Pathway of Fame Announces Its Inductees For 2026
/The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced its class of 2026 Inductees to be honoured at Showplace Performance Centre on Sept. 15.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
City's Summer Soundtrack Begins Saturday with Return of Peterborough Musicfest
/By Scott Arnold
Gowan headlines opening night of Peterborough Musicfest's 39th season Saturday at Del Crary Park, with local artist Irish Millie opening the evening on the side stage, as part of the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco.
local musician irish millie will kick off the 39th season of peterborough musicfest with a 6:30pm performance on the side stage, followed by gowan on the main stage at 8pm (photo from facebook, via irish millie
A sure sign of summer in Peterborough is almost here.
The 39th season of Peterborough Musicfest kicks off Saturday night, June 27th, at Del Crary Park, bringing thousands back to the waterfront for another summer of free live music under the stars.
Canadian rock icon Gowan will headline opening night at 8 pm, marking his fourth appearance at Musicfest and the return of one of the festival's most requested performers.
Fans can expect to hear favourites including A Criminal Mind and Moonlight Desires when Gowan takes the stage Saturday night.
gowan will headline the opening night of peterborough musicfest on saturday, june 27th, at 8pm at del crary park (photo provided by peterborough music fest)
For Peterborough Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito, opening night is the payoff after months of work happening behind the scenes.
"We're super excited," said Melito. "Opening night is just going to be incredible. We have Gowan coming back for his fourth appearance at Musicfest, so we're super excited to have him back and have everyone else back at the park too."
While concertgoers may only see the finished product, planning for each season begins almost as soon as the previous one ends. Fundraising, sponsorships, coordinating with the City of Peterborough and securing performers are all part of the year-round effort that helps make the festival possible.
raff melito and the entire peterborough musicfest crew have been working hard to get ready for the kickoff to the 39th season (photo by scott arnold)
Saturday's festivities will get underway well before Gowan takes the stage. Food vendors will be set up beginning around 5 pm, with happy hour specials available between 5 pm and 6 pm. The Cogeco Future Sound Series side stage follows at 6:30 pm, showcasing emerging talent before the main concert.
That stage will belong to local artist Irish Millie, who will have the honour of helping launch the 2026 season.
"It's just fantastic," she said. "I'm so honoured to be playing with a bunch of incredible artists. Just such a great lineup this year. I feel really honoured to be representing Peterborough at Peterborough Musicfest."
The performance comes during a busy stretch for the rising musician. Fresh off a trip to Europe, where she performed at Sweden's Lilla By Festivalen after winning the Breakthrough North2North artist challenge, Irish Millie is preparing to head out on an East Coast tour. Her Musicfest appearance will be her final local show before leaving for the month-long run of dates.
Growing up in Peterborough, Musicfest was a fixture every summer, making this opportunity especially meaningful.
"It feels like such an honour," she said. "The only reason I'm here is because Peterborough supported me so much. To be playing Musicfest in Peterborough is just so sentimental to me."
irish millie will perform in front of the hometown crowd to kickoff the new season of musicfest on saturday (photo from facebook, via irish millie)
Fans attending the side-stage performance can expect a high-energy mix of fiddle music, singing, storytelling and plenty of interaction with the crowd.
"There is definitely a comedy component to my act," she said. "There will be some banter with me and my dad, Murray. There will be tunes on the fiddle, but then I'm also going to be doing some singing, some storytelling and just trying to get people up dancing and having some fun."
The show also comes shortly after the release of her new single, Alison, a tribute to her first music teacher, Sally Pierce, who helped inspire her lifelong love of music.
For Musicfest, opening night is about more than just the artists on stage. It's about bringing the community together for another season along Little Lake.
the free musicfest concert series will begin on saturday at del crary park, right beside little lake in peterborough (photo by scott arnold)
Melito says visitors can make an evening of it by arriving early, enjoying the food vendors, checking out the Future Sound Series performance and taking part in the popular 50-50 draw before the main stage lights come on.
And as always, admission is free.
"I don't know that you can see Gowan for free anywhere else, or any of our other artists for free anywhere else," said Melito. "So that's definitely another great reason to come down."
