Peterborough Residents Take to Ireland to Celebrate 200th Anniversary of Peter Robinson's Settler Emigration Scheme

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme, Peterborough residents took to Cobh, Ireland for a wreath-laying ceremony to celebrate the occasion on Friday.

(From left to right) David Kyffin, Counsellor and Program Manager at Embassy of Canada to Ireland; Eoighan Murphy, Chair of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotel Federation; Cllr Joe Carroll, Mayor of Cork County Council; Amanda Slattery, Manager at Ballyhoura Development CLG; John Concannon, Irish Ambassador to Canada; Brendan Moher, Chairperson of Nine Ships 1825 Inc. Peterborough; Glenn O'Meara, Descendant of O'Meara, Rathcormack 1823, Minnesota and Pádraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG. Photo courtesy of Ballyhoura Development CLG.

The event was initiated and organised by Ballyhoura Development with several partners. It honoured the memory of over 500 families from the Ballyhoura region and surrounding areas who departed on 11 ships for Upper Canada in 1823 and 1825.

The event, emceed by Ballyhoura Development Manager Amanda Slattery, was attended by Mayor of Cork County Council Cllr Joe Carroll, Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon, Canadian Embassy representative David Kyffin, Limerick City and County Council Cllr Gregory Conway, and 1825 Ships Inc. Chairperson Brendan Moher of Peterborough.

“The commemoration event was a special ceremony of remembrance, reflection, and reconnection—honouring the legacy of those who departed two centuries ago,” said Slattery.

Descendants from Canada and America took part in the ceremony. Paul Hickey of Peterborough, a descendant of a family from Doneraile who sailed on the Star, laid a wreath on behalf of the 1825 emigrants. Glenn O’Meara of Minnesota, whose ancestors left Rathcormac in 1823 aboard the Stakesby, laid a wreath in memory of the earlier group. Father Tom McDermott of Cobh led the blessing.

Moher presented Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development, a commemorative plaque representing the communities of the Ballyhoura region.

“May the vast waters of the North Atlantic never separate us from the warm fires we forever will share at the hearth of our Irish and Canadian families,” said Casey.

The event culminated in Ambassador John Concannon's official unveiling of a special exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers in Cobh Heritage Centre and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr Joe Carroll.

“I can’t express the gratitude and fondness we all felt. The Ballyhoura, Nine Ships and Cobh Heritage Centre teams created a powerful and meaningful experience,” said O'Meara. “I feel blessed to have been part of it.”

This ceremony marks the first of two major commemorative events. Ballyhoura Development will host the larger ‘Ireland-Canada Homecoming’ from September 15 to 21, welcoming descendants of the Peter Robinson Settlers back to the Ballyhoura region for a week of reconnection, storytelling and shared heritage.

“This was a truly unique experience for the descendants of this emigration, and a special day to highlight a once forgotten piece of our history,” said Slattery. “We thank all who supported and attended this memorable occasion.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballyhoura Development on this initiative and further demonstrate the emigration story of Ireland and Canada and its significance to Cobh, and look forward to sharing the exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers Emigration Scheme as a key feature of the heritage centre experience,” said Breeda Keane-Shortt, Cobh Heritage Centre.

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Lakefield Farmers’ Market Opening Day Starts This Thursday

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market returns for 2025 starting this Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, behind the Lakefield Arena on 20 Concession St.

Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

Returning vendors this year include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, Buns & Sweets, Carolina Coffee, Cedar Grove Organic Farm, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, LaMesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Madrigal Gardens, McLean Berry Farm, Ontario Cheese Union, Otonabee Apiary, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps and Yellow House Bees.

Kawartha Lakes Flower Farm and Mr. & Mrs. Perogie are new to this year's market.

In addition to weekly vendors, the market will welcome pop-up vendors throughout the season, including: Brad’s Knife Sharpening, Otonabee River Craft Co., Selwyn Makerspace, The Doggery, Juniper’s Wild Apothecary, and Munchies Gourmet Kettlecorn.

Opening Day festivities include a visit from Shifting Gears and B!KE: The Community Bike Shop. Market visitors can participate in the May Challenge, learn more about sustainable travel, and enjoy free bike tune-ups and giveaways.

Live music is also at opening day.

The market runs every Thursday from May 15 to October 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Shoppers are also invited to a special Mother’s Day Market this Sundaymfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beside The Village Inn, 39 Queen St. in Downtown Lakefield.

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Winners Announced For Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional Spelling Bee Championship

Excitement was buzzing as the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional Spelling Bee Championship have named their top three competitors in their respective divisions, held at Fleming College on Saturday.

