Peterborough Liftlock Hockey Tournament Legacy Lives On with PRHC Donation

By Scott Arnold

Although the Peterborough Liftlock Atom/U11 Hockey Tournament has come to an end after a remarkable 66-year run, its legacy will continue through a donation supporting the region's youngest patients.

Longtime tournament volunteers recently stopped by PRHC Foundation to present a very generous gift of $15,000 in support of PRHC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the hospital's tiniest patients (photo via instagram @prhc_foundation)

Longtime tournament volunteers recently presented the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation with a $15,000 donation in support of the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Peterborough Liftlock Atom/U11 Hockey Tournament brought together young athletes, families, volunteers and the community for nearly seven decades before concluding its historic run.

The PRHC Foundation thanked everyone who helped make the tournament a long-standing community tradition, noting that its impact now extends beyond the rink by helping support exceptional care for newborns and their families at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

While the tournament may be over, its legacy will continue to make a difference in the community for years to come.

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

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When History Hits Home: How Wild Irish Geese is Bringing Local Ancestors Back to Life

By Scott Arnold

From descendants portraying their own ancestors to an outdoor stage that brings history to life, 4th Line Theatre's return of Wild Irish Geese is as much about community as it is about the past.

megan murphy’s Wild Irish Geese runs Tuesday to Saturday at 6pm throughout august at 4th Line Theatre, with an additional performance on Monday, August 24th (photo by Scott Arnold)

There's something different about Wild Irish Geese.

Yes, it's a play about the Peter Robinson immigration of 1825 and the thousands of Irish settlers who made the difficult journey to what would eventually become Peterborough. But spend just a few minutes talking with the people bringing the story to life, and it quickly becomes clear this isn't simply a production about history.

For many involved, it's family history.

When Wild Irish Geese premiered at 4th Line Theatre last summer during the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson immigration, audiences embraced it. Nearly 10,000 people attended the sold-out run, many of them descendants of the very settlers whose stories were unfolding on stage. The production returns to Winslow Farm from August 4 to 29, with performances Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and an additional Monday performance on August 24, giving audiences another opportunity to experience a story that continues to strike a deeply personal chord throughout the region.

"It's a big Peterborough story," said director and 4th Line Theatre Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. "It's about the entire process of people being chosen, coming over here and settling. It's Megan's well-researched, well-loved play about those Irish immigrants."

Written by Peterborough's Megan Murphy, Wild Irish Geese follows Irish families escaping crushing poverty in the 1820s before beginning new lives in Upper Canada. More than 2,000 settlers eventually arrived in what was then known as Scotts Plains, laying the foundation for generations of families that still call the region home today.

written by peterborough native megan murphy, who also acts in the play, Wild irish geese explores the stories, challenges and connections that remain part of the region’s history (photo by scott arnold)

For Murphy, telling that story meant looking beyond dates and historical documents.

When she first accepted the challenge of writing the play, she found herself surrounded by stacks of family histories and genealogy books loaned by local residents eager to see their ancestors represented.

"So many people trusted me with their family stories," Murphy said. "I felt like I had to tell everybody's story."

For nearly a year, she admits she barely wrote anything.

"It was really hard," she laughed.

Eventually, Murphy realized she wasn't writing a history textbook.

"I had to get some of the history right, obviously, because it's a historical story, but it wasn't a lecture," she said. "I had to get the heart of it right."

She found that heart in the story of the Hickey family, whose experiences became the emotional backbone of the production.

"It was a universal tale of family struggle, migration and hope," Murphy said. "It had everything I needed."

Murphy also wanted the story to reflect another important chapter of local history.

Working alongside Indigenous Story Consultant Patti Shaughnessy, local Indigenous leaders and elders, she incorporated the first encounters between Irish settlers and the Indigenous communities already living in the area.

"I wanted to do this piece as part of reconciliation," Murphy said. "I wanted to tell that part of the story too."

Those personal connections don't stop with the playwright.

Many members of the cast have their own ties to the story they're telling.

