we’ve come across here needs community connections, one way or the other. It could be that they need information. It could be that they need services from other service providers.”

Feeling a sense of belonging Baalaboore has now applied for a graduate work permit and is looking for a full-time job in Lindsay.

Dharmik Shah, one of KLHIISA’s directors, came to Kawartha Lakes from India in 2017, has found that there’s a misconception that newcomers are trying to take jobs from residents who have lived in Kawartha Lakes their entire lives. “We are not here to take from the community, but we are here to add value.”

At the end of the day all they want is for “newcomers to feel welcome, supported, and we want them to be successful,” said Shah.

Bita Talebi, one of KLHIISA’s directors, immigrated to Canada in 2022 from Iran as a student and hopes that the organization will help not only Baalaboore but many others as well.

“In my experience, so many sets of skills that are required are different than mine, than in my country,” she said.

For example, in Iran volunteering wasn’t a common thing, but when she attended Fleming College, many students would spend their free time volunteering. She learned that giving your time to help is a way to interact with others and to be a contributing member of the community.

This idea of interacting with others and being a member of the community is another important aspect of KLHIISA, as their hope is to allow new residents to make strong and lasting connections.

Geraldine Silva, a founder of Kawartha Lakes & Haliburton Integrated Immigrant Services Association. Photo: Sienna Frost.

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For Baalaboore, he was able to make some connections by attending church, and once his classes started at Fleming, he was able to establish friendships. However, he observed that he is often the only person of colour in a room.

“One thing that I found a bit difficult for me was I noticed I was the only Black person in most places. I (would) go to the restaurant with my friends, my white friends, and then I’m the only Black person there. So, it felt a bit awkward,” he said.

That feeling of being the ‘other’ in a room isn’t uncommon for newcomers in the area. KLHIISA offers invitations to events and activities in the community to help new members be able to make those connections, and not only meet longtime residents of the area, but to also meet other newcomers.

A welcome sign in Fleming College’s atrium at Frost Campus in Lindsay.

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“One thing that I found a bit difficult for me was I noticed I was the only Black person in most places. I (would) go to the restaurant with my friends, my white friends, and then I’m the only Black person there. So, it felt a bit awkward.”

Talebi said the best part about KLHIISA, is that it’s a resource for all newcomers.

Regardless of where they’re from, their gender, race, or religion, the goal is simply to allow all community members in Kawartha Lakes to feel welcome.

She was shocked when she had the opportunity to meet community members who had settled in Kawartha Lakes from across the world. Talebi said that without KLHIISA she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn about so many other cultures.

With a population that is continuing to grow, Silva is hopeful that KLHIISA can be a hub where new community mem-

bers can continue to turn. “It’s all about giving immigrants a chance, welcoming immigrants, community integration for immigrants and newcomers.”

As for Baalaboore, his hunt for a full-time job continues, but he is very grateful that KLHIISA has been able to help him develop his skills and integrate into the community.

“KLHIISA is a very good organization, and I urge new immigrants who are having trouble assimilating to contact them.”

For more information about KLHIISA go to klhiisa.org. LA

BLACK MONTH

HISTORY

| FEBRUARY 2026 |

Kawartha Lakes & Haliburton Integrated Immigrant Services Association (KLHIISA), in partnership with community organizations, is organizing One Month of Celebrations for Black History Month in February, including educational activities, informational sessions, and a main event day.

We invite businesses, community members and all to kindly support Black History Month in Kawartha Lakes through sponsorships and donations. Let’s make this a successful and memorable event. Thank you for your support!

Join us for a free, family-friendly community celebration!

Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 3–6 PM Celebrations Event Hall, Lindsay

DONATE TO SUPPORT

Contact KLHIISA: info@klhiisa.org

Enjoy food, refreshments, entertainment, and guest speakers.

All are welcome - families and people of all backgrounds.

Online registration opens mid-January 2026.

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Braiden Howes, a first-year York University student from Lindsay, has specific financial plans laid out for the coming year.

• cover story

Getting financially fit in 2026

Patience and planning at the heart of good money management

By Deron Hamel

As a first-year university student on a tight budget, Braiden Howes says one of the biggest challenges he faces is turning down the small daily expenses that quietly chip away at his bank balance.

On the surface, a coffee run or a meal at a restaurant with friends doesn’t cost much, but the totals add up fast, he said. Keeping those small purchases to a minimum has become one of his top financial priorities.

“Learning to say no to small daily expenses to protect larger goals is both the hardest and most important part of my financial discipline right now,” Howes told The Advocate.

“Especially being in school, everybody always wants to go get food and I don’t want to miss out. But I try to buy groceries and make my own food as often as I can.”

With the new year ahead, Howes, a 19-year-old from Kawartha Lakes who is attending York University with ambitions to become a lawyer, is determined to track every dollar and build financial habits that will set him up for loftier goals, including saving for a first home in the years ahead.

Howes said he started thinking about budgeting before starting university.

He had already saved some money to help him get through his first year. His budget included a $150-per-week allowance for food, money for rent – he lives on campus – and the occasional night out with friends.

His budget included a $150-per-week allowance for food, money for rent – he lives on campus – and the occasional night out with friends.

But after settling into university life, he found it harder to keep track of dayto-day expenses than he expected.

But after settling into university life, he found it harder to keep track of day-to-day expenses than he expected.

“I didn’t feel a need to track my expenses once I got to school to ensure I stuck to my budgets, but I wish I did,” Howes said.

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While students often face challenges balancing their spending, Jenn Mabee, executive financial consultant at IG Private Wealth Management in Kawartha Lakes, said there are several options they can explore to improve their financial situation.

Some of the suggestions she offers include taking advantage of the Canadian Education savings Grant (CESG) in a Registered Educations Savings Plan (RESP) in a child’s early years and before the student reaches the age of 17 which she said “is very worthwhile,” as well as Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs).

Looking ahead to 2026, Howes said he is resolving to improve his financial habits by making some small changes.

In the short term, his plan is to rigidly stick to his budget and increase his

Howes said he plans to start working towards his financial goals by cutting small expenses, starting with those daily $5 and $10 purchases “that add up invisibly,” as he puts it.

