Fleming College Opens Registration For Fully Funded Healthcare Training

Registration is open for Fleming College’s two fully funded health-care training opportunities in partnership with Scarborough Health Network (SHN).

The initiative is led by SHN, with Fleming College serving as the training partner, and is supported by a $2.2 million investment from the Government of Ontario through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Starting in the winter of next year, the Accelerated Personal Support Worker training and Rural and Remote Nursing micro-credential will prepare new personal support workers and help current nurses develop specialized skills for rural and remote care.

The training opportunities include:

• Personal Support Worker - Accelerated (certificate): Participants will complete 12 weeks of theory-based instruction followed by a paid, 300-hour work placement. The accelerated format will prepare learners to enter the workforce quickly and confidently. 

• Rural and Remote Nursing (micro-credential): Registered Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners will complete three asynchronous courses concurrently over 15 weeks. The training will help participants strengthen the specialized skills needed to provide care in rural and remote communities. 

Tuition is free for eligible participants. Personal support worker learners also receive paid placements and stipends and other supports will help eligible participants overcome financial and personal barriers to completing their training according to Fleming.

The College expects the project to train 80 new personal support workers and provide specialized training to 30 Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. Recruitment will focus on eligible domestic participants, with targeted outreach to women, new Canadians racialized people and members of underserved communities.

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Fleming College Encourages the Public to Drop In For Its Open House

The public is invited to explore Fleming College during two Open House events this fall at its Sutherland and Frost Campuses.

File Photo.

Fleming will showcase its industry-recognized programs and hands-on learning opportunities on Oct. 30 at the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough and on Nov. 7 at the Frost Campus in Lindsay, the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy (EOETA) in Norwood, and the Haliburton Campus.

The Sutherland Campus Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers programming that combines morning academic sessions with afternoon interactive experiences. The Peterborough Humane Society is also open during this time for those interested in learning about Fleming’s Veterinary Technician program. 

The Open House at the Frost Campus, Haliburton Campus, and EOETA runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features guided campus tours, information sessions, and hands-on demonstrations.

At all locations, visitors can tour campus facilities and residences, meet faculty and current students, and connect with support areas including Financial Aid, Student Success, Indigenous Student Services, Residence, Accessible Education Services, Athletics and Recreation, Health Services, and Career Services. Admissions and student recruitment staff will also be on hand to offer one-on-one advising and on-the-spot application assistance.

Register for Fall Open House today at flemingcollege.ca/myopenhouse.

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Students Explore City of Peterborough Services During Local Government Week

Students get to celebrate Local Government Week until Oct. 24, highlighting the important role of local government and the services residents rely on every day. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Recognized annually across Ontario in collaboration with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, Local Government Week helps build understanding of how municipalities operate. 

The week also recognizes municipal employees' work and promotes awareness of the wide range of careers available in local government. 

As part of Local Government Week, local students will get a behind-the-scenes look at municipal operations and learn about City services and the work involved in delivering them to the community through tours and site visits organized in collaboration with school boards. 

“One of the best ways to understand local government is to see the work happening firsthand,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Whether students are learning about the equipment that keeps our City operating, exploring aviation, discovering local history or seeing what goes into running a major community facility, these experiences show just how many different skills and careers contribute to serving our community.” 

Local Government Week provides an opportunity to learn more about the people, services and facilities that support the community. 

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Fleming College Launches Online Security Guard Preparation Training Course

Fleming College Continuing Education has launched a new, fully online Ontario Security Guard Preparation Training course in partnership with Ontario Security Hub, a Ministry-licensed security training provider for an Ontario Security Guard License. 

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Designed to meet the curriculum requirements set by Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB), the 40-hour course prepares individuals for the provincial licensing exam and the real-world demands of the private security sector.

According to Fleming, industry-relevant content helps students build a strong foundation in professional security practices, legal authorities and responsibilities, emergency response procedures, communication skills, and public safety protocols.  

To receive a Training Completion Number (TCN) required to take the provincial licensing exam, students must complete the Ontario Security Guard Preparation Training and hold valid Basic First Aid certification from a WSIB-recognized training provider, which can also be completed through Fleming Continuing Education. 

Fleming’s Ontario Security Guard Preparation Training is now open to anyone aged 18 years or older who is legally entitled to work in Canada. Once students receive enrolment confirmation, they can begin training modules within 48 hours.  

