Two More NHL Alumni Join Peterborough’s Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night

By Scott Arnold

Two more familiar names from the Battle of Ontario era are coming to Peterborough, with Nik Antropov and Chris Phillips joining the alumni lineup for Rivalry Night on November 6th.

fan favourites Nik Antropov and Chris Phillips will join the Leafs and Senators Alumni teams respectively for The Battle of Ontario on November 6th at the peterborough memorial centre (photo courtesy of the greater peterborough health services foundation)

Antropov will join the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni team, while Phillips will suit up with the Ottawa Senators Alumni team at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The pair join previously announced alumni Darcy Tucker and Chris Neil, giving fans four former NHL players who were key parts of the Toronto-Ottawa rivalry of the early 2000s.

Antropov was selected 10th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and spent 10 seasons in the Leafs organization. The 6-foot-6 forward was a familiar presence on Toronto’s top lines during the rivalry’s peak.

Phillips was selected first overall by Ottawa in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and spent his entire NHL career with the Senators. The defenceman became a longtime fixture on Ottawa’s blue line and was part of the rivalry’s biggest years.

The Battle of Ontario became a regular playoff matchup in the early 2000s, with Toronto and Ottawa meeting in the postseason four times in five seasons between 2000 and 2005.

The rivalry was revived in the 2024-25 season when the Leafs and Senators met in the first round of the playoffs.

Rivalry Night will also have a local purpose beyond the alumni matchup. The event is a fundraiser supporting concussion education and awareness in youth sport through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s Concussion Fund.

The game takes place November 6th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Meet and greet packages are available with the alumni teams, and complete rosters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets are available through the Peterborough Memorial Centre website.

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

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Fleming College Awards $120,000 in Entrance Scholarships to 54 Students

By Scott Arnold

Fifty-four students starting their Fleming College journey this fall are receiving a combined $120,000 in entrance scholarship support.

Fleming College is welcoming its first cohort of entrance scholarship recipients as students begin the Fall 2026 semester. (photo courtesy of Fleming college)

The scholarships mark the first year of Fleming’s new Entrance Scholarships program, which awarded $100,000 to 50 incoming students.

Each student received $2,000, with scholarships awarded across five categories: mature learners, skilled trades students, applied health students, students entering the new Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program and Fleming alumni returning to college.

The remaining $20,000 is being provided to four students entering environmental science programs at Fleming’s Frost Campus through scholarships established by The Pick Family Foundation in honour of the late business leader and philanthropist Tom Pick. Each student will receive $5,000.

The scholarships are being awarded to students entering programs across Fleming’s Schools of Health and Community Services, Trades and Technology, and Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences.

Recipients were selected based on academic achievement and the eligibility requirements established for each award.

Fleming announced its first-ever entrance scholarship program in April, with the goal of providing additional financial support to incoming students. The 50 Fleming scholarships were made possible through the Fleming Forward Fund.

For Fleming student Zahid Hasan, who is entering the new Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program, the support is already making a difference.

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me and will provide valuable support as I begin my studies,” said Hasan. “I appreciate Fleming College’s commitment to supporting students and investing in those pursuing important and in-demand fields. I am excited to join the Fleming community and look forward to starting this academic journey.”

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

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Fleming College Partnership Offers Tuition-Free Training For PSWs and Rural Nurses Winter of 2027

Fleming College and Scarborough Health Network (SHN) have partnered to provide tuition-free training to prepare new personal support workers and help current nurses develop skills to deliver care in rural and remote communities, beginning in the winter of 2027.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The project is supported by a $2.2 million investment from the Government of Ontario through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream.

Fleming expects to train 80 new personal support workers and provide specialized rural and remote nursing training to 30 Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses by June 30, 2027.

“This partnership brings together Scarborough Health Network’s health-care leadership and Fleming College’s expertise in applied, career-focused education,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President of Fleming College. “By removing financial barriers and providing learners with practical training and comprehensive supports, we are creating more accessible pathways into rewarding health-care careers while responding directly to workforce needs across Ontario.”

Through Fleming Continuing Education, the project offers two training streams:

• Accelerated Personal Support Worker training: Participants will complete 12 weeks of theory-based instruction followed by a paid, 300-hour work placement. The accelerated format will help learners develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to enter the workforce quickly and confidently.

• Rural and Remote Nursing micro-credential: Current Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses will complete three asynchronous courses taken concurrently over 14 weeks. The training will help nurses strengthen the specialized skills needed to provide care in rural and remote settings.

Tuition will be free for eligible participants. Personal support worker learners will also receive paid placements, while wraparound supports and stipends will help eligible participants overcome financial and personal barriers to completing their training.

“Building a strong and sustainable health-care workforce means creating opportunities for people to enter the field and supporting current professionals as they expand their skills,” said David Graham, President and CEO of Scarborough Health Network. “Together with Fleming College, we are helping more people access health-care training while preparing personal support workers and nurses to meet the needs of patients and communities.”

Recruitment will focus on eligible domestic participants, with targeted outreach to women, newcomers to Canada, racialized people, and members of underserved communities. Training may be delivered through multiple cohorts to provide participants with flexible entry points and appropriate learning supports.

