Roll, Stroll and Celebrate Canada Day With the City

The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.

File Photo.

This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.

Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.

Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event highlights include:

• Community procession with bike contest

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers

• Kids’ activities and family zones

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake

Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.

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City to Celebrate National Public Works Week at Nicholls Oval Park

The City invites the public to celebrate National Public Works Week at Nicholls Oval Park next Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Residents of all ages are invited to learn more about the public works' essential role in keeping the City of Peterborough running safely and efficiently.

“Public Works crews are on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week, clearing our roads, maintaining our infrastructure and keeping our city safe and functional,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to say thank you and to better understand and appreciate the critical role these dedicated professionals play in the life of our city.”

A touch-a-truck display provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about and explore public works vehicles and chat with the equipment crews.

The City’s arborists will demonstrate tree climbing and planting techniques. At 11 a.m., a guided tree identification tour of the park will take place.

Public Works will also be giving away 300 two-gallon potted trees. The species offered include Sugar Maple, Sycamore, Tulip Tree, Paper (White) Birch, Easter White Pine, Serviceberry, and Nannyberry.

Trees will only be available to City residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Spring 50/50 Lottery Raises All-Time High Number

The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Spring 2025 PHS 50/50 Lottery has reached a new all-time high of $50,245, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

This third edition saw the first time the 50/50 draw break the $50,000 milestone.

Buckhorn’s Suzanne Cunningham was the grand prize winner of $25,122.50.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also had the Marlin Travel & Collette ‘Ruff’le, for a $5,000 gift certificate, for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough on any Collette travel package. Peterborough’s Debra Amos won this year and says she has not had a vacation in over 10 years. She also adopted her two cats, Melvin and Jane, from PHS. 

The Lottery ran from April 7 to May 14 with proceeds towards PHS for animals in need.

“Once again Peterborough and the entire region have shown us just how important animal wellness is to them,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “We are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, the small businesses that promoted the lottery, and to the community who helped spread the word. Everyone had a hand in making this a great success.”

Plans are already underway for the fourth iteration.   

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Peterborough Police Warn Public of Surfacing Scam Claiming to Stop Hackers

The Peterborough Police Service is issuing a warning after two reports of fraud involving a request for help to stop hackers.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incidents happened in the last three weeks in the City of Peterborough. In each case, the victim was approached by someone claiming to be connected to Microsoft or Bell Canada and that they needed the victim’s help in stopping hackers from accessing the victim's computer or bank accounts.

The scammers claim urgency to the matter and the victim needs to get money out of their bank as soon as possible so an ‘agent’ can come to their house to pick up the cash. Between the two incidents, about $25,000 was lost.

The man who picked up the money in both cases was described to police as:

• Male, Asian

• Approximately 5’6 -5’7

• Between 20 and 30 years old

• Dark Hair

• Clean cut

• Well dressed

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Memorial Centre Launches Assistive Listening Technology

The Peterborough Memorial Centre has launched a new assistive listening solution to enhance the experience of all guests attending live events, especially those who may be deaf, orally deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. 

File Photo.

This new technology will initially support access to commentary and public announcements for people utilizing assistive listening devices or who wish to stream audio to a Bluetooth device that launches on Thursday. Ongoing enhancements to the system over the coming months will include opportunities for people to tune into game play-by-plays, event-specific information and potentially live audio during concerts.  

“Live events are important and meaningful ways for Peterborough’s residents and visitors to find community with people with shared interests, and ultimately foster a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. 

“We’re excited to see this new assistive technology roll out to the Peterborough Memorial Centre where audiences of different ages and abilities can enjoy moments together,” Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The launch occurs on time for Peterborough Lakers’s home opener next Thursday. It is also ready for the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse provincial championship, scheduled in August.  

“The Peterborough Lakers are proud to play in a venue that’s making live sports more inclusive and accessible,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chair. “This new assistive listening technology at the Peterborough Memorial Centre will enhance the fan experience and ensure that more members of our community can share in the excitement, energy, and tradition of Lakers lacrosse—starting with our home opener on May 22.” 

To use the technology, use the ‘Listen WIFI’ app on a smartphone (free download from the Apple Store or Google Play) or dedicated receivers, which must be pre-booked before the event. Once in place, users can stream intended audio during an event (e.g., public announcements) directly to a hearing aid, cochlear implant or earbuds. 