Following Saturday's opener, Musicfest will continue throughout the summer with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night at Del Crary Park.
Want to be part of opening night from some of the best seats in the park? We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets for Saturday's concert. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for contest details and your chance to win.
Ontario Government Invests $56 Million to Fleming College For Post-Secondary Education Expansion
/To protect students’ access to education and successful careers, the Ontario Government has invested $56 million into Fleming College announced on Friday.
Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.
This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
“This historic $56 million investment represents a vital commitment to the future of our region,” he said. “By delivering this targeted support directly to Fleming College, our government is ensuring that local students can continue to access world-class education right here at home. This funding provides the long-term stability needed to keep our postsecondary sector strong, while empowering the next generation with the practical skills required for rewarding, high-demand careers.”
“Fleming College plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and community leaders” said Laurie Scott, Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock MPP. “This investment will help ensure students continue to benefit from high-quality education and hands-on training while strengthening the college’s long-term sustainability. By supporting Fleming today, we are helping build a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for future generations to launch rewarding careers right here in Ontario.”
The investment helps ensure that Fleming College can keep preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in fall 2026, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education.
According to the Ontario Government, through this new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in fall 2026.
“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this significant $14 million average annual investment in Fleming College, provided over the next four years,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President, Fleming College. “This funding will provide important stability for the College as we continue to focus on our students and their success. By investing in career-focused education and training, the province is helping ensure Fleming graduates are prepared with the skills they need to succeed in rewarding, in-demand careers and contribute to the communities and industries that depend on them.”
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Two Teens Charged With Pointing Firearms; Third Person Charged With Uttering Threats
/Three people, including two teenagers, are facing charges, including pointing a firearm at a victim, with a third person charged with uttering threats over two incidents overnight Friday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 11:50 p.m., officers were called about an incident that had happened at a residence in the Parkhill Road and Monaghan Road area. They learned that the victim had attended the residence to pick someone up when two other people came out and started verbally threatening the victim. One had also pointed a firearm at the victim while making a verbal threat. The victim fled the area in their vehicle.
Officers canvassed the area but did not locate the suspects.
At approximately 1:10 a.m. on Saturday, a call for service came in about two teenagers with firearms at a business in the Chemong Road and Bellevue Street area.
Officers attended and located several people matching the description given to police walking in a parking lot. They were taken into custody without incident. During a search after arrest, officers seized three BB guns.
The 24-year-old Ottawa woman wanted in connection with the previous incident was with the group and was taken into custody.
While in custody, the 17-year-old girl became aggressive and kicked and scratched officers.
As a result of the investigation:
A 17-year-old Peterborough girl was arrested in connection with both incidents and charged with:
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Pointing a Firearm
Assault with a Weapon
Uttering Threats - Cause Death or Bodily Harm
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Assault a Peace Officer X2
The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to not possess any weapon(s) as defined by the Criminal Code (for example but not restricted to: a BB gun, pellet gun, firearm, imitation firearm, cross-bow, prohibited or restricted weapon, ammunition or explosive substance or anything designed to be used or intended for use to cause death or injury or to threaten or intimidate any person).
The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Saturday.
A 15-year-old Peterborough boy was arrested in connection with the incident at the business and charged with:
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Carrying concealed weapon
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on July 27.
A 24-year-old Ottawa woman was arrested in connection with the incident at the residence and charged with:
Uttering Threats - Cause Death or Bodily Harm
The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Saturday.
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Peterborough Petes Complete 2026 Development Camp
/The Peterborough Petes officially wrapped up their annual Development Camp on at the Miskin Law Community Complex on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Connor Massie and the Peterborough Petes.
A total of 40 players attended the camp, playing three games over two days.