The following where the top three spellers from the Junior and Intermediate divisions:

Junior (Gr. 4-6)

1. Verna Conlin-Hanley - St. Anne CES

2. Kieran Scerri - Kawartha Montessori School

3. Olivia Best - Queen Elizabeth PS

(from left to right) Buzz the Spelling Bee Mascot, Kieran Scerri, Verna Conlin-Hanley and Olivia Best of the Junior Division. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Intermediate (Gr. 7-8)

1. Henry Sharpe - Adam Scott Intermediate PS

2. Tyler Phillips - St. Teresa CES

3. Shreyas Balakrishnan - Kaawaate East City PS

(from Left to Right) Tyler Phillips, Shreyas Balakrishnan, Henry Sharpe of the intermediate division. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The top spellers in each division won a week at Trent Excalibur Camp, a week at Camp Kawartha, bikes from Canadian Tire, lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, a party at Zap Attack Laser tag, tickets for local events courtesy of Miskin Law, cash for their schools’ literacy programs and more.

More than 4,000 children competed in qualifying bees at their schools in order to participate in the final event.

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Peterborough County Officially Declares May As Museum Month

Peterborough County has proclaimed May as Museum Month to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region and the vital role museums play in communities, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Lang Pioneer Village

This year, Museum Month also includes International Museum Day on May 18, a global celebration that recognizes museums as centers of education, innovation, and cultural connection according to Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden.

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to take this opportunity to explore the many museums, galleries and heritage sites across Peterborough County, including Lang Pioneer Village Museum, one of our region’s premier historical attractions,” she said. “With its immersive 19th-century village experience, Lang Pioneer Village offers a unique window into the past and showcases the stories that shaped our communities.” 

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City of Peterborough to Mark Red Dress Day On Monday

Red Dresses will be hanging in the windows of City Hall to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S) on Monday.

File Photo.

Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim May 5 as Red Dress Day during a commemorative ceremony on Monday at 10 a.m. at City Hall. All are welcome to attend. 

“Red Dress Day is a powerful reminder of the heartbreaking and ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada,” said Leal. “The red dresses hanging in silence call out for justice, action and for the recognition of lives lost and families forever changed. On the National Day of Awareness, I encourage all residents of Peterborough to take a moment to reflect on the lives behind the statistics, and to consider hanging a red dress in a window, on a porch, or in a public space as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity.”

“We cannot turn away from the systemic racism and gender-based violence that have made Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people disproportionately vulnerable,” said Shelley Knott, Advisor, Indigenous Relations with the City of Peterborough. “As a country, and as a community, we have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to act. On this National Day of Awareness, we ask that you stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the memory of those who are missing or murdered—and in committing to a future where all people can live in safety, dignity, and respect.”

The ceremony will include a smudging ceremony, singing, traditional drumming and speeches from local dignitaries.  

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City of Peterborough Celebrates National Tourism Week

With Peterborough rich in arts, sports, environment, history and landmarks, the City is joining the country by celebrating National Tourism Week until Friday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough,

The week is an annual initiative led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. This year’s theme, ‘Canada: Powered by Tourism,’ highlights the sector’s national impact — contributing more than $100 billion annually and supporting one in 10 jobs across Canada.

The City says tourism plays a vital role in Peterborough’s economy and quality of life. Peterborough and the Kawarthas welcome more than three million visitors annually, contributing approximately $300 million to the local economy according to the City. It continues to state that in the Peterborough census subdivision, the tourism sector includes more than 400 businesses and supports more than 3,000 jobs. Peterborough continues to gain international recognition through tourism, with iconic attractions like the Trent–Severn Waterway and The Canadian Canoe Museum making headlines in 2025.

“Much of what makes Peterborough a sought-after destination for visitors also makes it an incredible place to live,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “National Tourism Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of tourism on our community and economy. It supports local jobs, fuels small businesses, and showcases the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that make our city special. During the week, I hope everyone takes a moment to recognize the people and places that make Peterborough a destination worth exploring and sharing with friends from around the world.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to share their favourite local experiences on social media using #TourismWeekCanada2025, tagging @ptbotourism.

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Peterborough Police Service Launch Community Perception Survey

The Peterborough Police Service is launching a Community Perception Survey, asking for feedback from residents, released to the public on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

It is the first survey of this scope in many years and is anonymous and voluntary.

As part of the 2024-2027 Peterborough Police Service Strategic Plan, the Service has committed to completing a community survey in 2025 and again in 2027 according to a press release. The Strategic Plan has three pillars: Enhance Community Safety, Modernize Policing Services, and Support Our People, which aim to build trust and confidence with the public. 

“As we embark on initiatives to meet these goals, it is important to hear from our largest stakeholder – the community,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. This is so we can understand how they interact with the Service, how safe they feel in our policing areas, which issues are of concern, and how they believe we are living up to our motto of professional, friendly, helpful.  As a Service, we have been working on gathering and using data to help us have officers and resources in the right place, at the right time, to do the right thing. This survey will build on that commitment to be evidence-based and data driven.”

Peterborough Police Service say that the survey will become an important data collection tool and help identify areas where crime prevention initiatives could be further explored, implemented or improved.

There are roughly 35 questions, asking residents if they have interacted with the service, how they get their information on policing issues, whether they are aware of specialty units and safety initiatives, whether they have witnessed or been the victim of a hate/bias incident or crime, how safe they feel in downtown, how safe they feel in the other Peterborough policed areas and what is their top traffic concern.