Assistive listening technology is supported through the City of Peterborough 2024-28 Accessibility Plan, which aims to foster accessibility and inclusion across municipal services, systems and spaces. Assistive listening technology is currently in place across City facilities, including at Social Services, the Peterborough Transit terminal, Service Peterborough at City Hall, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Provincial Offences Court Administration Office.  

This new technology launches in advance of National AccessAbility Week, May 25 – 31.

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Peterborough Residents Take to Ireland to Celebrate 200th Anniversary of Peter Robinson's Settler Emigration Scheme

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme, Peterborough residents took to Cobh, Ireland for a wreath-laying ceremony to celebrate the occasion on Friday.

(From left to right) David Kyffin, Counsellor and Program Manager at Embassy of Canada to Ireland; Eoighan Murphy, Chair of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotel Federation; Cllr Joe Carroll, Mayor of Cork County Council; Amanda Slattery, Manager at Ballyhoura Development CLG; John Concannon, Irish Ambassador to Canada; Brendan Moher, Chairperson of Nine Ships 1825 Inc. Peterborough; Glenn O'Meara, Descendant of O'Meara, Rathcormack 1823, Minnesota and Pádraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG. Photo courtesy of Ballyhoura Development CLG.

The event was initiated and organised by Ballyhoura Development with several partners. It honoured the memory of over 500 families from the Ballyhoura region and surrounding areas who departed on 11 ships for Upper Canada in 1823 and 1825.

The event, emceed by Ballyhoura Development Manager Amanda Slattery, was attended by Mayor of Cork County Council Cllr Joe Carroll, Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon, Canadian Embassy representative David Kyffin, Limerick City and County Council Cllr Gregory Conway, and 1825 Ships Inc. Chairperson Brendan Moher of Peterborough.

“The commemoration event was a special ceremony of remembrance, reflection, and reconnection—honouring the legacy of those who departed two centuries ago,” said Slattery.

Descendants from Canada and America took part in the ceremony. Paul Hickey of Peterborough, a descendant of a family from Doneraile who sailed on the Star, laid a wreath on behalf of the 1825 emigrants. Glenn O’Meara of Minnesota, whose ancestors left Rathcormac in 1823 aboard the Stakesby, laid a wreath in memory of the earlier group. Father Tom McDermott of Cobh led the blessing.

Moher presented Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development, a commemorative plaque representing the communities of the Ballyhoura region.

“May the vast waters of the North Atlantic never separate us from the warm fires we forever will share at the hearth of our Irish and Canadian families,” said Casey.

The event culminated in Ambassador John Concannon's official unveiling of a special exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers in Cobh Heritage Centre and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr Joe Carroll.

“I can’t express the gratitude and fondness we all felt. The Ballyhoura, Nine Ships and Cobh Heritage Centre teams created a powerful and meaningful experience,” said O'Meara. “I feel blessed to have been part of it.”

This ceremony marks the first of two major commemorative events. Ballyhoura Development will host the larger ‘Ireland-Canada Homecoming’ from September 15 to 21, welcoming descendants of the Peter Robinson Settlers back to the Ballyhoura region for a week of reconnection, storytelling and shared heritage.

“This was a truly unique experience for the descendants of this emigration, and a special day to highlight a once forgotten piece of our history,” said Slattery. “We thank all who supported and attended this memorable occasion.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballyhoura Development on this initiative and further demonstrate the emigration story of Ireland and Canada and its significance to Cobh, and look forward to sharing the exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers Emigration Scheme as a key feature of the heritage centre experience,” said Breeda Keane-Shortt, Cobh Heritage Centre.

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Peterborough Musicfest Announces Steven Page, Sloan and More Added to 2025 Lineup

Barenaked Ladies’s Steven Page, Sloan and more were some of the acts added to this year’s Peterborough Musicfest lineup, announced at the Silver Bean Café on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Vince Bierworth, event emcee; Brian Ellis, MUSICFEST BOARD CHAIR and TRACEY RANDALL, Musicfest Executive Director, showing off this year’s lineup of acts. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Millbrook’s Serena Ryder, Kim Mitchell and Gob were acts announced before the full lineup release.

With a wide array of acts, the lineup caters to all music tastes but is looking to diversify it even more. With four dates (July 5, 9, 26 and 29) to be announced later, those spots will help round out all genres according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director.

“We've already covered classic rock so we now need to cover country,” she explained. “We know that two of the four are going to be country.”