The return of Wild Irish Geese brings a powerful story of family, history and community connection back to 4th Line Theatre this summer. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Actor Paul Crough, who plays John Hickey, discovered during rehearsals that the real Hickey family settled less than a kilometre from where he now lives in Ennismore.

"On my drive here every day, I drive right by the original home place," he said. "It's pretty incredible."

For M. John Kennedy, who portrays Peter Robinson, one of the production's most powerful moments doesn't happen backstage.

It happens when the audience becomes part of the story.

At the beginning of each performance, descendants of the Peter Robinson settlers are invited to identify themselves. Hands rise throughout the crowd.

Later in the play, a ship's sail carrying the names of those original families is raised on stage.

"To see your family's names up there on that sail... it's moving," Kennedy said.

"It's so cool that so many of us are actually descended from the Robinson settlers as well. We get to tell the story of our own ancestors."

Actor M. John Kennedy returns as Peter Robinson in Wild Irish Geese, a role that connects him to the story of thousands of Irish immigrants who began new lives in Upper Canada. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

That connection between performers and audience is something Blackwell believes makes Wild Irish Geese unlike almost any other production.

"We did the show as a world premiere last summer and it sold out," she said. "We wanted to bring it back for everyone who didn't get to see it, and for those who wanted to experience it again."

Returning audiences will find more than a repeat performance.

Murphy has made several changes to the script, while the cast has continued discovering new layers in familiar scenes.

"The worst thing as an actor is if something starts to feel stale," Crough said. "Instead, we're finding new things every day. Kim's putting new spins on scenes, and it's making everything feel fresh again."

The theatre itself plays a starring role.

Unlike a traditional indoor stage, 4th Line Theatre's Winslow Farm setting surrounds audiences with fields, stone fences and open sky. Actors emerge from wooded trails, across open fields and through the landscape itself.

"You look around and there are people coming out of the fields and the stone walls," Crough said. "Audience members told us it felt like we were back in Ireland. What better backdrop could you have to tell this story?"

Actor Paul Crough portrays John Hickey in Wild Irish Geese, a role made even more meaningful after discovering the real Hickey family settled near his own Ennismore home. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Visitors often arrive well before curtain time, enjoying picnics or barbecues with family and friends before settling into the outdoor theatre.

"It really is a special place to see theatre," Blackwell said.

The production also reflects another tradition that has become synonymous with 4th Line Theatre: bringing together professional performers, local actors and community volunteers spanning multiple generations.

The Wild Irish Geese cast includes professional performers, local actors and community members of multiple generations, reflecting one of 4th Line Theatre’s longstanding traditions. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The cast includes seasoned professionals working alongside first-time performers and local children, creating friendships that often last long after the final curtain.

"We get these really wonderful vertical friendships," Blackwell said. "Young people and seniors become friends here. That's something you don't often see."

Both Kennedy and Crough say the youngest cast members continually raise the bar.

"They're absolute pros," Kennedy said. "Kids are so honest and authentic. They make all of us better actors."

Playwright and actor Megan Murphy brought her own connection to the region’s Irish roots to Wild Irish Geese, a story shaped by years of research into the families who helped build the community. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

For Murphy, that's part of what makes creating theatre in Peterborough so meaningful.

"This is home," she said. "I get to create with people I love, in a community I love, telling stories that belong to all of us.

"What a blessing."

For a community where so many families can trace their roots back to those first settlers, Wild Irish Geese isn't simply a play about history. It's a chance to see a piece of home brought to life.

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

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Hospice Norwood Receives Big Boost From $8500 Donation

By Scott Arnold

Hospice Norwood is thanking the Masons of Peterborough District and the Masonic Foundation of Ontario after receiving an $8,500 donation to support hospice care in the community.

James Dunn, John Muise, Gary Ballard, Trever Donnelly, Andrew Henderson and Bill Osborne with Hospice Norwood representatives Jan Darling and Glenda Johnson. (photo via hospice Norwood)

The donation was part of a larger fundraising effort that raised more than $25,000. The proceeds were shared between Hospice Norwood, Hospice Peterborough and The Bridge Hospice in Warkworth.

