Turtle populations have experienced significant declines in recent decades. Even within the
Ontario Highlands, a landscape widely valued for its lakes, forests, and natural heritage, road mortality and habitat fragmentation remain persistent pressures.

In response, Turtle Guardians, a program of The Land Between charity, designed, installed, and tested pioneering ecopassage fencing systems at four priority locations. Made for durability, reduced maintenance, and cost efficiency, the new designs offer municipalities a financially responsible option for mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions. The design has received attention by the Ministry of Transportation as solution for Ontario Highways, and will need to undergo engineering reviews to enable wider adoption.

Importantly, the project signals renewed hope. The tested systems demonstrate that effective conservation measures can align with operational realities, providing solutions that are resilient, affordable, and practical to implement.

“Our objective has always been to develop approaches that work for communities,” said Leora Berman, Chief Operating Officer of The Land Between and Founder of the Turtle Guardians program. “When infrastructure is reliable, long-lasting, cost-effective, including easy to maintain, it becomes easier for municipalities to adopt measures that benefit both public safety and wildlife.”

The initiative has also enabled the identification of at least 45 additional priority sites across the region where similar mitigation measures could reduce risks to drivers while
improving survival outcomes for our ancient allies, the turtles.

Central to the project’s success has been strong cooperation between the Turtle Guardians
program, and municipal road authorities. The organization continues to work directly with road departments across Haliburton County, Peterborough County, Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Kawartha Lakes, supporting mitigation strategies that integrate seamlessly with road safety objectives, infrastructure planning, and responsible asset management.

“This work reflects what can be achieved through true partnerships, and when we bring together differing expertise and skills,” Berman added. “By working hand in hand with municipal staff and decision-makers, we are demonstrating that conservation and community priorities can move forward together.”

Documenting a Shared Heritage: The American Eel
In addition to turtle mitigation, the MECP-supported project contributed to documenting the
ecological and cultural significance of the American Eel, a species once widespread across The Land Between. “In early times, records of catches reaching 700 in one night were noted. Plus these fish did not compete with salmonids,” Berman noted.

For generations, the eel served as an important food source for Anishinaabe communities and featured prominently in the region’s early settlement history. Its decline offers a powerful reminder of long-term changes affecting Ontario’s waterways and reinforces the importance of informed, collaborative stewardship.

“The American Eel represents a remarkable part of our shared natural heritage,” Berman said. “Understanding its story deepens our appreciation of the connections between cultural history, enduring traditions, healthy ecosystems, and resilient communities.”
Acknowledgement

This project was undertaken with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Species Conservation Fund. The views expressed are those of The Land Between and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario.

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Upon arrival, officers, along with Kawartha Lakes Fire Service and Kawartha Lakes Emergency Medical Services, attended the scene where two motor vehicles were involved.

A 60-year-old female from Orillia was transported to a local area hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured.

At the time of the collision, visibility was limited due to falling snow.

Members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management Team (TIME) assisted with the investigation. Killarney Bay Road remained closed between Highway 35 and Cambray Road until 8:26 p.m.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has dash-cam or video footage from the area at the time is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips may be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

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On Sunday October 26, 2025 at approximately 8:46 am, an officer conducting a traffic stop entered into an impaired driving investigation. The officer was alerted to offences through the Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) and conducted a traffic stop on the motor vehicle. The driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving related offences under the Criminal Code of Canada as well as charged under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and Highway Traffic Act offences.

Dustin Beresford, 34-year-old of Orillia was charged with:

• Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
• Operate a Motor Vehicle without Insurance
• Drive Motor Vehicle No Currently Validated Permit

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay at a later date. The drivers licence was suspended for 90 days and the motor vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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City of Kawartha Lakes OPP along with fire and EMS were dispatched to a boat that had capsized on Cameron Lake at approximately 10:42 am on October 15, 2025. The canoe was carrying two males, both of which were able to hold the capsized boat until rescued by a nearby boat. Life jackets were not present in the boat. Due to lowering temperatures in the water this could have resulted in a much worse outcome.

