Toronto Airways Officially Opens Flight Training Operation at Peterborough Regional Airport

By Scott Arnold

A flight training operation that began in Peterborough earlier this year has been officially welcomed to the airport, bringing new opportunities for aviation students and the local economy.

Toronto Airways officially celebrated its flight training operation at Peterborough Regional Airport on October 14th, with Mayor Jeff Leal joining company representatives for a tour of the facility. (photo courtesy of city of peterborough)

Toronto Airways officially celebrated its investment at Peterborough Regional Airport on Wednesday, October 14th, with Mayor Jeff Leal joining company representatives for a tour of its flight training facility.

The company began operating at the airport in May 2026, following the City’s announcement in February 2025 that Canadian Flight Academy, owned by Toronto Airways, would become a new tenant.

At the time, the operation was projected to create approximately 50 direct jobs and contribute an estimated $20 million to the local economy through gross domestic product.

Toronto Airways has provided flight training in Ontario since 1963. Its Peterborough facility delivers the Canadian Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence program in partnership with Centennial College, with students receiving ground instruction, simulator training and aircraft training onsite.

The operation is supported by a fleet of 16 aircraft and an onsite aircraft maintenance organization.

Mayor Jeff Leal said the investment strengthens Peterborough Regional Airport’s role in aviation employment, training and economic development while creating opportunities for future aviation professionals.

The City-owned airport, located in Peterborough County, is home to more than 20 aviation and aerospace businesses that support over 550 direct jobs. Its facilities serve a range of operations, including flight training, corporate aviation, aircraft maintenance and aerospace services.

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

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Balcony Fire at Charlotte Towers in Downtown Peterborough Draws Multiple Fire Crews

By Scott Arnold

Firefighters responded to a balcony fire on the seventh floor of Charlotte Towers in downtown Peterborough this afternoon.

Firefighters respond to a balcony fire on the seventh floor of Charlotte Towers in downtown Peterborough on October 14th. (photo by scott arnold)

Multiple fire trucks and several firefighters were on scene at the apartment building as crews worked to contain the fire.

The fire was contained to the seventh-floor balcony, with no injuries reported.

photo by scott arnold

Photo by scott arnold

Photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

No further details have been made available at this time.

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

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Trent Men's Soccer Makes Program History With Back-to-Back Playoff Berths

By Scott Arnold

For the first time in program history, Trent Excalibur men's soccer has qualified for the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) playoffs in consecutive seasons.

Trent Excalibur men's soccer has qualified for the OUA playoffs for the second consecutive season, marking a first in program history. (photo courtesy of trent university, via david pickering)

The Excalibur secured their postseason spot while continuing a strong 2026 campaign, which has seen the team match its program record for wins in a single season.

Trent earned its sixth victory of the season on Saturday with a 2-1 win over the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins. The victory tied the program record of six wins, set during the 2025 season.

The Excalibur currently sit fifth in the OUA East Division standings with one regular season game remaining.

Last season, Trent also reached the playoffs before its season ended with a 3-1 loss to the nationally ranked Carleton Ravens in the opening round.

The Excalibur will close out their regular season on Saturday, October 17th, when they travel to face the Nipissing Lakers at 2:15pm.

The 2026 OUA men's soccer playoffs begin Wednesday, October 21st. Trent's playoff opponent, game time and location will be announced as details become available.

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

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Naming Ceremony for Bobby Allan Bowl Set for November 5th at Knights of Columbus Park

By Scott Arnold

A date has been set to officially name the new bowl at Knights of Columbus Park in honour of Peterborough lacrosse legend Bobby Allan.

Peterborough lacrosse legend Bobby Allan will be honoured when the new bowl at Knights of Columbus Park is officially named the Bobby Allan Bowl on November 5th. (screenshot via cogeco yourtv documentary, peterborough lacrosse 150)

The naming ceremony will take place on November 5th at Knights of Columbus Park, with the time still to be determined.

The new bowl at Knights of Columbus Park will officially be named the Bobby Allan Bowl during a ceremony on November 5th. (photo by Scott Arnold)

Peterborough City Council previously endorsed a motion to name the facility the Bobby Allan Bowl, recognizing Allan’s lasting contributions to lacrosse as both a player and coach.

After months of renovations knights of columbus park is close to reopening to the public, with the new bobby allan bowl as the centrepiece (photo by Scott Arnold)

Allan, who grew up just blocks from the park, spent much of his youth playing lacrosse there before building a remarkable career that included four Mann Cup championships as a player, a world championship as head coach of Canada’s national field lacrosse team in 1970 and a Mann Cup title with the Peterborough Lakers as head coach in 1973.

