Public Asked to Select Film For 2026 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.

Movie-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. The City will hand out free popcorn before the movie and host a s’mores station. The movie will begin at dusk or approximately 9 p.m. 

Movie fans can vote for one of the following options:

The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartfelt and emotional story told through the eyes of Enzo, a devoted dog who shares the journey of his owner, race car driver Denny Swift, who is passionate about racing. Enzo’s perspective offers profound insights into the complexities of life, highlighting resilience and the powerful bond between humans and their pets.

The film was filmed in Vancouver and British Columbia, with additional on-track scenes shot at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

The Big Year

The Big Year follows three men competing to see who can spot and identify the most bird species in North America in a single year: Brad Harris, a computer programmer; Stu Preissler, a corporate CEO; and Kenny Bostick, a record-holding birding champion. As their obsession grows, the film explores the personal sacrifices, challenges, and unexpected friendships that come with chasing a “big year” in birding.

The film was primarily shot in British Columbia, with scenes filmed in Squamish and Vancouver, and Canadian bird experts were brought in as advisors during production.

Gnomeo and Juliet

Gnomeo and Juliet is a whimsical animated retelling of Shakespeare’s classic love story, following Gnomeo and Juliet—two garden gnomes from rival families who fall in love despite their feud. Filled with humor, action, and heart, the film follows their journey as they try to be together against all odds.

The film was mainly produced in Toronto and features work from Canadian CGI animation company Starz Animation

Butterfly Tale

Butterfly Tale is a heartwarming animated adventure about Patrick, a young monarch butterfly born with an undeveloped wing who can’t fly. He sets off on a journey across North America to follow his dream of flight, inspired by the real-life migration of monarch butterflies. The film features original songs by Shawn Mendes and Johnny Orlando.

This film was made in Montreal as a Canadian production, featuring Canadian voice actors and a creative team of Canadian artists.

Each film has a Canadian connection, whether through cast and crew members or through filming locations and themes. 

The poll closes at 11:59 p.m. on June 19.  

Canada Day Movie night begins at 7:30 p.m. and marks the launch of the City of Peterborough’s Canada Day festivities. 

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List of City Services On Victoria Day 2026

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

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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

Art Gallery of Peterborough  

Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., will be closed on Victoria Day.  For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, visit agp.on.ca.  

City Hall  

City Hall offices at 500 George St. N., including Service Peterborough, Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Provincial Offences Office, will be closed on Victoria Day.   

Online services are available at peterborough.ca. Fine payments 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. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade, 202 King St., will be closed on Victoria Day. Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including parking locations.  

Peterborough Museum and Archives  

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

Peterborough Public Library  

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be closed on Victoria Day. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.  

Peterborough Regional Airport  

Peterborough Regional Airport, located at 925 Airport Rd., will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.   

Public Works  

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Recreation Facilities 

Healthy Planet Arena 

Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd., will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Kinsmen Civic Centre 

Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsman Way, will be closed on Victoria Day. 

McDonnel Street Community Centre 

McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Miskin Law Community Complex 

Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Peterborough Memorial Centre 

Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W., and the Grant Thornton Box Office, will be closed on Victoria Day. Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre 

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

Peterborough Marina

Otonabee Conservation will be operating the marina for the 2026 season. For more information visit otonabeeconservation.com/outdoor-adventure/boating

The Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Social Services and Child Care Centres

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Victoria Day. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, May 19. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.  

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 at 705-926-0096.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Transit   

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday, May 18. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.  

Waste Collection and Facilities  

There will be no changes to curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday, May 18. 

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

Water Services  

Water Services Customer Service will be closed on Victoria Day. For water services emergencies over the holiday, including water main breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, or rental water heater issues, call 705-748-9300

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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