Fleming College's Phoenix Cup Returns This Wednesday to Showcase High School and College Basketball

Following Fleming College’s inaugural Phoenix Cup in February, the event returns this Wednesday to the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre to showcase high school and college basketball.

The Phoenix Cup is designed to bring the community together through sport while highlighting the depth of talent across local high school and varsity programs. This event continues Fleming’s commitment to partnering with local high schools and sports organizations, with future events including competitions across multiple sports. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The senior girls’ matchup is at 3 p.m., with Crestwood Secondary School taking on St. Peter Catholic Secondary School. At 4:30 p.m., the junior girls’ teams from Crestwood and St. Peter face off. The event concludes with the Fleming Phoenix men’s varsity basketball scrimmage at 6:15 p.m., as the team prepares for its regular-season opener on Oct. 24.

Phoenix Cup Schedule:

• 3:00 p.m. – High School Senior Girls: Crestwood vs. St. Peter

• 4:30 p.m. – High School Junior Girls: Crestwood vs. St. Peter

• 6:15 p.m. – Fleming Phoenix Men’s Varsity Scrimmage

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College's New Healthcare Program to Advance Plans After $500,000 Anonymous Gift

Fleming College has expanded its healthcare programming with a new Medical Imaging Technology program, supported by a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor to fund the facilities, equipment and technology needed to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s Board of Governors has endorsed a proposed Medical Imaging Technology program, marking an important milestone in the College’s healthcare expansion plans.

Medical Imaging Technology would join the College’s planned Medical Laboratory Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technologist programs, with Fleming targeting the introduction of all three programs by Fall 2028, subject to required approvals.

The programs are being developed in response to growing workforce pressures across the healthcare system and needs identified by regional healthcare partners, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

“Healthcare providers across our region are telling us clearly where the workforce gaps are, and Fleming has an important role to play in helping address them,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College interim president. “Advancing Medical Imaging Technology represents another important step in our healthcare expansion. Together with our new medical laboratory programs, it will create new opportunities for students while building a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals for hospitals and healthcare organizations in our communities.”

According to Fleming, the need is particularly significant in medical laboratories. They note that Canada continues to face demand for laboratory professionals as the workforce ages and healthcare needs grow. Fleming’s healthcare expansion strategy identifies more than 31,000 projected job openings for medical laboratory technologists and assistants across Canada between 2024 and 2033, with nearly 30 per cent of the workforce already age 50 or older.  

PRHC has also identified recruiting and retaining laboratory professionals as a growing challenge in the region. In a letter supporting Fleming’s MLA and MLT programs, PRHC said staffing shortages can increase workloads, lengthen laboratory turnaround times and delay diagnosis and treatment. It also noted that training students locally increases the likelihood graduates will remain and work in the region.  

“Medical laboratories are an integral component of the healthcare system, with the vast majority of clinical decisions relying on laboratory testing,” said Dr. Katie O’Reilly, PRHC Medical Director, Laboratory Services. “Ensuring an adequate workforce of well-trained MLAs and MLTs is essential to maintaining high-quality, timely diagnostic services for our patients.”  

Medical imaging is another area of growing regional need. PRHC has identified increased demand for diagnostic imaging services and a need for additional professionals in ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI.

“Demand for diagnostic imaging has grown dramatically across our region, with the volume of tests at PRHC nearly doubling over the past decade,” said Noel Bennett, Interim President and CEO, Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “Having enough skilled professionals to meet that demand is critical to ensuring physicians have timely access to the diagnostic information they need to make clinical decisions and supporting the high-quality care our patients deserve.”

The expansion builds on Fleming’s long history of healthcare education. Over the past decade, more than 12,000 healthcare professionals have graduated from Fleming, and healthcare programs currently account for more than one-quarter of the College’s full-time student population.  

“A Medical Imaging Technology program at Fleming College would help build that workforce here at home, creating opportunities for students while strengthening healthcare capacity for the future,” said Bennett. “We’re pleased to expand our collaboration with Fleming, and see it as essential to addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages in our region.”

