Registration Opens For Fall Recreation Programs Open This September

Residents can register for the City of Peterborough’s fall recreation programs starting this September.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Registration for fall recreation programs and swimming lessons opens at 7 a.m. on Sept. 2. Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can register for Sport and Wellness Centre programs at 7 a.m. on Sept. 1.  

Registration for Peterborough Museum and Archives programs opens at 7 a.m. on Sept. 2. Registration for programs at the Art Gallery of Peterborough is now open. 

“Fall is a great time to try something new or add something fun to your schedule,” said Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “With new programs and plenty of returning favourites, this is the perfect opportunity to get active, learn a skill or make some new friends. There are so many ways to get involved this season, and we hope residents find a program that gets them excited to jump in.” 

New programs offered include Shinny programs for seniors and youth, adult leisure excursions, a Friday Night dart league for adults, afterschool programs for youth and Aquatic Leadership programming.  

Peterborough Recreation offers pickleball programs for all abilities, along with drop-in and registered fitness classes such as Pilates, tennis, learn-to-skate, and instructional hockey programs, as well as creative youth programs like dance, science, art and judo. 

Registration is available online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. or by calling 705-742-0050. 

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Trent University Introduces New Tuition Framework For International Ph.D. Candidates

Trent University is introducing a new tuition framework for international Ph.D. candidates that aligns tuition with the domestic out-of-province rate, strengthening the University's ability to recruit exceptional doctoral researchers and supporting Canada's efforts to attract and retain world-leading research talent, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“International Ph.D. students make invaluable contributions to research and academic life at Trent University,” said Dr. Craig Brunetti, dean of Trent’s School of Graduate Studies. “Their skills and perspectives strengthen scholarship across disciplines, through their own research investigations and funded research positions alongside leading faculty at Trent. This initiative reflects Trent’s commitments to fostering a globally connected research environment and supporting Canada’s talent recruitment initiatives focused on bringing international researchers to the country to advance knowledge and innovation.”

According to Trent, the tuition framework strengthens its ability to participate in national efforts to attract and develop world-leading research talent, including initiatives such as the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. It also responds to growing demand for highly qualified professionals across Canada's research and innovation sectors, as Ontario is expected to require more than one million university-educated workers over the next decade, particularly in science, technology and health care. 

Trent is currently home to Ph.D. students from 16 countries. The new tuition framework strengthens the University's ability to attract outstanding scholars from around the world while expanding research capacity across programs including Environmental & Life Sciences, Material Science, Cultural Studies, Psychology Canadian Studies, Indigenous Studies and Interdisciplinary Social Research. 

International doctoral candidates also contribute to Trent's research ecosystem and to Canada-wide priorities. Trent's new international Ph.D. tuition framework helps bring global perspectives to diverse research investigations by making studying in Canada more accessible. This aligns with Canada's efforts through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to attract top doctoral students by eliminating the requirement of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and implementing an accelerated processing time for initial study permit applications. 

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Trent University Researchers Awarded Over $3.2 Million for STEM Projects

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded more than $3.27 million to 14 researchers at Trent University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The money comes from the latest round of Discovery Grant research funding.

“These awards reflect Trent University's longstanding strength in scientific research and our extraordinary researchers,” said Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, interim vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent University. "Trent faculty lead the way in scientific questions with real-world impact, and I am thrilled about their well-deserved recognition.”

NSERC Discovery Grants & Supplements
Total awarded: $2,930,000 over five years, plus $75,000 in Discovery Launch Supplements 

  • Dr. Carolyn Baer, Psychology: Uncovering the Structure of Confidence Representations in Childhood

  • Dr. Katharine Clark, Mathematics: Robust Model-Based Clustering Methods for Complex Data

  • Dr. Huy Dang, Trent School of the Environment: The Ecological and Climate Implications of Rare Earth Elements as Critical Elements

  • Dr. Paul Frost, Biology: Lake Stoichiometry in a Changing World

  • Dr. Robert Huber, Biology: Lysosomal Enzyme Trafficking in Dictyostelium discoideum

