About The Advocate
Independent, community-rooted journalism for Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes. We tell the stories that matter to our neighbours — in print and online.
The Lindsay Advocate is a locally owned and operated publication dedicated to thoughtful, independent journalism. We believe every community deserves a trusted voice — one that asks hard questions, celebrates local culture, and holds power to account. From council chambers to kitchen tables, we cover the stories that shape life in Kawartha Lakes.
Editors
Rebekah McCracken
Executive EditorRebekah McCracken brings two decades of expertise in customer service, administration, and management. Previously, she owned a retail clothing business in downtown Lindsay. Now, she thrives at Fireside Publishing House, where her diverse responsibilities span writing, editing, content creation, sales, and event planning for Fireside's family of magazines and Kawartha Lakes Weekly.
Trevor Hutchinson
Contributing Editor and Writer-at-LargeTrevor Hutchinson is a writer, musician and not-for-profit executive. He lives in Lindsay with his wife and three of their children.
Writers & Columnists
Denise Waldron
Writer-at-LargeDenise Waldron is a local radio reporter and feature writer for the Advocate and Kawartha Social magazine. She is ordained and marries couples in the Kawarthas. You will find her enjoying the local culture and outdoor amenities in Kawartha Lakes.
Deron Hamel
City HallDeron Hamel has been a writer and journalist for more than 20 years. Aside from covering municipal affairs for Kawartha Lakes Weekly and other feature writing for The Lindsay Advocate, he has worked in newsrooms across Ontario and Manitoba.
Geoff Coleman
Writer-at-LargeGeoff Coleman has been a freelance writer since the days of the Commodore 64. When not fishing or in his woodworking shop, he can be found playing in an as yet undiscovered classic rock band.
Ginny Colling
Environmental ColumnistGinny Colling was passionate about the environment before retiring from teaching college communications students. After retiring she trained with Al Gore's Climate Reality Project. She has presented to numerous groups about the climate crisis.
Ian McKechnie
Writer-at-LargeIan McKechnie is a graduate of LCVI, Trent University, and the Ontario Museum Association's Certificate in Museum Studies program. He handles the popular 'Just In Time' local history column, occasional feature articles, and stories about the local theatre arts scene. A freelance writer and researcher by trade, Ian has compiled and edited three books.
Kirk Winter
Education and SportsKirk Winter is a retired high school history teacher and coach who has had a lifelong interest in sports, education, and politics at all levels.
Lisa Hart
Writer-at-LargeLisa Hart was raised in Rosedale in a multi-generational, local family of well drillers. She began her writing career by freelancing for children's magazines and continues to craft reading comprehension and vocabulary materials for kids. She is an occasional writer for The Lindsay Advocate and Kawartha Lakes Weekly newspaper.
Nancy Payne
Writer-at-LargeNancy Payne grew up on a farm near Reaboro and now lives northeast of Lindsay. A magazine editor, a former CBC Radio producer and a freelance writer and editor, she never ceases to be amazed at the fascinating people and places of Kawartha Lakes.
Robyn Best
ReporterRobyn Best was raised in Lindsay and has recently graduated from Carleton University's journalism program. With a love for storytelling and a dedication to her work, Robyn is looking forward to getting reacquainted with the community and reporting on the people, events and issues that matter to the Kawartha Lakes.
Sarah Fournier
Creative Director – Print MagazinesSarah Fournier is the Creative Director of magazines for The Lindsay Advocate, Kawartha Social, and Play Stay Live. She's also a Creative Director/Partner at Colour and Code, a marketing, website, and design agency in Lindsay. With a background in PR and a passion for storytelling and design, she also writes feature stories for the magazines. Originally from Toronto, she moved to Kawartha Lakes with her husband on a whim 10 years ago and has never looked back.
Suseth Allen
Advocate Online Editor & ColumnistSue Allen moved to Lindsay in 2000, completing her last two years at I.E. Weldon S.S. For seven years, she owned and operated her own wedding and events planning company in Toronto. With her extensive background in business and marketing she looks forward to using her coordination and people skills to work with columnists and writers, particularly to benefit newcomers to the city.
Guest Columnists
Sales & Marketing
Cara Baycroft
Marketing SpecialistWith decades of experience in multi-media advertising and film, Cara has helped businesses craft impactful marketing strategies. A University of Toronto graduate, she has worked with award-winning magazines and newspapers and is proud to collaborate with the Fireside team to produce top-quality publications.
Darren Hoiting
Marketing SpecialistDarren Hoiting grew up vacationing in Kawartha Lakes and made the permanent move to the region in 2018. Darren enjoys meeting new people, exploring the region, playing sports, and discovering the best local food. Passionate about supporting local businesses and building connections.
Photographers
Sienna Frost
PhotographerSienna Frost, born and raised in Lindsay, is a lifestyle and portrait photographer. She is also an early childhood educator allowing her to easily capture photos of children and families. She operates Frost Quality Photo, her studio on the outskirts of Lindsay.
Digital Team
Kimberley Durrant
Web DeveloperKimberley Durrant is the only team member with the Advocate who doesn't have a local connection, but her inspiring web development has made her integral to the team. Kim's impressive background and skills, including her Master's degree in Data Analytics, demonstrate her dedication to delivering high-quality work.
Our Story
A Conversation Over Coffee
The Lindsay Advocate began as a conversation between a handful of journalists and community members who believed Lindsay deserved better local coverage. With the closure of several area papers, a gap had opened — and a small group decided to fill it.
First Print Issue
In the spring of 2019, The Advocate published its first print edition — a 24-page broadsheet distributed free at cafes, libraries, and community centres across Kawartha Lakes. The initial run of 3,000 copies sold out within days.
Digital Expansion
When the pandemic shuttered public spaces, The Advocate pivoted quickly to digital, launching a website and weekly email newsletter that reached thousands of readers who were hungry for reliable local information during an uncertain time.
Print Returns, Stronger
With community support and a successful reader-funded campaign, The Advocate returned to regular print publication — now a monthly magazine format with deeper features, photography, and opinion. Circulation grew to 8,000 copies per issue.
Award Recognition
The Advocate was recognized by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association for excellence in local reporting, feature writing, and editorial design — a milestone for a publication that started with a volunteer staff and a borrowed printer.
Looking Ahead
Today, The Advocate is read by more than 15,000 people each month across print and digital. We're investing in investigative reporting, expanding arts coverage, and building partnerships that keep our journalism free, fair, and rooted in the community.
What We Cover
Local Journalism
Council meetings, municipal budgets, infrastructure, and public services — the news that directly affects daily life in Kawartha Lakes.
Arts & Culture
Galleries, theatres, music, literature, and the creative communities that give Lindsay and the Kawarthas their distinctive character.
Community Voices
The people, volunteers, and grassroots organizations doing vital work — often out of the spotlight — to make our region a better place to live.
Business & Economy
Small business, downtown renewal, agriculture, tourism, and the economic forces shaping the future of rural and small-town Ontario.
History & Heritage
The built heritage, archives, and collective memory that connect Lindsay's past to its present — and inform how we plan for the future.
People & Places
Profiles, photo essays, and feature stories about the individuals and landscapes that define life in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Get Involved
Whether you want to stay informed, support independent journalism, or partner with us — there's a place for you at The Advocate.