City of Peterborough Gets Green In Flag-Raising Ceremony to Commemorate Irish Heritage Week In Bi-Centennial Anniversary

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It is ‘Top o’ the Mornin’ and 200 years for Peterborough as the City kicked off Irish Heritage Week with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday morning.

Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Shelley Ryan, Canadian Irish Club president; Brendan Moher, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor prior to the flag raising of Ireland to kick off Irish Heritage Week. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Members of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, residents and dignitaries were present to kick off Irish Heritage Week, as declared by Mayor Jeff Leal for Peterborough.

This year marks several milestones for Peterborough and Irish Heritage. 2025 marks the 200th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough.

“Irish people have are responsible for the names of all these communites in this area, (aside from) First Nations; they are here to be respected as well,” said Brendan Moher of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club. “A lot of these communities bear the names of Irish people and it is fitting that we honour that legacy and all the people that have come out of this area. ”

@ptbo_canada The City of Peterborough has raised the Irish flag to commemorate and mark Irish Heritage Week in Peterborough. 2025 marks the 200th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #stpatricksday ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Sunday is the 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at City Hall and running through George Street until the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This year's parade grand marshall is actor M. John Kennedy playing the role of Peter Robinson.

“There are an awful lot of people in this area that lay claim to Irish heritage,” explained Moher. “Of course, on St. Patrick's Day, everybody lays claims to Irish heritage so we'll be expecting a big increase in the next week.”

This year is also the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force. Moher says Robinson would be proud to see what Peterborough has become after all these years.

“People from Ireland continue to come here because of those connections and settle still to this day because of the roots that were laid down,” he said. “It causes growth in the community, comically there will be growth this summer as well because of Irish people coming from Ireland to take part in these bicentennial celebrations.”

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Irish Heritage Week Kicked Off With Flag Raising at Peterborough City Hall

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Peterborough is getting in the green spirit as City Hall raised the flag of Ireland to kick off Irish Heritage Week on Monday morning.

Maureen Crowley, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club past president (left), Mayor Jeff Leal (middle) and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden (right) joined members of the club prior to raising the Irish flaG at City Hall. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Mayor Jeff Leal declared Irish Heritage Week for Peterborough from March 11 to 18.

“I think the last count, 62 per cent of the people here trace their heritage back to Ireland so it's a very important for the Peterborough community,” said Brendan Moher of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.

2024 marks the 199th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough.

“We're doing the lead-up now to the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson immigration that came to Peterborough,” explained Moher.” (That’s) 2,000 men, women and children back in 1825. We're leading into that for next year so this is an important year.”

Sunday is the 21st annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at 2 p.m., starting at City Hall and running through George Street until the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This year's parade grand marshall is Neil Sanderson, Three Days Grace drummer.

More than 90 entries have been entered into the 21st parade. A 5k run to raise money for Right to Heal, which helps those with mental health and addictions, has been cancelled. All are invited to attend the parade regardless of race and background.

“There's a big tradition here in Peterborough that on St. Patrick's Day, everybody is Irish,” said Moher. “All you have to do is put on a little bit of green and you can certainly join in on all the festivities that will be happening.”

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One Woman Charged With Impaired Driving During St. Patrick's Weekend RIDE Check

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A 26-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges after being stopped at a RIDE Check on Friday night.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Just before 11:00 p.m., officers pulled a vehicle over as part of the RIDE program. 

As a result of the stop, a 26-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired - alcohol

  • Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

A 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment were issued to the woman. They were released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 12.

On Saturday, officers conducted a mobile weekend RIDE program with the following results:

  • 25 Motor Vehicle Checks

  • 13 ASD Demands

  • 1 Warning – 3-Day License Suspension

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Peterborough Police Chief Giving Virtual Perspective During Heightened Police Presence On St. Patrick's Day

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With St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts is offering the public his virtual perspective on what officers go through on a daily basis.

Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts was sworn in on Jan. 9. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

"I know the men and women of our organization work hard every day,” said Betts. “This is an opportunity for me to go out when I know they'll be busy in the community and support them, to see what they do every day but more importantly to bring what we do every day for the citizens here in the city."

Betts is attending calls throughout the evening and Tweeting what he has observed on his first festive occasions since being appointed chief.

Peterborough Police will have an increased presence in Peterborough, Lakefield and the Township of Cavan-Monaghan. This is to respond to an anticipated increase in calls for service, such as noise or disturbance calls. There will also be RIDE check stops throughout the day and evening.

“We want people to have a good time,” explained Betts. “We're not here to spoil anybody's party but we do want them to do it safely. If they're drinking, obviously they're not driving. That would be my number one recommendation.”

