Ontario Government Doubling Fire Protection Grant to Support Peterborough-Kawartha Firefighters

The Ontario government is doubling the total funding available for municipal fire departments this year from $10 to $20 million as part of its Fire Protection Grant, announced by MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith on Tuesday.

file photo.

Local fire services will receive $316,565 of this investment to purchase life-saving equipment, enhance cancer prevention initiatives and improve responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.

“Our firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our families,” said Smith. “By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families.”

The Fire Protection Grant is an application-based program that provides municipal fire services with the resources needed to address contemporary safety challenges. This year's funding will benefit several municipal fire departments across the City and County of Peterborough, including Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Trent Lakes, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha and Peterborough.

Eligible projects under the 2025-26 grant cycle focus on three critical pillars; cancer prevention, including specialized gear decontamination units, Lithium-Ion Battery Response, providing tools for electric vehicle and electronics fires and Infrastructure Modernization, such as high-speed broadband for rural fire halls.

“This investment is a significant step forward in protecting the health and safety of our firefighters,” said Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks. This support recognizes the importance of doing everything we can to reduce those risks. Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.”

For a grant breakdown between each local fire department, click the link.

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City of Kawartha Lakes Police Seeking Missing Local Woman Madison Card

The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 24-year-old woman Madison Card.

*** UPDATE: She has been located safe.

She was last seen in the area of Frank Hill Road in Peterborough on Friday.

Madison is described as:

• 5’6”

• 125 lbs.

• Shoulder length brown/blonde hair

• Might not be wearing a coat or shoes

Anyone with information is asked to call Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Fatal Fire At A McDonnel Street and Park Street North Residence Claims The Life of One

The Peterborough Police Service and Ontario Fire Marshal are investigating a fatal fire in a Peterborough residence early Wednesday morning.

file photo.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, officers were made aware of a residential fire in the area of McDonnel Street and Park Street North. 

A 27-year-old Peterborough man was found inside the residence and taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) where despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead.  Two other people in the home were also taken to PRHC for treatment.

There will be police vehicles in the area as the Peterborough Police Service and Ontario Fire Marshal continue their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Aylmer Street Fire Causes $250,000 In Damages

Peterborough Fire Services have extinguished a structure fire at a home on Aylmer Street, resulting in an estimated $250,000 in damage, according to reports Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fire occurred on the main floor of the home. Peterborough Fire Services performed an aggressive primary search and fire attack to bring the fire to control.

No one was home at the time of the incident and one family pet was rescued. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

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Peterborough Police Service Give Citizen Recognition Awards to Seven Outstanding Residents

The Peterborough Police Service recognized seven residents for their extraordinary actions in connection with several incidents in our community at its board meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

“We thank them for being engaged and willing to help fellow citizens or bring awareness to a crime in progress,” said Stuart Betts, Chief of Police. “While we don’t want anyone to put themselves in harm’s way, we also recognize that we sometimes find ourselves in compelling situations where we can help. In each of these cases, the actions of these residents made a difference in our community.”

The following are the recipients with Police statements:

Narissa C., Malory S., Matthew H., and Noah S.

While investigating an unrelated incident at Peterborough Square in March 2025, the officers were approached by the 14-year-olds who told them that they had seen a man with his pants down gesturing and trying to get one of the girls to join him in a washroom inside the mall.  The four youths went out of their way to make sure this was brought to police attention and it resulted in the arrest of man who was charged with sexual touching under 16 years of age and failing to comply with a probation order.  The youths remained on scene and provided statements. The man was convicted and was sentenced to time in jail. We thank these four young people for their courage to speak up and leadership.

James T.

On Aug. 6, 2024, James was with his wife in a bank on Chemong Road when a man rushed in, ran to a teller and attempted to rob the bank.  James, in a moment of action and instinct, realizing what was happening, grabbed the would-be robber and wrestled him to the ground, where he was able to detain him until police arrived.  As it turned out, the suspect was wanted in two other robberies that happened in April and July of 2024 and also involved lighter fluid being splashed on employees.  While no fires were set, we recognize that this was very concerning activity. We thank James for his quick thinking, and selfless response.  His actions assisted officers in solving three robberies and led to the arrest of someone who clearly presented a danger to community safety.