The following are the results of the three games:
Game One:
Team Maroon 3-2 Team White
Maroon Goals - Nathan Slack, Kaden Koutroulides (2)
White Goals - Chase MacKay, Vinny Laccona
Game Two:
Team White 7-6 Team Maroon
White Goals - Chase MacKay (2), Mason Quinn (2), Vinny Laccona, Colton Lapierre, Brandt Rooyakkers
Maroon Goals - Cale Williams, Marco Nichele, Kaden Koutroulides, Brody Robertson (2), Landon Roulston
Game Three:
Team Maroon 6-2 Team White
Maroon Goals - Nolan Gerow (2), Ty Civello, Anthony Farace (2), Brody Robertson
White Goal - Liam Hayes, Evan Vukelic
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Lakefield Unveils Veterans Memorial Crosswalk Marking 100 Years of Remembrance
/By Scott Arnold
A new downtown crosswalk in Lakefield is honouring generations of service members while marking a major milestone for the local Royal Canadian Legion.
A Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield was unveilled over the weekend (photo courtesy of peterborough county)
Peterborough County, Selwyn Township and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield have officially unveiled the Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield, creating a permanent tribute to local veterans and their service.
The unveiling took place on June 20, 2026, with veterans, community members and invited guests in attendance. The crosswalk also marks the 100th anniversary of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield.
The ceremony was emceed by Legion President Lorna McDonald and included remarks from Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis, MPP Dave Smith and Keith Knott of Curve Lake First Nation. The Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party and local veterans also took part in the event.
local veterans were on hand for the unveilling of the Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield (photo courtesy of peterborough county)
The project was completed through a partnership between the Lakefield Legion, Peterborough County and Selwyn Township. The County supported the road marking installation, while the Township assisted with the unveiling as part of the Legion’s centennial celebrations.
McDonald said the crosswalk had been a long-standing goal for the branch and was especially meaningful to complete during its 100th anniversary year. She said the tribute is intended to express gratitude to veterans who have served or are still serving.
During the ceremony, Second World War veterans from the Lakefield Legion were escorted as part of the formal proceedings, followed by other veterans and members of the Colour Party.
it was a special day in lakefield at the unveilling of the Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield (photo courtesy of peterborough county)
Officials say the crosswalk will serve as a year-round reminder of the service and sacrifice of veterans in the Lakefield area, while also highlighting the importance of local partnerships in supporting remembrance initiatives.
Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark said the crosswalk is a meaningful tribute that honours veterans while creating a lasting symbol for residents and visitors. Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis said it offers an opportunity to reflect on sacrifices made in defence of freedom and to ensure that legacy is carried forward.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Lakers Bitten by Kodiaks in Cobourg on Sunday Night
/By Scott Arnold
A five-goal run in the second period proved too much for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers to overcome in a 13-9 loss to the Cobourg Kodiaks on Sunday night.
newest laker ryan lanchbury (7) had a strong debut for peterborough with two goals and two assists (photo courtesy of peterborough lakers, via anna taylor)
The Lakers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals from Mike Robinson and Colton Armitage, but Cobourg responded and eventually took control of the game.
After the teams were tied 3-3, the Kodiaks scored five straight goals in the second period to build an 8-3 advantage. Peterborough battled back and cut the deficit to two goals late in the game, but Cobourg answered with the final two goals to secure the victory.
Ryan Lanchbury made his Lakers debut after being acquired from Oakville and led Peterborough with four points, scoring twice and adding two assists.
Robinson and Taite Cattoni each scored twice, while Rob Hellyer, Colton Armitage and Colton Armstrong added singles.
Deacan Knott started in goal before being relieved by Drew Hutchison in the second period. The two netminders combined for 51 saves.
The Lakers will look to rebound quickly when they return home Thursday night to host Brooklin at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for PRHC Night. The team will wear special jerseys for the occasion, which will be auctioned off after the game in support of the PRHC Foundation.
The loss puts Peterborough at 4-4 on the Major Series Lacrosse season, sitting at fifth place in the standings.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Routine Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Underway In the City of Peterborough
/Routine fire hydrant flow testing is underway in the southwest quadrant of the City until July 24 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
Testing helps assess the performance of the water distribution system to support safety and water loss prevention.
Testing will take place in the following areas:
West of Park Street to the city limits
South of Sherbrooke Street to the city limits
During flow testing, some residents may notice temporary discolouration of their tap water due to disturbed sediment in the water distribution system. The water remains safe for consumption. If discoloured water is detected, run the cold water tap closest to the water source for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
For City of Peterborough Water Services inquiries, including discoloured water and watermain breaks on public property, call 705-748-9301, extension 1295, during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, call 705-748-9300.