“Even a five- to 10-percent reduction in those categories can have a noticeable impact on my monthly savings,” he said.

Some of the suggestions she offers include taking advantage of the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), which she said “is very worthwhile,” as well as Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs).

savings rate by building steadier income streams so he’s less dependent on hourly work and can focus on his studies.

“Longer-term, I’m aiming to save enough for a down payment on my first property within the next few years, ideally something that can be owner-occupied or rented,” he said.

“Real estate and investing are major long-term focuses for me, and I’m trying to build the foundation early rather than waiting until after graduation.”

Howes said he plans to start working towards his financial goals by cutting small expenses, starting with those daily $5 and $10 purchases “that add up invisibly,” as he puts it.

“Even a five- to 10-per-cent reduction in those categories can have a noticeable impact on my monthly savings,” he said.

“I’m also planning to automate investment contributions to my RRSP rather than setting aside money manually.

A small change repeated long enough becomes a habit, and I believe that’s where most financial progress is built.”

Whatever a person’s financial goals are, Mabee said the best first step is doing what Howes is doing – being clear about what those objectives are. Once people know what they’re aiming for, they can start to create strategies that work best for them.

“As with all goals, they need to be tangible – what will it cost, what is the time horizon to accomplish it and what will you give up to get there,” Mabee said.

“Everyone is at different stages of the life cycle and everyone’s needs and wants are different. Being clear on what matters to you is the first step to improving your financial health.”

Another Kawartha Lakes resident focusing on finances in 2026 is Sue, a 39-year-old wife and mother who works in health care. Sue and her husband are homeowners with a mortgage and have two vehicles, one of which has two years left on financing. They are also working towards saving for their daughter’s post-secondary education.

Sue is also a part-time student completing an online course offered by the University of Toronto.

Like Howes, Sue said she’s noticed how small expenses, particularly ones she doesn’t need, add up fast, and she plans to focus on cutting those costs in 2026.

“I’m also planning to automate investment contributions to my RRSP rather than setting aside money manually.

A small change repeated long enough becomes a habit, and I believe that’s where most financial progress is built.”

“Whether that be getting rid of monthly subscriptions I don’t really need or cutting any unnecessary costs,” she said.

“I will also look for ways to save money on everyday purchases like gas and groceries by using loyalty cards or student discounts where possible.”

Mabee said this is an “excellent plan.”

“It is very important to take a step back and be aware of where your money is going,” she said. “Most often, there are easy things we can do like this. I would take it a step further and say, ‘what are you going to do with your savings from these unnecessary expenses?’ If you have a clear goal, then you can create an appropriate investment plan to get you there.”

When it comes to day-to-day money management, Sue said the greatest challenge for her and her husband is “balancing everything.”

This includes saving for retirement and their daughter’s education while still covering monthly bills and having spending money left over.

“We live very comfortably, but our home is about 15 years old, so we’re mindful about saving for future repairs like a roof or furnace, which can be very costly,” she said.

Fortunately, Sue said her bank has online tools that make budgeting easy. Each month, she can see exactly where money is going by looking at a simple pie chart.

She has also set up alerts that send instant notifications if her balance drops below a certain amount or if a large transaction goes through.

“This really helps me manage my spending,” Sue said.

Jennifer and Chris Mabee of Mabee & Associates Private Wealth Management, in their Lindsay office.

Photo: Sienna Frost.

“It is important to have both shortterm and long-term investment strategies while paying down debt. The numbers and interest rates all need to be taken into consideration for each individual situation to know how to prioritize.

Being self-aware enough to never let oneself live beyond their means can help keep that balance possible.”

Two other important habits Sue said she has learned are to always pay off credit cards at the end of the month to avoid interest charges and to keep a minimum of $1,000 in an account that doesn’t get touched.

“That way, I always have a cushion of liquid cash for emergencies,” she said.

One common challenge many face is trying to save money while also paying off debt. Mabee advises finding a balance.

“If solely focused on paying down debt and something goes wrong or breaks down and you don’t have an emergency fund, you just go back into debt again and the circle continues,” she said.

“It is important to have both short-term and long-term investment strategies while paying down debt. The numbers and interest rates all need to be taken into consideration for each individual situation to know how to prioritize.

Being self-aware enough to never let oneself live beyond their means can help keep that balance possible.”

Asked if there are any specific budgeting tricks or approaches that work well, Mabee said there is no one-sizefits-all advice she can recommend, but she noted that people should try different approaches until they find the best one for them.

“It sounds cliché, but the one that works is the one that works for you,” she said. “Everyone’s styles and habits are different, so you have to find the right fit. Try different ways to decide what is the easiest or most rewarding method for you – only then will you have success. ... The main objective is to stay focused and hold oneself accountable regardless of the method.” LA

Photo: Sienna Frost.

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Expert Tips from Jennifer Mabee:

Use government programs: Take advantage of the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and consider Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), a registered plan for first time home buyers.

Get a real nancial plan.

Not just investments.

Serving our community since 1997

Clarify your goals: Be specific about your financial objectives — know what you want, what it will cost, and your timeline.

Track spending: Be aware of where your money goes; use budgeting tools and review expenses regularly.

mabeeandassociatespwm.com 344 Logie Street, Lindsay, ON K9V ON4 705.878.3530 / 877.854.2919 IG Wealth Management Inc., Mutual Fund Division

Cut unnecessary costs: Identify and eliminate expenses that don’t add value, such as unused subscriptions.

Plan for savings: Decide what you’ll do with money saved from cutting costs — set clear investment goals.

Balance debt and savings: Maintain both short-term and long-term investment strategies while paying down debt; keep an emergency fund to avoid falling back into debt.

Find your method: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — experiment with different budgeting styles until you find what works for you.

Stay accountable: Hold yourself responsible for your financial habits and progress, regardless of the method you choose.

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• local

Dana Hetherton, CEO of the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas.

Photo: Sienna Frost.