Musicfest is discussing adding acts to the vacant dates but cannot release details until next month. The free-concert series has roughly 83 per cent of its funding and needs another $80,000 to help sign off on finishing the lineup. Randall says once sponsorships and other funding can reach that amount, the full lineup can eventually be released.

“I've got a couple bands that are playing in other festivals, selling tickets right now so we're not allowed to announce until June,” she said. “Hopefully we'll do that as soon as we can in a couple weeks.”

New this year is a second stage to showcase more local talent as opening acts, a trial for Peterborough Muiscfest that will span roughly eight to nine shows, according to Randall.

“We just found that a lot of the local bands weren't getting picked up,” she explained. “We're moving ahead with a second stage on some nights. We're going to try it for now.”

The following is this year’s Musicfest schedule:

• June 28: Serena Ryder

• July 1: Neon Nostalgic (Retro Rock Tribute)

• July 2: William Prince

• July 5: TBA

• July 9: TBA

• July 12: Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies)

• July 16: Sloan

• July 19: Gob

• July 23 ABBAMania + Night Fever (Bee Gees)

• July 26: TBA

• July 30: TBA

• Aug. 2: Acrobat (U2 Tribute)

• Aug. 6: Mudmen w/ Irish Millie

• Aug. 9: The Celtic Tenors

• Aug. 13: Choir! Choir! Choir!

• Aug. 16: Kim Mitchell

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Peterborough Police Seeking Suspects Involved In Series of Distraction Thefts

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are investigating after several reports of a distraction theft in the past week.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 11 a.m. on Saturday, an 86-year-old man was approached by a vehicle in the Clonsilla Avenue and Ford Street area. The victim thought they were asking for directions. However, the driver put a fake gold ring in his hand. When the victim then bent down to speak to the female passenger, she grabbed his face and put a heavy gold chain around his neck while seeming to be praying for his well-being.  Later that night, the victim noticed that his gold necklace was gone.

At approximately 2:50 p.m. on Monday, an 86-year-old man was approached by a vehicle while walking in the Stewart Street and Rubidge Street area. While speaking to the female passenger, it’s believed his necklace was exchanged for a fake one.

At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Tuesday, a 66-year-old woman was approached by a vehicle in a parking lot in the Clonsilla Avenue and Goodfellow Road area. While speaking to the female passenger, the victim said her gold chain was exchanged for a fake gold chain.

In each instance, it was reported that there was a male driver, a female passenger, and one or two children in the back seat. The adults had accents and were in their 40s.

A photo of the vehicle was found and is described as:

• White Ford Edge

• Nova Scotia plate HCL 257

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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CMHA HKPR Accepting Nominations For Community Mental Health Awards and Annual Tam Grant Bursary

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is now accepting nominations for the Annual Community Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

According to CMHA HKPR, community members are encouraged to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in our community. This includes volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness, and their family members.

Applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary are open for students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness. The deadline for award and bursary submissions is June 23 at 4:30 p.m.

CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:

• The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.

• The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.

• The Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.

• The Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance.

• The Champion of Mental Health acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.

• Tam Grant Bursary – Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.

Bursaries are awarded yearly at CMHA HKPR’s Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000.  Applicants must be Peterborough and County, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, or Haliburton residents.

Tam Grant Memorial Bursary applications and nomination forms can be found online.

All award nominations and bursary applications must be received by June 23 at 4:30 p.m. Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their awards or bursaries at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting in September.

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List of City Services On Victoria Day 2025

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

City Hall 

City Hall, including Service Peterborough, the Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed on Monday. 

Waste collection and facilities 

Due to the Victoria Day holiday, curbside Green Bin, yard waste, and garbage collection schedules have not changed.  

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday. 

Airport 

The Peterborough Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. will be closed.

Peterborough Public Library 

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Monday.

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Victoria Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum. 

Recreation facilities and arenas 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. and the Miskin Law Community Complex at 271 Lansdowne St. W. will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Marina will be open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Victoria Day. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Monday.

Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca. 

Parks 

Some City parks and trails remain closed due to tree hazards. An updated list of open parks is available at peterborough.ca/StormUpdate. 

Park seasonal washrooms are expected to open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend and remain open for the season. Park washrooms are generally open from about 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; however, some locations close earlier based on maintenance schedules. 

Parking Services 

On weekends and holidays, parking in City-operated garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces is free. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Monday.

Provincial Offences Act office 

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Transit 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The customer service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525. 

Social Services 

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. resume on Tuesday.

Child care centres 

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday.

Emergency shelter services 

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096. 

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