Allan has also been inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.

The naming will recognize a local sports figure whose impact on lacrosse extended well beyond Peterborough.

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

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Lang Pioneer Village Bringing Halloween Traditions to Life With Spooky All Hallows’ Eve

By Scott Arnold

From a ride through the darkened village to old-fashioned Halloween games, Spooky All Hallows’ Eve returns to Lang Pioneer Village Museum on October 23rd and 24th.

Spooky All Hallows’ Eve returns to Lang Pioneer Village Museum on October 23rd and 24th, featuring Halloween-themed activities, historic traditions and family-friendly fun. (photo courtesy of lang pioneer village)

Halloween traditions have plenty of history behind them, and visitors can explore some of their origins during two evenings of spooky activities at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

Spooky All Hallows’ Eve runs from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th, transforming the historic village into a series of Halloween-themed scenes.

Visitors can take a tractor and wagon ride through the village, learn about the history of coffins and body snatching at the Carpenter Shop and hear the legend behind the jack-o’-lantern from storyteller Glen Caradus, who brings the tale of Stingy Jack to life.

The event also includes a look at paranormal investigations conducted at the museum by the Paranormal Seekers, an 1890s-style Halloween party with traditional games and a magic show inside the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building. Magic show performances take place at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm each night.

Other activities include visiting a witch’s lair, meeting Madam Fortune, trying hula-hooping tricks with a ringmaster, making a Halloween craft and entering a colouring contest. Visitors can also test their courage with mystery crocks, visit the Botched Bakery and search the village for items on a pirate treasure map.

Hot chocolate and sweet treats will be available for purchase at the Hotel, while Ben’s Kettle Corn will be on-site making fresh kettle corn. Candy and other sweets will also be available at the General Store. Visitors can wear their Halloween costumes or have their faces painted by Faces By 2.

Although some of the Halloween origin stories explore darker history, organizers note that the event is designed for all ages and is not intended to be a frightening experience.

Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for students and seniors aged 60 and older, and $9 for youth aged two to 14. Children under two can attend for free. A $45 family admission option includes two adults and up to four youth aged two to 14.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. On-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information and tickets, visit Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s website.

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

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Business Advisory Centre Celebrates Two Years of Helping Local Entrepreneurs Succeed

By Scott Arnold

Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has supported 546 businesses, helped launch 227 new businesses and contributed to the creation of 414 jobs since opening in 2024.

Community Futures Peterborough is celebrating two years of its Business Advisory Centre, which has supported 546 businesses and helped create 414 jobs across the region since 2024. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

Two years after opening its doors, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) is celebrating a successful start, surpassing provincial consultation targets by 301% in the 2025/26 fiscal year while helping entrepreneurs across Peterborough and the surrounding region start and grow their businesses.

Operated by Community Futures Peterborough, the centre provides business advice, workshops, mentorship and access to funding programs for entrepreneurs in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.

Since launching in 2024, the centre has responded to 1,702 inquiries and delivered 1,047 in-depth consultations, supporting 546 unique businesses. More than half of those businesses were start-ups, while the remainder were established businesses looking to grow.

The support has helped entrepreneurs launch 227 new businesses, sustain or expand 336 businesses, complete 10 business acquisitions and create 414 jobs.

The centre also offers free, in-person workshops covering a wide range of business topics. Over the past two years, it has delivered 115 workshops, attracting 1,769 participants.

Funding Programs Help Turn Ideas Into Businesses

Two provincially funded programs, Starter Company Plus and Summer Company, have also seen record participation.

Together, the programs have provided $214,000 in grants to entrepreneurs across the region.

Through Starter Company Plus, 41 entrepreneurs graduated from two program cohorts, receiving $178,000 in grants. Their achievements included launching 20 new businesses, expanding 35 businesses and creating 78 jobs.

Summer Company awarded $36,000 to 12 student-run businesses, helping create 23 jobs while encouraging young entrepreneurs to consider business ownership as a future career.

The centre also runs SOAR, a program supporting established businesses with growth, expansion and long-term sustainability. Over the past two years, 42 businesses have participated.

Ongoing Support for Local Businesses

Rather than offering one-time advice, the Business Advisory Centre works to build ongoing relationships with entrepreneurs as their needs change, whether they are developing an idea, working through challenges or planning their next stage of growth.

