Almost immediately upon entering its present headquarters, Ryan Oliver, knew he’d soon need more space for the constantly growing STEAM education centre, Pinnguaq. It took a few years, but Oliver, Pinnguaq’s CEO, found it – steps away from his home in Lindsay. He tours us through the soon-to-be three-storey headquarters of this national success sto…

There’s been a lot of water cooler talk – (and talk beyond water coolers) – about workplace romances, lately. A certain Toronto mayor (actually, now former mayor) helped inspire those conversations. What are – and what could be – the legal ramifications of workplace relationships? What rules, if any, can an employer use when it comes to relationshi…

Cindy Snider says it’s not that unlike what NHL teams do to attract free agents. But her wooing work with the Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative is all about recruiting much-needed family physicians to the C of KL. Walt Radda’s cartoons bring smiles and laughter to many, including readers of The Advocate Magazine. And his art also recently earne…

It’s our third anniversary! And we’re rolling with another great episode. And speaking of rolling....The Lindsay Chamber of Commerce is hoping a dozen or so bicycles will roll into town this Spring as a new bike share program. Chamber executive director Allyssa Adams tells us what it’ll take to make that two-wheel dream come true. Our city's artist…

Behind the poise, confidence and omnipresent, constant contributions to his community, Jason Ward was hurting. And hiding. In this special episode, he opens up, for the first time with local media, about his struggles with mental health and addiction – and how, for years, he managed to conceal his pain from friends and even loved ones. Until he cou…

Shannon Roszell’s website compares her music to that of other musicians. But, really, the Fenelon singer-songwriter has a refreshingly unique sound – brash, commanding and sometimes dark - that is all her own. Zack Steele knows birds. Specifically, he knows how to keep them away from collisions – and sure death – against pane glass windows. He’s us…

Our show covered a lot of ground in 2022. Literally, in some cases, with stories that had us following a trapper in search of beavers. And an interview with two your artists who transformed a ho-hum Lindsay alleyway into a wonderful mural you can walk on. There were conversations with neighbours about their special relationships to fishing – (inclu…

Two years ago, Kevin Fitzpatrick did that thing so many of us were forced to. He pivoted, quickly learning how to deliver a church service into an on-line camera lens. Those skills will serve him well for Christmas 2022. But he’s also embracing a new hybrid version of delivering a sermon – with much of his congregation watching on screens in their …

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence leads, ultimately, to December 6 – The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes marked Day 1 with the Wrapped in Courage Flag Raising Ceremony held at City Hall. We captured some of the voices – and emotion – of that special ceremony. …

More than 20 years ago, our host said good-bye to a big part of his life – a motorcycle. He never expected to see his beloved Yamaha 650cc again – until an interesting coincidence connected him to its new owner. And when our host agreed to revisit that part of his life, he discovered an even more special relationship between that special Seca and i…

They’re new. Again. And this version of bricks on Lindsay’s main street does look great. But what’s the story behind the crumbling ones that were installed just a short time ago and had to be replaced? The city’s Juan Rojas, Director of Engineering and Corporate Assets with the C of KL, meets us – on said sidewalk – to explain. Jennifer Lopinski of…

The City of Kawartha Lakes has a new mayor. And The Advocate Podcast was at the Victoria Park Armoury as results officially rolled in and displayed via a giant screen. Doug Elmslie was there, too. We spoke to the former Ward 3 councillor - and now mayor-elect - moments after he learned he’d been elected to the City’s top job.…

He said he’d be a two-term mayor, and he kept that promise. Andy Letham looks back on eight years at the helm of City Council – and offers some advice for his soon-to-be successor. Bobcaygeon’s Jennine Profeta gathered some friends for a girls night out. But not just any friends - but improv, standup and sketch comedian friends. The result: Girls N…

It’s remarkable that a documentary has never been done about our cherished Highland Cinemas and its compellingly unique founder and operator, Kinmount’s Keith Stata. Film maker, Matt Finlin, aims to change that. The director shares his very personal inspiration behind creating “The Movie Man.” Penny Barton-Dyke spent 18 years as executive director …

Unlike elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, universities and colleges have considerable autonomy in setting their Covid rules. Omemee native Madeline McColl describes, first-hand, some very stringent rules at her university. Who ya gonna call when that contractor didn’t do the job to your liking? Or if the client doesn’t wanna pay? Calvin C…

Sure, you can hold a cycling event virtually and raise lots ‘o money for a worthy cause like A Place Called Home. But the real thing is wayyyy better. A cyclist participating in the recent return to the in-person Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour explains why. The upcoming back-to-school won’t be like the one 2019. But it’s way better than the on…

The C of KL is hosting a free EV info day Saturday August 20 – your chance to see some of the non-gas sipping cars up close and ask questions. But our host got his own green test drive and info session, courtesy of EV owner Ginny Colling. Secondary school teacher Cat Duvall interrupted her summer to…teach! But not summer school. Duvall is a volunte…

