Nominations Now Open For 2025 Civic Awards

Nominations are now open for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Civic Awards.

file photo.

The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and those who had a positive impact or outstanding achievement in 2025 through sports, arts, culture or volunteer work.  

“The Civic Awards celebrate the dedication and contributions of individuals and groups across our community whose achievements deserve recognition. By submitting a nomination, residents can help honour those whose efforts have made a meaningful and positive difference in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Individuals or groups may be recognized across 12 award categories: 

• Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Athletic Award of Merit 

• Community Betterment 

• Cultural Betterment 

• Environmental Stewardship 

• Holnbeck Award 

• Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Mayor’s Youth Award 

• Senior Athlete of the Year 

• Volunteer of the Year 

• Youth Volunteer of the Year 

Nominees must be residents and/or property owners in the City of Peterborough. Individuals living outside the City may be recognized if they are part of a city-based group or team receiving an award. Nominees for the Holnbeck Award may be residents of either the City or County of Peterborough. All nominees must be volunteers. 

To submit a nomination, visit the website to complete the form and find information on award categories, the nomination process and past winners. Paper copies of the nomination form are also available from the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Nominations will close on Mar. 13 at 4:30 p.m. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

The Cheesy Fromage Owner Tanya Bailey Recognized With Rural Entrepreneur 2026 Award

The Cheesy Fromage owner Tanya Bailey was presented with the inaugural Rural Entrepreneur 2026 by Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs as part of the Rural Inspiration at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) event.

Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith poses with the cheesy fromage owner tanya bailey as she accepts the rural ENTREPRENEUR award. photo courtesy of the Office of M.P.P. Dave Smith.

“Tanya Bailey and the Cheesy Fromage embodies the spirit of rural Ontario,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson. “Rural small businesses like Cheesy Fromage are what keeps rural Ontario moving. It is rural small businesses in our rural communities that make Ontario the economic engine of Canada. That is why it is so important to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is found each and every day in rural Ontario.”

The Rural Entrepreneur 2026 goes to a business that has displayed great efforts in delivering sustainable, local and healthy homemade meal options to assist residents with meal planning and nutrition.

“Tanya’s leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society, steering the 180-year-old organization back from the brink of permanent closure in early 2025, to being a strong voice in the local recovery efforts after the October 2025 fire in downtown Lakefield,” said Greg Bartlett, Vice Chair of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “Tanya has proven that her dedication to the county’s agricultural community extends far beyond the walls of her Queen Street business.”

The Cheesy Fromage is Lakefield’s Original General Store. They promote local, sustainable, healthy meal options that support Lakefield and the surrounding rural communities.

“The success of our rural economy depends on local leaders like Tanya who bridge the gap between our farmers and our dinner tables,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith. “By revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society and championing sustainable food through The Cheesy Fromage, Tanya has created a blueprint for rural innovation.”

“I am very blessed to have a small business in a rural community which allows me to connect farming, and the production of Ontario cheeses with an amazing community like Lakefield in the heart of the Kawarthas,” said Bailey. “I hope that in some small way I can continue to raise awareness of the hard work of Ontario cheese makers and how they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best cheese producers in the world.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Baseball Association Recognizes Coach of the AAA 8U Tigers with Coach of the Year Award

The Peterborough Baseball Association has recognized Scott Perrin, head coach of the AAA 8U Tigers, with the 2025 Coach of the Year award.

Perrin (Middle) RECEIVING this year’s coach of the year award. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Baseball Association.

Perrin supported the Tigers as they battled their way to the OBA Championship title in front of a packed house at East City Bowl in August.

“None of that would have been possible without the efforts of Scott and the rest of his amazing coaching staff,” said the Peterborough Baseball Association in a Facebook post.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards

Peterborough County is inviting residents to help celebrate the people, groups and organizations who strengthen the community by submitting nominations for the 2026 Community Recognition Awards.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Every two years, the County Community Recognition Awards acknowledge community members who demonstrate dedication, leadership, compassion and innovation across Peterborough County.

Residents may nominate any volunteers, leaders, youth, businesses and organizations living in Peterborough County. Nominees must not have received a Peterborough County Community Recognition Award in the same category within the past 15 years.

