A lot of people were talking about the weather in the Kawartha Lakes in 2025. The year began with a cold winter, then an unforgettable ice storm at the end of March that created a state of emergency. Two straight days of freezing rain coated the landscape in a thick crust of ice. Ice covered tree tops were so heavy that trunks and branches began snapping under the weight. In forested regions trees were constantly breaking. The sound was like a gunshot, followed by the noise of the ice crystals falling… over and over, all day long. Countless trees fell on transmission lines as power was knocked out across the region and many people were without electricity for more than ten days. There were not enough generators to go around as some local stores auctioned off the few they had in inventory at prices well above retail. Just about every chainsaw sold at the same time and many local residents are still cleaning up the mess.

A summer drought meant that many lawns in the region were yellow by August.  Then forest fires broke out, including ones near Burnt River and Kirkfield. Road 49 had to be closed, as fire crews battled the blazes. All were contained and did not spread to the nearby settlements. The winter snows came earlier than in recent years and stayed for the month of December.

Despite all the weather events, the Kawarthas were as busy as usual in the summer. Thousands of people came out to enjoy events like Canada Day, Santa Day, the Festival of Trees, local fairs and the Fenelon Falls Car Show. We hope you enjoy these favourite photographs of 2025!