East City Road Closures In Place For Way of the Cross Event

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Multiple road closures in East City are in effect for Friday’s Way of the Cross event.

Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Peterborough.

The following roads are closed:

  • Hunter Street West between Reid Street and Rubidge Street will be closed from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Rogers Street between Hunter Street East and Robinson Street from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A rolling road closure will be in place for the procession from Rubidge Street to Hunter Street, and along Hunter Street to Rogers Street.

The event will start at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains at 10 a.m. and end at Immaculate Conception Church at about 1 p.m.

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City of Peterborough Announces Holiday Hours for City Services During Easter Weekend

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Over the Easter weekend, many City facilities and services will be operating under holiday hours or will be closed between Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. 

file photo.

The City offers a variety of online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Waste collection for residents in Zones 7 and 8 on Friday, April 3 moves to Monday, April 6.  

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

The Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St.) will be closed Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. The Art Gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 6.  

City Hall  

City Hall (500 George St. N.) including Service Peterborough, the Clerk’s office, Building Services and the Provincial Offences Office, will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.  

Online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at peterborough.ca.  

Provincial Offences Act tickets can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.   

Parking Services  

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays, including Friday, April 3. Parking will not be free on Monday, April 6.  

The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.   

Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including parking locations. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives  

The Peterborough Museum and Archives (300 Hunter St. E.) is closed Friday, April 3.  

The Museum will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4 through Monday, April 6.  

The exhibit “We Wear Many Hats” opens Saturday, April 4, inviting visitors to explore how something as familiar as a hat can carry both personal and collective meaning through a combination of objects, personal stories and thoughtful design. Visitors can also enjoy a new Spring Scavenger Hunt, a fun and interactive way for families and kids of all ages to explore the museum. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per group. 

Peterborough Public Library 

The Peterborough Public Library’s main library (345 Aylmer St. N.) and the Miskin Law Community Complex (MLCC) branch (271 Lansdowne St. W.) will be closed from Friday, April 3 through Monday, April 6.  

Library card holders can access MLCC branch when the MLCC is open by scanning their library card at the door and entering their PIN to access the library. Card holders can then browse books, pick up holds and check out items using the self check-out machines.  

Audiobooks, eBooks, eLearning and eMagazines can still be accessed by visiting ptbolibrary.ca/DigitalCollections.

Peterborough Regional Airport  

The Peterborough Regional Airport will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

For more information on the airport visit peterborough.ca/airport.  

Public Works 

Public Works can be reached by phone. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   

Recreation Facilities  

The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena 

Both the Kinsmen Civic Centre and the Healthy Planet Arena will be closed Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.  

Miskin Law Community Complex

The Miskin Law Community Complex (271 Lansdowne St. W.) will be open Friday April 3 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Monday, April 6 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Peterborough Memorial Centre  

The Peterborough Memorial Centre is closed Friday April 3, and open Monday, April 6 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.  

The Doane Grant Thornton Box Office is closed on Friday, April 3. Tickets for events can be purchased online at memorialcentre.ca.  

If the Peterborough Petes continue through the playoffs, the box office will open Monday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

McDonnel Street Community Centre   

The McDonnel Street Community Centre is closed from Friday, April 3 through Monday, April 6, with the exception of pre-booked events at the facility.  

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre  

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) is open Friday, April 3 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday, April 6 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.  

Riverview Park and Zoo    

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open and operating on regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to dusk, during the long weekend. The Gift Shop will be closed on Friday, April 3.   

Social Services and Child Care Centres  

The Social Services office (178 Charlotte St.) will be closed Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.  

Emergency shelter services remain open over the holiday. To access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours, or on holidays, call the after-hours service.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. 

Transit  

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Friday, April 3.  

The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Regular Peterborough Transit service hours resume Monday, April 6.   

Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service. 

Waste Collection and Facilities   

The City/County Landfill (1260 Bensfort Rd.) and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot (400 Pido Rd.) will be closed on Friday, April 3. The landfill will be open for its regular hours of 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, April 6.  

Water Services    

Water Services Customer Service will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.  

For water services emergencies, including watermain breaks on public property, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns or rental water heater issues, call.   

