Reaching one hundred issues feels a wee bit magical. When we launched the Advocate nine years ago, we hoped Kawartha Lakes would embrace a publication that had a particular interest in social policy issues. What we didn’t expect was just how much our community would grow, change, and challenge us to keep evolving. And evolve we have. 

A magazine refresh 

You’ve likely noticed some subtle changes in this magazine. Cleaner lines, more breathing room, a design that reflects our evolution. But the biggest changes aren’t only on the printed page. They’re online — two new websites, one for the Advocate and one for Kawartha Lakes Weekly, each with a distinct purpose, each part of a larger vision for local journalism. 

What we didn’t expect was just how much our community would grow, change, and challenge us to keep evolving. And evolve we have. 

All-new Advocate Online 

Advocate Online was recently launched at lindsayadvocate.ca and has been completely refreshed. Spend a few minutes there and you’ll see just how much more we’re doing. Our columnists alone offer a cross-section of the conversations happening in our community. Jason Ward explores mental health with honesty and insight. New Advocate Online Editor Sue Allen brings her thoughtful “life after 40” perspective in The Other Side. Brittany Taylor’s Bridges to Understanding tackles Indigenous reconciliation with clarity and compassion. Geraldine Silva is now writing a column focused on newcomers to our area — an essential lens as Kawartha Lakes continues to welcome people from around the world. 

And that’s just the columns. City news is more robust than ever. We’re covering more stories, more voices, more issues that matter, with deeper analytical pieces. I want to be clear with you – these offerings are not usually available in the print magazine. You must visit the website to read them. The truth is that we simply can’t fit everything into one magazine anymore. That’s why Advocate Online has become a weekly destination. If you’re not visiting, you’re missing out on a big part of what we do. 

Kawartha Lakes Weekly – Subscriptions are coming 

Meanwhile, kawarthalakesweekly.ca now stands on its own as a website for immediate journalism, like breaking news, events, and expands upon our print newspaper. Speaking of the print newspaper…so many of you have asked about restoring home delivery to rural areas after PostMedia stopped distributing our paper. We listened, and the offer is coming soon! (Even the Advocate will also be available by subscription for those who prefer guaranteed delivery, something you’ve requested for a long time.) 

Now, I’d like to ask you something about this magazine. Pick up your pen — or dust off your typewriter, keyboard, tablet, or computer — and write to me. Tell me, in a sentence or three, what the magazine has meant to you over these past nine years. And what could we do better? Your reflections will help shape the next hundred issues. 

To be 100 editions in, we are truly humbled. We know you’ve given us your trust, and we are determined to keep earning it, week after week, story after story. Here’s to 100 more.