Ennismore Community Centre Receives Over $930,000 In Funding For Resurfacing From Ontario Government

The Ontario government is investing $931,750 to replace the floor at the Ennismore Community Centre, announced on Friday morning.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). The initiative helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP

“This investment in the Ennismore Community Centre is absolutely fantastic news for families in Selwyn Township,” he said. “It's more than just replacing a 54-year-old ice surface; it's about securing the future of a vital community hub. This funding ensures that local sports teams, recreational skaters, and community groups will continue to have a modern, safe, and accessible facility for decades to come. Our government is proud to make these kinds of direct investments that strengthen our communities and support active, healthy living right here at home.”

The project will include replacing the 54-year-old, 180-foot by 80-foot concrete slab floor, refrigeration piping and ice rink chiller. The arena has hosted sporting groups, youth leagues, recreational skaters and community organizations since its construction.

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

Trent Athletics and Under Armour Engage In New Multi-Year Partnership

Trent University Athletics & Recreation has entered into a multi-year partnership with sports brand Under Armour, with the latter becoming the official exclusive supplier of apparel for the Trent Excalibur varsity teams.

Isabelle Pellerine, Fourth-Year Kinesiology Trent Student and Excalibur Volleyball player demonstrates a barbell row to showcase the newly-upgraded Fitness Centre at the Trent Athletics Centre. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Excalibur athletes will wear the apparel starting with the upcoming 2025-26 season, as Under Armour will start outfitting Excalibur teams with custom uniforms. 

As part of the partnership, Trent Athletics & Recreation will launch an Excalibur supporter online store to offere everyone to purchase Excalibur-branded Under Armour clothing and gear. The store will be launched later this month on the Excalibur website.

“Partnering with an innovative global leader like Under Armour reflects our commitment to excellence, a premium student-athlete experience and providing our Excalibur teams with high-performance apparel to help them succeed,” said Nathan McFadden, rent Athletics & Recreation director. “We’re excited to see our teams and supporters wearing Under Armour branded Excalibur gear and representing our program with pride.” 

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

Photos: Hockey Benders Hit Lansdowne Place For Meet-and-Greet As Part of Canadian Mall Tour

Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale, also known as “The Hockey Benders,” had fun with fans in a meet-and-greet event at Lansdowne Place as part of their Canadian Summer Mall Tour.

Hockey Benders Cole Lequier (left) and Aiden Dale (right) walk through the large queue of fans waiting to get their photos taken and autographs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The pair are known for their hockey branding and apparel and social media videos.

Fans could have their photos taken with the duo, purchase their merchandise, have their autographs taken and quickly chat with them.

Their tour has four Ontario stops including Kingston, Ottawa, Oshawa and Peterborough as the last city of their Eastern leg.

They continue their tour, heading west to Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.

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

Hockey Benders Hit Lansdowne Place July 16

Internet sensations Cole & Aiden, also known as “The Hockey Benders,” are hitting Lansdowne Place as part of their Canadian Summer Mall Tour on July 16th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Lansdowne Place.

The pair are known for their viral social media videos, mostly revolving around hockey humour.

The duo will be at Centre Court, where fans can take a photo opportunity, purchase exclusive merchandise from their hockey lifestyle brand at their booth, and experience them in person with a meet-and-greet.

Their tour has four Ontario stops including Kingston, Ottawa, Oshawa, and Peterborough, before heading west to Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.

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

Local Sports Coach Arrested From Child Luring Investigation

Former Cavan FC and Peterborough Hockey Association coach Jeff Merrick has been arrested after a child luring investigation, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Belleville Police Servi e.

The 46-year-old Peterborough man was arrested by Belleville Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

He had allegedly been operating in online chat rooms under the username “Peterboroguy.”

Merrick was arrested and charged with:

• Luring a person under 16 x2

• Making written child pornography

• Invitation to sexual touching

Merrick has been held for a bail hearing since his arrest.

Police are aware that Merrick is the head coach of at least two U18 girls’ sports teams in the Peterborough and Cavan areas and are concerned that there may be other victims.

Cavan FC released a statement regarding the arrest on their Facebook page:

“Cavan FC was contacted this afternoon by the Belleville Police Service. Jeff Merrick has been removed from his role with Cavan FC effective immediately, pending an ongoing investigation. We will be cooperating fully with the police.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who may be a possible victim is asked to contact Detective Constable Lacey Montgomery of the BPS ICE Unit at lmontgomery@bellevilleps.ca.

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

Ontario Offering Free Fishing Until July 6

The Ontario government is celebrating Canada Day by allowing all Canadian residents to fish for free in Ontario until Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This week is the perfect chance to gather with friends and family to reel in new experiences and explore all the great fishing opportunities our province has to offer,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “I encourage fishing enthusiasts and first-timers alike to cast a line in celebration of Canada – the True North, strong and free, and the place we call home.”

