City to Temporarily Close Roads For Canada Day Fireworks

Temporary road closures will be in place from noon to 10:30 p.m. to ensure public safety for the Canada Day fireworks display on Tuesday.

File Photo.

The following are the affected roads:

• Perry Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street

• Lake Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street

• Crescent Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Perry Street

• Lock Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Crescent Street

The fireworks display will take place at 9:30 p.m.

Detour routes will be in place.

The City requests that everyone follow all signage related to road closures and on-street parking restrictions in the area.

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List of City Services For Canada Day 2025

Many City services and facilities will operate under holiday hours or be closed on Canada Day this Tuesday.

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The Canada Day ceremonies start at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall. The decorated bike contest judging will take place at 10:45 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m., departing from George Street North near City Hall and proceeding south on George Street to Millennium Park. 

The celebration continues in Millennium Park, featuring an afternoon of free, family-friendly fun that includes music and dance, face painting, storytelling, a cultural marketplace, and food and beverage vendors. This event will run from noon to 6 p.m. 

The City will host a fireworks display over Little Lake starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 1, following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park. 

City Hall offices, including Service Peterborough, Building Services and the Clerk’s Office, will be closed on July 1. Online services are available at peterborough.ca. 

The curbside collection for Zones 1 and 2, which typically takes place on Tuesdays, shifts back one day to Monday. Residents are asked to place green bins, recycling and garbage (Zone 2 only) to the curb by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

There are no changes to the curbside collection schedule for the Downtown Business Improvement Area. 

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on July 1.  

Peterborough Regional Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Canada Day.

The Peterborough Public Library and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Tuesday.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Miskin Law Community Complex will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 1. Summer hours will be in effect for the Sport and Wellness Centre starting Wednesday, with daily operation from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Sept. 1. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Tuesday

Lifeguards will be on duty at Beavermead Beach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no lifeguard supervision provided at Rogers Cove. Peterborough Public Health tests the water at local beaches.

Splash pads in City parks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at the Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Lifeguards supervise City wading pools daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

Customer service at Peterborough Marina will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Guest Services is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miniature train rides will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Otter Enrichment takes place at 1:30 p.m.and a Meet the Keeper session with Torti the African Spurred Tortoise will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Café is closed.  

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Tuesday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Tuesday. Temporary detours will be in place for some routes during the Canada Day Parade.  

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

The Social Services office will be closed on Tuesday. From Wednesday, August 30, to Friday, office hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on July 1.

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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Film Selected For Canada Day Movie Night

The City of Peterborough’s poll for the free Canada Day Movie Night has selected Fly Away Home as the feature film, held at Quaker Foods City Square on June 30.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A total of 500 votes were cast to select the film for the City of Peterborough’s Canada Day Outdoor Movie Night. Fly Away Home was the winner with 217 votes.  

Other options included The Legend of Sarila, Kayak to Klemtu and Cheaper by the Dozen. Each movie has a Canadian connection through cast and crew, filming location, or theme. The poll was open from June 9 to June 13.

Quaker Foods will provide snacks and treats for the evening, and the City will offer free popcorn. Movie-goers are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. as supplies are limited.

The City reminds movie-watchers to bring an outdoor chair and water. 

The movie night will kick off the Canada Day festivities on June 30 at dusk (around 9 p.m.). The City is asking residents to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to settle in. Free popcorn is handed out before the show.

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Public Asked to Select Film For Canada Day Movie Night

The City of Peterborough asks the community to vote for a film for the free Canada Day Movie Night at Quaker Foods City Square.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The movie night will kick off the Canada Day festivities on June 30 at dusk (around 9 p.m.). The City is asking residents to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to settle in. Free popcorn is handed out before the show.  

The following are the film choices:

The Legend of Sarila

An animated adventure set in the Arctic, this film follows three Inuit teens on a quest to find the legendary land of Sarila to save their starving clan.
Featuring the voices of Christopher Plummer and Geneviève Bujold, it's Canada's first 3D animated feature film.

Kayak to Klemtu

A heartfelt drama about 14-year-old Ella, who embarks on a 500-kilometre kayak journey to her ancestral home in British Columbia to take a stand against a proposed pipeline project.
A heartfelt Canadian production rooted in environmental justice and Indigenous resilience.