John Howard Society looks forward to opening of Community Integrated Care Hub on Peel Street in new year

By Robyn Best

The John Howard Society of the Kawarthas is looking to introduce some exciting new ventures in the new year – especially the opening of the Community Integrated Care Hub at 22 Peel Street in Lindsay.

The Hub has been in the works for the last few years.

“The vision really, came together with our partners at the city and other like-minded service providers who have a keen interest in seeing folks have access to really low barrier supports,” said Dana Hetherton, CEO of the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas.

The Hub will be a space open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where those in need can access the supports and services they need all in one place. “We’ll have a combination of day drop-in supports, where people can access low barrier services, basic needs, services from everything from like a shower to laundry to food, and harm reduction supplies,” said Hetherton.

The other half of the building will be a shelter, with 12 beds.

Throughout 2025, John Howard also saw success with one of their newer programs, related to system naviga-

tion. They hope to see this continue into 2026. This offering looks to support those who are being released from the Lindsay jail, and those who are on probation.

“The vision really, came together with our partners at the city and other likeminded service providers who have a keen interest in seeing folks have access to really low barrier supports.”

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“It’s helping them navigate various aspects of their life as they come out of incarceration. The idea is to help people successfully reintegrate back into the community,” said Hetherton.

For 2026, Hetherton has plans for things to keep up the momentum they have. “We’re hoping to be status quo with all of our current programs and services, and hopefully some of the other grants we’ve written this year will bring to light some new programs and services.”

“It’s helping them navigate various aspects of their life as they come out of incarceration. The idea is to help people successfully reintegrate back into the community.”

With a recent amalgamation with the John Howard Society of Peterborough, the hope is to simply expand some of the services they offer.

In Peterborough, they’ve been able to offer a youth mentorship program. This program works to match youth with mentors who can help them to achieve their goals. For example, if a youth wants to be a hairdresser, John Howard works to match them with a mentor who is, or has been, a hairdresser. Hetherton said it would be great to be able to offer the same program here in Kawartha Lakes, on top of the many youth services they already offer.

Hetherton is aware that their work that sees different organizations all come together, something that she hopes will continue to grow in the new year.

“Looking ahead, we aim to deepen partnerships and strengthen the continuum of care by working closely with local organizations, we can ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time,” she says.

All to create a lasting, positive outcome and a stronger, more inclusive community as the end goal. LA

walk with us! feb. 28, 2026 become a sponsor or team captain Join us for a winterrific, family-friendly fundraising walk in support of United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes!

We’re walking to help local programs supporting people facing hurt, hunger, and homelessness because...

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Haliburton Kawartha Lakes

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BUSINESS Today SUCCESSION PLANNING MUST BE AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS

By Geoff Coleman

It’s quite possible that more small business owners in Canada are familiar with “succession” as a dramatic series that won 19 Primetime Emmys and is available to stream on Crave, then as a critical part in the life cycle of their business.

In basic terms, succession planning means considering how ownership of a company is transferred.

Trevor White, a Fenelon Falls businessman, has learned how important succession planning is. Photo: Geoff Coleman.

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When done correctly, succession planning protects the business externally and internally. Since business is often built on relationships, should a CEO leave abruptly, the company may lose important clients, suppliers and other partners. Internally, careful planning ensures institutional knowledge held by one person is passed along before it’s too late. And, as Hollywood discovered, the sudden departure of a CEO can leave people guessing who holds responsibility for essential tasks, making governance challenging, and exposing the organization to hostile takeovers, and backroom deals. That makes for great television but not great bottom lines.

In business circles succession planning is the equivalent of the weather: everybody likes to talk about it, but often too few people do anything about it.

Financial planner Zach Shore from Edward Jones in Lindsay says it is not difficult, but vitally important to get your feet on the first rung of the ladder.

The essential first steps are “understanding what your business is worth, assembling a professional advisory team, and identifying your successor early.”

When it comes to successors, according to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business survey, about 25 per cent of entrepreneurs plan to sell or transfer to a family member. Forty per cent say they will sell to someone unrelated to them, and 15 per cent will turn over operations to employees.

In business circles succession planning is the equivalent of the weather: everybody likes to talk about it, but often too few people do anything about it.

That last number could be much higher if Canada follows a model adopted by the United States and the United Kingdom, known as an employee ownership trust.

The CFIB notes, “The U.S. and U.K. have introduced policies and tax incentives to encourage owners to sell their businesses to all their employees for fair market value (employee ownership). The way these deals are structured, employees do not pay out of pocket upfront. Instead, a trust is formed to secure a loan to purchase the company’s shares on behalf of the employees. Loans allow the owners to be repaid out of company profits over time.” About 53 per cent of owners said they would be more inclined to sell to employees under a similar model.

That wasn’t the only time circumstances didn’t allow time for any kind of succession planning.

“I had a business that was doing well when I was approached by a development company to run two of their construction sites. I didn’t have anyone else to take over that business, and I had to make a decision quickly about the job offer. The money was better, and I didn’t have to deal with the stress of finding work, so I shut my business down. I didn’t really have a choice.”

About 53 per cent of owners said they would be more inclined to sell to employees.

If there is one thing everyone agrees on, it is that succession planning is extremely complex, far beyond what you think at first blush. There is valuation of assets to consider, employee severances, employees as liabilities, share values, changes to how non-compete clauses are currently being interpreted, capital gains tax, and even assumptions that certain individuals are interested in taking over when they aren’t.

Like planting an oak tree, the best time to plan for succession was 20 years ago. And the next best time is today. LA

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Such a system might help with what Shore says is the second phase of succession planning. Owners should next, “focus on reducing business risks and planning for tax implications, all while regularly reviewing and updating your plan as your personal and business goals evolve.”

Fenelon Falls businessman, Trevor White, has operated a few successful startups in his career, from driveway sealing to multi-crew custom home building companies. When he was starting out and had smaller operations, little thought was given to succession planning. However, when he had a bigger operation, a life-altering accident meant he had to suddenly hand the reigns over to the best person he could think of at the time.

In hindsight, he thinks, “if you truly have some that wants to do it, they should walk beside you so to speak…shadow you in the business.”

www.seriouslycoffee.ca seriouslycoffeeservices

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Autumn Donnelly, owner of Autumn Wood Creations, is thankful for all the business advice she’s received through Starter Company. Photo: Robyn Best.

LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS AIM TO THRIVE IN STARTER COMPANY PLUS

By Robyn Best

Starter Company PLUS, a program of the city’s Economic Development department, recently introduced its fall 2025 cohort. The program helps to support new business owners across Kawartha Lakes by providing personalized business training, mentorships and access to a start-up grant.

Autumn Donnelly had only just started her business, Autumn Wood Creations, when she applied for the program.

Donnelly’s business is woodburning, 28

which involves burning art onto pieces of wood. It’s a time-consuming process with Donnelly having to ensure every piece of wood she uses is of good quality; if it’s too wet or too dry the final product won’t turn out great.

“I grew up drawing, and I’m very creative and artistic,” Donnelly said, noting that she never believed this hobby could turn into a career.

With Starter Company, it made her start to take her business more seriously. “Just having someone to ask questions to and feel supported, it was just amazing,” said Donnelly. Having one-on-one mentorship meetings allowed her to feel confident going through the process of registering her business and starting a website, two processes that can be overwhelming for new business owners.

Brittany Goodfellow, who owns Brittany The Doula, similarly has already taken a lot away from the program. Having been a doula for around a year, she jumped at the chance to apply to Starter Company to learn how she could better improve her services.

“The piece that really drew me in was free mentorship to help improve my business so that I can help more people in my community,” said Goodfellow. She’s found the social media marketing and advertising aspects the most beneficial.

In her previous job, where she owned a cleaning business, she would keep the same clients for years. As a doula, it’s a more temporary job. “I support families in pregnancy and birth and the initial postpartum,” said Goodfellow.

Every week during her one-on-one meeting Goodfellow makes notes and makes the improvements she needs to.

The resources Starter Company provides are ones she, and Donnelly, want to take advantage of.

“The accountability of having someone report back to really helps with making sure you’re staying (on track),” said Donnelly.

The next cohort of Starter Company will begin in the spring. LA

Brittany Goodfellow feels more confident in her marketing and social media skills thanks to Starter Company Plus.

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sarah’s say •

Proof that good still shows up

By Sarah Fournier Contributor

Last month, something happened in my backyard that I still can’t quite believe.

Our neighbour was nominated anonymously to receive a new roof from Rudan Metal Roofing, a group of roofers and popular YouTubers based out of Toronto — the kind of people who show up to help families who genuinely need it. It felt surreal. Do things like this actually happen in real life?

As it turns out, they do.

The crew arrived, equipment and materials in hand, ready to get to work.

But partway through, a large chunk of ice slid off the roof and went straight through the plastic roof of our shed.

Accidents happen, especially during winter roofing jobs, and they immediately came over to apologize and offered to replace it.

That alone was more than fair, and we were grateful for the offer.

A few days later, however, they came back with a different plan. Our neighbour had shared details of some of our previous small acts of kindness, even if they were more sporadic in recent years as our family grew. And so, instead of replacing the shed, they offered to build an entirely new one.

Bigger. Better. Permanent.

The old shed was maybe five by eight feet. Functional, yet flimsy. But it did its job. What they built instead was double the size, fully framed, sided, and finished with proper eaves and a stunning metal roof (roofers, after all). It was less like a shed and more like a tiny house.

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At a time when so much of what we see online feels curated or exaggerated, this felt undeniably real. Yes, these projects are shared online with a hope that they reach a wide audience. But standing there, watching them show up day after day in the cold, there was nothing performative about the work itself. It was physical, time-consuming, and done with care.

I stood at the window more than once watching it take shape, still surprised that this was happening. Not because a shed was being built, but because generosity like this can exist on many levels — meaningful to thousands online, and life-changing in very ordinary ways.

Your business is more than spreadsheets So is our advice

At a time when so much of what we see online feels curated or exaggerated, this felt undeniably real.

It reminded me that good still begets good. That kindness doesn’t lose its value just because it’s visible. Sometimes it’s amplified by it, inspiring more people to show up, to give, to help in whatever way they can.

This year, let’s remember it’s still worth showing up for our neighbours. Still worth the small, decent acts that often go unnoticed. Because every so often, those acts add up to something solid, unexpected, and deeply meaningful. And who knows? One day, it might result in a brand new shed.

Find Sarah at colourandcode.ca

MNP Lindsay 65 Kent Street W, Lindsay, ON 705.324.3579 lindsayoffice@mnp.ca

MNP.ca

No one puts you in touch like we do.

CALL 705-775-6394

NEXICOM.NET INTERNET • PHONE • TV • SECURITY

Welcome to our team Kirstie Lodwick, Community General Manager, Ontario East Region, is pleased to announce that Samantha Hall has joined CIBC as a Financial Advisor serving Lindsay and surrounding areas.

With a holistic approach to providing advice and a passion for helping clients, Samantha will be a wonderful addition to our CIBC Imperial Service team. She’ll focus on providing our clients with personalized attention, expert advice and access to premium banking solutions and exclusive benefits.

Samantha Hall Financial Advisor CIBC Securities Inc. 705 426-5815 ext.400 samantham.hall@cibc.com 31

The Mindful Move - with Nicole Naylor

One Small Step at a Time January often arrives with big expectations. New goals, new habits, and new promises to ourselves. Yet so many of us find that a year later… we’re setting the same goals all over again. It’s not because we failed. It’s because real change rarely happens in big, dramatic leaps. It happens in those tiny, quiet choices we make each day; the ones that slowly shift how we live and how we feel.

Downsizing or relocating isn’t usually an impulse decision. It starts with a moment of clarity; wanting a home and lifestyle that feel more manageable and freeing.

Then one action: opening a drawer to declutter, driving through a neighbourhood you’ve been curious about or booking a simple conversation to explore options.

Those little steps build confidence, confidence builds momentum, and momentum creates change.

As you look ahead to the year in front of you, ask yourself what you want life to feel like at this time next year. The answer doesn’t need to be crystal clear. Start with one small action today and let it lead you forward. Letting go of a few items, gathering information, or simply starting a conversation; it can all be the beginning of real change.