“We’re incredibly proud of what the team and the businesses we support have accomplished in just two years,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “But the numbers are only part of the story. Every consultation represents a person taking a risk, pursuing an idea, creating something new or trying to make their business better.”

As the centre enters its third year, it plans to continue expanding access to business support and responding to the needs of entrepreneurs throughout the region.

Community Futures Peterborough is a not-for-profit organization that has supported local small businesses through financing since 1985, investing more than $44 million in over 1,900 businesses and helping create or maintain more than 4,900 jobs.

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

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Five Community Members to Be Recognized by Rotary Clubs at Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner

By Scott Arnold

From creating more opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to supporting affordable housing, helping children build independence and protecting local natural spaces, five people are being recognized for the difference they have made in the Peterborough community.

Last year’s Paul Harris Fellow recipients (front row, L to R): Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Also honoured was Eric Steinmiller, who joined by Zoom from New Zealand. (photo provided by Rotary Club of Peterborough)

The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha will honour the five recipients at their annual Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 26th, at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition honours individuals for their leadership and service in areas including community, vocational, youth and environmental service. Named after Rotary International founder Paul Harris, who established the organization in 1905, it is one of Rotary’s highest honours.

This year’s recipients are Debbie Quinlan and Susan Musclow for Community Service, Jennifer Mai for Vocational Service, Randy Riel for Youth Service and Susan Paradisis for Environmental Service.

Debbie Quinlan – Community Service

For more than 22 years, Debbie Quinlan has helped athletes with intellectual disabilities find opportunities to participate, compete and succeed through Special Olympics Peterborough.

A longtime head coach of the swim program, Quinlan has also been instrumental in expanding opportunities for female athletes in soccer and basketball. Her advocacy helped Peterborough’s women’s soccer team win the first-ever gold medal in the women’s division at the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games. She also helped establish the Peterborough Blazers women’s basketball team.

In 2025, she was named Special Olympics Ontario Coach of the Year.

Her approach to coaching and advocacy is guided by a simple philosophy: see the ability, not the disability.

Susan Musclow – Community Service

Susan “Su” Musclow has spent more than five decades supporting children, families and vulnerable members of the community.

Following a 40-year career in education, including 17 years as a principal, Musclow devoted her retirement to addressing poverty, food security and affordable housing.

She has held leadership roles with Kairos Non-Profit Housing, the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network and The Mount Community Centre. As one of The Mount’s original volunteers, she helped turn the vision for the community into a reality that now includes nearly 80 affordable homes.

For more than a decade, she has volunteered at The Mount almost daily, contributing her financial expertise, leadership and compassion.

Her commitment to providing “a hand up, not a handout” reflects her focus on helping people access dignity, stability and opportunity.

Jennifer Mai – Vocational Service

Jennifer Mai is being recognized for a 34-year career as a physiotherapist at Five Counties Children’s Centre, where she helped thousands of children and youth develop greater independence, confidence and quality of life.

Throughout her career, Mai worked to ensure every child had the opportunity to participate fully in life, finding creative solutions tailored to individual needs and supporting families along the way.

She also mentored generations of colleagues, sharing her knowledge and helping establish a lasting standard of excellence in family-centred care.

Mai retired in January 2026, but her influence continues through the children, families and professionals she supported throughout her career.

Randy Riel – Youth Service

For decades, Randy Riel has volunteered with Camp Northern Lights, helping provide summer camp experiences for young people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to attend.

His contributions have helped the camp continue year after year, giving young people a place to build friendships, try new things and experience a sense of belonging.

Known for his warmth, humour and ability to connect with young people, Riel brings both enthusiasm and leadership to his work.

The impact of his commitment can be seen in generations of campers, including former campers who return as counsellors to help provide the same opportunities to others.

Susan Paradisis – Environmental Service

Susan “Sue” Paradisis has dedicated years to helping people understand, appreciate and protect the natural environment through her work with the Peterborough Field Naturalists.

A longtime member and president of the organization, Paradisis shares her knowledge of local plants and wildlife through nature outings, educational programs, citizen-science initiatives and community events.

Her work introduces people of all ages to the biodiversity found throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas while encouraging greater awareness of the importance of protecting natural spaces.

She has also contributed to environmental advocacy, conservation efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Peterborough Field Naturalists for future generations.

Through her leadership and enthusiasm, Paradisis encourages others to get to know the natural world and take an active role in its conservation.

An Evening to Celebrate Community Service

The annual recognition dinner brings together family, friends and community members to celebrate the recipients and their contributions.