Award Categories:

Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business that has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award)

Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in their professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations)

Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors to be used to assess the nomination will include innovations, agricultural promotion, and the recognition the County receives through its operations. It may consist of involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered.

Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award)

Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

• developed innovative green technologies or

• started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
  donated conservation lands or easements or

• undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

• educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

• achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award)

Heritage Preservation: An individual or group that has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community or public or private organization that has reached a significant milestone, such as the 100th anniversary, is also eligible for this award. (One County-wide award)

Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award)

Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available at the Peterborough County office (470 Water Street, Peterborough), local municipal offices, township fire halls, police service boards, schools, libraries, chambers of commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be submitted online through the County website.

Completed and signed nomination forms, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the County Clerk by March 2.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Transit Hit Top Ridership Rankings In Canada

The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) has recognized Peterborough Transit as the top transit system by ridership for populations under 100,000. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

CUTA’s Canadian Transit Wrapped 2025 year in review, released last Tuesday, celebrates notable milestones, achievements and stories from across Canada’s transit sector. The review highlights transit systems that excel in overall ridership, per-capita use, year-over-year growth, and strong performance.  

This year, Peterborough Transit earned top recognition for ridership among cities with populations under 100,000, recording over 3.7 million rides. 

“Being recognized by CUTA is a meaningful acknowledgment of the dedication of our entire transit team,” said Municipal Operations co-chairs Keith Riel and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. “Our drivers, maintenance staff, planners and support teams work hard every day to provide reliable service, and we’re grateful to our riders and the community for their continued support. This recognition highlights the important role public transit plays in our community.” 

“We’re proud to be named number one in transit ridership among Canadian cities under 100,000! Thank you to City Council, Senior Leadership Team, our dedicated drivers and support staff and most importantly, every rider for making this possible,” said Barry Wakeford, Director, Transit Services. 

CUTA connects transit professionals, facilitates knowledge exchange, and provides industry data and research to support the planning, operation, and improvement of transit systems across the country. The association also advocates for the transit sector, promotes best practices, and recognizes the achievements of member agencies through initiatives like awards and year-end highlights.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University Ranked Top Undergraduate University In Canada For International Grants

Trent University has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research universities in the Research Infosource 2025 rankings.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Trent earned three distinctions among undergraduate universities for growth in research funding from international government funders and for strengths in publishing research on natural sciences and climate change.

“Trent’s research community continues to distinguish itself by building meaningful international collaborations that deepen interdisciplinary understanding and expand multinational perspectives on global issues,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president, Research & Innovation. “These collaborations strengthen Canada’s role as an innovative, forward-looking nation—attracting talent, investment, and new opportunities. Research is about discovery. The progression from ideation to innovation fuels economic and social development in ways that benefit communities here at home and around the world.”

In the past year, faculty in Trent’s School for the Study of Canada and the Trent School of the Environment, including Canada research chairs, received several research grants from Norwegian agencies in support of collaborative projects focused on the Arctic. These funding achievements earned Trent Research Infosource’s Winner’s Circle distinctions among undergraduate universities in all three categories related to international government research income.

Trent has also expanded global research collaborations in the past year with support from programs such as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships.

This grant supports connections between faculty and students at Trent with international partners through the International Institute of Environmental Studies to study and address shared natural resource and climate challenges.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Winners Crowned In United Way's Inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraiser

After eight participating restaurants put their cooked patties to the test, United Way Peterborough & District has announced its winners of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at Agave by Imperial on Monday morning.

Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave by Imperial head chef (left) and Angelica Jimenez, Agave by Imperial partner (right) celebrating their victory, claiming the title of “Ultimate Burger of the Year.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The month-long fundraiser saw eight local restaurants, eight Burger Ambassadors, and the community participate. Each restaurant crafted a signature Ultimate Burger to compete for one of several awards.

