Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park and Zoo’s Launch New Accessible Playground Fundraising Campaign to Raise $1.5 Million

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo have teamed up for Project ROAR, a $1.5 million fundraising campaign for an accessible playground, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Project Roar Committee unveiled its plans for a completely redesigned Rotary Accessible Playground at Riverview Park and Zoo to allow anyone of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Rotarian Betty Halman-Plumley was the president of the Rotary Club during the 2023-2024 term. During that time, the Club conducted extensive community outreach and local needs assessments in the lead up to deciding on the club’s next big Legacy Project said Halman-Plumley.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” she said. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO, first presented the concept for this project to the Rotary Club in 2024.

“We are thrilled to work with the energy and magnetism of the Rotary Club of Peterborough through their Legacy Project to bring these remarkable plans off the shelf and to fruition,” she said. “Established in 2018 through community consultation, these engineered playground plans were created to address the diverse needs of our community, bringing all ages and all abilities together for outdoor recreation and play. Thanks to Rotary and this Legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”

The event paid tribute to the late Rotarian Ross Dobbin who founded the Riverview Park and Zoo in 1933. Some of his family members were present to honour his name on his behalf.

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Three People Arrested For Drug Possession and Trafficking After Two Police Searches

Three people have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking and possession after search warrants were executed on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Peterborough Police Service Drug, Intelligence Unit and aid from the assistance of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed two search warrants in the areas of King Street and Bethune Street and Stewart Street and King Street.

Police have seized the following controlled substances:

• 10.7 grams Psilocybin

• 277 Hydromorphone pills

• 86 Oxycodone pills

• 13.1 grams Cocaine

• 16.9grams Fentanyl

• 6 grams Methamphetamine

• Over $7,500 Canadian currency 

Two King Street residents, a 64-year-old Peterborough man and a 38-year-old Peterborough man were charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Fentanyl 

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Cocaine.

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Hydromorphone

• Possession of a controlled substance, Psilocybin.

• Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.00

A 30-year-old female resident of Stewart Street in Peterborough was charged with the following:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Fentanyl 

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Cocaine.

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Hydromorphone

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Oxycodone

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, Methamphetamine 

• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.00

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.00

• Weapons prohibition breach (ammunition) X2

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Pooice Service.

All accused are being held in custody and will appear in court on Thursday.

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Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes Hosting BBQ Fundraiser For Aug. 23

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) is hosting a BBQ fundraiser to aid their causes at their site on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event is located at 385 Lansdowne St. E. It has food, sweet treats, games, live music and a plant and vegetable sale. Cost for food and drinks will be on a sliding scale starting from 50 cents.

A rainout date has been scheduled for the following day on Aug. 24.

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Taite Cattoni's Late-Game Heroics Sends Peterborough Lakers to Game Seven In Overtime Win

Taite Cattoni helped the Peterborough Lakers steal game six after they surged in the third period and overtime to defeat Brooklin L.C., 6-5 in overtime, at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre Rink on Wednesday night.

Photo by Ava Wood.

Brooklin had the start they wanted, scoring the game’s first three goals for a 3-0 lead with 8:05 left in the period. Holden Cattoni got Peterborough on the board late in the period for a 3-1 score going into the second period.

The games seemed to be all Brooklin as they opened with another multi-goal run of two to open the period. It was not until over halfway through the period that Carter Page scored for Peterborough and it was 5-2 after two periods in a low-scoring affair.

Down by three, Peterborough had to muster a comeback to keep their season alive. Joe Resetarits scored for the Lakers just near the halfway point to bring Peterborough within two goals. Taite scored just 83 seconds later to cut the deficit in half.

Brooklin had the ball with 42 seconds in regulation, coming out of a timeout, and Peterborough forced pressure with three men to cause a turnover. The Lakers had set up in the offensive zone. Resetarits made a cross-crease pass to Taite and one-timed it through the back of the net for a tie game and into overtime.

Just over four minutes had passed in overtime as Taite had the ball in his hands again. He went from point to point on the floor and rifled a bounce shot that slipped by the Brooklin goaltender for the natural hat trick and the game-winning walk-off goal to send the series back to Peterborough for game seven.

