Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board Selects Douro-Dummer Mayor As New Chair At Inaugural Meeting

During the Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board's inaugural meeting, Heather Watson, the Township of Douro-Dummer mayor, was acclaimed as Chair for 2026, announced on Feb. 9.

Photo courtesy of Heather Watson.

Watson has served as Vice-Chair for the Board since its first meeting in October 2024. Member John Braybrook was acclaimed as Vice Chair for 2026. He is a Councillor for the Municipality of Trent Lakes and served as Chair for the Board since October 2024.

“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me to serve as Chair of the Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board.” said Chair Watson. “This Board carries significant responsibility in ensuring transparent, accountable, and community‑focused policing across our region. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow Board members and the OPP as we set priorities that reflect the needs and values of the communities we serve.”

Three new Community members, Sarah Frank, Dave Taillefer and Sandra Vaughan, were sworn in after participating in a full recruitment process last year.

Also sworn in representing Curve Lake First Nation was Jeffrey Jacobs. He was re-elected to the CLFN Council as Deputy Chief in 2025 and appointed to the Detachment Board.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden and Sherry Senis, Peterborough County Deputy Warden were also in attendance.

The Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board is a 15-member board involving seven municipalities, two local First Nations, three community representatives and three provincial appointees by the Peterborough County OPP Detachment.

The next Board meeting is on April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Peterborough County Courthouse.

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First Responders Rescue Person Who Fell Into Water At Lock 19

An individual who fell into the water at Lock 19 was rescued and brought to safety by first responders on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Peterborough Police arrived at Lock 19 at roughly 12:30 p.m. and learned that someone was in the water. They were able to throw the fallen person some ropes to grab onto.

Peterborough Fire Services arrived as both first-responder organizations had moved the individual to safety.

They were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.  

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Teen Girl Who Left Home With Suitcase

UPDATED (10-02-26): The missing teen has been located and returned home.

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Brooke.

She was seen leaving home with a suitcase between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday and was spotted again around 6 p.m. at the Tim Hortons on George Street. Throughout the night, officers checked known locations but she has not been located. 

Brooke is described as:

• White female

• Brown hair

• Brown Eyes

• Slim build

• Wearing a green coat, white and red Nike shoes and black leggings

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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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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