The need for additional healthcare professionals is expected to grow further as the region’s population ages. Fleming’s planning projects significant growth among older age groups in its catchment area over the next decade, including a 28 per cent increase in the population aged 75 to 79 and a 51.8 per cent increase among those aged 80 to 84.  

Supporting the expansion will require significant investment in specialized facilities, equipment and technology. An anonymous donor has committed $500,000 to help Fleming move that work forward, including investments in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, simulation facilities and technology, and HyFlex learning environments designed to expand access for mature and remote learners.

“It is very gratifying to support Fleming’s healthcare expansion efforts,” said the anonymous donor. “The addition of new programs and improved access for learners will help more young people pursue meaningful and critically needed careers in healthcare. There are few opportunities where you can invest in the lives of young people while also helping to strengthen our healthcare system and, ultimately, the health and well-being of our entire community. I would encourage other donors who care about the future of our community to consider supporting Fleming College.”

Fleming’s broader healthcare expansion includes planned investments in new laboratory infrastructure, simulation and diagnostic equipment, flexible learning technology and financial support for students. These investments are intended to support the programs now in development while creating additional capacity to respond to future healthcare workforce needs.  

“This extraordinary gift gives Fleming important momentum as we work to expand healthcare education in areas where the need is clear and growing,” said Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations. “Meeting that need will require continued partnership among Fleming, government, healthcare organizations and donors, and this generous support is an important step forward.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Its Community to Share Ideas With the Integration With St. Lawrence College

Fleming College invites students, employees, alumni, community members, and industry partners to share their ideas and perspectives as planning for the upcoming integration continues.

File Photo.

Since announcing their intention to integrate as equal partners in April, Fleming College and St. Lawrence College say they have worked to create a stronger, more sustainable institution that can best serve students, faculty, staff, employers and local communities for years to come. According to a press release, the primary objective is to increase access to education for current and future students while better aligning programs and capacity with local and regional labour market needs.

To support this work, the colleges have developed a structured engagement program that gives people opportunities to share input throughout the integration process. Those looking to submit comments and suggestions are encouraged to email integration@flemingcollege.ca. Feedback can also be shared through a series of short, rotating survey questions available at flemingcollege.ca/integration. Survey links will also be shared via social media and on digital display boards across campuses. All responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared publicly.

“Feedback from the people who know our colleges best is an important contribution to the integration planning process,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleimg interim president. This is an opportunity to better understand what people value most about each institution, while we work toward our shared goal of expanding student access to unique academic programs and pathways, as well as research and work-integrated learning opportunities.”

Engagement will continue as the integration moves forward and Fleming will share additional opportunities to provide input in the weeks and months ahead.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Schedule Released For Fleming Phoenix's Inaugural Season of Lacrosse Sixes

It is the first year the Fleming Phoenix take the lacrosse field as its Sixes team has released its schedule for its inaugural season starting this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Fleming Phoenix.

The Phoenix, led by Head Coach Dustin Dunn, face three other college teams in this fall's campaign.

The team plays two games on each of the four game-day dates. The first homestand is on Oct. 25 against the Humber Hawks and Durham Lords. The final day is on Nov. 1 at Mohawk College with semifinals followed by the third-place and first-place games.

The following is the 2026 season schedule:

Sept. 27 at Humber (Centennial Park Stadium)

• Durham vs Fleming - noon

• Fleming vs Mohawk - 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Durham (Vaso's Field)

• Fleming vs Humber - noon

• Durham vs Fleming - 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Fleming (Fleming Phoenix Sports Field)

• Fleming vs Mohawk - noon

• Fleming vs Humber - 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Mohawk 

• Semifinal #1 - 11 a.m.

• Semifinal #2 - noon

• Third-place game - 1:30 p.m.

• First-place game - 2:30 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.