City Council Endorses $57 Million Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre; Council to Commit 33 Per Cent of Cost Towards Project

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City Council endorsed a financial structure for the new Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre (MUSEC) project to replace the Peterborough Memorial Centre at their meeting on Monday night.

Mayor Jeff Leal showing support for the new centre at his initial press conference at the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Council endorsed a motion to direct the following:

  • That Council commit 1/3 of the cost, approximately $57 million, towards the Events Centre project;

  • That staff be directed to provide a report identifying the funding plan to finance this $57 million commitment including amendments to the City's debt limit;

  • That staff be directed to initiate proactive advocacy and explore options to acquire the remaining 2/3 of the cost, approximately $114M, from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Peterborough, private sector partners, fundraising, naming rights and sponsorship opportunities, and non-debt supported sources;

  • That staff be directed to provide Council with a report detailing options for funds from non-debt supported sources; and

  • That $1.7M be pre-committed in the 2027 budget to include a project manager position, site studies and preliminary consultant services.

Staff provided a number of options related to the approval and construction of the MUSEC in the report for Council's consideration. These options range from not proceeding to partial and full financing approval. 

Council has previously approved the MUSEC's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street.

The Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre (MUSEC) project was initiated in 2018 with two feasibility studies. Previous studies have considered features, the expected project timeline, cost-benefit analyses of upgrades to the current Peterborough Memorial Centre versus a new building, a market analysis, and locations.

Council has previously considered developing a new sports and entertainment complex to replace the Peterborough Memorial Centre and support economic development, tourism, and community recreation objectives. Preliminary estimates indicate a total project cost of approximately $170 million, inclusive of construction, soft costs, and contingencies.

The current report evaluates options for next steps with information on various considerations, such as:

  • Debt capacity

  • Ability to finance the City's ongoing capital program

  • Long-term financial risk and sustainability

  • Municipal tax rate

  • Credit rating

Three financing scenarios are analyzed in the report:

  • Determining the maximum amount the City can reasonably afford within the City’s current debt capacity and seeking funding partners for the balance

  • Financing the full project cost by increasing debt issuance up to the Provincial Annual Repayment Limit

  • Funding $100 million through the sale of City assets and debt financing the remaining $70 million

Options presented for Council consideration include:

  1. Approve the project moving to a Concept Confirmation and Further Site Development Phase - funding the next phase of design specification, without a commitment to move forward with the full project

  2. Approve financing to the maximum of the existing debt limit policy and seek partnerships - committing $30 million debt capacity toward the project, and pursuing private sector partnerships to finance the remaining portion of the project

  3. Approve financing for 33% of the project and seek remaining funding from other levels of government - committing $57 million towards the project that would require amendments to the City's debt limit, proceeding to the full design phase so that the project can be presented for funding opportunities to other levels of government, pre-committing $8.5 million in the 2027 Budget for the necessary next steps

  4. Financing the entire project through a combination of Asset Sales and debt servicing - a report will be provided to Council at a later meeting on the potential sale of City assets that could be used toward the costs of the MUSEC

  5. Full approval and financing of the project - financing the entire $170 million project cost with amendments to the City's debt limit and pre-committing $8.5 million in the 2027 Budget for the necessary next steps

  6. Do not proceed any further with this project

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PVNC Catholic Mathletes Crunch Numbers For Success At Annual Math Olympics 

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From high-speed multiplication to complex logic puzzles, students were crunching numbers at the annual PVNC Catholic Math Olympics at Holy Cross Secondary School on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC Catholic.

The event was hosted by the PVNC Catholic Math Team, with over 200 students from 22 schools competing.

The Mathletes took a variety of challenges that included the following:

  • The Skills Challenge: A gauntlet of puzzles designed to push critical thinking to the limit.

  • Probability & Strategy: Fast-paced dice games where Mathletes calculated risks in real-time.

  • Number Hive: A buzzing multiplication challenge that rewarded speed and precision.

  • Spatial Reasoning: The legendary estimation jar, where students used their best formulas to guess the coin count.

The results of the competition are as follows:

Grade 3/4

  • 1st Place: St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough

  • 2nd Place: St. Paul CES, Peterborough

  • 3rd Place: St. Mary CES, Campbellford

Grade 5/6

  • 1st Place: St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

  • 2nd Place: St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

  • 3rd Place: St. Anne CES, Peterborough

Grade 7/8

  • 1st Place: St. Anne CES, Peterborough

  • 2nd Place: St. Joseph CES, Douro

  • 3rd Place: St. Martin CES, Ennismore

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JA-NEO Inducts Nine Business Leaders Into City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated and honoured business leaders at its fourth Annual City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The event recognized those who have shaped the region's economic and social fabric, according to JA-NEO.

The following are the 2026 Inductees:

  • Dan Burns (Posthumous) – Burns Bulk Food

  • Greg Nisbett (Posthumous) – Nisbett’s Men’s Shop

  • Jason Willock – Co-operators, Willock Insurance Group Ltd.