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Maclean's Ranks Trent University #1 In Ontario For Scholarships and Bursaries

Trent University has been named Ontario's top mid-sized university for scholarships and bursaries in the Maclean's 2027 University Rankings, ranking first in Ontario and fourth in Canada in the category. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The Maclean’s results demonstrate that as more students are choosing Trent University, we remain a leader in providing the supports students need to succeed,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. “For more than a decade, we've expanded our programs, research and career opportunities for students while preserving the personalized, supportive learning environment that defines the Trent experience.”

With the rankings different this year, a new size-based classification system was introduced.

Trent is ranked among Canada's mid-sized universities, becoming one of only two institutions to move from the group previously categorized as Primarily Undergraduate (now called ‘small’) into the new Mid-Sized category.

Trent also received the following rankings: 

• #2 in Ontario and #3 in Canada for Student Services 

• #2 in Ontario for Medical/Science Grants

• #3 in Ontario for Faculty Awards

“We continue to invest in scholarships, supports and campus communities that help students thrive from the moment they arrive on campus and through the legacies they create,” said Bruce.

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Fleming College's Phoenix Cup Returns This Wednesday to Showcase High School and College Basketball

Following Fleming College’s inaugural Phoenix Cup in February, the event returns this Wednesday to the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre to showcase high school and college basketball.

The Phoenix Cup is designed to bring the community together through sport while highlighting the depth of talent across local high school and varsity programs. This event continues Fleming’s commitment to partnering with local high schools and sports organizations, with future events including competitions across multiple sports. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The senior girls’ matchup is at 3 p.m., with Crestwood Secondary School taking on St. Peter Catholic Secondary School. At 4:30 p.m., the junior girls’ teams from Crestwood and St. Peter face off. The event concludes with the Fleming Phoenix men’s varsity basketball scrimmage at 6:15 p.m., as the team prepares for its regular-season opener on Oct. 24.

Phoenix Cup Schedule:

• 3:00 p.m. – High School Senior Girls: Crestwood vs. St. Peter

• 4:30 p.m. – High School Junior Girls: Crestwood vs. St. Peter

• 6:15 p.m. – Fleming Phoenix Men’s Varsity Scrimmage

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Fleming College's New Healthcare Program to Advance Plans After $500,000 Anonymous Gift

Fleming College has expanded its healthcare programming with a new Medical Imaging Technology program, supported by a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor to fund the facilities, equipment and technology needed to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s Board of Governors has endorsed a proposed Medical Imaging Technology program, marking an important milestone in the College’s healthcare expansion plans.

Medical Imaging Technology would join the College’s planned Medical Laboratory Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technologist programs, with Fleming targeting the introduction of all three programs by Fall 2028, subject to required approvals.

The programs are being developed in response to growing workforce pressures across the healthcare system and needs identified by regional healthcare partners, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

“Healthcare providers across our region are telling us clearly where the workforce gaps are, and Fleming has an important role to play in helping address them,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College interim president. “Advancing Medical Imaging Technology represents another important step in our healthcare expansion. Together with our new medical laboratory programs, it will create new opportunities for students while building a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals for hospitals and healthcare organizations in our communities.”

According to Fleming, the need is particularly significant in medical laboratories. They note that Canada continues to face demand for laboratory professionals as the workforce ages and healthcare needs grow. Fleming’s healthcare expansion strategy identifies more than 31,000 projected job openings for medical laboratory technologists and assistants across Canada between 2024 and 2033, with nearly 30 per cent of the workforce already age 50 or older.  

PRHC has also identified recruiting and retaining laboratory professionals as a growing challenge in the region. In a letter supporting Fleming’s MLA and MLT programs, PRHC said staffing shortages can increase workloads, lengthen laboratory turnaround times and delay diagnosis and treatment. It also noted that training students locally increases the likelihood graduates will remain and work in the region.  

“Medical laboratories are an integral component of the healthcare system, with the vast majority of clinical decisions relying on laboratory testing,” said Dr. Katie O’Reilly, PRHC Medical Director, Laboratory Services. “Ensuring an adequate workforce of well-trained MLAs and MLTs is essential to maintaining high-quality, timely diagnostic services for our patients.”  

Medical imaging is another area of growing regional need. PRHC has identified increased demand for diagnostic imaging services and a need for additional professionals in ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI.