  • Dr. Maggie MacPherson, Biology: Quantifying and Explaining Loss of Bird Migration with Global Change

  • Dr. Joseph Northrup, Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program: Drivers and Consequences of Habitat Selection

  • Dr. Makhdumabanu Farukali Saiyed, Computing & Information Systems: An Intelligent Framework for Adaptive Cyber Defense and Decision Support in Mission-Critical IoT Networks

  • Dr. Peter Sues, Chemistry: Controlling the Secondary Coordination Sphere in Calixpyrrole Systems: Uncovering the Effects of Catalyst Microenvironment on Small Molecule Activation

  • Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil, Chemistry: Developing Sustainable Systems for Adsorption, Isolation and Destruction of PFAS

  • Dr. Autumn Watkinson, Trent School of the Environment: Ecological Theory for Predictable Restoration: Stress, Facilitation, and Coexistence in Plant Communities

  • Dr. Marguerite Xenopoulos, Biology: Patterns and Drivers of Ecosystem Metabolism in Freshwater Ecosystems

  • Dr. Janet Yee, Biology: Gene Expression in Giardia lamblia

NSERC Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) Grants Program
Total awarded: $274,352 

  • Dr. Huy Dang, Trent School of the Environment: On-site High-Resolution Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring Station for Environmental and Climate Research

  • Dr. Cheryl McKenna Neuman, Trent School of the Environment: Malvern Laser Particle Size Analyzer (LPSA) for Materials Characterization

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Summer Recreation Program Registration Opens In June

The City of Peterborough is opening registration for its summer recreation programs in early June.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough

Registration for summer recreation programs opens at 7 a.m. on June 10. Peterborough Sport and Wellness members can register for Sport and Wellness Centre programs beginning at 7 a.m. on June 9. 

“The summer months are a great opportunity for residents to stay active, connect with others and enjoy the many recreation opportunities available throughout Peterborough,” said Community Services Co-Chair Councillor Lesley Parnell. “From youth programs and instructional sports to fitness classes and adult leisure activities at the McDonnel St. Community Centre, these programs help residents of all ages and abilities make the most of summer in our community.” 

Public registration for summer swimming lessons opens at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 5 and at 7 a.m. on July 4 for Sport and Wellness Centre members.

A full list of recreation programs can be viewed at peterborough.ca/rec.  

Registration can be done online at peterborough.ca/registerrec. Residents can also sign up in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or by calling 705-742-0050. 

Registration for the City’s day camp programs remains open throughout the summer.

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Free Fishing During Mother's Day Weekend

Ontario is offering families a chance to cast a line and enjoy the outdoors together for free during Mother’s Day Weekend, this Saturday and Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Fishing is a great way for families to make unforgettable memories while enjoying the outdoors,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Free fishing weekends are an opportunity to check out Ontario’s top‑notch fishing and take part in a timeless tradition that brings people together right across the province.”

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province, according to the Provincial Government.

All conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations still apply during the free fishing weekend.

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Disc Golf Tournament at Escape Maze Raises Funds For Youth Program and Local Food Bank

Disc golfers, puzzle enthusiasts and community supporters are invited to the Escape Maze’s Otonabee Disc Golf Course on April 4 for a charity tournament combining sport and adventure; raising funds for the Ontario Disc Sports Association’s Little Hyzers youth program.

Photo courtesy of escape maze.

“This event is really about community,” says Escape Maze organizer Angelica Haggert. “Disc golf is one of the most welcoming sports out there, and the Little Hyzers program makes sure kids can participate regardless of financial barriers. Pairing that with food donations for Kawartha Food Share means we’re supporting both youth recreation and families in our own community.”

Registration is $20 per player, with all proceeds supporting Little Hyzers youth programming. In addition to tournament play, participants and spectators are encouraged to bring canned food donations for Kawartha Food Share, helping provide essential supplies to local food banks across the region.