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Fleming College Giving Local Youth a Hands-On Look at Skilled Trades

By Scott Arnold

Students from across the region will get the chance to explore careers in the skilled trades during a week-long summer camp at Fleming College.

The annual Skills Ontario Summer Camp runs from Aug. 10 to 14 at Fleming College's Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, welcoming students in Grades 7 to 9 from Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham and Hasting (photo courtesy of fleming college)

The annual Skills Ontario Summer Camp runs from August 10th to 14th at Fleming College's Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, welcoming students in Grades 7 to 9 from Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham and Hastings.

Held in partnership with Skills Ontario, the camp gives participants a chance to learn by doing inside Fleming's Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre. Throughout the week, students will take part in hands-on activities in construction, plumbing, electrical, welding, arboriculture, fish and wildlife, blasting, heavy equipment and hairstyling while using industry tools and materials to build projects they can take home.

The experience extends beyond Peterborough, with campers travelling to Fleming's Frost Campus in Lindsay on August 11th to explore environmental and natural resources programs through outdoor activities.

Students will also get to experience the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck when it visits the Sutherland Campus on August 13th. The mobile learning unit features interactive simulators and activities designed to introduce youth to a variety of skilled trades and technologies.

The week wraps up on August 14th with a parent showcase, giving families an opportunity to tour the facilities, see the projects students created and celebrate everything they learned during the camp.

The summer camp is part of Skills Ontario's province-wide initiative to introduce young people to skilled trades and technical careers while helping address Ontario's growing demand for skilled workers.

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

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Find Your Fleming Day Offers Future Students a Closer Look at Campus

By Scott Arnold

Anyone considering Fleming College, or preparing to begin their studies, will have a chance to explore the Sutherland Campus during Find Your Fleming Day on July 30th.

Find Your Fleming Day visitors will have an opportunity to experience the Sutherland Campus community first-hand, explore Fleming’s in-demand academic programs, learn about bursaries and entrance scholarships, and take guided campus tours of Fleming’s state-of-the-art facilities (photo courtesy of fleming college)

The free event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fleming College's Sutherland Campus in Peterborough and is designed for both students who have already received an offer of admission and those still exploring their post-secondary options for 2026 or 2027.

Visitors will be able to tour the campus, learn more about Fleming's academic programs, explore student services, and get information about bursaries and entrance scholarships. Guided tours will showcase the college's facilities, while members of the Student Recruitment Team will be available to answer questions and help prospective students apply or accept their offers.

As an added incentive, the first 25 people who apply to a 2026 or 2027 program during the event will have their application fee waived. Students who accept an existing offer of admission at the event will also be entered into a draw to win a Fleming hoodie.

Prospective students, applicants and their families are encouraged to register online in advance before attending.

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

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Fleming College Blasting Program Featured on TVOkids Series

By Scott Arnold

A unique Fleming College program is getting a national spotlight, as TVOkids takes young viewers behind the scenes of the specialized world of blasting and skilled trades.

rock blasting expert bill smith, coordinator of fleming college’s blasting techniques program, reacting to a blast with brody agmon, host popular TVOkids educational series, Trading Skills (screenshot from youtube/@tvokids)

The College’s Blasting Techniques program at the Frost Campus in Lindsay will be featured in an upcoming episode of the TVOkids series Trading Skills, giving viewers a closer look at one of Canada’s most specialized trades programs.

The episode was filmed at Fleming’s outdoor learning facilities and features Bill Smith, Program Coordinator for the Blasting Techniques program, alongside Trading Skills co-host Brody Agmon.

Brody agmon, one of the host of the TVOkids series Trading Skills was at Fleming colleges Frost campus to learn about rock blasting from the coordinator of fleming’s blasting techniques program bill smith (screenshot from youtube/@tvokids)

During the episode, viewers learn how blasting professionals contribute to infrastructure projects and the Canadian economy, while also discovering a career path that many may not know exists.

Fleming’s Blasting Techniques program is the only training program of its kind in Canada and prepares students for careers in the explosives industry through hands-on learning.

“Many people don't even know this trade exists, so we’re glad to showcase the Frost Campus and plant that seed early for kids,” said Smith. “Our program is perfect for anyone who loves working outdoors and wants a rewarding career.”

fleming colleges blasting techniques program was featured in an episode of the popular TVOkids educational series,Trading Skills (screenshot from youtube/@tvokids)

The partnership with TVOkids is aimed at introducing young people to skilled trades and highlighting the variety of career opportunities available in technical fields.

The episode featuring Fleming College is scheduled to air on TVOkids on Sunday, July 12 at 12:10 p.m. It is also available to watch through TVOkids’ digital platforms and YouTube channel.

Fleming College offers a variety of skilled trades training opportunities, including programs at the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough and drilling and blasting programs at the Frost Campus in Lindsay.

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

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Registration to Open For Fleming College's Fall Continuing Education Courses This Thursday

Online registration for Fleming College’s fall continuing education courses opens this Thursday.

File Photo.

