City of Peterborough to Kick Off Irish Heritage Month With Flag-Raising Ceremony on Monday

The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and Nine Ships 1825 Inc. are hosting a flag-raising event at City Hall starting at 11 a.m. on Monday as part of the celebrations for Irish Heritage Month. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Cahal Sweeney, the Vice Consul General of Ireland in Toronto is also attending the event.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held starting at 2 p.m. on March 15 on George Street, from City Hall, 500 George St. N., travelling south to Lansdowne Street. 

Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement recognizing Irish Heritage Month in the City of Peterborough:  

“March is Irish Heritage Month in Canada. It’s a time to recognize, celebrate, and honour the remarkable history, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Canadians of Irish descent. 

Irish immigrants and their descendants have helped shape communities across our country, including here in Peterborough. Last year, our community marked the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Immigration, which brought 2,000 settlers to the Nogojiwanong-Peterborough region in 1825. Their legacy has endured. Through their contributions to public service, education, business, arts and culture, and community leadership, Irish Canadians have played an important role in building the city we know today. 

As we recognize Irish Heritage Month, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we recognize the deep cultural roots of Irish Canadians in our community and beyond. 

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I extend my warm wishes to all those celebrating Irish Heritage Month.”

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Peterborough Seedy Sunday Is Back March 8

The 21st Peterborough Seedy Sunday seed sale and swap will take place March 8 at the Peterborough Square Mall.

photo courtesy of Peterborough Seedy Sunday.

The seed sale and swap is a place to get all the knowledge, tools and resources needed to get growing for the season.

There will be a diversity of locally grown heirloom vegetable, flower and herb seeds, vermicomposting supplies and bulbs available for perusing and purchase from local farms and vendors. These locally grown seeds are adapted to the local climate and grown to thrive in your farms and gardens.

Community groups will be displaying information about their work and providing visitors opportunities to get involved with local food, farming, water and environmental programs and to answer questions about gardening, seed saving and growing this season.

Seedy Sunday is a free event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and everyone is welcome.

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Irish Historical Geographer Named Grand Marshall For 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

With the 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade set for March 15 at 2 p.m. in Downtown Peterborough, Irish historial geographer Christy Roche has been named this year’s grand marshall, announced at the Jack McGee Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership on Monday afternoon.

Brendan Moher, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club (left) and Tim Burke, St. Patrick’s Day Parade organizer (right) with Christy Roche on a FaceTime call to address the public with Roche’s book, “From Whence They Came: The Peter Robinson Settlers.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Roche was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1944. He was educated at Grange National School, Fermoy CBS and University College Cork, from where he graduated with a degree in historical geography. He has written about the Peter Robinson immigrant families for the past 35 years.

Roche has given talks in Europe, Canada, the United States, Central America and has contributed historical articles to local newspapers and magazınes. Roche has written and edited several books, including “The Ford of the Apples,” “A Glimpse of Grange” and “From Whence They Came: The Peter Robinson Settlers.”

Members of Nine Ships 1825 suggested Roche to the parade organizer, Tim Burke, who immediately was on board with the recommendation. Selecting Roche continues to ride on the success of last year’s event, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of Peter Robinson, who supervised the emigration of impoverished Irish families to Upper Canada said Burke.

“He’s about as authentic as you can possibly get,” he explained. “We wanted to continue with the momentum they’ve (Nine Ships 1825) created, featuring our Irish heritage, as well as everything Peterborough has to offer.”

The parade is operating in its 26th year, a project Burke wants to continue, as Peterborough is rich in Irish heritage and he believes a parade like this does not exist until you get to around the Toronto area.

“I want to continue building the St. Patrick's Day Parade,” he said. “It's a tradition in Peterborough and it's part of our fabric.”

@ptbo_canada Historical geographer Christy Roche is this year’s Grand Marshall for Peterborough’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day parade! #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #stpatricksday ♬ Irish Dance - Lofi Danny

Returning to the parade is a 5K run along George Street before the parade to raise money for Right to Heal to help those with mental health and addiction issues. The run begins at 1:30 p.m., starting at Roger Neilson Way and turning around at McDonnel Street before completing the circuit at George Street north of Lansdowne Street.