The OPP is committed to boater education, marine patrol/law enforcement and saving lives on more than 110,000 square kilometres of Ontario waterways. With capsized vessels and falling overboard the top contributing factors in boating deaths every year, a significant number of lives stand to be saved if boaters, personal watercraft users and paddlers wore a lifejacket or personal floatation device.

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On Saturday June 29, 2025 at approximately 9:37 am officers along with City of Kawartha Lakes Fire responded to reports regarding a motor vehicle found upside down in the river off Talbot River Road in Kirkfield just east of Kirkfield Road. Talbot River Road and the river were closed during recovery of the motor vehicle. The OPP Underwater Search and Rescue Team attended and confirmed no one was inside the motor vehicle. It was removed from the river and the investigation continues.

Police are looking for any witnesses to this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and reference E250839571.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to serving our province by protecting its’ citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.

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City of Kawartha Lakes OPP along with fire and EMS were dispatched to a boat that had capsized on Sturgeon Lake at approximately 3:06 pm on June 08, 2025. The canoe was carrying three males, one was able to make his way to shore while two adult males were unable to remain afloat and succumbed to their injuries. Life jackets were not present in the boat.

City of Kawartha Lakes OPP (including the Marine unit) along with City of Kawartha Lakes Fire, City of Kawartha Lakes EMS and OPP Aviation aided in the lifesaving and recovery measures.

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Held in conjunction with Kawartha FarmFest, the grand opening will offer family-friendly activities and an opportunity to explore this fifth-generation family farm, renowned for its maple syrup and farm-to-table products and events. Visitors will be welcomed to check out the new Roost Market and café and enjoy family-friendly activities including wagon rides, farm tours, music and entertainment, and a barbeque. The Grand Opening celebration takes place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Roost Farm and Market Store is located at the site of the historic Dalrymple General Store (3314 Kirkfield Rd. 6 in Dalrymple), where it served the community for many decades. The new Roost Market will serve as a hub for fresh, local produce, farm-raised meats, eggs, maple syrup, preserves, and artisanal gifts from both The Roost and neighbouring farms. With a strong focus on community, the market will feature a range of products grown and made by local artisans, creating a space for residents and visitors to support local agriculture.

Make sure to add a visit to The Roost Farm during your Thanksgiving weekend activities. Bring the whole family for a farm adventure and to celebrate the opening of the new Market, full of a wide array of local food and gifts.

For more information, visit The Roost Farm online at roostfarm.ca or Facebook. For details about Kawartha Farmfest, visit the event website here.

*This Article Is Sponsored By The The Roost Market

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47-year-old, Dustin Moore from Fenelon Falls was arrested and charged with operation while impaired and operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused was released from custody with conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

In addition to the charges the drivers received a 90-day licence suspension.

Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. Arrive alive, drive sober.

The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-8477

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On June 1, 2024 at 2:35 a.m. Police along with Fire Services and EMS were dispatched to a single All-Terrain Vehicle (A.T.V.) collision on Prospect Road, Eldon Township. Upon arrival, the driver had sustained minor injuries and was taken to local hospital. Through investigation the driver was arrested and charged with Impaired Driving offences.

Christopher CLEAVELEY, 25-year-old of Ramara Township, was charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation While Impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

In addition to the charges the driver received a 90-day licence suspension, and the motor vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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On August 28, 2023 at approximately 12:40 am OPP uniform officers, members of the Marine Unit, and Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) Helicopter, along with Fire and Rescue responded to a call regarding a missing boater.

Shortly before 6:00 am a 69-year-old male of Emily township, was located deceased submerged in the water. The lone occupant of the vessel was found not be wearing a life jacket. 

The OPP is committed to boater education, marine patrol/law enforcement and saving lives on more than 110,000 square kilometers of Ontario waterways. With capsized vessels and falling overboard the top contributing factors in boating deaths every year, a significant number of lives stand to be saved if boaters, personal watercraft users and paddlers wore a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD).

For more information on boating safety, please familiarize yourself with Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide: https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/migrated/tp_511e.pdf.

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