Three Young Friends Come Together to Raise $500 for Cancer Care at PRHC

By Scott Arnold

Three friends have turned their summer neighbourhood visits into a generous $500 donation supporting cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Ellie, Aubree and Ellis proudly presenting their $500 donation to the PRHC Foundation in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (photo via instagram @prhc_foundation)

Ellie, Aubree and Ellis spent part of their summer going door-to-door in their neighbourhood raising money to support cancer care.

Their efforts recently brought them to the PRHC Foundation, where the trio presented their $500 gift in support of cancer care at PRHC.

It’s a simple example of how community spirit and a little determination can make a difference for regional healthcare.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race Returning to Kawartha Downs on Saturday

By Scott Arnold

The next generation of racers is getting ready to hit the track at Kawartha Downs this Saturday, with the third annual Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Young racers will take to the track at Kawartha Downs during the third annual Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race on August 22nd, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre. (Photo via instagram @5countieskids)

The event takes place Saturday, August 22nd, inviting children ages 4 to 8 to race their battery-powered vehicles while helping raise money for Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Participants must be registered and have a signed release from a parent or guardian. Families are responsible for providing, loading, unloading and maintaining their child’s vehicle. The vehicles must use batteries no larger than 12V and cannot be modified.

Kawartha Downs will also have an O.R. Kids Corner and more activities taking place throughout the evening.

The event is a fun night for young racers and their families, while raising money for children and families supported by Five Counties.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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From George Street to The Queensway: Brant Basics Celebrates a New Chapter in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

More than six decades after first opening its doors in Peterborough, Brant Basics marked a major milestone on Thursday as community members, elected officials, staff and customers gathered to celebrate the company's grand reopening at its new home on The Queensway.

Clive Katz and Trevor Katz, joined by Brant Basics staff, Mayor Jeff Leal and councillors Kevin Duguay and Leslie Parnell, take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the company's grand reopening celebration on Thursday (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The event brought together a steady stream of visitors who toured the newly renovated space at 701 The Queensway, took part in activities throughout the store and joined in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially marked the next chapter for a business that has been serving Peterborough since 1964.

For Trevor and Clive Katz, whose family assumed ownership of Brant Basics in 2023, the day was about much more than opening a new location. It was an opportunity to celebrate a long-standing local business while reaffirming its future in Peterborough.

"Brant Basics is a local company and will always remain a local company," said Trevor Katz. "We never changed the name when we took it over three years ago because Brant Basics is a local company and will always remain a local company."

The move follows decades of operation at the company's downtown George Street location. While the business built countless relationships there over the years, the new space offers opportunities that simply weren't possible before.

Trevor Katz speaking to crowd on Thursday as Staff, customers and community supporters gathered throughout the afternoon to celebrate the grand reopening of Brant Basics at its new home on The Queensway. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

During remarks at the ceremony, Trevor Katz noted that the move has allowed the company's sales team to work together on a single floor, creating a more collaborative environment while expanding the range of products available to customers.

Visitors walking through the store on Thursday could see that evolution firsthand. Alongside the furniture showroom and office supply offerings Brant Basics has long been known for, the new location features expanded educational, arts and crafts, and children's product sections.

"We still have a large furniture component in the store, a large office supply component, but we've now created a new area that's more arts, crafts and education for the general community as well," Trevor Katz explained.

The new Brant Basics showroom features expanded product offerings, including furniture, office supplies, educational materials and arts and crafts products. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The location itself was another important factor in the move.

"We liked the environment of The Queensway, the busyness of the street, close to Lansdowne Place, close to a few of the shops here," said Trevor Katz. "We thought it was a growing area as well, free parking obviously, which is always a good thing."

The new Brant Basics showroom features expanded product offerings, including furniture, office supplies, educational materials and arts and crafts products. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal was among those who spoke during the celebration, congratulating the Katz family and highlighting the significance of seeing local businesses continue to invest in the community.

"When you get the opportunity to be at a ribbon cutting, to see a small business expanding, providing service to a community, it certainly goes to show you beyond the news cycle, there's a lot of great things happening," said Leal.