The survey includes a set of core questions about police accountability, legitimacy, and perception of safety. It is being conducted in partnership with several other mid-size police agencies to understand how our communities are the same and different.

The survey will be available online until June 3.

There will be several in-person opportunities for residents to fill out the survey, including:

The Peterborough Home and Garden Show at the Healthy Planet Arena

• Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

175th Anniversary Community Celebration at 1421 Lansdowne St.

• May 31 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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Team Rubicon Canada Deploys Volunteers To Aid Peterborough In Ice Storm Recovery

Team Rubicon Canada is sending volunteers to Peterborough to assist residents with downed trees and storm debris on their properties that started on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Team Rubicon Canada.

This is not the first time the group has aided Peterborough. Its members came during the City’s derecho storm in May 2022.

“Our community extends a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers with Team Rubicon Canada for helping residents recover from the damage following the severe ice storm,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Many residents may not be physically able to remove downed trees and storm debris on their property, and it could be a financial hardship. It’s a distressing situation. I’m grateful to the volunteers with Team Rubicon for providing a helping hand through this difficult time.”

Team Rubicon Canada issued the following statement:

“We understand this is a stressful time for many in our community. In the wake of the recent weather event, Team Rubicon Canada is on the ground and ready to assist.

We are a non-profit organization that unites the skills and experience of military veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Our services are provided free of charge to those in need.

If your property has been impacted by downed trees or storm debris, we’re here to help. Our trained volunteers will conduct a damage assessment and evaluate the debris caused by the storm. Based on your individual situation, our teams will respond accordingly—getting to work on debris management and removal at no cost to you.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be honoured to serve you.”

To contact Team Rubicon for assistance, please email request_assistance@teamrubicon.ca clearly indicating the location—whether the address is in the City of Peterborough or Peterborough County—or call 647-473-8655.

As part of the storm response, the city has waived tipping fees for residential yard waste and tree debris at the City-County Landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., until April 14.

Regular curbside yard waste collection services began this week.

The City will provide curbside tree debris chipping services for debris that is too large for the regular curbside yard waste collection service once resources are available to divert to that activity. Currently, resources are being directed to the storm response efforts to address hazardous and critical conditions. An update will be provided when the curbside chipping service activity is scheduled.

The City does not maintain trees on private property.

As a result of the ice storm, the City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement until April 14 for residents to remove trees on private property that have been destroyed, destabilized or structurally compromised as a direct result of the ice storm, with the following condition:

• Residents must send email notification to treebylaw@peterborough.ca providing photos, property address, tree species information including diameter, and provide the physiological and structural condition of the tree preferably prior to removing the tree or as soon as possible after removing a tree.

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Nominations Open For Community Care Peterborough's 37th 'Grandparent of the Year'

City and County of Peterborough children in grades 1-6 can honour their elders through Community Care Peterborough’s 37th ‘Grandparent of the Year’ contest.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Community Care Peterborough.

Children are asked to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their grandparent, elder or special older person and why they think their nominee should win the award.

“The Grandparent of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to connect generations and affirm the dignity, wisdom, and value of seniors in our community—many of whom are clients or volunteers with Community Care Peterborough,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “The stories we receive each year are a powerful reminder of the impact older adults have on young people, and we encourage all eligible students to take part.”

Nomination packages have been distributed to schools throughout Peterborough County and are also available for download.

Submissions will be accepted in both English and French and a winner and honourable mention will be selected in each language from two grade groups: Primary (Grades 1-3) and Junior (Grades 4-6).

The deadline for submissions is May 6. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 4 at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence.

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City of Peterborough Gets Green In Flag-Raising Ceremony to Commemorate Irish Heritage Week In Bi-Centennial Anniversary

It is ‘Top o’ the Mornin’ and 200 years for Peterborough as the City kicked off Irish Heritage Week with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday morning.

Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Shelley Ryan, Canadian Irish Club president; Brendan Moher, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor prior to the flag raising of Ireland to kick off Irish Heritage Week. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Members of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, residents and dignitaries were present to kick off Irish Heritage Week, as declared by Mayor Jeff Leal for Peterborough.

This year marks several milestones for Peterborough and Irish Heritage. 2025 marks the 200th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough.

“Irish people have are responsible for the names of all these communites in this area, (aside from) First Nations; they are here to be respected as well,” said Brendan Moher of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club. “A lot of these communities bear the names of Irish people and it is fitting that we honour that legacy and all the people that have come out of this area. ”

Watch on TikTok

Sunday is the 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at City Hall and running through George Street until the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This year's parade grand marshall is actor M. John Kennedy playing the role of Peter Robinson.

“There are an awful lot of people in this area that lay claim to Irish heritage,” explained Moher. “Of course, on St. Patrick's Day, everybody lays claims to Irish heritage so we'll be expecting a big increase in the next week.”

This year is also the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force. Moher says Robinson would be proud to see what Peterborough has become after all these years.

“People from Ireland continue to come here because of those connections and settle still to this day because of the roots that were laid down,” he said. “It causes growth in the community, comically there will be growth this summer as well because of Irish people coming from Ireland to take part in these bicentennial celebrations.”

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