We head to Norland TWICE. Once to check in with Kawartha Public Library’s Lyndsay Heffernan for a new Well Defined word. And again to learn about a special public garden project that promises peace, relaxation – and a fountain! An alley walkway by any other name is just a strip of pavement. Until it’s transformed into a mural. That’s the plan, expl…

There have been more than a few false starts for touring musicians these past few years. But this time, it’s full-steam ahead, right? Not just LOCAL shows, right? Well, maybe not FULL steam ahead. But so far, not stops at least. Cameron-based singer songwriter Cassie Noble chats with us, mid-tour, about a return to the more familiar. Sure, that cot…

What a way to kick off Canada Day! A full episode dedicated to musical artists, Kayla Mahomed and Nathan Truax - partners in dispensing some great country music. And we’re talkin’ DEEP country, here. The singer songwriters sit down with our host to discuss their appreciation and downright love for a musical genre at it rootiest. (Yes, that may be t…

Yes, those numbers are dropping. But it’s still really out there. And so so many people – more than ever - have been getting it. Despite it not being quite as severe (Thanks, vaccines!) what should you do if you get it? Who do you call? When’s it okay to come out of quarantine after getting it? (And, by now, you know what we mean by “it,” right?). …

The 1980s. Flared hair. Howick Jeans. Top Gun. Mix tapes. A super special time, right? And even MORE special if you attended high school in Lindsay, right? RIGHT? Members of a very exclusive Facebook page would say so. We hear from one of them, as well as the guy who launched the little group page that became NOT so little very quickly. The Advocat…

First things first: call ‘em lawn bowling BOWLS, not balls. Rhys Warren, of the Lindsay Lawn Bowling Club explains why – and does his darndest to recruit our host as a member. Will he succeed? That deposit you made on that house purchase isn’t the Get-outta-the-deal card you might think it is. Lawyer Calvin Chan, of Wards Lawyers, dispels a common …

So, you’re happy you got that dog two years ago, knowing you’d have much ‘o time to bond together at home. But what happens now that you’re back at that pre-2020 workplace? Dog expert/trainer/breeder/groomer Julie Corlette tells us what both you and pet should expect during this back-to-daily separation. Knockin’ ‘em down was the easy part. Convinc…

Spoons is a game made famous – locally, anyway – at IE Weldon Secondary School. It was put on hold for a few years because, well, you know. But it’s back and a couple of students dish on its role with bringing back some normalcy to school halls. She’s been a touring professional standup comedian for the better part of a decade. But Rebecca Reeds ha…

Just like a real retail outlet, Vicky’s Values has evolved its pricing scheme – but in a different, more accessible way to meet its clients' needs. Oh, and the store, which supports Womens Resources, is back to being open on Saturdays! Cuz that’s what real retail does! Guy Scott gathered hundreds of photos and newspaper articles of days gone by for…

The last time we featured a bonus episode was at the very beginning of the pandemic. Its focus was on, you guessed it, the pandemic. Well this second ever bonus episode offers something much less dour – at a time when we’re (fingers crossed) cautiously edging toward the end of all.....this. In fact, this bonus episode is downright uplifting. A conv…

Before it opted to keep or ditch the vax pass, the Flato Academy Theatre sought input from its patrons. And the winner is....envelope, please. And speaking of vaccines...for children of separated parents, who gets to decide if they get the shot or not? Hmm...maybe it’s not a parent at all. Lawyer Ryan O’Neill explains. Restaurants are bracing for n…

The Victoria County Disaster Trust Fund is there, on site, to assist and support families in need while they watch their homes perish. But the agency’s now facing its own challenges. Andrew Rafton makes the case for joining an important group of volunteers who offer a unique service. So, ya think wanna farm? Best to get some guidance before you dec…

What a roller coaster it’s been for every movie theatre in Ontario. Thank goodness the seats are comfy, at least! But despite the bumps, Lindsay Century Cinema’s Sheila Dominic and Bill Howell have ensured the ride was as smooth as possible in the beloved local theatre. It’s more than just handing over the keys to the tractor. Lawyer Karissa Ward o…

The KLPS, like all police services, can now cast that net extra wide when recruiting new officers. Inspector Kirk Robertson describes how that “net” – (as in, INTERnet) - is being used for its current search – and what boxes the local police service now looks to check when finding the best candidates. Stephanie Lange looked beyond the edge of her b…

Wild pigs are knocking on our back door. In fact, the unwelcome invaders may already be here. And the city wants to huff and puff and blow that problem down before it gets too serious. Beavers, conversely, do belong here. But how and when should we co-exist with the rodents? Our landowner-host seeks guidance from someone in-the-know of all things g…

What a year, eh? Yeah, we know everyone says that ‘round this time. But, really, this time: what a year, eh? We take you on that trip through an oft-tumultuous, challenging 2021 via the voices and sounds of our program these past 12 months. And it wasn’t, as you’ll hear, all gloom – there were some real high points, too. But just soze we know fer s…