Hospice Norwood recently welcomed representatives from the Masons to recognize their contribution and thank them for supporting the organization's work serving Norwood and surrounding communities.

The organization says community generosity plays a vital role in making hospice care possible, helping provide programs and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their caregivers, families and those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Hospice Norwood expressed its appreciation to everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort, saying donations from individuals and community partners continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

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

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Where Light Grows Bringing Music and Hope to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A special afternoon of music at Market Hall will raise support for Camp Kerry Ontario this fall, helping provide grief support programs for children, families and individuals navigating the loss of a loved one.

headlined by julian taylor, the concert will also feature an outstanding lineup of local performers, including Victoria Yeh, Maria Leahy, Rye Whetung, and Julie Fallis, with Kerry Griffin serving as Master of Ceremonies (photos provided by the lumara society)

Lumara Society and KS & Co. Productions are presenting Where Light Grows: A Camp Kerry Fundraiser on Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough.

The event will feature JUNO Award-nominated singer-songwriter Julian Taylor, along with performances from Victoria Yeh, Maria Leahy, Rye Whetung and Julie Fallis. Kerry Griffin will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Taylor has earned recognition for his heartfelt songwriting and live performances, including multiple Ontario Folk Music Awards and Country Music Association of Ontario Awards.

Funds raised through the concert will support Camp Kerry Ontario, which provides grief support programs for children, youth, adults and families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Through its programming, Camp Kerry helps participants connect with others who understand their experiences while building resilience and finding support during difficult times.

The fundraiser takes place Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at Market Hall. Tickets are $40 for tiered theatre seating and $60 for cabaret table seating.

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

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RBC Foundation Recognized for Supporting Local Sustainability

By Scott Arnold

GreenUP is recognizing the RBC Foundation for helping bring a new program to Peterborough that supports small businesses on their sustainability journey.

Representatives from the RBC Foundation, including Nick Brandon, Erin Shields and Stacey Brandon, accepted a certificate of recognition during the event. They were joined by GreenUP's Jackie Donaldson and Natalie Stephenson. (photo via instagram @ptbogreenup)

The organization recently celebrated the RBC Foundation's support of the Green Economy Peterborough Energy Savings Action Plan for Small Business pilot during Green Economy Peterborough's Leadership in Sustainability Celebration.

According to GreenUP, the pilot program is designed to help small businesses improve their energy efficiency by providing practical tools and knowledge to reduce energy use while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future.

GreenUP says the partnership with the RBC Foundation is helping turn the Energy Savings Action Plan for Small Business pilot into a reality, giving local businesses new opportunities to lower their energy use and strengthen their long-term sustainability efforts.

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

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Masons Show Support for Hospice Peterborough with Generous Donation

By Scott Arnold

Hospice Peterborough is thanking the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons after receiving an $8,500 donation to support its work in the community.

representatives from hospice were presented a cheque for $8,500 by masons brethren james dunn, john muise, bharat maini, lorne mitchell, larry castle and john hewitt (photo via instagram @hospiceptbo)

The generous contribution will help Hospice Peterborough continue providing care and support for individuals and families, with the organization recognizing the impact community partnerships have on its services.

To mark the donation, members of the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons recently visited Hospice Peterborough for a tour of the facility. The visit gave them an opportunity to see firsthand the work being done and what is made possible through community support.

Hospice Peterborough also thanked the Masons for their ongoing commitment to giving back, noting the important role they play in helping local organizations make a difference.

The organization says it is grateful for the $8,500 donation and the continued support of the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons as they invest in the well-being of the community.

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

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KitCoffee in Downtown Peterborough Temporarily Closed After Front Door Damaged

By Scott Arnold

Downtown Peterborough café KitCoffee will be closed on Tuesday after an incident involving damage to its storefront left the business dealing with repairs and an unexpected disruption.

kitcoffee in downtown peterborough will be closed on tuesday, july 14, after damage occured to their front door (photo by scott arnold)

In a post shared on social media, owner Helen McCarthy said the café had been broken into, sharing a photo showing damage to the front door glass.