“Demand for diagnostic imaging has grown dramatically across our region, with the volume of tests at PRHC nearly doubling over the past decade,” said Noel Bennett, Interim President and CEO, Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “Having enough skilled professionals to meet that demand is critical to ensuring physicians have timely access to the diagnostic information they need to make clinical decisions and supporting the high-quality care our patients deserve.”

The expansion builds on Fleming’s long history of healthcare education. Over the past decade, more than 12,000 healthcare professionals have graduated from Fleming, and healthcare programs currently account for more than one-quarter of the College’s full-time student population.  

“A Medical Imaging Technology program at Fleming College would help build that workforce here at home, creating opportunities for students while strengthening healthcare capacity for the future,” said Bennett. “We’re pleased to expand our collaboration with Fleming, and see it as essential to addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages in our region.”

The need for additional healthcare professionals is expected to grow further as the region’s population ages. Fleming’s planning projects significant growth among older age groups in its catchment area over the next decade, including a 28 per cent increase in the population aged 75 to 79 and a 51.8 per cent increase among those aged 80 to 84.  

Supporting the expansion will require significant investment in specialized facilities, equipment and technology. An anonymous donor has committed $500,000 to help Fleming move that work forward, including investments in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, simulation facilities and technology, and HyFlex learning environments designed to expand access for mature and remote learners.

“It is very gratifying to support Fleming’s healthcare expansion efforts,” said the anonymous donor. “The addition of new programs and improved access for learners will help more young people pursue meaningful and critically needed careers in healthcare. There are few opportunities where you can invest in the lives of young people while also helping to strengthen our healthcare system and, ultimately, the health and well-being of our entire community. I would encourage other donors who care about the future of our community to consider supporting Fleming College.”

Fleming’s broader healthcare expansion includes planned investments in new laboratory infrastructure, simulation and diagnostic equipment, flexible learning technology and financial support for students. These investments are intended to support the programs now in development while creating additional capacity to respond to future healthcare workforce needs.  

“This extraordinary gift gives Fleming important momentum as we work to expand healthcare education in areas where the need is clear and growing,” said Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations. “Meeting that need will require continued partnership among Fleming, government, healthcare organizations and donors, and this generous support is an important step forward.”

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Ontario Government Funding Over 1,500 More Seats With $38 Million at Trent University to Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers

The Ontario government has invested $38 million to fund 1,504 additional seats at Trent University to connect more students to good-paying, in-demand careers, announced on campus on Monday morning.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) and Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP (left) making one of two funding announcements at Trent University on Monday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, this allocation, which is part of a broader $1.7 billion investment to support a total of 70,000 new seats, supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive economy by continuing to develop a world-class workforce. He added that the high-demand areas receiving additional seats at Trent University include programs in STEM, health and trades, with seats available for student enrollment as early as the fall 2026 academic year.

“Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities,” said Quinn. “This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province.”

This investment is part of the government’s $6.4 billion investment in the postsecondary sector, including $1.7 billion to fund more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high-demand sectors at publicly assisted colleges and universities. This seat expansion is the largest postsecondary seat expansion in more than a decade and aims to help the province stand up to tariffs and economic uncertainty by building a highly skilled workforce to support the most competitive economy in the G7.

The government announced the allocation of the first 30,000 seats in May when it launched a call for proposals for the remaining 40,000 new seats. Colleges and universities worked with their local communities and industries to identify programs that will prepare students for in-demand jobs and meet regional labour market needs. Ontario evaluated proposals based on institutional capacity, local industry needs and student demand to ensure the greatest impact on workforce development and economic growth.

The 1,504 newly funded seats at Trent University include:

• 1,081 seats for STEM programs

• 163 seats for education programs

• 126 seats for health programs

• 134 seats in other labour-market driven programs

“Trent University welcomes the Priority Growth Fund announcement and the Ontario government's commitment to expanding access to university education,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The Priority Growth Fund aligns closely with areas of strength and growing momentum at Trent. As a regionally responsive university, we are committed to preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities, workplaces, and Ontario's future economy.”

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Ontario Government Invests $100 Million For Trent University Student Housing and Academic Infrastructure

The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University, announced on campus Monday morning.

(From left to right) Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor; Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Alena Thouin, Building Ontario Fund Chief Strategy and Operations Officer. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The spaces are the Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence which provides 1,400 student beds and 134,000 square feet of state-of-the-art academic, social, and administrative space. The project is expected to be completed in August 2029.