According to the provincial government, recreational fishing is a vital part of Ontario's economy and heritage, contributing significantly to local tourism and employment.

These free-fishing opportunities remove barriers and encourage those new to fishing to give it a try, allowing them to discover the enjoyment of fishing first hand says the Ontario government

Anyone participating in Family Fishing Week, must follow all conservation licence catch and size limits and obey sanctuaries and other fishing regulations.

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

Trent University's President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament Raises a Record-Breaking $92,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships

The 19th annual Trent University President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament showed its support for student-athletes, raising a record $92,000 for the Excalibur Green and White Scholarships, held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, tees off at the second hold at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Today marks the highest fundraising total in the 19-year history of this tournament, and we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors and participants,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics & Recreation director. “The Green and White Scholarship Fund is a lifeline for many of our athletes. It eases financial burdens, but more importantly, it sends a powerful message: we believe in you. That belief fuels their drive, their discipline and their dreams.”

The $92,000 raised brings the cumulative amount raised to over $792,000. To date, the Green and White Scholarship Fund has benefited more than 400 student-athletes.

For the 2024/25 season, 34 student-athletes were awarded a Green and White Scholarship for their academic achievement and athletic talent. Students receiving this scholarship may be eligible for subsequent years if they maintain a minimum academic average, accumulating significant support over their studies at Trent.

“The Green and White Scholarships have made an incredible difference for me and so many other student-athletes,” said Isabelle Pellerine, student-athlete. “Not every athlete gets the chance to compete at the varsity level, but today shows there’s a community that believes in us. At Trent, we’re more than just athletes, we’re supported to succeed in every part of our lives. I’m so proud to be part of a university that invests in us and our future.”

This year, 20 teams of four participated in the scramble tournament and George Ripoll – BMO Nesbitt Burns, captured first place. 

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

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The City of Peterborough celebrated two decades of sports, fitness and activity at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre in a ceremony held on Thursday morning.  

Dignitaries, sports notaries and Fleming College staff in front of the Wellness Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Centre had its groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 25, 2003. Since it first opened its doors on June 5, 2005, the building has been equipped with three gymnasiums, an aquatics centre and water slide, fitness centre and classes, an indoor track and multi-purpose rooms. The facility has become a centre of community connection, said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the residents and staff who have made the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre such an integral part of our community,” he explained. “This has become a place where individuals of all ages come to build healthy habits, helping our residents lead active, connected lives. The Sport and Wellness Centre is a true community hub.”

“Over the years, the Sport and Wellness Centre has welcomed thousands of members and guests, hosted countless community events and fitness classes, and played an important role in fostering social connections and lifelong wellness,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We look forward to another 20 years of community and healthy activity at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.”

Kristi McNamara was the Fleming College Knight Women’s Basketball team captain in 2005-06 and shot the first basket at the Peterborough Sports & Wellness Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Fleming College has been a longtime partner of the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, serving as the home of the Fleming Phoenix. 

“Fleming College is proud to celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. This facility has been an integral part of our students’ experience, providing a place where they can stay active, prioritize their well-being and feel connected to the broader Peterborough community,” said Dr. Kate McIntosh, Fleming College Vice President of Student Experience. “We are grateful for the Sport and Wellness Centre’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all, and we congratulate the entire Sport and Wellness Centre team on this significant milestone.”

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

St. Peter's Student Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2025 Steve Montador Bursary

St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) student Lara Cottam has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2025 Steve Montador Bursary, announced on Thursday.

Vince Bierworth of GPHSF (left) with Cottam (right) at SPSS. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

“Having first sustained a serious concussion in elementary school, Lara has consistently had to battle the lasting symptoms and reaggravation of the injury while balancing the demands of being a high performing student, athlete and community member” said Nick Beamish, SPSS chair of physical education and athletic director, in a reference letter. “As a student athlete she has been a role model and leader for others. Her peers look up to and respect her, as she is always one of the most dedicated athletes on all of her teams.”

Cottam is planning to attend Queen’s University in Kingston this fall.

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

City Reopens Sports Fields and Baseball Diamonds From Prior Wet Conditions

The City of Peterborough has reopened all natural sports fields and baseball diamonds following several days of rainfall which resulted in a temporary closure that began on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The baseball diamond at Milroy Park is the only exception and remains closed until Tuesday. City crews are completing inspections and minor repairs as required ahead of the reopening.

Damaged turf and divots can create safety concerns for players according to the City. If fields require repairs, their reopening could be delayed or they may have to be taken out of play while work is completed, negatively impacting user field time.

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