  • Ken Found (Posthumous) – Linborough Properties

  • Patricia & Phillip Nieukirk (Posthumous) – The Grand Hotel, The Grand Experience Restaurant

  • Ray DeNure – DeNure Tours

  • Sarah Quick & James Barrett – Globus Theatres

“The Hall of Fame is about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO interim president and CEO. “It’s about recognizing the people who built something meaningful and, in doing so, helped build this community. Their stories are powerful reminders to our young people of what’s possible.”

Proceeds from the event went to Junior Achievement programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes which help equip youth with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Armed Robbery After Brandishing a Knife at a Victim Walking Near Train Tracks

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A 35-year-old Peterborough man is facing an armed robbery charge after an incident near train tracks on Thursday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 10 a.m., a passerby flagged down an officer to report an incident. The officer learned that the man had been walking near the train tracks between Aylmer Street and George Street North when he was approached by another man who brandished a knife at him and demanded his belongings.

The victim handed over several items and then took off. Officers were able to locate a suspect matching the description given to police and he was taken into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Armed robbery

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

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Seven Ladies Honoured at the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber's Luminary Awards For Women In Business

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Seven women in business had the spotlight during the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Luminary Awards at Trent University’s Great Hall on Thursday afternoon.

The Awards celebrated women who reflect the diversity and strength of women in business throughout Peterborough and the area, according to Susan Dunkley, Luminary Committee Chair and Chamber Board Chair.

“The Luminaries are about shining a light on the women who are not only building businesses but shaping our communities and redefining what leadership looks like,” she said. “Their courage, vision and generosity create ripple effects far beyond their own success. When we celebrate women in business, we don’t just recognize achievement; we ignite possibility for others.

The following are this year’s recipients:

  • One to Watch: Michelle Nguyen (New Canadians Centre)

  • Emerging Entrepreneur: Chasley Keepfer (Cheeky Duck Vineyard)

  • Trailblazer: Leanne Crump (Kawrtha Family Health Clinic)

  • Barrier Buster: Ashley Flynn (Blackrock Developments)

  • Community Catalyst: Lois Tuffin (Volunteer Peterborough)

  • Legacy: Dr. Jenny Ingram (Kawartha Centre – Redefining Healthy Aging)

“To be chosen as the recipient of the Legacy award this year just made my day and it’s wonderful,” said Ingram.

@ptbo_canada Seven women were honoured at the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Luminary Awards for women in business! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #women ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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PRHC Performs First Patient Procedure Using Endoscopic Ultrasound

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The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has performed the first patient procedure supported by Endoscopic Ultrasound technology, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

The procedure was performed by PRHC Gastroenterologist Dr. Olufemi Aoko.

According to the PRHC, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an advanced, highly specialized procedure in gastroenterology. It combines an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) with an ultrasound probe to provide real-time, detailed images of a patient’s gastrointestinal tract and nearby organs such as the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder, helping diagnose conditions, stage cancers, and guide biopsies and treatments.

A team of specialists at PRHC offers a broad range of gastroenterology services to a referral population of 600,000 patients across the region, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Dr. Aoko is currently the only specialist at PRHC to perform Endoscopic Ultrasound; the first procedure in Peterborough supported by this new technology took place in March 2026.

“Before EUS was launched at PRHC, we would have had to send patients to other hospitals. The fact that we’re able to offer this procedure means we don’t have to do that, we can perform the procedures right here – it’s a win-win,” said Dr. Aoko. “Having access to this technology was a big selling point for me when deciding to come to Peterborough. This equipment supports me to work at my full capacity, and provides better imaging, allowing for more accurate diagnosis, disease staging, and treatment. It also provides the opportunity to perform biopsies – that’s a key thing. Some of these biopsies would have been done by interventional radiologists in the past, so that makes it exciting.”

Currently, PRHC is the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough to offer EUS as part of its gastroenterology program.

“This is another powerful example of what our community can achieve through generosity,” says Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “Because of our donors, PRHC is able to bring leading-edge technology like Endoscopic Ultrasound to Peterborough, advancing care, expanding PRHC’s Gastroenterology (GI) program, and ensuring patients can access highly specialized diagnostics and treatment closer to home. Investments like this not only transform the patient experience, they also help attract the best and brightest healthcare professionals to our region. We’re grateful to every donor who is helping to build a stronger, more innovative future for care at PRHC.”

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Police Service Launches Program to Crowd-Source Investigative Leads

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The Peterborough Police Service has launched a new web portal to seek the public’s help in identifying people of interest in open investigations, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

According to the Peterborough Police, investigations are often supported by businesses and homes with security surveillance cameras, during which officers attempt to establish the identity of potential suspects. During this process, crime bulletins with photos or videos are created as an investigative aid. For the most part, officers can identify the person of interest; however, in some cases, police will need to turn to the public for help. 