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Peterborough Lakers U22 Girls Strike Gold Again in Whitby
/By Scott Arnold
The Peterborough Lakers U22 girls team added another championship to its season over the weekend, winning the Whitby Girls Tournament.
the peterborough lakers u22 girls are champs once again after a nail biting win over the host whitby warriors
The Lakers opened the tournament Friday with a 9-3 victory over the Burlington Blaze before falling 12-7 to the host Whitby Warriors.
Peterborough bounced back on Saturday with a 6-0 win over the Gloucester Griffins, then defeated the Barrie Bombers 8-3 on Sunday to earn a spot in the championship game.
In the final, the Lakers got a chance to face Whitby again and made the most of the opportunity, edging the Warriors 8-7 to claim the tournament title.
The championship follows another successful weekend earlier this season, as the Lakers also captured the Barrie tournament title on the final weekend of May.
The championship roster included Stella Burke, Claire Chambers, Marielle Collins, Payton Crough, Claire Crowley, Abby Drinkwalter, Christie Evans, Chloe Fife, Natalie Foster, Aly Gemmiti, Addisyn Hartwick, Jocelyn Jessup, Avery Johnston, Avery Mann, Madeleine McInnes, Skylee Nicholson and Ashlea Whyte. Goaltenders Emma Fisher and Zoey Quinlan also helped lead the team to victory.
The team is coached by Nicci Johnston, with assistant coaches Lexie Kinmond, Kelsey McWilliams and Hayley Bartlett. Jaelyn Terrion serves as the team's trainer.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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A Community United Around One Message: Right Support, Wrong Location
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough residents gathered outside the former Carnegie Avenue fire hall Saturday morning, sending a clear message to City Hall that while they support helping people experiencing homelessness, they believe the recently approved winter shelter has been placed in the wrong location.
organizers estimate over 300 people were in attendance for a community gathering on saturday, at the old fire hall on carnegie, to discuss the recently approved winter shelter (photo by scott arnold)
The community gathering, organized by the North End Community Alliance, drew a large crowd to the site where Peterborough City Council recently approved a six-month winter shelter to operate from Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.
Residents lined Carnegie Avenue carrying signs, sharing concerns and speaking with elected officials about a decision many say was made without enough public consultation.
Yet despite the frustration and emotion on display, one message echoed throughout the gathering.
This was not a protest against helping unhoused residents.
It was a call for a different location.
“This is not about whether assistance should be provided,” organizers stated in a press release issued following the event. “It’s about identifying the best location, making responsible use of public resources, and developing a shelter strategy that serves both those in need and the wider community.”
The former fire hall at 161 Carnegie Avenue was approved by council in a 9-2 vote earlier this month. Northcrest councillors Andrew Beamer and Dave Haacke were the only members of council to oppose the location.
Among the concerns raised Saturday was the shelter’s distance from many of the services its users would likely need to access.
According to information shared by organizers, the city has budgeted approximately $162,000 for transportation to move shelter users between the site and support services elsewhere in the city.
group spokesperson mary-ellen meyers spoke with ptbocanada during the community gathering on saturday at the shelter location on carnegie avenue (photo by scott arnold
Mary-Ellen Meyers, spokesperson for the North End Community Alliance, said many residents question whether that approach makes sense.
“We have had comments of concern,” she said. “Concern it’s not the right location for the people who require housing for the winter. It’s not anywhere near the services that they access.”
Meyers said residents have also expressed concerns about the site’s proximity to a seniors’ development, nearby family housing and Riverview Park and Zoo.
“People are very concerned that this is the wrong location,” she said. “We need to have some place that’s a better solution for everyone.”
The alliance’s press release notes the city plans to spend approximately $576,000 annually on the six-month shelter operation, in addition to about $20,000 in startup costs.
Questions about those expenditures were frequently discussed throughout the gathering.
Residents said they want greater transparency around the decision-making process, including what alternative locations were evaluated and why they were ultimately rejected.