Betts and the Peterborough Police recommend these options to avoid drinking and driving:

  • Select a designated driver in your group

  • Arrange a ride ahead of time

  • Stay overnight if possible

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Hometown PTBO: St. Patrick's Day Special With the Dunns and Shaughnessys With the Return of the Parade

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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with the Dunns and Shaughnessys about the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, its traditions and the return of the parade after a three-year hiatus.

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Photos: The Irish Spirit Returns in 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

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After a three-year hiatus, the 20th annual Peterborough St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned with former sports anchor and hometown boy Dan O’Toole as the Grand Marshall.

The following were voted by a panel of judges on the best floats in the parade in their category:

  • Best Family - The Shaughnessy Family

  • Best Walking - Lang Pioneer Village

  • Best Tribute to Ireland - Kawartha Home and Health Care Services and O'Doherty's (Tie)

  • Best Overall Float - Peterborough Irish Club

  • Best Band - Oakridge Band

  • Best Business - Doyle's Tree Service

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Douro's Longest-Running Irish Party Returns To St. Joseph's Parish Hall

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Douro is going to be green all over as the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is returning to the St. Joseph Parish Hall for music, food and children’s activities this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.

Touted as the longest-running Irish party in Peterborough, the Irish Club’s celebration returns after a lengthy COVID-19 hiatus.

The event begins at 1 p.m., featuring musicians such as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, Fiddlestix, Roy Boyz and more.

Local band ‘The Patio Stones’ is performing from 7 - 11 p.m. for anyone who wants to get their dancing shoes on.

The day will also include activities for kids and Irish Soda bread for sale. A light dinner is available for purchase from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for Irish club members and $17 for non-members. Family passes (two adults and unlimited children) are $25 a member and $27 for non-members. Children under 12 are free admission. Tickets for only dancing (7 - 11 p.m.) are $10 for members or $12 for non-members.

For tickets contact Shelley Ryan (705) 875-5437 or purchase at the door.

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Peterborough DBIA Hosting Inaugural Free 'Catch the Leprechaun' Scavenger Hunt For March

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A mischievous band of pint-sized Leprechauns are invading local downtown pubs as Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched its ‘Catch the Leprechauns’ free scavenger hunt announced at Crook and Coffer on Tuesday.

Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Residents are encouraged to visit one of 13 participating pubs — with help of a Leprechaun Pub Map — to find five different leprechauns scattered throughout on a rotating schedule for the month of March. The first 100 people to complete the hunt will win “pints of gold” that include a piece of glassware from a local brewery, swag and even a few tricks according to Hillary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager.

“We have these historically charming pubs that are rebounded for their hospitality and their atmosphere so if we can bring people in for our Leprechaun hunt, it will tether people back to the community and celebrate the community pride of our local pub scene,” she said.

The following are the participating downtown pubs:

  • The Black Horse Pub

  • One Eighty Sports Pub

  • The Dirty Burger Company

  • Crook & Coffer

  • The Only Café

  • Jethro’s Bar + Stage

  • Champs Bar And Grill

  • McThirsty’s Pint

  • Maple Moose Pub

  • The Social Pub

  • Bijoux Bar

  • Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews

  • Riley’s Pub

The leprechauns were crafted by local artist Brooklin Stormie. They were hand-felted and made to have their own look and personality.

“Working on this project was so much fun,” explained Stormie. “It was a nice re-entry into the world of textiles. I let each Leprechaun reveal themselves to me organically throughout the process. I can’t help but feel a motherly connection to these five little Faye creatures. I’m excited to see what adventure await these little chaps - my wayward sons.”

Each Leprechaun has its own backstory steeped in folklore and mischief and named after local breweries.

  • Persian Murphy - Persian Empire

  • Bobby McCaygeon - Bobcaygeon Brewery

  • Petey O’Haven - Haven Brewing Co.

  • Feilhem Falls - Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

  • Publican O’Leerie - Publican House Brewery

(from left to right) Persian Murphy, Publican O’Leerie, Petey O’Haven, Bobby Mc’Caygeon and Feilhem Falls having a grand ol’ time at Crook and Coffer while causing mischief. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Anyone of legal drinking age can join the scavenger hunt for free by downloading Goosechase, a mobile scavenger hunt app. Search “Catch the Leprechauns” or use the game code ‘5W9B4Z’ to join in on the hunt. Players earn points, by submitting live-capture photos of each Leprechaun they find along their travels.

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Peterborough Police Reminds Public To Avoid Impaired Driving on St. Patrick's Day

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Peterborough Police is reminding the public not to drink and drive and find a safe ride home in observation of St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday.

The police also remind Peterborough that being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while operating a vehicle is impaired driving.

Impaired drivers can face seven-day vehicle impoundment, 90-day license suspension and a court day. Convicted drivers could jail time, increased fines, extended driver’s license suspension and increase insurance premiums.

City of Peterborough by-laws are in effect with fines from $250 for public urination or defecation. There are fines of $300 for obstructing emergency staff or throwing objects.

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