Nominations Open for 2026 YMCA Peace Medal in Peterborough Region

/

By Scott Arnold

Know someone who quietly makes Peterborough a more welcoming and inclusive place? The YMCA is looking for nominations for its 2026 Peace Medal.

The YMCA Peace Medal recognizes individuals making a difference by promoting inclusion, understanding, belonging and positive change in their communities. (photo courtesy of the YMCA of Central East Ontario, Balsillie Family Branch)

The YMCA of Central East Ontario is looking for people in the Peterborough region who are making a difference in their community, often without seeking recognition for it themselves.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 YMCA Peace Medal, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a meaningful commitment to building peace through actions that promote inclusion, understanding, belonging and positive social change.

The YMCA is encouraging community members, organizations and local leaders to nominate someone who helps break down barriers, creates opportunities for others or works to build a more connected community.

“Building stronger communities often requires significant personal sacrifice. Across our communities, there are many individuals who dedicate themselves to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for others,” says Cindy Mytruk, Manager of Partnerships, Inclusion and Engagement. “The YMCA Peace Medal is an opportunity to recognize the impact these individuals have on the lives of those around them and to help amplify the important work and messages they bring forward.”

Nominations must be submitted by Sunday, October 18th at 11pm.

Nominations can be made through the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s online Peace Medal nomination form, available through ymcaofceo.ca. Paper nomination forms and verbal nominations by phone are also available upon request by contacting the YMCA.

The selected recipient will be honoured at a recognition ceremony in November, with the YMCA working with the recipient to determine the date, time and location.

The YMCA Peace Medal is awarded annually across Canada to individuals who, without special resources, status or authority, demonstrate a commitment to peacebuilding and strengthening their communities.


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.

Photos: Nagasaki Commemoration Lantern Ceremony at Little Lake

/

The Peterborough Peace Council hosted its annual Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration Ceremony at Little Lake on Tuesday evening.

Traditionally the lanterns have been released towards the fountain however this year’s strong winds sent them along the shoreline. Photo by Luke Best.

“It’s important to remember exactly what happened,” said Gianne Broughton, a Peterborough Peace Council member.

The commemoration began with Broughton acknowledging the 77th anniversary of the dropping of an atomic bomb on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan by the U.S Military.

Peterborough Peace Council member Sheila Nabigon-Howlett then shared how Canada has not yet signed the UN Nuclear Ban Treaty and called for the end of nuclear tech.

“This is an opportunity to look at the globe and see what is happening. It’s not pretty,” she said.

An open invitation was offered if anyone would like to speak their mind, about the past or about the future. Two speeches were made after an open mic invitation was offered to speak their mind, about the past or about the future, followed by a song.

Peterborough Peace Council and supporters were invited to release paper lanterns into the water after the sun had set. This Japanese custom is a gesture of respect for those who have died and gives participants a moment to think about their ancestors and loved ones.

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