If your plans this year include downsizing or exploring a move, I’d be happy to have that first, no-pressure conversation.

Happy New Year 2026

From McDonald’s Lindsay

Frost Photo Sienna Frost

“Surrounded by natural beauty & interesting people” - Sienna

Mindful Takeaway: Choose one small action this week just one - that moves you a little closer to the life you want. Small steps count more than you think.

Downsizing tner in Your Dedicated Par Nicole Naylor REALTOR®

REVEL Realty Inc. Brokerage 705-341-2458

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www.frostphotos.ca (705) 341 7444 sfrostphoto@gmail.com

• feature

Learning to keep learning Career advice for the younger generation as technology reshapes the world

By Richard Gauder

Last year, I was in a small group of guys when, let’s call him Bob, shared that he wasn’t sure what career advice to give his son. I laughed and said that nowadays it’s almost impossible. And even in my day, advice from parents was often viewed with suspicion. Many of us, including me, are in careers that simply didn’t exist when we were in high school. If my dad had asked what I wanted to be and I answered, “I want to own an internet agency,” he probably would have replied, “What’s an internet?” That’s not a criticism of previous generations — it’s a reminder of just how fast the world has changed.

Technology, remote work, artificial intelligence, and global changes are reshaping what “a good job” even means, often faster than parents can keep up. Many of the careers today’s kids will hold don’t yet exist. Others are already being transformed or phased out. So how do we guide young people when the future feels blurry?

There’s an old joke that captures this perfectly. A mother is talking to her son on the phone. After she hangs up, she bursts into tears. Her friend asks, “What’s the matter?” The mother says, “My son says he’s going to become a doctor!” The friend replies, “Why are you crying?” She answers, “I wanted him to go into something with a future…I wanted him to become an electrician!”

Many of us, including me, are in careers that simply didn’t exist when we were in high school.

Humour aside, there’s real truth in that joke. Jobs once seen as “safe” now face disruption. How many white-collar jobs will be replaced by artificial intelligence? Trades, once undervalued, are suddenly in demand. And entirely new career paths are appearing almost overnight. The focus needs to shift from choosing the right job to building the right skills and mindset.

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I used to sell labour into the market and would ask business owners what they looked for in an employee. Without exception, the number one answer was always the same: “A good attitude — because I can train the rest.” I doubt that’s changed much.

So, in today’s economy, the most valued skills aren’t tied to any one profession. Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and digital literacy now outlast any single job title. The real superpower isn’t picking the “right” job at 18 — it’s learning how to keep learning.

Because today, careers are no longer ladders. They’re portfolios.

How many white-collar jobs will be replaced by artificial intelligence?

Trades, once undervalued, are suddenly in demand. And entirely new career paths are appearing almost overnight.

We’re also seeing a shift in how success is defined.

While income still matters, many young people now place just as much value on flexibility, mental health, meaningful work, community impact, and control over their time. They want work that fits into a good life — not work that consumes it. That can sometimes look like a lack of ambition from the outside. It may be a more honest definition of success.

I remember going to a career coach when I was younger. His advice was to suppress who I really was, put on a mask, and learn to play the part because “that’s how the work world works.” I tried to follow that for a while, but it never fit. And honestly, until I built my own business, I never felt fully free to show up as myself.

One of the most challenging things for me in life has been to just “be me” while living in a world that’s trying to tell me to be something different.

Everywhere you look, someone is selling a formula for “success.” TV, magazines, social media — they all showcase polished stories of so-called successful people, usually defined by material wealth. The quiet implication is that if you don’t achieve that version of success, you somehow fall short.

Letting go of that garbage took years — but it changed everything.

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I once had an entrepreneur friend confide that he wished he’d been more successful earlier so he could have helped his son sooner. I told him his child probably gained more from watching him struggle, adjust, and then succeed. Because in the end, the only thing we truly pass on to the next generation is values, and values are modelled.

Young people today feel intense pressure to have their whole future mapped out far too early. By Grade 10 or 11, they’re already being asked what they plan to “be.” That question can feel less like curiosity and more like a verdict.

There’s also an emotional side we don’t talk about enough. Anxiety among young people is rising.

Climate change, economic uncertainty, housing affordability, global conflict, and rapid technological change all loom large in their awareness.

Add career pressure on top of that, and it can feel crushing.

Athletes work on their skills, then take them to different locations against different opponents.

Why not approach careers the same way? In tech, I’ve learned to see business like a video game: put a quarter in, play until you lose, then, armed with new knowledge, play again. It’s not about losing.

It’s about learning.

And maybe that’s the best advice we can give kids in a changing world: don’t try to predict the future. Build the strength, curiosity, and confidence to meet it when it arrives.

Has it ever been different? LA

Richard Gauder is the co-founder of CMS Web Solutions, a Canadian web development, hosting and education company, now specializing in digital accessibility. He is an occasional writer for the Advocate.

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BECOME A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR! Connection starts with you Reduce social isolation in Kawartha Lakes by supporting neighbours to discover community resources, join local programs, and feel more connected to others.

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Healthy you in 2026 A new year always brings an invitation to pause, take stock, and imagine a healthier version of ourselves.

In 2026, the idea of a personal reset feels especially timely. Our bodies and minds thrive on intentional recalibration — not grand resolutions destined to fade, but steady, sustainable habits that honour how we want to live.

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Movement is often the best place to begin. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply trying to move with more confidence, Zoom Physiotherapy in Lindsay offers a practical pathway forward. Their team focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and helping people return to the activities they love. It’s a reminder that health goals aren’t abstract; they’re rooted in the everyday ways we use our bodies.

Equally important is tending to our emotional and mental wellbeing.

Many people enter a new year feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their own needs.

That’s where MySolTalks steps in.

Through supportive conversations and guided self-reflection, they help individuals build resilience, clarity, and a deeper sense of personal grounding.

Setting health goals isn’t just about physical change — it’s about nurturing the inner landscape that shapes how we show up in the world.