To facilitate the program, the Peterborough Police Service will use its online reporting tool to make crime bulletins available to the public via a portal on the Peterborough Police Service website. 

These bulletins will be posted publicly after all other investigative leads have been exhausted and will remain active for 30 days before being automatically removed.  If an individual is identified prior to the automated expiration date, the bulletin will be removed.

You can find the page online under the ‘Media Section – Help Us Identify.’

“Community safety and feelings of being safe is our top priority. This new portal builds upon the success of the Community F.I.R.S.T. initiative that primarily focuses on responses to property crimes that are low-dollar value, but high-frequency and is a way to reach into our community to achieve this goal in a timely way,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “It is widely recognized that social media is being used as an unregulated means for sharing photos and videos and we are looking to harness this public interest to engage the community in a way that will provide assistance in investigations. I want to stress that the identification process is intended to utilize Crime Stoppers to ensure anonymity of those assisting. The Criminal Code authority for citizens to effect an arrest does not extend to situations where people identify someone from these bulletins, and no one should confront or attempt to apprehend anyone they may recognize, but rather to provide the police with the information.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online. The Peterborough Police ask that you include the Reference Number with your information.

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Peterborough Lakers Trade For Defenceman From Brampton Excelsiors

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The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have obtained right-handed defenceman Liam Patten from the Brampton Excelsiors, along with a fifth-round draft pick in 2027.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Brampton receives Michael Blaymires, Cody Inness, a 2027 third-round draft pick and future considerations.

Last season with Brampton, Patten played 10 games, scoring four goals and four assists with 11 penalty minutes. He previously played with the Cobourg Kodiaks and Victoria Shamrocks.

The 6’1, 200 lb Barrie native was drafted 26th overall by the Calgary Roughnecks in 2017 and has had stops with the National Lacrosse League in Buffalo, Philadelphia and Panther City. He has played the last two seasons back in Philadelphia under former Lakers’ GM Paul Day and current offensive coach Tracey Kelusky.

Patten played collegiate lacrosse at the University of Guelph.

The Lakers schedule is as follows:

  • May 21 vs. Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

  • May 28 vs. Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

  • May 30 at Owen Sound North Stars at 4 p.m.

  • June 1 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

  • June 4 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

  • June 10 at Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

  • June 18 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

  • June 21 at Cobourg Kodiaks at 6 p.m.

  • June 25 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

  • June 29 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

  • July 2 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

  • July 7 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

  • July 9 vs. Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

  • July 16 vs. Oakville Rock at 8 p.m.

  • July 23 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

  • July 24 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

  • July 28 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

  • July 30 vs Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

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Trent Giving Day Raises Over $2.6M in Support of Student Opportunities

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The Trent University community raised more than $121,000 during the 2026 Trent Giving Day, bringing Giving Day contributions over $2.6 million in support of students over the past six years.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Thank you to the Trent community for your generosity that strengthens our student supports and reflects our shared commitment to their future and the momentous impact they will have on the world,” said Sandy Marett, Trent associate vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Launched in 2021, Trent Giving Day is a 24-hour campaign that supports students where it matters most, including on-campus employment, experiential learning, wellness initiatives, scholarships, and enhancements to collegiate and campus spaces.

This year’s campaign saw major support from alumna Joanne Dereta, who increased her matching gift to $18,000.

“Seeing the level of engagement and participation on Trent Giving Day to support Trent students encouraged me to increase my match and gift to the Trent Fund so that even more students can access opportunities and support,” said Dereta.

Trent Giving Day also highlighted the Trent Fund, the University’s most flexible source of support, helping address students’ most pressing needs, including financial assistance, on-campus employment, experiential learning opportunities, and wellness supports.

Tabytha Wells benefited from the Trent Fund by securing on-campus employment that aligned with her research interests in Aging. Wells worked with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and gained invaluable experience launching an intergenerational classroom model that fosters connection between Trent students and older adults.

“My work with TCAS was the ultimate launchpad,” she said. “It gave me the professional velocity to transition from a student to a researcher, providing the skills to ensure that academic work actively makes life more accessible and equitable for our neighbours.” 

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PHOTOS: Helpers Find Their Calling at Volunteer Peterborough's 'Meet Your Match' Volunteer Fair

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As part of National Volunteer Month, Volunteer Peterborough was seeking helpers for 35 community organizations at the ‘Meet Your Match’ Volunteer Fair at Peterborough Square on Wednesday afternoon.

The fair aims to recruit new talent of all ages to support hundreds of non-profits in the region and to create a matchmaking service that helps organizations find prospective volunteers who align with their needs, interests and more.

High school students who need to complete their required 40 hours of community service can earn them through any volunteer organization they register with.

@ptbo_canada Volunteer Peterborough is finding recruits for those who want to give a helping hand for local organizations at their annual “Meet Your Match” Volunteer Fair! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #volunteer ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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