“This project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Trent University's history and a significant investment in the future of our students, our University, and our community,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

“Protecting Ontario’s future workforce starts with supporting student success inside and outside the classroom,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By expanding academic spaces and student residences at Trent University, our government is ensuring that more students can focus on getting the skills they need to launch rewarding, good-paying careers while continuing to support Trent’s long-term growth and sustainability.”

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity #journalism ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, was thrilled to help get the donation for Trent, saying that it will only have a positive impact on the local economy.

“We know right now that Trent students are spending about $100 million in the economic impact in the greater Peterborough area, with 1,400 more students being able to live on the main campus, that opens up more opportunities then for growth,” he explained. “It means the businsses downtown will have more people who can come and enjoy the things that we have there. It's a great thing for the whole community.”

The $100 million investment will be repaid after the residences are occupied and generating revenue, then reinvested into other projects across six priority areas including affordable housing, energy, transportation, long-term care, municipal and community infrastructure and critical minerals.

“Students come to Peterborough to learn, build connections and begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Smith. “This investment will expand the university’s campus and provide new academic, student and residential spaces that will enhance the student experience and support Trent’s future growth.”

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Head of the Trent 2026 Features New Riverside Experience While Faryon Bridge Undergoes Revitalization

One of Trent University’s signature weekends, Head of the Trent (HOTT), runs Friday to Sunday and features a new riverside experience for this year’s homecoming while the Faryon Bridge undergoes revitalization.

Trent faculty, staff and athletes join the Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough DBIA to help launch the 2026 HOTT. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event brings athletes, alumni, families and community members to enjoy rowing races, varsity games and family-friendly programming. 

“Head of the Trent is a weekend people look forward to year after year, reconnecting them with Trent and the Peterborough region,” said Julie Davis, Trent vice president of external relations, marketing and communications. “This year’s new riverside viewing experience offers visitors a fresh way to be part of this longstanding tradition, whether they are discovering Head of the Trent for the first time or returning year after year.” 

The Faryon Bridge under constuction and revitalization to preserve its structural integrity, support safe daily use and protect its defining architectural features. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The HOTT Regatta is the heart of the event, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club. Over 1,400 rowers from across Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, and the northern United States will compete in one of North America’s premier head races on the Otonabee River running through Trent’s Symons Campus.

Because of the Faryon Bridge revitalization, spectators can watch the regatta along the Otonabee, including Trent’s Founders Walk on the West Bank of Symons Campus. The Student Centre riverside is a primary hub of activity, including the Kids’ Zone. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy free activities including inflatables, lawn games, face painting and visits with animals. Kids can also meet Bluey and Bingo from the hit Australian-based TV show ‘Bluey’ from 11 a.m. to noon and Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Kids enjoying HoTT with Bluey and Bingo in a past event. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Beyond rowing, Trent Excalibur athletes are competing this weekend, with women’s and men’s rugby, soccer, and volleyball in action. 

Food and drink options include a free pancake breakfast, along with health and wellness educational opportunities on the Upper Bata Podium on Saturday. Food trucks are stationed near Bata Library and the campus pub, the Ceilie, is open during the festivities.

Alumni celebrations kick off Friday evening with the Trent Alumni Rowing & Rugby Social at Justin Chiu Stadium. Alumni from two of Trent’s longest-standing varsity programs will cheer on the Excalibur women’s rugby team alongside students and community members. Former Excalibur soccer players return to the field Saturday morning for the alumni soccer game.

Champlain College marks its 60th anniversary during Head of the Trent, with an anniversary brunch, guided college tours and a special Great Hall display featuring photographs, artifacts and stories spanning six decades of college life.

Increased Peterborough Police Service presence will be throughout HOTT and the City. This includes specialized units, such as the Police’s crowd management team, on hand during the festivities.

They will be assisting at any capacity or any location where they're required,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Reesor of the Peterborough Police Service. “We also have an additional (close to) 50 paid-duty officers that are in various points throughout the weekend to also increase our presence and our ability to respond to various locations and various situations that should arrive.”

Reesor assures the public that the additional focus on HOTT will not take away from the station’s regular police duties.

“We're doing this strategically without pulling officers away from their regular shift,” he explains. “The officers scheduled to be on shift aren't being depleted by having these additional officers available.”

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