And of course, holistic care often requires a team approach. Kawartha Care in Lindsay provides comprehensive support for those managing chronic conditions, navigating rehabilitation, or seeking coordinated health

services close to home. From chiropractic care; registered massage therapy; custom orthotics; medical foot care; acupuncture; naturopathic medicine and much more, this centre has a broad range of services to help you feel better than ever in this new year.

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Health might also mean a blend of advanced laser technology and holistic wellness services designed to help clients look and feel their best. That’s where MUSE Laser + Wellness Clinic in the Russell Street Plaza in Lindsay comes in.

They have a wide range of treatments including red light therapy, a non-invasive treatment using red and near-infrared light to stimulate skin rejuvenation, cell repair, and reduce inflammation by energizing mitochondria in cells, helping with aging signs, acne, hair loss, and pain by boosting collagen and blood flow.

As you map out your intentions for 2026, consider goals that feel meaningful rather than performative. Choose habits that energize you, routines that fit your real life, and supports that make the journey easier.

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Discover More at Kawartha Lakes Public Library Unearth the Untold Stories of Kawartha Lakes with LoreTalks Friday, January 16, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the Lindsay branch, downstairs meeting room.

Are you passionate about local history or simply fascinated by the stories hidden in the landscape around you? Kawartha Lakes LoreTalks offers a fresh, engaging way to dive deeper into the past. Our LoreTalks invite history lovers, newcomers, and local storytellers to gather, share, and explore the rich tapestry of our region’s heritage.

More than just a lecture series, LoreTalks blends community memory with storytelling. Each session highlights a carefully chosen piece of our past, using historical records, personal accounts, and lived experience to bring local history to life. A welcoming space to learn, discover, and connect with others who share a fascination with the stories that shaped Kawartha Lakes.

This January, the spotlight narrows to one of the most recognizable streets in our community with “Kent Street through the Years.” This focused talk explores how Kent Street has evolved from its earliest days to the bustling main street today. Expect a lively look at the buildings, businesses, and defining events that have come and gone, revealing how each era left its mark on the heart of Lindsay.

LoreTalks returns Friday, March 20 and Friday, April 15, with new themes and fresh discoveries. Join us, discover something new, and connect with the history that connects us all.

Visit kawarthalakeslibrary.ca to explore more upcoming programs.

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CAMELOT

crossword by Joan Corrigan

By Joan Corrigan, Fun & Done Crosswords

ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1. Baby fox 12 13 14 15 4. "Gone With the Wind" heroine Scarlett ___ 16 17 18 9. Cleaning cloth 19 20 21 22 12. Church steeple 23 24 25 26 14. Two-dot punctuation mark 15. Miner's rock 27 28 29 30 16. Piano repairman 31 32 33 34 35 36 17. * Knights of the Round Table 37 38 39 searched for this object 19. Unit of energy 40 41 42 20. Market, for short 43 44 45 46 22. Touches down, as a plane 47 48 49 50 23. Nut confection 25. Peaceful and humble 51 52 53 54 55 27. Cost per unit 56 57 58 59 60 28. Opposite of youngest 61 62 63 31. Cappuccino-like drink 33. Eating utensil 64 65 66 35. Annoy 37. Painful feeling DOWN 31. Fall behind in a race 38. Window pane material 1. * Lord of Camelot 32. Teen skin problem 39. Soft creamy French cheese 2. Deep anger 33. Back-pocket booze holder 40. Antelope 3. Wood-eating insect 34. Mighty tree 41. Dalrymple, Balsam or 4. Dark yellowish hue 36. Barbie's doll boyfriend Sturgeon 5. Owl speak 38. Scottish narrow and deep 42. Begin a computer session: 6. Everything mountain valley 2 wds.

7. ___ Thomson Hall (Toronto 39. Explosive device 43. Rubs out concert hall) 42. Tangy summer drink 46. Butter bean 8.

Fished with a hook and line 44. ___-cadabra! (magician's cry) 47. Upper or lower bed 9. Speckled horse 45. Morose, sulky 48. Poker player 10. Desert weather 46. ___ Vegas, Nevada 51. Oyster gem 11.

Hair goos 48. Yellow-flowered prickly 54. Thorny flower 12. Foot movement shrub also called furze 55. Friend, in Paris 49. Arab ruler 56. * Mythical sword belonging 13. Contented murmur 18. Do some Fall yardwork 50. Frees a household from, say, to Knights 21. Scottish for 'one' mice or cockroaches 59. Crop-damaging insect 51. Cats and dogs 61. Small peg in golfer's pocket 24. Behind schedule 25. Dots and dashes code 52. Divorced spouses 62. Dutch cheeses 26. Edmonton's football team 53. Top playing cards 63. Beloved ones 29. * Virtuous knight who 54. Pirate's drinks 64. Sound of sizzling bacon found Camelot's cup of 57. Wedding vow: 2 wds.

65. Scandinavian miraculous powers 58. Pub 66. Finish 30. Group of three 60. Ink stick • Crossword solutions on page 40 •

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It ain’t easy flying green My sister lives near Halifax and my husband’s brother in Vancouver. It’s fine for me to self-righteously say I haven’t flown in seven years, but if my sister and brother-in-law didn’t fly, I would rarely see them. The reality is that families aren’t always living in the same community, or even on the same continent. Sometimes going by air is the only practical way to visit. Given that flying is one of our most carbon intensive activities, that’s hard to swallow for those who want to reduce their climate impact.

As Kermit acknowledged, it ain’t easy being green.

The aviation industry is a top-10 emitter, accounting for at least 2.5 per cent of global carbon pollution. Its global heating impact, however, rises to an estimated 4 per cent or more because of non-C02 emissions, including condensation trails. Those ice particle clouds trap heat.

Air travel is particularly hard to decarbonize. We see more and more electric cars and buses on the road.

Electric trains are increasingly common – especially in Europe. But electric motors right now would be too huge and heavy to fly that big ol’ jet airliner.

Some inroads are being made for smaller passenger planes. Harbour Air in British Columbia has converted the first of its seaplanes to electric. The e-Beaver has taken 90-plus test flights and the airline is hoping for the nod to go commercial by next year. Air Canada has ordered 30 hybrid-electric planes that have an electric range of 200 km and hybrid range of about 800. The 30-seater planes could be in the air before 2030. In Europe, Airbus and Rolls Royce are working on hydrogen options for regional flights.