The following were the participating restaurants: 

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Double Dz's Diner

• Agave by Imperial

• The Vine

• The Loon Lakefield

• The Chemong Lodge

• Pizza Villa & Pasta House

• The Rink Tap & Grill

This year’s Burger Ambassadors were:

• Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

• Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

• Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

• Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

• Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

• Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

• Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

• Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

@ptbo_canada Agave by Imperial is crowned the winner of the United Way’s inaugural Burger Battle! 🍔 🌮🍹 #AgavePTBO #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A combined 1,022 ‘Ultimate Burgers’ were sold, with two dollars from each supporting United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. In total, the inaugural campaign raised $2,065 for programs and initiatives that help ensure individuals, families and seniors have access to essential supports.

“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Ultimate Burger Battle brought together local creativity, friendly competition, and real community spirit. Every burger sold represents not just a great meal, but a direct investment in the well-being of people across Peterborough and the County. We’re incredibly grateful to the restaurants, ambassadors, and residents who made this first year such a success.”

United Way has announced the 2025 winners:

Ultimate Burger of the Year

Agave By Imperial – Cien Fuegos

Double house-made beef chuck patty, spicy queso fundido, jalapeño & bacon jam, caramelized onion, chili oil aioli.

This title was determined by United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings and overall execution.

Most Ultimate Burgers Sold

Double Dz’s Diner – The Big D (207 Ultimate Burgers sold)

Featuring a fresh 6oz ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double smoked bacon, signature whiskey sauce, peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.

People’s Choice Ultimate Burger

Pizza Villa & Pasta House – The United Way Burger

Melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, a six-ounce beef patty, and melted cheddar.

This title was determined through an online voting form available on the United Way’s website – diners were encouraged to visit the online page after trying each burger to crown their favourite.

Russell stated that he wants to do this fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he said. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Name 2025 Paul Harris Fellowship Recipients

The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha recognized local community members for their leadership and service contributions with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, presented at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday night.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Named after Paul Harris, the Rotary International founder, the recognition is for locals who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self through their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area or the world at large.

”Presenting the Paul Harris recognition together allows our clubs to honour these recipients as part of a wider Rotary family,” said Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president. “It reinforces that our achievements in service aren’t confined to individual clubs—they’re part of a larger, collective effort to create lasting change.

The following local community members were awarded Paul Harris Fellows:

Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions towards youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Linda Calverley: Having spent the past 25 years shaping the lives of girls through the Girl Guides of Canada. Linda has mentored girls from ages 9 to 17 across multiple units. She’s supported fellow leaders, organized camps and events, and inspired generations of girls to be confident, capable, and compassionate. Linda has lead adventure trips to Scotland and the UK, organizing national camps, and creating experiences that have broadened young minds and built lifelong friendships.

Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community.

• Ashley Bonner: As the founder of the East City Community Hub, a grassroots network that began by helping vulnerable neighbours with errands and groceries, Ashley has supported local businesses, organized neighbourhood events, and rallied volunteers in times of need. Her signature project the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale, created in honour of her late mother, has grown to over 100 participating homes.

Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community.

• Lorne M. Hamilton: When the Kawartha Woodturners Guild lost their meeting space at St. Peter’s High School, Lorne reached out to potters, weavers, gourders, and other craftspeople, and together they formed what became The Artisan’s Centre Peterborough. With Lorne’s leadership, they found a home in Peterborough Square, a space that still buzzes today with creativity, learning, and community spirit. From children’s programs to accessible workstations for those in wheelchairs, Lorne’s vision has made art more inclusive and inspiring for everyone.

Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent with Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Marcus Ferguson: Through his work with YourTV, Marcus has become the unseen historian of Peterborough. From city council meetings and charity fundraisers to sporting events and Rotary gatherings, he’s been there with his video camera, capturing the people and moments that shape who we are. Comparable to the Trent Valley Archives or the Roy Studio Collection, one could say the digital video archive Marcus has built will hold that same importance, telling the story of our community.

Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Steve Paul: As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, a small grassroots effort to keep our parks, trails, and neighbourhoods clean, Steve Paul has grown his endeavour into community-wide movement focused not just on picking up litter, but on rethinking how our city reduces waste, recycles, and reuses materials. Among his many initiatives is organizing the collection of used writing instruments and used pill bottles diverting hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste from our landfills.