Leal also reflected on the company's long history in Peterborough, noting that the business continues to build on the foundation established by founder Mo (Morris) Cox and his family.

"One of the great lessons that I got in politics when I entered a few decades ago is that you truly stand on the shoulders of others," he said. "So Clive and Trevor, they're standing on the shoulders of Mo Cox and his family to continue to build this business."

The mayor also pointed to customer service as one of the key reasons Brant Basics has remained a fixture in the community for more than 60 years.

"One thing we know about the history of Brant Basics is providing customer service second to none," said Leal. "That's what separates retailers from good ones and other ones that don't provide that high degree of customer service."

Representatives from the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and MPP Dave Smith's office also attended the event, offering congratulations and recognizing the company's continued growth.

Clive and Trevor Katz were presented a framed certificate from Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brenda Whitehead during the Brant Basics grand reopening celebration. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

While Thursday's grand reopening celebrated a new building, both Trevor and Clive Katz repeatedly brought the focus back to the people who helped make it happen.

The brothers credited staff for organizing the event and helping guide the business through the transition.

"The staff have been unbelievable," said Clive Katz. "They've been unbelievable from the day we moved to helping us with this event. They're happy, they're engaged, they love the new environment."

He added that the enthusiasm employees have shown for new product categories and the updated store layout has helped create an atmosphere that customers notice as soon as they walk through the doors.

"We're a family and to have a happy family is everything," he said.

That sense of teamwork was evident throughout the afternoon as employees greeted visitors, answered questions and helped showcase the new space.

Brant Basics staff members greet visitors and help showcase the company's newly reopened location during Thursday's grand reopening celebration on The Queensway. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Clive Katz admitted he was unsure what to expect when planning the grand reopening.

"I was a nervous wreck," he said with a laugh. "I was going, 'How many people are going to come? Is anyone going to show up?' And the staff just took control."

For a company that has spent more than six decades serving Peterborough, Thursday's celebration was both a look back and a look ahead. While the address has changed, the message from the owners remained consistent: Brant Basics is committed to staying rooted in the community it has called home since 1964.

"This opening is important for us to stay in the Peterborough location," said Trevor Katz. "We just feel the way the store is set up is really based on community and what the community needs."

As the ribbon was cut and visitors continued exploring the new showroom, the event served as a reminder that while businesses evolve, some of the strongest community connections are built over generations. For Brant Basics, Thursday's grand reopening was the latest chapter in a story that continues to be written in Peterborough.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Darcy Tucker and Chris Neil Coming to Peterborough for Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night

By Scott Arnold

The first two NHL alumni have been announced for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, with former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker and Ottawa Senators legend Chris Neil set to take part in the November 6th event at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers trail the Six Nations Stealth 2-1 in the best-of-five Meredith Cup Final heading into a must-win Game 4 on Friday night at Healthy Planet Arena. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. C Lakers, via Christine Liu)

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators rivalry is coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday, November 6th, with Tucker representing the Leafs alumni and Neil joining the Senators alumni.

For fans who remember the heated playoff battles between Toronto and Ottawa in the early 2000s, the two names should be familiar. The teams met in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2005, producing plenty of memorable moments, including several involving Tucker and Neil.

Tucker spent 16 seasons in the NHL and played more than 1,000 games, including eight seasons with Toronto. He became a fan favourite in Toronto thanks to his physical, hard-nosed style and was a prominent figure during the Leafs' playoff battles with Ottawa.

Neil spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Senators after being drafted by the organization in 1998. Known for his physical play, he became a popular figure in Ottawa and had his number retired by the Senators in 2023.

The two were involved in one of the rivalry's most memorable confrontations, including a bench altercation during a March 2003 game.

The November 6th event will feature alumni teams representing both clubs, with the full rosters expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Lineups are subject to change.

Meet-and-greet packages will also be available for fans who want the chance to meet Tucker and the Maple Leafs alumni or Neil and the Senators alumni.

The game is being held as a fundraiser for concussion education and awareness in youth sports through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation's Concussion Fund. The fund supports concussion programming, including Peterborough Athletic Concussion Awareness and the H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former Peterborough Pete and NHL defenceman Steve Montador.