To sign up for the run, contact Dave Dame of Runner’s Life at 705-876-8960 or online. Donations can be given online at Right to Heal’s website.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 9 at 11 a.m. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

Over 70 entries for the parade have been submitted and more are expected to join.

To register for the parade, visit the parade’s website and apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at timburke77@yahoo.com.

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Community Comes Together For Your Creations Bridal Show In Support Of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

The Your Creations Bridal Show event brought together couples, families and wedding professionals to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton at The Venue on Sunday.

Tiffany Daskewich from The Venue and Tina Thornton from YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. photo courtesy of the venue.

Admission proceeds from the show were donated directly to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, supporting the organization’s programs and services. The event raised $150, along with boxes of nonperishable food items.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support both the show and the YWCA,” said The Venue owners Kevin and April Sendel. “As a local family business, giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do. Seeing our guests and vendors come together for such an important cause means a great deal to us.”

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Details Announced For the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Event

The Peterborough Petes and Ontario Hockey League (OHL) have announced the scheduling details for the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects event on Jan. 13 and 14.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

The event will begin with Fan Fest on Jan. 13 at Miskin Law Community Complex, wrapping up with the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The full schedule for the event can be seen below:

Tuesday, Jan. 13: (free to the public)

11 a.m. - Fan Fest at Miskin Law Community Complex

• Booths include Easter Seals, Rebound Equipment Peterborough, Peterborough Tourism, Petes Store

• Steve Dangle Podcast Network will be on-site recording a podcast

2 p.m. - U16 Showcase Game 1 - Team Tavares vs. Team McDavid (Russelle Toyota Pad)

2 p.m. - Team East Practice (CHE Pad)

4 p.m. - U16 Showcase Game 2 - Team Byfield vs. Team Suzuki (Russelle Toyota Pad)

4 p.m. - Team West Practice (CHE Pad)

4:30 p.m. - Team East Autograph Session (Miskin Lobby)

5:30 p.m. - Team West Autograph Session (Miskin Lobby)

7:05 p.m. - GOHL Top Prospects Game (Russelle Toyota Pad)

Wednesday, Jan. 14:

9 a.m. - Team East Morning Skate (PMC) (open to the public)

10:30 a.m. - Team West Morning Skate (PMC) (open to the public)

1 p.m. - U16 Showcase Game 3 - Team McDavid vs. Team Byfield (Russelle Toyota Pad)

3 p.m. - U16 Showcase Game 4 - Team Suzuki vs. Team Tavares (Russelle Toyota Pad)

7 p.m. - Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game (PMC)

Limited tickets are available for the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. Tickets can be purchased online.

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Join Jeff Leal In Mayor’s 2026 New Year’s Levee Held This Sunday

Mayor Jeff Leal and members of Council are inviting the public to the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon of free ice skating, snacks, light refreshments, and friendly discussion.  

“I welcome everyone in our community to join me and members of Council at the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee for an afternoon of fun and meaningful conversations about the priorities for Peterborough over the next few months,” said Leal.” The new year promises to bring exciting changes and opportunities to our community. Remember to bring your ice skates.”  

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Join Jeff Leal In Mayor’s 2026 New Year’s Levee Held On Jan. 4

Mayor Jeff Leal and members of Council are inviting the public to the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 4 at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon of free ice skating, snacks, light refreshments, and friendly discussion.  

“I welcome everyone in our community to join me and members of Council at the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee for an afternoon of fun and meaningful conversations about the priorities for Peterborough over the next few months,” said Leal.” The new year promises to bring exciting changes and opportunities to our community. Remember to bring your ice skates.”  

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Parking Restrictions and Road Closures Downtown During Saturday's Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade

To prepare downtown for the Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade at 5:15 p.m., parking will be restricted in the parade area, including along a section of George Street North, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

No-parking signs will be placed along the parade route on George Street Saturday morning. Parking will be prohibited starting at 1:30 p.m. and parking enforcement related to the parade will be in effect.   

Visitors are asked to follow the parking restrictions in place for the parade.   

Vehicles parked in restricted areas that have not been removed by 1:30 p.m. will be ticketed and subject to tow and impound at the vehicle owner’s expense. Individuals whose vehicles are towed or impounded can call the City of Peterborough Municipal Law Enforcement and Security Services Division at 705-707-3969 on the following business day for information on the towing provider and impound yard location.