Electric vehicles are the future. But are they a realistic future for longer commutes and conditions we experience here? An early EV adopter's opinion is not so shocking. A feasibility study might just lead to a cultural centre. But Kawartha Art Gallery’s Susan Taylor says she’s hoping it’ll be for more than just artists. When Cameron’s Sara Walker…

Chris Schmidt says our community is defying the stats – we should NOT have as much great musical talent living here as we do. So, he’s opening up his Snug Harbour home to showcase it and plans to have others hop on this house concert wagon. Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin had already welcomed people to their huge Pontypool property and its beautiful…

It’s not like the internet has a limit on KMs – or miles. So, why not teach students in Alaska from faarrrrr away? Leslie McCartney, as associate prof with the University of Alaska, connects with her far north-west students from her home in Lindsay. Gurdeep Pandher is now a massive YouTube sensation, thanks to his inspiring, uplifting outdoor Bhang…

Didja hear – or read – the comments from that person who said that stuff about that other person and/or their business? In public!? For everyone else to hear and/or read? Can’t they be sued for defamation or slander or libel? Or whatever the term is. Lawyer Jason Ward explains that difference – and when each can be acted on and what the outcome cou…

Lindsay Little Theatre’s return to the stage – their inside one – is a welcome change from that outdoor one they were relegated to over the summer. But after almost two years away, what awaits the actors and the patrons? Pumpkin Spice and all things…well, you know: NICE. And now, the popular spice is locally-produced, thanks to Little Britain retir…

Hey, remember the regular ole, seasonal flu shot? We still need it, despite that other shot getting all the attention. And our medical officer of health tells us why the flu shot is as important as ever. Those stone walls near Kirkfield look mighty imposing – and they're filled with the history of the family that built them. George Laidlaw’s great-…

If you’ve been dining INside a restaurant recently, you know all about flashing that pass. St-Dave’s Diner owner Jason Hore discusses the pluses – and challenges – with it. And how his staff – and regulars - make it all worth it. Lindsay’s Mark Doble is, arguably, the biggest fan of singer/songwriter/guitarist Domenic Troiano. So much so that he wr…

The beloved LEX is back. It won’t be exactly the same, but its GM, Harry Stoddart, says it’ll be pretty darn close – right down to kids’ cotton candy consumption. “Hey, they can’t say that? Can they?” Lawyer Jason Ward does a great job of explaining slander, libel and defamation. And that’s the truth! Our host heads out on a City-sponsored scavenge…

Wes Hahn, Director of Education for the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, believes his team is properly braced for this unique back-to-school. Mark Mitchell would, understandably, see the current plight in Afghanistan from a different lens. Before he became our community’s chief of police, Mitchell left his then post as an inspector with ou…

Standup comedian Gilson Lubin is looking forward to playing Fenelon’s Grove Theatre on August 19. But the (forced) break from performing, he says, was a welcome respite to recharge - and also quit a bad habit. There’s more to being a city’s official horticulturist than just plantin’. It’s a lot of planning – and art, explains Megan Phillips. Have c…

It started small – like with three rocks. And then grew. And grew some more. Nena Bovie shares how and why she started a community art installation that stretches wayyyyy long on the Rotary Trail. And registered psychotherapist and art therapist, Andy Cleghorn tells us why these creative rock snakes rock. Senior Slo Pitch makes its return, but it r…

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sebastian Heaven could have opted to take his skills to so so many places in Canada – the world, really. But the specialist, born and trained in the U.K., chose the C of KL. And not just as his place of employment, via the RMH. But as a new home for him and his family. He shares the reason for his life-changing decision. The …

Move over bake and yard sales. The KLFS looked to salsa – yes, salsa - for one of its major fundraisers. Déjà vu all over again. The International Plowing Match, rescheduled for this fall has, for the second time, been cancelled. Councillor Ron Ashmore, a big proponent of the IPM, discusses the impact of that decision. Bees are buzzing in Reaboro. …

Vaccines are now plentiful. But what if that customer – or employee – refuses it? Lawyer Jason Ward gives us the legal implications of such a…choice. We revisit one of our very first interview guests. Tony’s Pizza co-owner Greg Andrews was a positive guy at the start of that first shutdown – when no one really knew what was ahead. A year later, he’…

There are unique challenges in vaccinating the population of Kawartha Lakes – and our medical officer of health, Natalie Bocking, is up to that challenge. Close Kicks’s first single, The House We Built, was already a hit. But then one of the country’s biggest podcasts called and made it bigger. Those end-of-driveway, tiny lending libraries are supe…

This is the second part of a topic that generated lots of attention from listeners. Which stands to reason, given that so many of us think we comprehend it, when, in fact, it’s very nuanced. Lawyer Jason Ward explains in clear, relatable language how the human element affects these types of cases.By lindsayadvocate

Owen ain’t even a teen, yet, but he knows hockey! He returns to weigh in on the upcoming Leafs playoff series – against our host’s beloved Habs. Dunsford musician-of-many-instruments, Nathan Truax, expounds on his artistic epiphany – which included a western shirt and a super cool moustache. The Community Fund Fenelon Falls is all about making that…