Tickets are available online or through the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Next 100 Years Already Taking Shape at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

By Scott Arnold

After more than a century in Peterborough, the Peterborough Golf & Country Club has no shortage of history behind it. For General Manager William Mitchell, the exciting part is helping decide what comes next.

adam brown of chemong lodge celebrates after sinking a long putt on the 18th hole at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club. PGCC continues to bring people together through golf, events and community. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Mitchell is in his second season leading the club, but he admits he didn't know a great deal about the Peterborough Golf & Country Club before taking the job.

What he has discovered since arriving, however, has made him increasingly excited about the years ahead.

“There is something so wonderful here at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club,” Mitchell said. “I couldn't be more excited to help lead the team here and to help write the next few pages of the next 100 years of this club's history.”

After more than a century in Peterborough, the Peterborough Golf & Country Club has no shortage of history behind it. For General Manager William Mitchell, the exciting part is helping decide what comes next (photo by Scott Arnold)

That history is important, but the club isn't simply looking backwards.

Plans are underway to modernize the golf course and make sure it can continue to serve members and the broader community for another century. At the same time, the club continues to be a busy place throughout the year, with golf taking centre stage during the warmer months before curling carries the club into winter.

There are about 1,100 members, along with a staff of roughly 90 people who keep everything moving.

Mitchell said it takes all of them to deliver the major events that have become part of the club's calendar, from preparing the course to running the food and beverage operation and everything in between.

“It takes an army for sure,” he said.

The memory of Gary Dalliday continues to bring people together, with golfers gathering at the peterborough golf & country club Monday for the annual memorial tournament in his honour. left to right: Pete Dalliday, Jack Dalliday, Lincoln Dalliday and Gary’s brother, John Esford (Photo by Scott Arnold)

One of those major events was taking place when Mitchell sat down to talk about the club, with the Gary Dalliday Memorial Caring For Our Community Golf Tournament bringing about 100 participants together in support of Community Care Peterborough.

The tournament was particularly meaningful this year, taking place exactly eight years to the day after Dalliday passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.

For Mitchell, events carrying that kind of community significance are a reflection of the responsibility that comes with operating a club so closely connected to Peterborough.

“We realize the weight of the event,” he said. “We realize the weight of the individual that is honouring and the foundation and the community care that is supporting.”

Eight years after his passing, Gary Dalliday’s legacy of community involvement was remembered on the golf course Monday. left to right: Peter guerin, tim dalliday, dan jewell and craig field (Photo by Scott Arnold)

But while major events are an important part of the club's role, Mitchell said it is the people he has met that have made the biggest impression on him.

He came to the club from Oshawa and has spent much of the past two years getting to know its members and the wider Peterborough community.

He said he quickly noticed something familiar about the area.

“I know when I would travel to cottage countries and stuff before, people walk a little slower,” Mitchell said. “They hold eye contact a little bit longer. They ask questions that they care for the answers to.”

He has found that same sense of connection in Peterborough.

“I just find a level of care and welcome to the community that I could see myself here for a long time,” he said.

That may be one of the reasons the club feels like such a natural fit for him.

Mitchell still gets out to play when he can, managing about 10 to 15 rounds a year. He used to compete and admits he still has the competitive itch, although staff and younger members have been happy to remind him that he isn't quite as competitive as he used to be.

Golfers with the gary dalliday caring for our community golf tournament make their way around the Peterborough Golf & Country Club during a busy day on the course. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

His favourite hole is the 18th, where the clubhouse comes into view and the design forces golfers to make a decision off the tee.

It is a fitting choice for someone thinking about what comes next.

The course carries the influence of Stanley Thompson, the clubhouse and property carry more than 100 years of history, and the club continues to build on both while looking toward the future.

founded in 1897, The Peterborough Golf and Country Club is looking toward its next century while continuing to welcome golfers to its historic course. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

There is plenty on the immediate horizon, too.

About 94 competitors will take part in the club championships this weekend, with men, women, juniors and seniors competing for their names on the club's hardware. The winners will also earn reserved parking spots for the year, giving them a little extra bragging rights long after the trophies have been handed out.