Cheaper by the Dozen

A comedy about Tom and Kate Baker, who juggle their careers and raising 12 children. Though not a Canadian film, the director Shawn Levy was born in Canada and is a citizen of both Canada and the United States.

Fly Away Home

After losing her mother, a young girl helps orphaned geese learn to migrate south. Filmed partly in Ontario and starring Canadian actress Anna Paquin, this inspiring story is based on real events.

The poll is available online, with voting closing on Friday at 4 p.m. 

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Canada Day Parade Is Still Happening, Says City of Peterborough

The City of Peterborough says it still plans to host a Canada Day parade.

File Photo.

The City released a statement regarding the following:

“It was initially called a “procession” when the call for entries went out a couple of weeks ago as a way to reflect that the parade would be a bit different than previous years. The community was invited to not only watch the parade, but to join in by walking down George Street alongside their fellow community members. Community groups, businesses, and performers were still invited to put in entries.

The planning for Canada Day festivities is in full swing as the community gets ready to celebrate the country’s birthday. The plans have been informed by community feedback following last year’s event. The City heard the feedback over the last week on the plans for this year’s parade and has updated the plans to once again include vehicles in the parade.”

Applications for parade entries need to be submitted by the end of the day on June 8, 2025. The parade entry form is available online.

Original article below:

The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.

This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.

Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.

Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event highlights include:

• Community procession with bike contest

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers

• Kids’ activities and family zones

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake

Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.

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Roll, Stroll and Celebrate Canada Day With the City

The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.

File Photo.

This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.

Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.

Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event highlights include:

• Community procession with bike contest

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers

• Kids’ activities and family zones

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake

Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.

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'Peter Robinson' Brought to Life As Grand Marshall For 25th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

To honour the 25th anniversary of the Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade, the event is getting a blast from the past as ‘Peter Robinson’ has been named the Grand Marshall for this year’s event, announced at The Venue on Friday afternoon.

Tim Burke, Parade organizer (left), M. John Kennedy, actor (Peter Robinson) (middle) and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor (right) march down George Street as a taste of things to come for March 16. Kennedy is also running a workshop to audition for theatre schools and ‘Fireside Munsch’ for this year’s Brand New Stages Festival at The Theatre on King and Market Hall respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Actor M. John Kennedy plays the part of Robinson for the parade and in 4th Line Theatre’s production of ‘Wild Irish Geese’ from July 29 to Aug. 30.

Robinson, a Canadian politician and colonial administrator, was known to supervise the emigration of impoverished Irish families to Upper Canada. This year marks the 200th anniversary of that event.

“Peter Robinson was an advocate for responsible government, along with Lord Baldwin in 1849, so my job as Mayor of Peterborough, you can really trace it back to Peter Robinson, responsible government and the whole concept of British parliamentary democracy from Great Britain,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor.

This year hits two other milestones, including the 25th anniversary of the parade and the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force.

“It's such a delight to be able to be here and represent him in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Peterborough, a place I grew up, I have a deep connection with the community,” explained Kennedy. “It's thrilling not only to bring this character to 4th Line this summer with 'Wild Irish Geese' but also to be here for this wonderful St. Patrick's Day Parade.”

For the past two years, former sportscaster Dan O’Toole and Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson were named Grand Marshalls to their respective parades. This year, Tim Burke, parade organizer, opted to go with a revival of Peter Robinson after getting the idea from Mary Smith, Nine Ships vice-chair.

“Right off the bat, I went, 'Wow, what a great idea,’” explained Burke. “She knew a gentleman that plays the role and the connection with 4th Line Theatre is also amazing. As soon as she said it, a light bulb went off in my head.”

The parade is scheduled for March 16 at 2 p.m., with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 at 11 1.m. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

Over 100 entries for the parade have been submitted and more are expected to join.

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

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List of City Services During Family Day

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Family Day on Monday.

File Photo.

Snofest events will occur from Friday to Monday. With a full list of events at peterborough.ca/Snofes.

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24/7. The City offers various online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.

Waste collection and landfill

There will be no changes to the curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday.

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday.