“We knew we played a pretty poor 40 minutes and the season's on the line,” explained Taite. “We had to come alive as a group and lucky enough and fortunate enough, I had a good third period and it was my turn to go. That's the great thing about this team, every night it can be a different guy that steps up and makes a difference.”

The last game of the series is at the Peterborough Memorial Centre with the opening faceoff at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

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City of Peterborough Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day On Aug. 31

The City of Peterborough joins communities across the world in remembering the thousands of lives lost to drug overdose on International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place on Aug. 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, reduce stigma and remember the friends, family, and community members we’ve lost,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The overdose crisis doesn’t just shatter families; it fractures our entire community.”

Moms Stop the Harm and Peterborough Aids Resource Network will hold a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at City Hall. A purple flag will be raised in memory of those lost to drug poisoning and in recognition of the grief carried by their loved ones.

A Community Memorial and Awareness Event will be held at Confederation Square, across the street from City Hall, on Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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Community Futures Peterborough Celebrates 2025 Summer Company Program Student Graduates

The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) celebrated the achievements of six aspiring young entrepreneurs who graduated from the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program at the Venture North Building on Wednesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Neha Mervin, 15, Sparks of Bollywood; Bisma Razaque, 17, Shirt Spark; Spencer Toth, 16, Farm Hands and Lauren Connolly, 18, Connolly Swim Academy after reciving their certificates of recognition from MPP Dave Smith. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program lets students aged 15 to 29 take a business idea and bring it to life. Graduates receive $3,000 in grant funding and they have also received expert training and ongoing mentorship from CFP staff during their entrepreneurship. Along the way, these young entrepreneurs gained skills in problem-solving, financial management, customer service, and resilience – skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

“We know our economy — regionally, provincially and nationally — is made on small businesses,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “That is the future we are going in. It is important for all of us to recognize the importance of the idea of entrepreneurship through programs like this and the investment of the province but also to be at the high schools, that they're learning about these career options.”

“The Summer Company Program is igniting fresh ideas and building tomorrow’s businesses right here in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough–Kawartha MPP. “With our government’s support and expert advice from the Community Futures Peterborough team, these young entrepreneurs get the funding, mentorship, and skills they need to hit the ground running—and their success fuels a stronger, more dynamic local economy.”

The 2025 Summer Company entrepreneurs are:

• Spencer Toth, Farm Hands – Cavan-Monaghan

• Neha Mervin, Sparks of Bollywood – Otonabee-South Monaghan

• Haydon Meade, Scrub Window Cleaning – City of Peterborough

• Bisma Razaque, Shirt Spark – City of Peterborough

• Lauren Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy – City of Peterborough

• Teaghan Hartnett, West End Property Care – City of Peterborough

The young entrepreneurs learned how to manage budgets, attract customers, deliver high-quality products and services and adapt to unexpected challenges. This typically is the first time they have been solely responsible for the success of a business.

“Youth entrepreneurship matters because it builds the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators,” said Allison Adam, BAC entrepreneurship officer. “When young people are given the chance to start a business, they learn first-hand how to take initiative, adapt to challenges, and create value in their community. Those lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives, whether they choose to continue as entrepreneurs or bring their skills into other careers.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; for young entrepreneurs, it’s about building skills, resilience, and confidence that last a lifetime while giving them the awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Through our first-ever Summer Company Program delivered by Community Futures Peterborough, we’ve watched each student grow in remarkable ways, turning their ideas into fully functioning businesses.”

Whether these young entrepreneurs keep up with their businesses or pursue new ventures, going through the program has developed vital life skills, said Girard.

“I hope one of their key takeaways is that financial literacy is important regardless of whether you're managing a budget for your family or a business,” she explained. “Areas of how you interact with others and how you present yourself through marketing and how you develop a brand and image. Those are all life skills that are critical to any facet of where they decide to grow.”

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Charged Laid on Peterborough Man From Suspicious Death On Charlotte Street

Detectives with the Investigative Services Unit have laid a charge in connection with a suspicious death investigation that occurred on Charlotte Street, reported on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the investigation, there was an ongoing police presence in the area of Charlotte Street and Rubidge Street.

