Peterborough Teen Charged With Robbery at Brock Street FreshCo.

An 18-year-old Peterborough male is facing multiple charges including a robbery at a Brock Street FreshCo on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:15 p.m., a robbery was in progress at the grocery store where a Loss Prevention Officer and the store owner had been injured after a confrontation with a male. Both victims were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  

Officers searched the area and located a male matching the description given to police a few blocks away. He was taken into custody and had an article search conducted by Emergency Response Team officers and K9 Gryphon. A knife was located and seized along with some other items.

The teen was arrested and charged with:

  • Robbery with violence x2

  • Failure to comply with youth sentence order x2

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

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Otonabee Conservation Releases 2024 Annual Report

Otonabee Conservation released its 2024 Annual Report to the Watershed Community at its board meeting on April 17, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The report is an interactive, web-based story map featuring maps and videos highlighting last year’s accomplishments.

“This report highlights the power of collaboration—celebrating the shared accomplishments of our eight member municipalities, dedicated community organizations, staff, and the Board of Directors as we work together to protect and enhance the Otonabee Region watershed,” said Michael Metcalf, Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors Chair.

Highlights from 2024 include:

  • 910 trees and shrubs by 180 volunteers at 3 locations in the watershed

  • 427 daily canoe and kayak rentals in 2024 - 1,961 hours of paddling

  • 31,505 campers were hosted in our three campgrounds in 2024 and hosted 22,815 day-use visitors at Warsaw Caves Conservation Areas

  • 16 Flood Forecasting and Warning watershed safety messages were issued but did not issue any low water messages

  • 850 hours were spent engineering new models and finalizing new floodplain mapping in 2024, including for Byersville Creek and Jackson Creek

  • Two anniversaries for our Conservation Areas were celebrated last year, 30 years for Hardold Town and 60 Years for Warsaw Caves

“Otonabee Conservation’s 2024 Annual Report highlights the year’s accomplishments as we continue to address the impacts of climate change and foster collaboration to build a safer, more resilient watershed for everyone,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO.

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James Stevenson Park Becomes Site For 40th Pet Valu Walk For Dog Guides Fundraiser

Canines and humans will march at the 40th Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser, which will be held at James Stevensen Park on May 25 at 1 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

As one of 200 community walks across Canada, proceeds go towards Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. This year’s Walk is five km and aims to raise $1.6 million for more dog guides.

“When Dog Guides hosted its first fundraising walk forty years ago, it was a small community affair that supported our Canine Vision Program, the only program we offered at the time,” said Bev Crandall, Dog Guides CEO. “Dog Guides has grown significantly over the past four decades. Today there are more than 800 working dog guides across seven different programs, providing life-changing assistance to their handlers in every province.”

According to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, each dog guide costs approximately $35,000 to breed, raise, train, and place.

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Voice of Business: Government In Action

On this week’s Voice of Business, we’re taking a closer look at how the Government of Ontario has responded to the growing economic pressure caused by U.S.-imposed tariffs and international uncertainty.

While these measures won’t solve all challenges overnight, and many businesses are still struggling, Ontario’s action represent significant steps in addressing the stress and pressures facing various industries.

It often takes a crisis for us to evolve, and this trade war forced that evolution to happen sooner than expected.

Just last month, Ontario led the way in removing several interprovincial trade barriers, a long-standing issue that has held back economic efficiency and domestic trade. By doing so, the province opened new pathways for goods, services, and talent to flow more freely across the country, a move that reduces our overreliance on the U.S. market and strengthens internal Canadian trade.

Ontario has also taken further action on multiple fronts to support local businesses and future-proof our economy.

One key step is a $750 million investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across post-secondary institutions. This funding will support up to 20,500 new student seats per year, helping Ontario build a future-ready workforce in critical industries like advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and data science. As global demand rises for tech and engineering talent, this investment will help keep Ontario competitive.

The province is also addressing a long-standing challenge around innovation ownership. A $3.39 million investment will help Ontario’s colleges and universities build stronger intellectual property (IP) capacity. This means research breakthroughs developed here are more likely to stay in the province, creating homegrown companies and jobs. It also protects Ontario from the common practice of IP being owned by foreign corporations through research partnerships, ensuring that the economic value of innovation benefits Ontarians first.

To alleviate immediate financial pressure, Ontario has announced $11 billion in tariff relief and cost-saving measures. This includes $9 billion in suspended interest and penalties on various provincial taxes, including the Employer Health Tax and levies on insurance, gas, alcohol, and tobacco. In addition, $2 billion in WSIB rebates are being returned to businesses to help offset operating costs. Together, these moves will allow more businesses to retain staff, invest in operations, and weather economic uncertainty.

The province is also expanding the Skills Development Fund by $1 billion over three years, ringing the fund’s total to $2.5 billion. This investment will help retrain and upskill Ontario workers, especially those affected by layoffs tied to tariff pressures. Whether transitioning into trades, healthcare, or other growing sectors, workers will be supported in securing good-paying jobs with long-term potential.

These investments, from education and innovation to cost relief and workforce development, represent a strategic shift. Ontario is building a future-proofing our economy if a trade war does reappear in the future. While challenges remain, these efforts lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity, job growth, and economic resilience.