For more information visit peterborough.ca/waterservices. 

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,

Felicia Massey


2025 Downtown Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $16,000 For Kawartha Food Share

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The City of Peterborough’s free holiday downtown parking program raised $16,627.85 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) which was collected from voluntary parking payments, announced on Wednesday.

The Kawartha Food Share currently assists 14,000 people each month through its 36 member agencies, and supports 17,000 schoolchildren at 51 area schools through breakfast and nutrition programs. The free two-hour program first began in 2003. Since then, downtown patrons have helped donate $268,255.50 to Kawartha Food Share. Photo courtesy by David Tuan Bui.

“We are so appreciative to be the recipients of this amazing campaign again this year and love to see community members shopping and visiting our wonderful downtown restaurants, organizations and businesses,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “These funds will allow us to purchase nutritious food items for our member agencies, and help ensure everyone in our community has access to emergency food supports. Thank you so much to the City of Peterborough for their continued support in the fight against hunger,”

The program offered free, two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 and was sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers.

“We’re proud to have sponsored the downtown holiday parking program since 2021 and to continue supporting an initiative that brings people together during the holiday season,” said Bill Wolfe from Wolfe Lawyers. “Seeing the generosity of downtown visitors translate into meaningful support for Kawartha Food Share each year is incredibly rewarding, and we’re pleased to play a small part in helping make the holidays brighter in Peterborough.” 

@ptbo_canada The Downtown Peterborough Holiday Program (sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers) raised $16,627.85 for Kawartha Food Share! All voluntary parking fees collected from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 went towards the campaign. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #fundraising ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

“Peterborough residents once again showed the true spirit of the holiday season through their generosity,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By choosing to donate while enjoying free downtown parking, people helped raise vital funds for Kawartha Food Share and supported neighbours in need at a time when it matters most.” 

“The downtown holiday parking program demonstrates the incredible impact of community support,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement. “Visitors to the downtown core not only contributed to Kawartha Food Share through their generosity but also helped support local businesses during the busy holiday season. It’s a great example of how coming downtown strengthens both our local economy and our community.”

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

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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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City of Peterborough's Curbside Christmas Tree Collection To Continue Into February In Some Regions

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The City of Peterborough’s curbside collection of natural Christmas trees continues through February.

file photo.

Collection has seen delays in some areas due to recent snowfall and winter maintenance operations. 

Trees have already been collected in the north end, the east city and the central areas. Collections in the west end and south end remain a work in progress.

Snow removal activities and compacted snowbanks can make it difficult for crews to locate and retrieve trees according to the City. Residents are reminded to ensure trees placed for collection are not buried, remain visible and are accessible at the curb. 

To prepare your tree for composting: 

  • Remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and plastic bags 

  • Place the tree at the curb in a clearly visible and accessible location 

  • Keep trees out of snowbanks and away from sidewalks and roadways 

Collection does not follow regular curbside schedules and residents do not need to call to request pick-up.  

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Peterborough DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Initiative Shows Thousands of Dollars Spent Locally

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced the prize winners of its 2025/2026 Holiday Shopping Passport draw and the Holiday Window Contest, celebrating a season of community connection, local spending and support for downtown Peterborough businesses.

Grand prize winner Katy Shufelt. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program encourages residents to keep their holiday spending local. Shoppers earn a stamp for every $10 spent at participating businesses and can enter completed passports for a chance to win one of three $500 early bird prizes or the $1,500 grand prize in Boro Gift Cards; “downtown dollars” accepted at over 100 locations throughout downtown Peterborough. 

Katy Shufelt has been named the grand prize winner of the Holiday Shopping Passport draw. Three early bird winners were also drawn throughout the season: Wayne Jackson, Gail Edlinger and Kim McWilliams.

The grand prize draw took place on Wednesday at GRVTY Studio in East City, where Shufelt’s completed passport was selected. She has won a $1,500 downtown shopping spree in Boro Gift Cards.

“I absolutely love shopping downtown, there are so many great stores,” she said. “My kids laugh at me because every year I say I’m going to win, and after 20 years, I finally did.”