The Paul Harris Fellow honour has also been awarded to internationally recognized figures, including Mother Teresa, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, astronaut James Lovell and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine.

The November 26th dinner begins at 6pm at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Tickets cost $65 per person and include a reception, cash bar, dinner and the recognition ceremony.

Registration is required by November 10th. Those interested in attending can register through the online registration form.

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

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Mayoral Candidate Rebecca Schillemat Sits Down With PTBOCanada Ahead of the Municipal Election

By Scott Arnold

With municipal election day approaching, PTBOCanada sat down with each of the candidates running for mayor of Peterborough to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people looking to lead the city.

Rebecca Schillemat is the latest mayoral candidates for the city of peterborough sit down with ptbocanada in our series of interviews ahead of the october 26th municipal election (photo by scott arnold)

In this interview, Rebecca Schillemat sits down with PTBOCanada to talk about her campaign, her priorities and her vision for Peterborough.

PTBOCanada will be releasing a mayoral candidate interview each day until all of the candidates have been featured.

• Thursday — Brian Lumsden

• Friday — Jacob Méthot

• Saturday — Keith Riel

• Sunday — Michael Eamon

• Monday — Neil Morton

• Tuesday — Rebecca Schillemat

Note: There are seven mayoral candidates, but Rob Hailman has announced that he is suspending his campaign (but will still appear on the ballot).

Online voting is now open and will remain available until 8pm on October 26th at peterborough.elections.vote/.

Advanced in-person voting will take place on Wednesday, October 14th from 10am to 8pm at Healthy Planet Arena, located at 911 Monaghan Rd.

On election day, Monday, October 26th, in-person voting will be available from 10am to 8pm. Voters should visit the location for their ward, as listed on their voter notification card.

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.

Mayoral Candidate Neil Morton Sits Down With PTBOCanada Ahead of the Municipal Election

By Scott Arnold

With municipal election day approaching, PTBOCanada sat down with each of the candidates running for mayor of Peterborough to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people looking to lead the city.

Neil Morton is the latest mayoral candidates for the city of peterborough sit down with ptbocanada in our series of interviews ahead of the october 26th municipal election (photo by scott arnold)

In this interview, Neil Morton sits down with PTBOCanada to talk about his campaign, his priorities and his vision for Peterborough.

PTBOCanada will be releasing a mayoral candidate interview each day until all of the candidates have been featured.

• Thursday — Brian Lumsden

• Friday — Jacob Méthot

• Saturday — Keith Riel

• Sunday — Michael Eamon

• Monday — Neil Morton

• Tuesday — Rebecca Schillemat

Note: There are seven mayoral candidates, but Rob Hailman has announced that he is suspending his campaign (but will still appear on the ballot).

Online voting is now open and will remain available until 8pm on October 26th at peterborough.elections.vote/.

Advanced in-person voting will take place on Wednesday, October 14th from 10am to 8pm at Healthy Planet Arena, located at 911 Monaghan Rd.

On election day, Monday, October 26th, in-person voting will be available from 10am to 8pm. Voters should visit the location for their ward, as listed on their voter notification card.

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.

Mayoral Candidate Michael Eamon Sits Down With PTBOCanada Ahead of the Municipal Election

By Scott Arnold

With municipal election day approaching, PTBOCanada sat down with each of the candidates running for mayor of Peterborough to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people looking to lead the city.

Michael Eamon is the latest mayoral candidates for the city of peterborough sit down with ptbocanada in our series of interviews ahead of the october 26th municipal election (photo by scott arnold)

In this interview, Michael Eamon sits down with PTBOCanada to talk about his campaign, his priorities and his vision for Peterborough.

PTBOCanada will be releasing a mayoral candidate interview each day until all of the candidates have been featured.

• Thursday — Brian Lumsden

• Friday — Jacob Méthot

• Saturday — Keith Riel

• Sunday — Michael Eamon

• Monday — Neil Morton

• Tuesday — Rebecca Schillemat

Note: There are seven mayoral candidates, but Rob Hailman has announced that he is suspending his campaign (but will still appear on the ballot).

Online voting is now open and will remain available until 8pm on October 26th at peterborough.elections.vote/.

Advanced in-person voting will take place on Wednesday, October 14th from 10am to 8pm at Healthy Planet Arena, located at 911 Monaghan Rd.

On election day, Monday, October 26th, in-person voting will be available from 10am to 8pm. Voters should visit the location for their ward, as listed on their voter notification card.

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.