Ruban V.

On April 22, an 80-year-old man entered the Esso Gas Station store on Parkhill Road East and attempted to use the Bitcoin ATM machine.  Ruban, aware that the man could potentially be a victim of a scam, called police and kept the elderly man distracted until officers were able to attend and intercept him to prevent him from using the bitcoin machine and becoming a victim of a financial crime.  It was further learned that the potential victim suffered from dementia.  We thank Ruban for being aware of the warning signs of possible frauds and scams, and his willingness to intervene. He truly made a difference in this resident’s life.

Zachary S.

On June 16, there was a call for service involving a 27-year-old man who was on the wrong side of the fence at the top of the Lift Lock.  Zachary selflessly rushed over to this man and was able to grab and hold onto him until police arrived.  Upon their arrival, officers could see the man’s feet dangling from the locks while he was being held by Zachary.  Police quickly ran up to the top of the Liftlock and were able to lift the male back to a spot of safety where he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act. We truly believe the 27-year-old man would not be alive today without this intervention and it goes without saying that the act by this civilian saved a life.  We thank Zachary for his actions.

Each received a certificate presented by Chief Stuart Betts.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Teen From Saturday Afternoon

UPDATED: 2:21 p.m. on 8/12/25. She has been located, according to Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 13-year-old Brooke.

She was last seen in the area of 572 Crystal Drive on Saturday at approximately 3 p.m.

Brooke is described as:

• White

• Approximately 5’3”

• Faded Red Dyed Hair

• Brown/Hazel Eyes

Last Seen Wearing:

• Black Coat

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Service's 19th Annual CopShop Gives 23 Kids a Holiday Shopping Spree at Lansdowne Place

There were 23 kids who got to do holiday shopping with Peterborough Police Services during the 19th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The children enjoyed a limo ride from school and were partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer.

The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around. The young shoppers also received a Peterborough Petes goodie bag and winter boots donated from Sign-a-fied.

“CopShop is an event so many of our officers and civilian members look forward to each year,” said Detective Constable Mike Peckham of the Peterborough Police Service. “This year, we have about two dozen officers plus civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with young people from the community in a fun way.”

“CopShop is our favourite day of the year,” says Helen Edwards, Lansdowne Place general manager. '“It’s magical to see the joy on the children’s faces as they shop and share in the holiday spirit. This event brings holiday cheer to our Centre and creates memories that last a lifetime.”

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Peterborough Fire Services Partner For Campaign to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Peterborough Fire Services have partnered to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Fire Services received 336 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. This public education campaign will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario, according to a press release.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” said Jeff Braithwaite, Operations Supervisor, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

“Our priority is making sure every resident of Peterborough has the tools they need to stay safe,” said Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, and programs like Safe Community Project Zero help us reach residents who may otherwise go without this critical protection. We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council as we work together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths in our community.” 

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning to escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure safely. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. 

“This is an important initiative that puts the safety of Peterborough residents first and strengthens the well-being of our entire community. We are grateful to Enbridge Gas and Peterborough Fire Services for working together to provide residents with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a tool that is proven to save lives and alert residents to potential danger when every second counts,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Teenager

UPDATED: 27-11-25 The teen has been found, as reported by the Peterborough Police Service.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 17-year-old Rae Rae, reported missing since Wednesday.

He was last seen in the area of McDonnel St and George St at 9:50 a.m.

Rae Rae is described as:

• Male

• Native

• Brown hair

• Brown eyes

• 5'9''

• 150 lbs.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Owner of Lost Urn and Photo

The Peterborough Police Service is turning to the public for help after an urn was turned in on Oct. 7.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The urn and a photo were brought to the Peterborough Police Service after they were found in a dumpster. The dumpster's location is unknown. 

The Peterborough Police Service Forensic Identification Unit has completed several searches in an attempt to locate and return the urn to the family. 

The urn is described as:

• Gold-coloured with an engraved pattern encircling the lid, middle, and base

• About 15cm in height

• Found in a black velvet bag

The photo:

• Female, white

• Medium build

• Wearing a grey sweater

• In a gold frame

• Photo found in a black velvet bag

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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