The Robert Abbott Senior Invitational follows on September 3rd, continuing a tournament tradition that dates back to the 1950s.

Then comes curling and another season of club life.

For Mitchell, it is all part of the same picture.

The Peterborough Golf & Country Club isn't simply preserving what it has built over the past century, it is figuring out how to carry the best of it forward, and after two seasons, Mitchell is proud to be part of the team writing that next chapter.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Humane Society Golf Tournament Raises More Than $21K for Local Animals

By Scott Arnold

More than 130 golfers hit the links at Quarry Golf Club last month, helping raise more than $21,000 to support the Peterborough Humane Society's work caring for animals in the community.

Over 130 people came together for a day that included a silent auction, a live auction, and a full course of golf under beautiful summer weather, all in support of the people and pets served by PHS (photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society)

The Peterborough Humane Society's second annual golf tournament took place on July 23rd and surpassed the success of its inaugural event, attracting more golfers, more sponsors and raising even more money for local animals.

The day featured 18 holes of golf, as well as silent and live auctions, with participants enjoying ideal summer weather while supporting the organization's mission.

In total, the event raised more than $21,000, with support from presenting sponsor Darling Insurance, along with Nexicom, Fox Law, One Fine Food, Conlin Premier Construction Inc., the Sheraton Centre Toronto, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, Boston Pizza Peterborough and many other sponsors and donors.

"Any opportunity to enjoy perfect weather with our wonderful supporters while talking about our mission and raising funds is a good day," said PHS CEO Shawn Morey. "Thank you to everyone who came out, golfed, sponsored, and gave so generously. This community never stops showing up for animals in need, and we're already looking forward to next year."

Following another successful tournament, the Peterborough Humane Society has already announced the event will return to Quarry Golf Club on Thursday, July 22nd, 2027.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Volunteers Needed to Plant 500 Native Trees at Heritage Park This Fall

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough residents are being invited to help grow the city's urban forest by planting approximately 500 native trees during this year's Trees 4 Peterborough Community Tree Planting Event.

Trees 4 Peterborough brings together community partners, volunteers and local organizations to help expand Peterborough's urban forest and create healthier, greener neighbourhoods (photo by scott arnold)

The annual event takes place on Saturday, September 26th, beginning at 10am at Heritage Park, located at 560 Settlers Ridge.

Volunteers will help plant native trees along Riverview Creek, expanding tree cover in the park while supporting Peterborough's ongoing efforts to create a healthier and greener urban forest.

Trees 4 Peterborough is a community initiative that brings together residents, local organizations and businesses to plant trees in parks and public spaces across the city.

The event is being coordinated by Peterborough GreenUP with support from RBC Wealth Management. Additional support is being provided by The Excelsior Group, East Side Mario's and Merrett Home Hardware.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to take part. Anyone interested in volunteering can register in advance through the City of Peterborough's website.

The community tree planting event will take place rain or shine.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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City of Peterborough Hands Out 2023 Civic Awards

The 2023 Civic Awards were presented by City Council at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Tuesday.

civc awards photo

The awards recognize contributions to the community that enriched the lives of residents and outstanding individual and group achievements in the city in 2023, according to a City of Peterborough media release.

“It’s an honour to recognize the outstanding achievements and efforts of these exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the life of our community,” mayor Jeff Leal said. “Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making our city a better place is truly inspiring.”

Award Recipients:

Community Betterment

• Peterborough Police Auxiliary Unit

• Myles Conner

• Irish Millie

• Jennifer and Braden Glasbergen

• Marie Gulliver

• Dave Rumball

• Peterborough Lions Club

Cultural Betterment

• Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay

• Tina Avlonitis

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability

• Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group

Athletic Award of Merit

• Holy Cross Secondary School Girls Hockey Team

• Chelsea Burton

• Kenner Senior Boys Basketball Team

• MacKenna Hancock

Holnbeck Award

• John McNutt

Junior Athlete of the Year

• Alexis Jenkins

Youth Volunteer of the Year

• Titus Ngouepo

Volunteer of the Year

• Greg McLeod

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ron Cambridge

“On behalf of the entire city, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all of this year's recipients,” Leal said.

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