The City encourages anyone attending the parade to park in one of the municipal lots or parking garages located near the downtown core.

Municipal parking spaces can be found at: 

• Simcoe parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.

• King Street Parkade at 202 King St.  

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.  

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.  

• Gas Lot at 70 Simcoe St.   

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.  

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.  

The City offers free two-hour parking at all downtown municipal parking lots as part of a holiday parking program sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. Any parking fees voluntarily paid during December are donated to Kawartha Food Share.  

The City reminds residents to follow all on-street parking regulations in effect on other downtown roads, including calendar parking, where applicable. Ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.  

George Street will be closed from Parkhill Road to Brock Street starting at 4:15 p.m. to allow for parade staging.   

The parade begins at McDonnel Street, passing in front of City Hall at 5:15 p.m. Peterborough Police Service will supervise a rolling road closure as the parade travels south on George Street toward Lansdowne Street.   

The following street closures will also be in effect beginning at 4:15 p.m.:   

• Antrim, Edinburgh, Dublin, London, McDonnel and Murray streets will be closed from Aylmer Street to Water Street  

• Princess Street will be closed from George Street to Park Street  

• Aylmer Street will be closed from Lansdowne Street to Romaine Street  

Event volunteers will allow local access on side streets for residents and emergency vehicles.   

The parade ends at Princess Street, where participants will disperse. All road closures are expected to end by 8 p.m.  

Peterborough Transit will begin detouring around George Street beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The following routes are affected:   

• #2 Chemong  

• #4 Weller  

• #6 Sherbrooke  

• #9 Parkhill   

• #22 Blue Community Bus  

• #23 Red Community Bus  

There is a Peterborough Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday evening starting at 7:05 p.m. With the Santa Claus Parade affecting traffic in the area, including a road closure on Aylmer Street between Lansdowne Street and Romaine Street, those attending the game are encouraged to plan for extra travel time. The arena doors open at 6 p.m.

With increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is reminded to use caution while travelling in the downtown area on Dec. 6.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Third-Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This Friday Evening

Quaker Foods City Square is getting a little brighter as the community is invited to the third-annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy ofthe Peterborough DBIA.

Put on by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the City of Peterborough, the event features family-friendly activities, festive entertainment and local vendors.

Attendees can browse goods from local makers, enjoy hot chocolate and BeaverTails pastries, and celebrate with live DJ entertainment throughout the evening.

“The tree lighting has become a cherished gathering point for our community to kick off the holiday season,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “There is something very special about gathering together downtown on a December evening to enjoy local treats and warm drinks, discover unique gifts from our businesses, take in the music and watch the tree light up downtown with your neighbours.”

Mayor Jeff Leal will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. The event will also feature the return of the illuminated ‘Peterborough’ sign.

“The tree lighting ceremony is a wonderful reminder of the warmth, connection and generosity that define our City,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I invite everyone to join us at Quaker Foods City Square as we come together to share in the holiday spirit, celebrate one another and welcome a season filled with light and hope.”

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26th Anniversary of "In From The Cold" Benefit Concert Returns In Support of YES Shelter

The ‘In From The Cold’ benefit concert is celebrating its 26th anniversary with two performances at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 5 and 6 in support of the YES Shelter.

Photo courtesy of Yes Shelter.

The shows run on at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The performances gather local musicians to perform holiday music with a blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter songs.

This year's lineup features:

• Carried Away – an acoustic string and vocal band known for rich harmonies and creative arrangements of seasonal favourites.

• Convivio Chorus – a dynamic choral ensemble whose performances fill the hall with warmth and joy.

• The Claveer Cousins – bringing lively, heartfelt energy to the stage.

• Special guest Benj Rowland – nationally known, locally-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who brings a haunting voice and an innate gift for melody to his unique brand of alt-folk music.

“I’m so pumped to have Benj join us this year,” says John Hoffman, In From the Cold co-founder. “His take on any song is always interesting and distinctive so he fits right in with our ongoing passion to present great, rootsy seasonal music you won’t hear at any other Christmas show. I know our audience is going to love what Benj brings to the table.”

The proceeds go to YES Shelter for Youth and Families, to help provide safe shelter, support and hope for youth and families experiencing homelessness in our community. 

In From The Cold tickets are available for purchase at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre or online.

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