The Fall 2026 intake features courses and certificate programs including Health and Community Services, Environmental, Business, Languages and Skilled Trades. 

Fleming’s Continuing Education full course and program offerings and registration are available online.

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Ontario Government Invests $56 Million to Fleming College For Post-Secondary Education Expansion

To protect students’ access to education and successful careers, the Ontario Government has invested $56 million into Fleming College announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This historic $56 million investment represents a vital commitment to the future of our region,” he said. “By delivering this targeted support directly to Fleming College, our government is ensuring that local students can continue to access world-class education right here at home. This funding provides the long-term stability needed to keep our postsecondary sector strong, while empowering the next generation with the practical skills required for rewarding, high-demand careers.”

“Fleming College plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and community leaders” said Laurie Scott, Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock MPP. “This investment will help ensure students continue to benefit from high-quality education and hands-on training while strengthening the college’s long-term sustainability. By supporting Fleming today, we are helping build a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for future generations to launch rewarding careers right here in Ontario.”

The investment helps ensure that Fleming College can keep preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in fall 2026, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education.

According to the Ontario Government, through this new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in fall 2026.

“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this significant $14 million average annual investment in Fleming College, provided over the next four years,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President, Fleming College. “This funding will provide important stability for the College as we continue to focus on our students and their success. By investing in career-focused education and training, the province is helping ensure Fleming graduates are prepared with the skills they need to succeed in rewarding, in-demand careers and contribute to the communities and industries that depend on them.”

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Fleming College Celebrate Phoenix Athletes With 53rd Varsity Awards Banquet

Over 130 student-athletes from Fleming College celebrated another athletic season and recognized exceptional players at the 53rd Annual Phoenix Varsity Awards Banquet on April 10.

Nicole Roy (left) and Thomas Kitchen (right) winning Women’s and Men’s Athlete of the year respectively and other high-honour awards at the banquet. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The special highlighted team, following their historic double-gold national championship win this season, were the Men’s and Women’s Loggersports teams. The Loggersports program took home the Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Female All-Around Athlete of the Year, All-Academic and Coach of the Year awards.

The 2025-2026 Fleming Phoenix varsity athlete awards were presented to:

Eric O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment, and dedication.

• Nicole Roy – Women’s Loggersports

• Ryan Clarke – Men's Volleyball and Men’s Soccer

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Nicole Roy – Women's Loggersports

• Thomas Kitchen – Men's Loggersports

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship, and dedication on the field.

• Sara Petersen – Women's Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Awards: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Kris Starr Award: Sayre Hart – Loggersports

• Adam Evans Award: Jacob Ricker – Loggersports

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Sarah Porter – Women’s Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere, and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.

• Al Cavers – Loggersports

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college, as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Ashley Smith – Women's Rugby Sevens

Most Valuable Player Award: Recognized by their respective team for significant contribution to their team’s success.

• Ashley Smith – Women’s Rugby Sevens

• Emma Radley – Women’s Soccer

• Ryan Clarke – Men’s Soccer

• Mattea Miller-Evans - Women’s Loggersports

• Thomas Kitchen – Men’s Loggersports

• Owen Wisman – Men’s Basketball

• Samantha de Koning – Women’s Volleyball

• Calvin Dekok – Men’s Volleyball

Rookie of the Year Award: Recognized by their respective team for outstanding skills and positive integration with the team.

• Charlotte Murray – Women’s Rugby Sevens

• Claire Deschatelets – Women’s Soccer

• Aidan Sproule – Men’s Soccer

• Morgan Specht – Women’s Loggersports

• Lyndon Jarbeau – Men’s Loggersports

• Nathan Walters – Sundararajah – Men’s Basketball

• Guinevere Hallock – Women’s Volleyball

• Jordan Flynn – Men’s Volleyball

There were 30 student athletes were awarded for achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while balancing the demands of varsity-level competition.

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Ten Local Women Facing Employment Barriers Complete Welding Training at Fleming College

Through a training and program-delivery partnership with the Canadian Welders Bureau (CWB) Foundation, 10 local women facing barriers to employment have successfully completed eight weeks of hands-on welding and computer training at Fleming College.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The training is part of CWB’s free 16-week WeldHER+ pre-employment program, which also includes an eight-week paid placement with one of Fleming’s placement employers.

With the first WeldHER + cohort recently completing the program, each participant has now taken their next steps towards meaningful, skilled trades careers. Eight participants gained full-time employment with their placement employer and two chose to advance their professional skills through full-time studies in the Welding and Fabrication program.

Fleming College delivered a technical training experience, led by welding faculty in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre. Through the program, the women had the opportunity to earn up to eight CWB welding qualifications and become well prepared for apprenticeships and immediate employment. Employers affirmed this high-skill-level training, consistently reporting strong performance, job readiness, and strong growth among WeldHER+ participants.

Applications are now being accepted for the next WeldHER+ pre-employment program intake. In-class sessions at Fleming College run from May 19 to July 3, followed by a placement opportunity from July to September. Community members, referral agencies and employer partners are encouraged to connect early to support participation and placement opportunities.

For more information or to apply, reach out via e-mail.

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