The International Civil Aviation Organization has an aspirational goal to reach jet-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Skeptics abound that they won’t land that target.

To seriously shrink aviation’s climate impact, the International Energy Agency recommends three broad flight paths: 1.

Substantially increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). Right now, low-emitting fuels make up less than one per cent of the mix. Some countries, like Japan and the UK, have mandated 10 per cent SAF content by 2030.

2.

Improve aircraft and engine design.

3.

Curb demand for flights. It quadrupled from 1990 to 2019.

Proposals include an aviation carbon tax, or better yet, a frequent flyer levy. Only about five to 10 per cent of the globe flies in a given year, and those who fly most generally have higher incomes.

Discouraging short-haul flights is another suggestion. France recently became the first country to ban flights between cities where fast, efficient train service is an option.

Pollution from flying is with us for the long haul, but we can help a bit before leaving on that jet plane by: •

Opting for direct flights, and flying economy. A lot of extra fuel is burned during take-off and landing. And the more passengers, the lower the per-person pollution.

•

Carefully evaluating carbon offsets. Some are much more legit than others.

•

Choosing other options. Trains beat planes, especially in the Windsor—Quebec City corridor. But when it comes to Toronto to Vancouver, or Toronto to Halifax, some reports indicate flying is a lower-emission option. Time permitting, driving can beat flying when there are more than two people in the vehicle, or if the vehicle is electric.

•

Becoming an infrequent flyer.

Ginny Colling was passionate about the environment before retiring from teaching college communications students. After retiring she trained with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. She has presented to numerous groups about the climate crisis.

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The Baby Boom – 80 years on On Jan. 8, 1946, a birth notice appeared on page three of The Lindsay Daily Post, which read: “McGahey – On Sunday, January 6th, at Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay, to Mr. and Mrs. L. McGahey (née Leona Reeds), a daughter.”

Bonnie McGahey was one of slightly more than 30 children born during that month who were recorded by the Town of Lindsay’s vital statistics department; some 42 births were recorded in the final month of 1945. These children were therefore among the earliest members of the Baby Boom generation to be born in what is now Kawartha Lakes.

The Baby Boom – with members of its cohort known colloquially as Boomers – encompassed a roughly 15-year timespan, running from the last few months of 1945 into the early 1960s. This period has been heavily documented in books, film, television, and other popular media – not to mention in the collective memory of those who lived it. As Canadian historian Doug Owram writes in his 1996 book, Born at the Right Time: A History of The Baby Boom Generation, “From the time the baby boom was born, it was extraordinarily powerful and, from a young age, it thought of itself as a group distinct from previous generations.” According to Owram, this can be explained in terms of its size, affluence, and the role it played in defining the youth culture of the 1960s.

And how did it play out in this community?

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One of the first signs of things to come appeared on the same sheet of newsprint that announced Bonnie McGahey’s birth. An enormous quarter-page advertisement from Manley Motors bragged about the Nash 600, a huge new car that was then on display in Manley’s Wellington Street showroom. “Here Today! With tomorrow written all over it!” screamed the ad at its readers. Postwar prosperity saw a proliferation of bigger and ever more ostentatiously styled vehicles crowd onto local streets from the late 1940s into the 1950s; many Boomers can still recall in detail the make, model, and colour of the vehicle that sat in their family’s driveway while they were growing up.

Many of those driveways were situated in suburban neighbourhoods that emerged as a result of the rising birthrate – which in turn was directly influenced by returning veterans getting married, setting up a household, and starting families. As published in the July 2019 issue of the Advocate, municipal authorities concerned about a housing shortage made arrangements for the federally-funded Wartime Housing Ltd. to construct simple storey-and-a-half houses throughout Lindsay between 1946 and 1948. Other families moved into brick bungalows where – if electricity was readily available – they could plug in fancy new appliances such as televisions and electric washing machines.

The Baby Boom – with members of its cohort known colloquially as Boomers – encompassed a roughly 15-year timespan, running from the last few months of 1945 into the early 1960s.

The local economy was thriving. New industries, such as American Brake Shoe Co., were building branch plants in Lindsay that would employ the young parents and parents-to-be of Boomers. Silverwood’s Dairy, which maintained a large facility at the corner of Kent Street and Victoria Avenue, published advertisements that capitalized on the importance of healthy childhood development: “Silverwood’s safe milk supplies in abundance the vital elements for the growth of every child – helps build strong, sturdy bodies,” one such ad assured new parents in 1946.

is aimed at sharing reminiscences among “people that grew up here when things were simple in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.”

But were things really that simple?

In 1969, a little more than 20 years after the Baby Boom began, a critical article appeared in the pages of The Lindsay Daily Post, which pointed out that the massive population growth Canada experienced between 1946 and 1966 had several unintended consequences. “There wasn’t enough time to plan for growth,” noted the unnamed author of the story, “and we see the results today in polluted air, water, and soil, (and) in the haphazard urban sprawl which afflicts all Canadian cities.”

The author’s mother and her siblings, pictured here at their home in Lindsay around 1960, were all members of the Baby Boom generation.

McKechnie collection.

By 1951, when many of the first Baby Boomers were old enough to enter school, Premier Leslie Frost – and MPP for Victoria County – was proudly telling his province that “the many social and economic problems with which we have had to deal have been met and solved in accordance with our best Canadian traditions.” Things were only going to get better, an optimistic Frost implied.

Emblazoned with nostalgic CocaCola signage and echoing with the reverberation of rock and roll music, Greenhurst became something of a cultural touchstone for local Boomers.

Today, memories of Greenhurst and other places, people, and events are regularly shared in a Facebook group calling itself “Lindsay and Area Reunion for Old Friends.” This group

Eighty years after it began, the Baby Boom has left us with a memorable, albeit complex, legacy. LA

Ian McKechnie is a freelance writer, local historian, and researcher who has compiled and edited three books.

