12-Year Old Boy Lands Grand Prize Fish 'Walter' At 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby

It only took roughly 30 minutes for 12-year-old Jonny Patterson to land the grand prize of $1,000 by catching ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Saturday.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register. Photo courtesy of OFAH.

Walter was caught just before noon on Saturday during the youth derby for those aged 15 and under.

According to an OFAH’s Facebook post, three of the top five prizes have already been claimed as of Sunday. ‘Gordon’ and ‘Opie’ are the two remaining grand prize fish, worth $500 and a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service, respectively.

The all-ages event began on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and continues until May 3.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

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Lift Lock Canal Stocked Up For 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby This Saturday

The Peterborough Lift Lock’s canal has been stocked with over 3,000 trout to kickstart the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby starting this Saturday.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, showcases Walter before releasing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 26th year releasing Walter into the water. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The youth derby is for those aged 15 and under and kicks off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the all-ages event starting Sunday at 9:00 a.m. until May 3.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register, helping maintain a long-standing tradition that is important to Peterborough, according to David Ryrie, OFAH director of communications.

“It is a community staple and we hear every year how happy people that we're still putting this on,, he said. “The OFAH is really proud to continue this tradition.”

There is more than $35,000 in prizes up for grabs. This year features five grand prizes, including the return of rainbow trout ‘Walter,’ and a $1,000 cash prize for the person who catches him. New this year is a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service.

“(This is) a little bit something for those new anglers that want to get outside of the regular shore fishing,” said Ryrie.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

@ptbo_canada Walter has been cast into the canal to help kick off the 37th Under the Lock Fishing Derby from April 25 to May 3! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ Gone Fishing - BDR Music

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4th Line Theatre Presents Artist Talk Series Wth Patti Shaughnessy and Megan Murphy

4th Line Theatre’s spring Artist Talk series returns on April 18 and 30 featuring conversations with Patti Shaughnessy and Megan Murphy.

Patti Shaughnessy. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

The 2026 summer season will feature the remount of Megan Murphy’s Wild Irish Geese, which had its world premiere at the outdoor theatre in 2025. Shaughnessy provided her guidance in the development of the script as an Indigenous Story Consultant and performs in the show in multiple roles. Directed and dramatuged by Kim Blackwell, the show returns after its sell-out run in August 2025.

On April 18 attendees can learn about Shaughnessy’s career and journey through Wild Irish Geese. This free event will take place at the Peterborough Museum & Archives at 2 p.m.

Megan murphy. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

On April 30, Blackwell will sit down with playwright and actor Megan Murphy to discuss Murphy’s career and experience writing and performing Wild Irish Geese. The play tells the story of impoverished Catholic Irish settlers who came to the Peterborough region in the early 19th century under an emigration plan overseen by Peter Robinson, a politician in Upper Canada who represented the riding of York and Simcoe. Around 2,500 settlers, mostly from County Cork in Ireland, settled in Lanark County, Carleton County (today Ottawa), and Scott’s Plains; later renamed Peterborough.

This free event will take place at the Millbrook & District Lion’s Community Centre on April 30 at 7 p.m.

Both Shaughnessy and Murphy are direct descendants of Peter Robinson emigrants.

Seating is limited for both events. To reserve seats, call 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office or contact via email.

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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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