Airport

The Peterborough Airport is open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough, located at 250 Crescent St., will be closed. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit agp.on.ca.

Downtown Youth Space

The drop-in youth program is closed on Monday, February 17. Downtown Youth Space programming is located at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information at peterborough.ca/DYS.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Family Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.

Arenas

The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena, including the Recreation Facility Booking office, will be closed except to scheduled user groups.

Miskin Law Community Complex

A free Snofest Family Day public skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, will occur from noon to 1:50 p.m. The walking track at Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Petes annual Family Day hockey game will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday at 2:05 p.m., with the Peterborough Petes hosting the Kitchener Rangers. Tickets are available online at memorialcentre.ca or by calling the Grant Thornton Box Office at 705-743-3561. The box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink

The outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St., will be open for skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Snofest Drop-in Sports, featuring pickleball, badminton and basketball, will take place from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Learn more at peterborough.ca/Snofest.

Parking Services

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Family Day.

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

Provincial Offences Act office

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on February 17. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.

Social Services

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, February 18. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed on Family Day.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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Downtown Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $12,000 For Kawartha Food Share

The City of Peterborough’s free holiday downtown parking program raised $12,001.77 for Kawartha Food Share that was collected as voluntary parking payments, announced on Wednesday.

The Kawartha Food Share currently assists 14,000 people each month through its 36 member agencies, along with supporting 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 $251,627.65 to Kawartha Food Share. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The program offered free, two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 and was sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers.

“By voluntarily paying for parking, downtown visitors not only supported local businesses but also raised more than $12,000 for Kawartha Food Share. This one simple gesture turned into a powerful act of giving that will make a real difference for those in need,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and community spirit of downtown visitors we’ve seen an overwhelming response to our free holiday parking program. This truly reflects the heart and soul of our city—compassionate, giving, and always ready to support one another,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement.

“Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers was proud to once again partner with the City of Peterborough for this important cause,” said Bill Wolfe, with Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. “We appreciate the support and generosity of shoppers and residents who made voluntary donations during the holiday season. These funds, through the support of Kawartha Food Share, will help reduce food insecurity throughout the region.”

“We are very thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the wonderful citizens who visited and shopped downtown this holiday season. This donation will allow us to purchase much-needed nutritious food items for community members in need,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager.

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City Offering Free Skating and Drop-in Skate and Swim Sessions During Holiday Season

The City of Peterborough is offering free public skating as well as regular paid drop-in skating and swim sessions from Dec. 23 to Jan 3.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

A free public skate takes place from 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Gardener Pad at the Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. The Gardener sponsors this event.

“We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years that’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor a free public skate on December 29th as a way to bring families and friends together during the holiday season. It’s our way of giving back and creating special moments for the Peterborough community,” said Ryan Quigley, owner of The Gardener Landscaping.

“Skating is a fun and energizing way to stay active and have a little fun with friends and family in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this free public skating event has given everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits of exercise and shared experiences.” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services Co-Chairs in a join statement.

Paid drop-in skating sessions are held at the Healthy Planet Arena from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3. Details on dates and times are as follows:  

• Monday, Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. @ The Gardener Pad

• Friday, Dec. 27 from 2:15 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Saturday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Sunday, Dec. 29 from 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. @ The Gardener Pad (Free skate)

• Monday, Dec. 30 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Thursday, Jan. 2 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Friday, Jan. 3 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.@ Sign-a-fied Pad

The cost for the paid drop-in public skating dates and times is $5.25 per skater.  CSA-approved helmets are recommended and skates are required.  Hockey sticks, nets and shoes are prohibited.  All public skates are drop-in and no pre-registration is required. 

For outdoor skating, the City maintains an outdoor skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, east of Aylmer Street, for free community skating, weather permitting. When ice conditions allow, the Quaker Foods City Square rink operates Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Holiday Drop-In Fun Swim occurs at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. 

Drop-in swim sessions are open to all ages and include the therapy and leisure pools, the water slide and active water features. The cost is $5 per swimmer.

The schedule is as follows:  

• Monday, Dec, 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 27 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 28 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 29 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 2 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 4 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Jan, 5 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Additional open swims, lane swims and nursery swims are available during the holidays at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

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