McCarthy said the person involved did not manage to steal anything, and there was no damage inside the shop. While the business avoided losing cash or dealing with significant interior damage, McCarthy said the incident was still emotionally exhausting and resulted in a lost day of sales.

“Welp. We will be closed today. We had a break in,” McCarthy wrote in the post.

McCarthy added that the repairs should be covered through the DBIA repairs grant, but said the situation was still difficult for the business.

“This is mostly emotionally exhausting, we lose a day of sales. But we should be able to get the repairs covered thanks to the DBIA repairs grant,” she wrote.

a popular spot in downtown peterborough since 2019, kit coffee, had to close on tuesday because of smashed glass on their front door. the café says luckily nothing was reported stolen and there was no damage inside. (photo by scott arnold)

KitCoffee has been serving customers at its downtown location at 144 Hunter Street West since opening its storefront in 2019 after first operating through the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market.

McCarthy thanked customers for their support, saying the response from the community helped the business through the situation.

The café shared that if the door could be repaired Tuesday, it expected to reopen Wednesday.

The café thanked customers for their support and said it planned to continue moving forward following the attempted break-in.

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

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Lakefield Fair Set to Return This Month for 171st Edition

By Scott Arnold

For generations, the Lakefield Fair has brought together families, farmers, neighbours and visitors for a weekend that celebrates everything people love about rural life.

A community tradition since 1855 continues this month with the 171st edition of the Lakefield fair (photo via facebook @Lakefieldfair)

The countdown is on for the 171st Lakefield Fair, as the Lakefield Agricultural Society gets ready to welcome thousands of visitors back to the fairgrounds on July 25 and 26.

First held in 1855, the fair has remained one of the area's longest-running community traditions. While plenty has changed since those early days, the heart of the event has stayed the same, giving people a place to gather, reconnect and enjoy a weekend filled with agriculture, entertainment and family fun.

Whether it's a family's first visit or an annual tradition that spans generations, there's something about the Lakefield Fair that keeps people coming back year after year.

The weekend is packed with activities for all ages. Visitors can stroll through the grounds to browse local vendors, stop by the Homecraft Building, meet farm animals in the mini farm, watch livestock competitions, enjoy pony rides or take in demonstrations from the Heat Wave Blacksmith.

Families with young children will find plenty to keep them busy, including a Paw Patrol Meet & Greet, children's live music performances, a magician and a midway by Gable Brothers featuring rides and games.

For those who enjoy a little more excitement, the fair's signature events return once again. The ever-popular Demolition Derby takes over Saturday afternoon, while Sunday's Mud Bog is expected to draw another enthusiastic crowd. Visitors can also get an up-close look at a variety of vehicles during the Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday.

Agriculture remains at the centre of the fair, with cattle, sheep and goat shows highlighting the hard work of local farmers and exhibitors. There are also a few lighthearted competitions mixed into the weekend, including the Politician's Cattle Show on Saturday and the Politician's Lemon Loaf Competition on Sunday.

after 170 years the core of the fair still remains agriculture and the always popular cattle show remains a staple of the event (photo via facebook @Lakefieldfair)

Of course, no trip to the fair would be complete without classic fair food. Homemade cookies, sandwiches and refreshments will once again be available in the kitchen throughout the weekend, while the beer tent will be open both days. A silent auction will also be running during the fair.

Saturday's festivities begin when the gates open at 10:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies taking place at 3 p.m. Sunday's gates also open at 10:30 a.m., although livestock competitions begin earlier in the morning with the sheep show at 9 a.m. and the goat show at 10 a.m.

The fair has long been known for attracting visitors from well beyond the local area. Last summer, music legend Neil Young and actor Darryl Hannah, who own property in the region, were even spotted taking in the festivities — a moment that quickly caught the attention of fairgoers and local residents alike.

As another summer arrives, the Lakefield Fair is once again set to celebrate the traditions that have made it a fixture in the community for generations. From agriculture and local talent to midway rides and friendly competition, it's a weekend that continues to offer something for nearly everyone while bringing people together in one of the area's most enduring annual traditions.

