Regional Councillor

On Monday September 8, 2025 Council declared the office of Regional Councillor vacant and chose to conduct an appointment by open call for nominees.

A Special Council meeting for the Council Vacancy Appointment was held Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Each Candidate had 5 minutes to speak to Council and answer questions about their intentions for the Regional Councillor seat. After 3 separate tie votes, the two remaining Candidates names were entered into a ballot box and the name drawn and deemed to be appointed was Ward 4 Councillor Cria Pettingill.

Congratulations Councillor Cria Pettingill on your appointment as Regional Councillor.

More information on the Council Vacancy Policy can be found on the Council Meetings page under the October 8, 2025 agenda.

Notice of a Public Meeting on October 27 at 6:00 pm

On-Farm Diversified Uses and

Agriculture-Related Uses



The Township is proposing updates to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit on-farm diversified uses and agriculture-related uses. The goal is to help farmers thrive while protecting valuable farmland for future generations.

A public meeting is being held to present the proposed policies and get comments from the public. Visit our website for more information. Additional information is also available by contacting Robin Prentice, Director of Development Services, at 705-432-2355 ext.235 or robin.prentice@brock.ca.

Council Highlights

After every Council Meeting we offer a summary of crucial decisions or agenda items discussed in our Council Highlights. At the September 22, 2025 Council Meeting, the following was discussed.

• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority presented Council with the current chloride (winter salt) status in the Lake Simcoe Watershed. Brock Township staff will be completing Smart About Salt Program training which covers leading practices in winter maintenance and ensures that the right de-icing product is used at the right time and in the right way.  
• Council was presented an update on the Bridge and Culvert deficiencies in the Township and the work outlined within this report will be discussed in the 2026 budget deliberations.
• Council has authorized staff to proceed with the purchase of a new plow and sander for a pickup truck to be used for winter parking lot maintenance.
• Council was presented with a report on the Building Condition Assessments for the Municipal Office and Manilla Community Hall. This report will be used for forecasting and budget preparation for future work on the buildings.
•  Council has approved the amendments to the Municipal Alcohol Policy.
• Council has approved the purchase of new HVAC system for the Brock Dench Animal Shelter.
• Council has approved the 2026 Council Meeting Schedule.
• Council has directed staff to forward a petition to the Region of Durham to increase safety measures on Highway 12 and Ball Ave.

Please visit Council Highlights webpage for more information on other Council Meetings

New Accessible Ramp at Manilla Hall 

Brock Township will be installing a new accessible ramp, stairs and landing at the Manilla Community Hall in the fall of 2025. During this construction the accessible entrance and accessible parking space will not be available. The only other access to this building is not accessible and is located at the west end of the building.



We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during this work and we will endeavour to get access to this building as soon as possible.

Property Tax Reminders



Due to the Canada Postage strike, the Property Tax Reminder Notices will not be mailed until the strike has ended. Property owners are urged to ensure their balances are fully paid.

Go Green & Go Paperless!

Make your life easier and help the environment by switching to e-Billing for your Property Tax

Set it and forget it!

Sign up for pre-authorized payments and never miss a due date again.

Upcoming Regular Council Meetings

Council Meeting - October 14, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.

Council Meeting - October 27, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.

Council Meeting - November 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 



To view agendas or watch the livestream please visit the Meeting Calendar

 Public Skating Schedule

Public ice programs for the 2025-2026 are open at the Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre and will open on October 14 at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre.

Please note that the Sunderland Memorial Arena is closed for the 2025-2026 season for renovations.

Calling all Grade 5

students in Brock!

Did you know you can enjoy FREE access to public skating, swimming, and more with the Grade 5 Action Pass? Email recreation@brock.ca to get your pass today and join in on the fun!

More details available at Durham.ca/physicalactivity

The Township of Brocks Awards of Merit 2025

On September 25 we celebrated community spirit at the first annual Township of Brock Awards of Merit at the beautiful Sunderland Town Hall!

Congratulations to our incredible award recipients:


🎨 Brock Arts and Culture – Arts, Heritage & Culture Award

🌱 Sarah Cowley – Environment & Climate Change Champion

🍁 Beaverton Legion Branch 135 – Community Services Award

💙 Nourish & Develop Foundation (TDNF) – Social Development Award

🏅Sherri Parr – Sports & Recreation Award

🙌 Ken Jackson Sunderland Lions Club– Volunteer of the Year

♿ George Pilgrim – Brock Accessibility Award

Your leadership, passion, and dedication make Brock a stronger, more vibrant community. 💛 Thank you for everything you do! Read the full News post at townshipofbrock.ca/news

Brock Libraries

 October Book Club Pick

Yellow Wife 

This month, we’re reading Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson, a gripping historical novel about Pheby Delores Brown, a young woman born into slavery in 1850s Virginia. Promised freedom on her 18th birthday, she instead faces the horrors of a notorious slave jail, navigating survival, love, and motherhood under unimaginable circumstances.