A 40-year-old Peterborough man has now been charged with:

• Indignity to dead body

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident 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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City Council Approves Recommendation to Make Physician Recruitment Program Regular

The Council approved an update on the City's physician recruitment pilot program and recommended making it a regular, ongoing program starting in 2026 during their Monday meeting.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to City Council, the recruitment and retention of family physicians in Peterborough is a critical issue for the community, which is highlighted in the City’s Strategic Plan as high-performing healthcare systems support community wellbeing and drive economic growth.

Analysis included in the report highlights that over 13,000 additional patients risk becoming unattached if aging physicians retire without replacements.

During the current pilot project, the following have started practicing in the community as of May 2025:

• Six new Family Health Organization (FHO) physicians, keeping approximately 8,000 patients from becoming unattached

• One independent practice physician from the United Kingdom, who has rostered over 2,200 patients

• Three Community Health Centre (CHC) physicians who are looking after vulnerable sector patients, and they will add more once clinic construction is complete

Council endorsed converting the internal physician recruitment pilot program to a permanent program. This would establish a permanent in-house physician recruitment program, ensuring a sustained and coordinated municipal approach. The program will work closely with partners, including the Peterborough Ontario Health Team, Family Physician Think Tank and PRHC, to design and implement a strategic work plan.

The program includes a multi-pronged physician recruitment and retention strategy, including continued financial incentives, refinement of the Whole of Village incentive program, and enhanced participation in international recruitment efforts through partnerships such as the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance (EOPRA).

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Wedgewood Park Getting Urban Forest Upgrades WIth Tree Planting and Ash Tree Removal

The City of Peterborough is enhancing Wedgewood Park’s urban forest and planting 515 new native tree species as part of the Trees 4 Peterborough initiative.  

Google Maps Screenshot.

This is due to significant damage from the Emerald Ash Borer. About 250 dead or dying ash trees will be removed this summer. 

Residents are encouraged to attend a community tree planting event on Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help reforest the park. Volunteers can sign up for the event at peterborough.ca/trees. 

As part of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, the City will begin removing approximately 250 dead or dying Ash trees from Wedgewood Park, which have succumbed to Emerald Ash Borer, beginning Monday. Removal work is expected to take five to six days.  

Work will also include clearing dense understory vegetation dominated by invasive Buckthorn.  

Wedgewood Park will remain open while removal work is underway. Residents are asked to keep a safe distance from working crews.

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Four Student-Athletes Graduates Receive 2025 Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary

Four graduating student-athletes were recipients of the annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary Award for 2025 at a presentation ceremony at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

(Left to right) Matthew Kathiravelu; Sydney Dobbin; Linda de Jeu, PDSHoF Second Vice Chair; Olivia McBride and Rutger Huntley. The award has been given annually to four recipients since 1996 (with 2020 having six) Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Matthew Kathiravelu, Sydney Dobbin, Olivia McBride and Rutger ‘Ru’ Huntley were this year’s winners, taking home $2,000 apiece from the bursary. Each recipient was a graduating high school student, attending University in the fall.

This year’s winners will have their headshots commemorated in the Hall of Fame and their names etched into the history of the awards’ beneficiaries.

Matthew Kathiravelu, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Kathiravelu, 18, is an honours student and a graduate of Kenner Collegiate.

He is attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he was accepted to the prestigious Wharton School of Business, studying Economics and working towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

He is a multisport athlete who played basketball, volleyball, badminton and track and field. He was named captain of his basketball, volleyball and track and field teams and named player of the year on all three of these teams.He led the Kenner Rams to an OFSAA silver medal this past year and an antique bronze two years ago. Kathiravelu is a two-time OFSAA triple jump gold medalist and an OFSAA  long jump silver medalist. He was named Kenner's senior male athlete of the year.

Academically, Kathiravelu was awarded the Governor General’s Award, given to the student who has the highest academic average with 97 per cent in his graduating class.

The 18-year-old has expanded his reach into coaching, helping the younger members of the Kenner track and field team. He has also been a representative on the student council and the athletic committee.

He has been a member of the Peterborough Power basketball program for two years and a player/captain with the Time to Hoop basketball program for two years.  He has also been a member of the United Tamil Sports Club for three years.

He has also volunteered as a coach for Peterborough Youth basketball, completed a co-op at Community Futures Peterborough, and coached youth at the Ferndale summer sports camp.