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

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City of Peterborough Invites Public Input on Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements

Community members are invited to share input on upcoming improvements to a stormwater channel near Parkhill Road within Jackson Park.  

file photo.

The channel carries stormwater from the north side of Parkhill Road and east of the Jackson Park entrance at Parkhill Road and Monaghan Road, down a steep slope into Jackson Creek. The area is experiencing erosion due to the steep slope and sandy soil. The site currently shows signs of damaged banks, exposed tree roots and debris build-up. The culvert beneath the nearby pedestrian trail has also deteriorated and requires rehabilitation. 

To address these issues, the City has retained Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team Ltd. to develop a design that will improve stormwater flow, reduce erosion and enhance the surrounding environment. 

The proposed work will focus on creating a more stable stormwater outfall that safely conveys water from Parkhill Road to Jackson Creek. The project also aims to improve the overall function, habitat value, and appearance of the channel area. 

As the project is still in its early stages, the City is inviting residents and community groups to learn more about the proposed work and share their general feedback.  

Community feedback will help the City better understand public perspectives on the stormwater channel to inform the design process. Residents are encouraged to visit the project page for more information and to provide their input. The closing date for comments is April 30. 

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Statement on the Closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site

The Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (360 NPLC) discusses the closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site in a statement; expressing their gratitude for the frontline staff working at Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site (CTS).

Counsellors, dignitaries and notaries during the original Ontario Government funding announcement of $6.2 million for a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in January 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 360 NPLC, located in downtown Peterborough, provides primary care and health system navigation for marginalized and vulnerable populations, many of whom access care through or alongside CTS services.

“Their work has been compassionate, skilled and lifesaving,” said the statement. “Every day, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment; preventing overdoses, building trust and connecting individuals to care. Their contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact in Peterborough. The recent announcement of the CTS closure will have significant and far-reaching effect; not only for individuals who relied on this service, but for the broader community and the many partners who support it.”

“The closure of the CTS represents not only the loss of a critical harm reduction service, but also the loss of an important entry point into primary care for individuals who often face substantial barriers to accessing traditional healthcare. This comes at a time when our clinic has already experienced reductions in harm reduction capacity, including the loss of funding for the Safer Supply Program (SSP) last year. Programs like SSP and CTS are not standalone services; they are interconnected components of a broader continuum of care that support engagement, stability and safety. Evidence shows that supervised consumption services and related harm reduction programs reduce overdose deaths, improve access to treatment and act as critical gateways into healthcare and social supports.”

The closure of the CTS is expected to increase pressure on the Emergency Department, as more individuals will require acute care for overdoses and related complications that were previously managed in a supervised setting. The BLANK has concluded that the loss of on-site nursing care, including preventative wound care, means more untreated infections and complications, and the added demand will contribute to longer wait times and increased strain on an already overburdened system.

“The impacts of this closure will extend well beyond the healthcare sector,” the statement continues.  “Without a comparable service in place, we can expect increased pressures on paramedic services and police, who will see a rise in overdose responses and crisis calls. Public spaces, including the library, transit hubs and other shared community environments, will experience increased challenges as individuals who previously accessed supervised care are displaced. Public works teams will also face increased demands related to community safety and public space maintenance.”

Supervised consumption services have been shown to reduce harms not only for individuals, but for communities; decreasing overdose-related morbidity and mortality and supporting safer public environments.

“We remain encouraged that organizations such as FourCAST, PARN and PRHC’S RAAM clinic will continue to play a critical role in supporting individuals who use substances. Their work in treatment, recovery and harm reduction remains essential. However, with the narrowing of the continuum of services available in Peterborough, gaps in care will inevitably emerge. The CTS has been a vital point of connection for many individuals and its closure will leave a noticeable void.”

“This moment underscores the importance of coordinated, community-based responses that prioritize both individual wellbeing and public safety,” the statement concludes. “It is essential that we work together to ensure that those most at risk remain connected to care.

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