“We really haven’t had much in the way of feedback as to what were the alternate sites they looked at,” Meyers said. “We’re asking for that information.”
organizers of the gathering were passing around a petition regarding the shelter site location at the old fire hall on carnegie (photo by scott arnold)
Another issue repeatedly raised throughout the gathering was the shelter’s proximity to the Riverview Park and Zoo.
The site sits directly across from Riverview Park and Zoo, one of Peterborough’s most visited attractions, drawing more than 300,000 visits annually from local families, schools and tourists.
A recurring point throughout the gathering was the belief that the discussion has been misunderstood by some members of the public.
Several residents said they’ve seen comments suggesting the zoo shouldn’t factor into the debate because many of its attractions are closed during winter months.
Organizers pushed back on that notion.
While features such as the splash pad, miniature train and some seasonal attractions shut down during the colder months, the zoo itself remains open year-round and continues welcoming visitors throughout the winter.
For those gathered Saturday, that distinction matters.
“Even if you don’t live in the North End, this is Peterborough’s zoo,” said Northcrest Ward council candidate Paul Lawton. “People come from all over to visit it.”
one of the concerns that kept coming up on saturday was the shelter’s proximity to the riverview park and zoo (photo by scott arnold)
Lawton said residents have repeatedly told him they feel their concerns have not been taken seriously.
“Compassion is important. Having compassion on the homeless is important,” he said. “But it should not come at the cost of public safety and, more importantly, the public being informed.”
Lawton said many residents feel council moved ahead without adequately consulting the neighbourhood or publicly explaining what alternative sites were considered before settling on Carnegie Avenue.
“They’re faced with a city council who seems to have made a decision without consulting them, without looking at proper alternatives and are just really bulldozing ahead,” he said.
northcrest ward candidate paul lawton was at saturday’s gathering to discuss concerns with residents (photo by scott arnold)
One of the strongest themes throughout the morning was the distinction between opposing homelessness supports and questioning where those supports should be located.
Meyers repeatedly emphasized that residents support helping people who need shelter.
“The main message is that it’s a good idea,” she said. “We don’t object to the idea of housing for homeless people. It’s just the wrong location.”
Lawton echoed that sentiment.
“Residents are worried if they have any kind of opposition to shelters that they’re going to be automatically shouted down as not compassionate, as uncaring,” he said.
“But compassion means also having compassion on residents who live in the area. Compassion goes both ways.”
He added that what he heard Saturday was not opposition to helping people experiencing homelessness.
“What I’m hearing from the residents here is, no, we do have compassion. We don’t want anybody left out in the winter, of course. I don’t want to live in that kind of city, that kind of country. But we need to choose these locations more carefully.”
northcrest ward councillor andrew beamer was on hand to answer questions and discuss the overnight shelter that was approved at the old fire hall on carnegie avenue (photo by scott arnold)
Councillor Andrew Beamer, who voted against the shelter location, described the turnout as evidence that many residents remain deeply concerned.
“About 300 here today,” he said. “A lot of legitimate concerns from the neighbours.”
Beamer said the message he heard most often was straightforward.
“Right idea, but wrong location.”
He pointed to concerns ranging from transportation costs to safety and the site’s location near the zoo.
“I think not only in this neighbourhood, not only in Northcrest Ward, but throughout the city of Peterborough, residents are saying it’s the wrong location.”
Beamer acknowledged that council has already approved the shelter through the upcoming winter season, meaning the decision is effectively final for this year.
However, he said many residents are now focused on ensuring the location does not become a longer-term solution.
“One of the big concerns is this will eventually become permanent,” he said.
signs were visible on carnegie avenue for drivers to see as they passes by, with many motorists honking their horns in support of the group (photo by scott arnold)
The North End Community Alliance is now encouraging residents to continue voicing their concerns through a newly launched petition calling on the city to review the location decision, publicly disclose alternative sites that were considered and develop a longer-term strategy for addressing homelessness.
Organizers say homelessness remains a city-wide challenge that requires thoughtful, sustainable solutions.
Saturday’s gathering was never intended to argue otherwise.
Instead, residents said they wanted to demonstrate that support for vulnerable individuals and concerns about location are not mutually exclusive.
it was a large turnout as community members gathered at the old fire hall on carnegie (photo by scott arnold)