Sydney Dobbins, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Dobbins, 18, is an honours student and is a graduate of St. Peter Secondary School.

She will be attending the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, studying to become a doctor.

Dobbins played basketball, volleyball, soccer, ran cross country and track and field and competed in alpine ski racing and badminton. She captained her basketball and soccer teams. She was named Senior Female Athlete of the Year this past spring and has earned 10 MVP awards and two Most Dedicated awards throughout her high school career. Through her four-year education at St. Peter’s, she qualified for nine OFSAA championships in cross country running, soccer, basketball and Alpine ski racing.

She developed her leadership skills as a member of the Saints Athletic Council, where she organized sports events for elementary students, hosted athletic banquets, and advocated for the needs of student-athletes. The 18-year-old aspiring doctor has been a social media manager for athletics at St. Peter’s, where she also assisted with scorekeeping for boys and girls basketball games.

Dobbins was a member of the Peterborough Youth Soccer Association for 11 years and the Youth Basketball Association for nine. She was usually selected as captain.

Dobbins volunteered at the Peterborough City Soccer Summer Camp, Time to Hoop Basketball Academy and at the Special Olympics.

Outside of sports, Dobbins was a volunteer at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre with the Hospital Elder Life Program. It supports seniors with companionship and support in their recovery.

Olivia McBride, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

McBride, 18, is an honours student and is a graduate of Adam Scott Collegiate.

She will attend Hamilton’s McMaster University in the fall, studying health sciences as she works towards an Honours Bachelor of Health Science Degree.

The 18-year-old competed in cross country running, basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, track and field and tennis. She was also a member of the school’s Special Olympics Unified basketball team this past year.

In her final year, Olivia was captain of the senior basketball and senior soccer teams.

During her four years at Adam Scott, she has earned nine different team awards, received her junior and senior athletic letter, was named Junior athlete of the year in grade 10 and senior athlete of the year in grade 12.

In her final year, she was one of the recipients of the Paul Burke Honour Athlete award, which recognizes commitment and dedication to athletics over a student's entire high school career, as well as receiving the Marilyn Tudhope OFSAA Award of Excellence.

McBride completed her Specialist High Skills Major program which allowed her to run a Grade 9 Olympics day, earn certifications in fair play and coaching and take part in career exploration and leadership positions. She has run volleyball intramurals for fellow students, assisted with junior girls basketball tryouts and officiated elementary basketball tournaments.

In the community, McBride has been a member of the Peterborough City Soccer Club and the Peterborough Power Basketball Club for four years.

She has volunteered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre as a wayfinder, tutored Adam Scott Intermediate students, served as a basketball scorekeeper, and volunteered at Edmison Heights public school, where she assisted in a grade 6 classroom, organized pizza lunches, and coached dance and gymnastics.

Rutger ‘ru’Huntley, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Huntley, 18, is an honours student and graduate of Crestwood Secondary School.

He will be attending Queen’s University in Kingston, pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.

Huntley played volleyball, badminton, tennis, ultimate frisbee, alpine skiing and a track and field athlete. He was captain of the volleyball team for each year of his career as a Mustang. He was named MVP of the volleyball team four times, the badminton team three times and earned two sportsmanship awards. He is a nine-time COSSA medalist and a five-time OFSAA participant.  

He received two of Crestwood’s most prestigious Dysart Awards of Athletic Excellence.

The 18-year-old has been a coach for the senior girls and junior boys volleyball teams at Crestwood, an official for four years for intermediate volleyball tournaments, a Soul beach volleyball coach for four years, a Durham attack U15 assistant coach and a private beach volleyball player coach.

Huntley has been captain and played volleyball for Durham Attack for three years, Peterborough Thunder for one year, Team Ontario Beach for one year, Soul Beach for four years, OVA beach tour for four years and has recently played badminton with the Peterborough Badminton Club for a year. He has received a Durham Attack leadership award three times, the Achievement of Excellence Award and the Lisa Ford Memorial Award.

Huntley has been a volunteer with the Millbrook BIA festival for 4 years, acting as an organizer and assisting with setup and he has volunteered with Mitchel’s Cakes and Desserts.

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