When: Saturday, October 25th at 10:00 AM

Where: Sunderland Library Branch

Join us for a thoughtful discussion!

Looking for something fun to do this month? Look no further than the Township of Brock Community Event Calendar. October has many exciting events for you to check out!

Organizations are encouraged to submit your event request for all upcoming events by visiting the Community Event Calendar

North Durham Nature presents – An Introduction to Queer Ecology

Join naturalist May Matchim on October 28, 2025 7:00 PM at the Uxbridge Senior’s Centre (75 Marietta Street) for a thought-provoking talk exploring Queer Ecology—the study of nature beyond heteronormative and binary frameworks. Discover examples of sex change in amphibians and plants, same-sex behaviour in wildlife, and how biases have shaped scientific research.

May Matchim (she/her) is a Toronto-based artist and naturalist currently directing a documentary titled Understanding Myself as an Amphibian.

All are welcome! Learn more at www.northdurhamnature.com

Durham Region News

Lane restrictions on Lake Ridge Road in the

Township of Brock

Durham Region is advising residents of lane restrictions on Lake Ridge Road (Regional Road 23) in the Township of Brock.

When: Ongoing until November 8. Unfavourable weather conditions may impact the work schedule.

Where: Lake Ridge Road from 340 metres north of Regional Road 12 to the south side of Highway 48 in the Township of Brock.

Why: To complete road paving.

Note: The Region realizes that the work may be disruptive and will make every effort to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drivers are asked to exercise caution for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and work crews

.

To view a live interactive map of current construction projects and up-to-date traffic information, please visit durham.ca/TrafficWatch.

Countdown to DRIFF: Experience the power of

film in Durham Region

Get ready for three unforgettable days of film and festivities. The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) returns October 23 to 25. 

Spanning three venues in Ajax, Oshawa and Whitby, DRIFF 2025 offers a powerful lineup of films from local and international creators. Experience cinema beyond the screen with red carpet photo ops, filmmaker panels and interactive workshops.

DRIFF also keeps ticket prices affordable with $15 admission for opening night and $20 for tickets on days two and three (plus applicable fees).

Festival Overview:

October 23 – Whitby (Centennial Building)

DRIFF kicks off with an opening night VIP Gala reception ahead of the screening of Nika & Madison. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be followed by a Q&A with Director, Eva Thomas, and lead actor, Star Slade.

October 24 – Ajax (St. Francis Centre)

Start the evening off with complimentary food from the Local Culinary Showcase before joining a special effects (SPFX) hair and makeup panel discussion. An International Shorts Programme will follow ahead of the Ontario premiere of the thriller, The Things You Kill, Canada’s Oscar submission for Best International Film.

October 25 – Oshawa (Biltmore Theatre)

The day begins with a free special effects (SPFX) makeup demonstration by CMU College of Makeup Art and Design, followed by the Homegrown Shorts Programme and Q&A with filmmakers. The comedy Racewalkers is the closing night feature, followed by the DRIFF Awards Ceremony and after-party featuring the local band “The Nighthowlers”.

For tickets and full event schedule, visit driff.ca.

Explore Durham’s Open Skies With Our Brand New Discovery Guide 

Durham Tourism's new discovery guide is here, and unveils a whole new look and feel! Open Skies offers inspiration and bucket-list style checklists to help you make the most out of your visit to Durham Region. 

Durham is an easy, quietly surprising, and welcoming weekend getaway—the perfect destination to keep your luggage light and your dollars in Canada. 

Discover delicious eats, must-try experiences, day trip ideas, overnight stays and more, and check your adventures off the list as you go! 



From historic sites to starry nights, our new guide is jam packed with more than 129 fresh ideas for adventures in Durham Region. 

Check out our guide for inspiration 

Final Intake For The CCT Partnership Program for 2025

Durham Tourism's new discovery Applications for the final intake of the Central Counties Tourism (CCT) Partnership Program are still being accepted until December 15. 

The CCT matching-funds program supports tourism businesses, organizations, and event organizers within the regions of York, Durham or Headwaters and covers projects through March 31, 2026. 

New this year is a partnership program for small business support to help local operators access the resources they need to grow and thrive. Don’t miss your chance to secure funding and collaborate with CCT on innovative tourism ventures. 

Start the application process 

Brock is the Smallmouth

Bass Capital of Canada 

    

The Township of Brock is located on the east shore of Lake Simcoe and is officially designated as the Smallmouth Bass Capital of Canada!

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