For businesses, these measures open new opportunities to access skilled talent, manage costs, and stay competitive. For workers, they offer greater stability and upward mobility during uncertain times. At a broader level, Ontario’s investment in intellectual property is a strategic step toward addressing Canada’s productivity crisis, helping to ensure that innovations developed here stay here, fueling domestic growth and job creation. While no policy can solve every challenge overnight, these initiatives target critical areas in need of support. They provide relief for vulnerable industries like auto and steel, while also empowering post-secondary institutions to play a central role in developing a resilient, future-ready workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow’s economy and keep high-quality jobs in Ontario.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Peterborough Lakers Re-Sign Three Local Players For Upcoming 2025 Season

The Peterborough Lakers have re-signed three local players in Mike Robinson, Drew Hutchison, and Colton Armstrong for the 2025 season, announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Lakers Transition Colton Armstrong scoring a crucial goal against the Six Nations Chiefs in Game Two of the MSL Championship. Peterborough had taken a 2-0 series lead after that game. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

All three return home after helping the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Halifax Thunderbirds reach the semifinals.

Robinson finished third in rookie scoring this past season in the NLL and currently leads all rookies in postseason scoring with 12 points. After spending last summer under contract with the Premier Lacrosse League’s Boston Cannons, Robinson returns to his hometown team.

Hutchison had a breakout year in Halifax with five wins and three losses.

Armstrong, known for his strong transition play and highlight-reel goals, returns to the Lakers. He was acquired from the Cobourg Kodiaks in a trade in 2023..

The Lakers open their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 21 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22.

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Lakefield Man Charged With Impaired Driving After Being Involved In Minor Collision

A 66-year-old Lakefield man is facing an impaired driving charge following a minor vehicular accident on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:30 p.m., a minor two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Bridge Street and Clementi Street in Lakefield. Upon arrival, officers spoke to one of the drivers and noticed signs of impairment. 

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

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

  • Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court June 24.

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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Lang Pioneer Village Sets May 20 As Opening Day

May 20 is opening day at Lang Pioneer Village Museum to kick off its 2025 season, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth King and Lang Pioneer Village.

The museum’s summer hours and special event season kick off with the annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show on Sunday, June 15. Special events this year include Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show and Christmas by Candlelight.

The Keene Hotel, which underwent flooring upgrades over the fall and winter, will also reopen this spring.

“Spring is an exciting time for us here at the Museum as we switch gears and look forward to welcoming visitors back to the site for our Spring and Summer programming,” said Elizabeth King, museum operations manager. “Whether you are joining us for the hustle and bustle of an event day, digging in deeper at a workshop, or are here for the slower pace of a regular day - we invite you to experience history and learn with us.”

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Ontario Government Plans to Cut Gas Tax; Proposing Taking Tolls Off Highway 407 East

The Ontario government plans to permanently cut the gasoline and fuel tax rates and proposes to remove tolls from the provincially-owned areas of Highway 407 East, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario Government.

The gas tax is estimated to save about $115 per year and the proposed toll removal would save daily commuters roughly $7,200 annually according to Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“I know that families and business owners are worried about rising costs, especially as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise the price of everyday essentials,” he’s aid. “That’s why we’re cutting the gas tax permanently and taking tolls off Highway 407 East, and that’s why we’ll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families.”

The proposals are through the Ontario government, which is introducing legislation through its 2025 Budget. If passed, it would permanently cut the gas and fuel tax rate, resulting in provincial tax rates at nine cents per litre.

“Ontario families have seen prices on everyday items go up over the last several years,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “To help Ontarians cope with the high cost of living and the impacts of the economic uncertainty caused by tariffs, we are continuing to take action to ease the pressure and do more to help lower costs for households.”

The provincial government is also introducing legislation to permanently remove tolls on Highway 407, from Brock Road to Highway 35/115, effective June 1. This is the last stretch of Ontario's provincially owned and tolled highway. It follows the government’s previous removal of tolls from Highways 412 and 418 and its recent legislation banning new road tolls on any public roadway in Ontario.

“Our government is making it easier and more affordable for Ontarians to get where they need to go, when they need to get there,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The measures announced today will not only help to reduce traffic and commute times, but they will help put money back in the pockets of hardworking families at a time when it matters most. This is another step in our work to protect Ontario by building a more efficient, affordable and accessible transportation network.”

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Peterborough Woman Wanted On Theft Charges Arrested

A 36-year-old Peterborough woman is facing theft charges after an incident on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:30 p.m., general patrol officers spotted a woman wanted in connection with a theft at a local business while walking in the area of Aylmer Street and King Street. Officers took the woman into custody without incident.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Theft Under $5,000

  • Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court

  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following condition: to not attend the business in this incident.

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

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Registration Open For the 2025 Fall Season

Photo courtesy of KMFL.

The League will consist of a Junior Division (kids born from 2015-2017) and a Senior Division (kids born from 2012-2014).

Weekly practices start on Aug. 25, Saturday games begin Sept. 13 and the season concludes on Championship Day on Nov. 1. 

Cost is $395 with Early Bird pricing of $345 in effect until July 1.

All equipment, excluding mouthguards and cleats, is provided.

“We are very excited to open our 2025 Season,” said Angela Madill, KMFL vice-president. “Last year we had the largest season in the 45-year history of the League. We are hoping to continue that success and have added a few surprises to further enhance our player and family experience this season.”

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