The Baby Boom continued along unabated, and as the Boomers became teenagers, they provided a steady stream of business for such enterprises as the Greenhurst dance pavilion on the southeast shore of Sturgeon Lake.

“As teenagers we went to Greenhurst and danced on hot summer nights to the strains of Little Caesar and the Consuls,” recalls Linda Thomson, who was born in 1946 and grew up on Peel Street in Lindsay. “From the soda fountain downstairs, you could see the rafters actually moving up and down to the beat of the music,” she remembers of the pavilion.

Many local Baby Boomers took notice of advertisements like this and went dancing at Greenhurst Pavilion in Thurstonia during their adolescence.

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trevor's take •

MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME A

Finding my way in 2026

Reality!

By Trevor Hutchinson Contributing Editor

When I first saw the city’s public meetings last month for wayfinding, I was intrigued. I thought maybe it was some grandiose attempt to align our communal direction with overarching ethical and fiscal goals. I could use some of that! But alas, it was about signs.

And before the ‘YoU CaN’T eRaSe history crowd’s heads’ implode, I’ll state clearly that I am just spit balling here: No one should change history, ever.

History is and shall forever be static.

I sometimes think of this when I stop for pizza in Hardscrabble. My bad: that’s Glenarm now.

According to the city, “Clear, consistent wayfinding helps people feel confident as they move through Kawartha Lakes.” I, for one, could use some more confidence. Especially when I can’t see a street sign that’s obscured because of poor design, years of weather and overgrown foliage.

Besides, who doesn’t think of a famous Louisiana jazz club when they drive by Dew Drop Inn Rd. And if not that, the Waltons? Why would anyone want to tear this non-history down?

But I still love the idea. And if we’re going to get really into what a street sign is going to look like, maybe it’s time to consider the name of the actual street?

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No one should change history, ever. History is and shall forever be static.

I do like order and good government.

Naming north-south Lindsay streets after royals and east-west streets after aristocrats makes a certain amount of sense in 2026, what with growing income disparity and all. Imagine the future prestige of living at the corner of Musk and Bezos!

it o Vis ur

te ebsi W

Now, in what is possibly a sign that I will make an excellent curmudgeon in a decade or two, I was slightly irritated by the ‘wayfinding’ bit.

The word sounded like a consultant trying to justify a fee. So, like any good Gen-Xer, I Googled it. Turns out wayfinding was coined by American urban planner Kevin Lynch in 1960. It starts to appear more in print when environmental psychologist Romedi Passini uses it in 1984 and becomes commonplace (in very certain circles) when Canadian graphic designer Paul Arthur co-writes the seminal Wayfinding: People, Signs and Architecture in 1994. All of us have tried to impress the boss with a big word or idea at some point, I guess.

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Kent Street was named after Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, the father of Queen Victoria. Sure, he was kicked out of the military when his troops mutinied in Gibraltar, but he was always very nice to his French-Canadian mistress and her family and that’s important to me, all these years later. And Cambridge Street just sounds refined and super-smart, even if Lindsay was named after someone who died of an infection. (Besides, we have vaccines now.)

And before I get back to complaining about young people and their TicTac videos, I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2026, from my family to yours.

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We would like to express our sincere thanks to our incredible friends, neighbours and community during this difficult time in the loss of our son, brother, friend and mentor to many, Michael (Erk).

A heartfelt thank you for all of your support and compassion which was very much appreciated and comforting to us all. These acts of compassion showed how loved he was in the community by not only his family but by the many people he knew in his life.

There are so many to thank who have assisted us through this time and continue to do so.

To the many people who attended the visitation and funeral we appreciate your time and the support you gave us. Thank you to Alison Steinsky of Stoddart Funeral Home & Celebrations for your care and compassion during this difficult time. To all who dropped off incredible food and provided compassion and support, we thank you for being there for us.

Tough to say goodbye but we appreciate all the kind words from Landon, Jackie and Jake and to his brothers in commemorating Michael’s great life which was well lived to the fullest. A sincere thank you also to Elizabeth Peeters for her great work during Michael’s Celebration of Life.

Michael had a work ethic like no other and he gave so much to his family and community. He took it to the limit and achieved more in 29 years than most people do in a lifetime. We will be forever proud of him and honour him every day of our lives.

With much Love & Gratitude

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Ron, Cathy, Charles, Nicholas & Jonathan Ashmore

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Photo: Sienna Frost.

WILLIAM (BILL) VOLLMAR moved to Lindsay from Brampton in May 2024.

Lindsay Advocate: Why did you choose to move here?

BILL VOLLMAR: Lindsay is a community I could work in, live in and give back.

Lindsay Advocate: What is your favourite thing about Kawartha Lakes so far?

Lindsay Advocate: What do you think is missing from Kawartha Lakes?

BILL VOLLMAR: My wife would say a Walmart. I think our waterfront here in Lindsay could use some restaurants for boating tourism.

BILL VOLLMAR: The access to the surrounding lakes, conservation parks, the local stores, and the friendly people.

Lindsay Advocate: How were you involved in your previous community and how might you like to get involved in Kawartha Lakes?

Lindsay Advocate: What are your favourite local restaurants or shops?

BILL VOLLMAR: I was part of the community safety committee for the City of Brampton, coached local baseball, and took part in the local Knights of Columbus projects. I played on two local baseball teams which was so much fun.

BILL VOLLMAR: So I have to say my wife (Sandy) and I love exploring all the communities in Kawartha Lakes, checking out all the local stores, hearing the owners and staff’s stories. The local food has been an amazing experience.

Are you new in town? If you moved to Kawartha Lakes within the past two years and want to be featured here, email us at info@lindsayadvocate.ca.

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I love having the opportunity to become involved in our new community! I have joined the 100 Men’s club to donate to local charities. I have also joined the 2817 Army Cadets in Lindsay as an instructor. I am looking forward to becoming involved with outreach programs within our community including within the Kawartha Lakes Police Service. I received approval for Project Salvation, where our police cars will carry bags of items needed by the homeless, including a blanket, food, and personal items but also includes information for mental heath, addiction assistance, and victim services.

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