"Capitalizing on the success of previous fundraisers in the GTAH, Missed Mando is excited to bring this initiative to eastern Ontario to serve a new population of players," says Missed Mando podcaster Sean Galbraith. "We want disc golfers to have a wildly hilarious, yet challenging fun experience, while also supporting youth participation in this easily-accessible sport."

Throughout the day, Escape Maze will also offer additional fundraising activities, such as drop-in laser tag sessions and afternoon escape room bookings with proceeds going toward the Little Hyzers program, giving visitors extra ways to participate in the cause.

The tournament is designed to be accessible to players of all experience levels, from seasoned competitors to newer players looking to enjoy a casual round for a good cause.

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Registration Opens This Week for The City’s Spring Recreation Programs

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s spring recreation programs opens on March 11 and March 25 for aquatics programs.

file photo.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. for both March 11 and 25.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can register for Wellness Centre programs a day early, beginning March 10 at 7 a.m., and beginning March 24 at 7 a.m. for aquatics.

For more information on the City’s spring recreation programs, including fees, policies and the City’s recreation fee subsidy, visit the website.

A full list of aquatic programming is available online. Aquatic programs fill up quickly, and early registration is encouraged. 

Registration for all programming can be done online or in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) or by calling (ext. 2201).

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City of Peterborough Releases List of Activities For March Break 2026

The City of Peterborough has released a list of activities for March Break starting next week.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“March Break is the perfect time to get out and enjoy a little adventure close to home,” said Community Services co-Chairs Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell.  “With free skating opportunities, swimming and drop-in programs, and engaging activities across the city, there are plenty of ways for residents to stay active and enjoy time together right here in Peterborough.” 

Several free public skates are taking place at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

There is free drop-in swimming on Sunday at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other drop-in swimming and sports sessions take place at the Wellness Centre throughout the week. 

Residents can pop by the Peterborough Museum and Archives to check out the Carnivorous Dinosaurs exhibit and participate in dino-themed activities taking place throughout the week.  

The Big History Show, a puppet show with Glen Caradus, takes place at the PMA on March 22 at 2 p.m.  

The Riverview Park and Zoo will be open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk throughout the week, with a special scavenger hunt taking place on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A full list of events, including times and prices, can be found online

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Last Day of Ice Skating At Quaker Foods City Square Is This Saturday

The last day for ice skating on the outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square will be Saturday, announced by the City of Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Skating at the outdoor square is weather-dependent. Warmer temperatures are forecasted for the weekend, and the rink may close on Friday if the ice cannot be maintained.  

Temporary, intermittent closures of the rink may occur during the remainder of this week if ice conditions are deemed unsafe due to the weather.  

The outdoor rink opened for the season on Dec. 13.  

During the spring and summer months, Quaker Foods City Square becomes a hub for community events, including the Peterborough Regional Farmer’s Market that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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Family Fun Fest This Family Day at the YMCA

Spend Family Day at the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch with Family Fun Fest event activities, sports and crafts Feb. 16.

file photo.

Gym Stations Available for all Ages

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NHL Shoot Out - Come see if you can score on staff in the NHL Street Shoot Out

Archery - Ready, Aim, Steady, test your skills with a new archery set

Tot’s fun and play - Activities and games that promote physical development, coordination and healthy habits in a playful, engaging environment for parents and children.

Youth Drop-In Programs

10 to 10:45 a.m.: Wiggles and Giggles with Dance for ages 3-8

Simple dance routines and activities that build rhythm, coordination and confidence while having fun with friends

11 to 11:45 a.m.: Sports of All sorts for ages 3-12

Drop-in to try a variety of sports, build skills and teamwork, and stay active

12 to 12:45 p.m.: Dodgeball for ages 6-12

Dodge, run and play while having fun building skills in teamwork, sportsmanship and strategy

1 to 2 p.m.: Big Ball games (Omikin ball) for ages 6+

Explore upgraded ball games such as ball tag, no net volleyball and more with the Omikin Ball; a super sized ball for ages 6 and up

Admission is by donation to the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Suggested donation is $20 for families and $10 for individuals.

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