Club Service for the Rotary Club of Peterborough: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

• Eric Steinmiller: As the co-chair of the club’s international service committee, Eric is a world traveller and a leader in developing and funding Rotary’s humanitarian projects in Nepal and Honduras.

Club Service the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

• Len Lifchus: A dedicated Rotarian for over 26 years, Len has faithfully served his club in many capacities most notably serving as club Secretary, President, and leading the club’s major funding projects. He has also served on the boards of numerous not-for-profits in the community.

On behalf of each recipient, the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha said they will donate the equivalent of $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

The Nine Ships 1825 Inc. project also received a certificate of appreciation for their work and the community engagement created, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University French Studies Professor Given Governor General’s Literary Award For Translation

Trent University’s coordinator and professor of French Studies, Dr. Sylvie Bérard, has been awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation for her translation of The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai, a science fiction novel reimagined in French as Les Sœurs de la Muée, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Sylvie exemplifies the intellectual and creative excellence that is fostered at Trent,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Her achievement reflects the power of language and imagination to connect cultures and ideas, a remarkable contribution to Canada’s bilingual and literary landscape.”

The Governor General’s Literary Awards, presented annually by the Canada Council for the Arts, celebrate the best in Canadian literature across seven categories in both English and French. Professor Bérard shares the award for translation (English to French) with her partner and long-time collaborator, Suzanne Grenier, marking the duo’s eighth translated work together.

“I feel like I am floating on a cloud. To be seen and heard by peers at this level is profoundly affirming,” said Bérard. “It also gives this wonderful book and its ideas a new life and visibility in French. The universe created by Larissa Lai in The Tiger Flu is quite unique, so this is the kind of translation that really benefits from teamwork.” 

This is Prof. Bérard’s second nomination for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation. She received her first nomination for her translation of another Larissa Lai novel, Salt Fish Girl (Le fruit de la puanteur). She is also the recipient of a Trillium Book Award for Poetry in 2018 and a Trillium Book Award nomination in 2021, further solidifying her standing among Canada’s most versatile literary voices. 

The award-winning translation, completed over two years, required both scholarly research and artistic creation. Set 120 years in the future, Les Sœurs de la Muée demanded the creation of new terms, including the noun ‘Muée’ in the translation’s title and cultural references that feel authentic to French readers while remaining faithful to the English original. 

“When you translate science fiction, you don’t just translate the words. You translate the history of ideas, the imagined future, and the nuance of worlds that another writer has created,” said Prof. Bérard. “Translation is about recreating an entire universe so that readers in another language can inhabit it naturally. We don’t want people to feel like they are reading a translation. We want people to feel like they are reading a great book, and that requires a love for the work that you’re translating and needing to immerse yourself in the author’s original work.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Royal Canadian Legion Names Peterborough Woman 2025 National Silver Cross Mother

The Royal Canadian Legion has named Peterborough’s Nancy Payne a recipient of the 2025 National Silver Cross Mother, announced on Monday.

Payne grew up in Peterborough and has graduated from St. Peter Catholic Secondary School and St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

With the honour, Payne represented all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Tuesday.

She laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all bereaved military families. She will continue to serve in this role throughout the year, attending national events that honour the Fallen.

Her son, Corporal Randy Payne, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006.

“I just want people to know about him, and I don’t want people to forget him,” she said.

Corporal Randy Payne. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Her husband, David, and eldest son, Chris, also served with the Canadian Armed Forces. Military service is a long family tradition for her, dating back to the First and Second World Wars.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Mrs. Payne attended St. Anne CES and St. Peter CSS. She became a hairstylist and then a personal support worker and activity director in Gananoque.

For nearly two decades, Mrs. Payne has honoured her late son’s memory through the ‘Captain’s Award,’ presented each year to a Gananoque Secondary School student who demonstrates leadership, athletic ability and academic excellence — qualities her son embodied as a beloved hockey player and team captain according to the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board.

As the 2025 National Silver Cross Mother, Payne says it is a privilege to represent families who have experienced such profound loss.

“Never forget what they did for us,” she explained. “They gave their lives, we can’t forget that… we have what we have because of them.”

She and her husband reside in Lansdowne. Her hobbies include quilting, knitting and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.