In the spirit of giving back, Shufelt has chosen to donate a portion of her prize to Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project, a community-driven initiative that supports local organizations working at the intersection of outdoor recreation, social justice and equity in Peterborough.

“The program continues to foster community spirit, increase foot traffic and local spending and strengthen relationships between local businesses and their customers during the busy holiday season,” said the Peterborough DBIA in a press release. “With participation from over 200 downtown businesses, the Holiday Shopping Passport program continues to be one of the DBIA’s most widely supported seasonal initiatives.”

Beyond shopping, the DBIA’s Holiday Window Contest transformed downtown into a festive, walkable winter experience. This year’s theme “Snowglobe Come to Life” inspired businesses to showcase their creativity through elaborate window displays.

The contest was judged by members of Peterborough’s arts community, including a representative from the Art Gallery of Peterborough: Briar Sutherland, Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) and Ashley Hall.

The 2025/2026 Holiday Window Contest Winners included a tie for first between Lavender Moon and Kingan Home Hardware, and second place going to Brants Basics.

Winners received Boro Gift Cards, continuing the cycle of local support.

“We know people are being more intentional about where and how they spend, especially during the holidays,” said Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Choosing to shop local is a meaningful decision, and the Holiday Shopping Passport makes it even easier. Every local purchase has a ripple effect by supporting jobs, small business owners, and a downtown that continues to serve as a gathering place for our City.”

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City of Peterborough's Curbside Christmas Tree Collection Taking Place Throughout January

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The City of Peterborough’s curbside collection of natural Christmas trees is underway throughout the month of January.

file photo.

Collection takes place weather permitting and does not follow regular curbside collection schedules. Residents do not need to call to request collection.  

Trees will be composted, and all decorations and tinsel must be removed.

Residents are asked to place trees at the curb in a clearly visible location within safe reach for collection staff. Trees must not be in plastic bags. The City asks that residents avoid snowbanks and ensure that trees do not get buried in snow.

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U14 AAA Jr. Petes Work With YES Shelter to Sponsor Families in Need For the Holidays

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The U14 AAA Jr. Petes team filled their carts for those in need this holiday season, working with the YES Shelter to sponsor two local families.

The U14 Petes are playing the Heron Perth Great Lakes Cup in Stratford from Jan. 16 to 18 in their next major event. Photo courtesy of Chad Birkhof.

The Petes chose to put gifts under the tree for others this year instead of their traditional secret Santa gift exchange.

Through the YES Shelter, the team was given two local families to buy for. The boys shopped for winter gear, toys and festive pyjamas.

“It’s the one time of the year for us to really help out where it's meaningful to someone’s family,” said Chad Birkhof, U14 Petes head coach.

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Mapleridge Recreation Centre’s Holiday House Tour Outperforms Expectations and Raises $15,000

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The Mapleridge Recreation Centre’s inaugural Holiday House Tour was a big hit with the community, selling out 250 tickets ahead of its Nov. 15 event and raising $15,000.

Photo Courtesy of Mapleridge Recreation centre.

Local designers in Peterborough’s west end embellished their homes with festive decor. It was the combined efforts of volunteers, homeowners, businesses, interior designers and corporate sponsors that contributed to the event’s turnout according to Pat Hooper, Mapleridge Recreation Centre’s Community Chair.

“My sincere thanks to the many people and businesses who supported us in making this such a successful event,” Hooper said.

In addition to fundraising efforts such as the House Tour, Mapleridge is funded by donations, as well as municipal and provincial grants.

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Loonies on the Street Fundraiser Returns: Raising Funds for Kawartha Food Share

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The 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Share returned to Peterborough Square at the corner of George and Simcoe Streets on Friday morning.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers donated $1,000 towards the cause, while the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough gave $10,000 as part of their TV Bingo proceeds.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, donated $250 and challenged Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Mayor Jeff Leal to match his donation. If theirs exceeds Smith’s, the MPP will match the increase.

A final count of all proceeds is expected to be released next week.

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37 member agencies, including food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

Donations can also be accepted online.

@ptbo_canada The Bucket Brigade was back this morning for Kawartha Food Share’s 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser at Peterborough Square! 🎅 #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ Christmas - Axby

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