Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club Increasing Accessibility Through Ontario Trillium Grant

Thanks to last year’s $15,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant, the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club increased the accessibility of its programs by purchasing a Kalandor Canoe to offer small-crew training for dragon boating.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

“The Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club remains committed to making this sport accessible for everyone. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant from the Ontario government, they've made significant strides in ensuring physically diverse individuals can fully participate in canoe and kayak programs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This is a prime example of how targeted provincial funding can empower local organizations to truly make a difference in people's lives and foster a more active and connected community.”

The purchase enables the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club to offer paddling and racing opportunities to individuals who may not otherwise have the chance to enjoy the sport. Funds from the grant enabled the Club to purchase three new boats, a canopy and several life vests according to Peg Smith of Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club.

“We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping us invest in accessible boats and equipment to meet this objective,” she said. “Our expanded fleet of canoes and kayaks and mini dragon boat will ensure safety, comfort, and independence for all of our paddlers. Specifically, we have increased programming and racing opportunities for our Special Olympians, and we are better able to welcome seniors, and others with mobility concerns to the sport. We are excited to be expanding Peterborough’s paddling community, in this way.”

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Peterborough Tigers to Host Ontario Baseball Association Championship This August

Peterborough Baseball Association (PBA) and the Peterborough Tigers are hosting the Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) Championship, as the best 8U AAA teams from across the province are coming to town to compete for the title. 

Back: Bill Mercer, Scott Perrin, Andrew Mercer, Joe Curry, Matt Pyke Middle: Louis Curry, Declan Manol, Reed Tivy, Chase Massie, Weston Perrin, Camden Raftis Front: Lucas Nelson, Jackson Pyke, Henry Helleman, Reign Mercer, Easton Condon, Asher Young. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Baseball Association.

The OBA tournament is held from Aug. 21 to 24 with games at Bowers Park, Kinsmen and East City Bowl.

There are 16 8U AAA teams competing across 31 games, vying for the championship.

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Haunting Anthems of The Rock Orchestra Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 17

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to hauntingly beautify rock music at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 17, announced on Wednesday.

The Rock Orchestra has performed over 400 shows and entertained over half a million guests in only four years. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

They plan to play a 90-minute show that infuses iconic rock and metal anthems in ethereal, candlelit settings. This band of 14 classical musicians will playing music with the unexpected union of classical music and metal. They will perform music from bands such as: Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin' Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more.

The Rock Orchestra was founded in 2020 by events impresario and producer Nathan Reed, with a vision of reimagining legendary Rock and Metal with the grace and power of classical music. 

Known for its gothic visual setting, The Rock Orchestra adds ‘dark energy’ to your well-known songs. 

Tickets go on sale on July 25 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online, by phone at 705-743-3561 ext. 2 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

PMC advises the following when purchasing tickets:

• Tickets will be delivered one month before the show and can be delivered by email, will call pick up or mail (subject to mail fees). 

• There is a limit of eight tickets per customer

• The floor is not accessible for people with mobility needs for this show

• Capacity for this show is 2,773

• Online purchasers require a user account to be created to complete transactions

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Peterborough Petes Video Coach Named Same Role For Canada White's 2025 U17 World Challenge

Peterborough Petes video coach and assistant to the general manager Alex Darling has officially been named as the video coach for Canada White for the upcoming 2025 U17 World Challenge in Truro, N.S., announced on Tuesday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s truly an honour to be recognized by Hockey Canada and be named as the video coach for Canada White,” said Darling. “I can’t wait to get out to Truro and get to work.”

Darling joined the Petes as a sales and service intern in 2021 before transitioning to his current role in 2022. He served the same role on the Petes coaching staff during the Petes 2023 OHL Championship run. Darling joins former Petes captain and Sudbury Wolves Coach Scott Barney, who was named Head Coach of Canada White.

The 2025 U17 World Challenge begins on Oct. 31.

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Little Lakers Night Returns On Last Regular Season Home Game to Support Five Counties

For the third consecutive year, Little Lakers Night returns on the Peterborough Lakers’ last home regular-season game on July 24 in support of Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC), announced on Tuesday.

Len Powers (left), Scott Pepin (middle) and Kennedy Meredith in front of a Lakers cutout and the warmup jersey designed by Meredith. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $15,295 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from Little Lakers Night will support Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It enables more children and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them.

“Each year, Little Lakers Night has grown in impact and excitement, and it’s certainly become a highlight of the summer season for us,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Lakers for their continued generosity and for giving our kids the chance to be part of something so special. It’s more than a game — it’s a celebration of community.”

“It’s an honour to again team up with Five Counties to host Little Lakers Night and support children’s treatment services in our community,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chairperson. “We encourage everyone to come out to Little Lakers Night and show their support for the home side – cheering on the Lakers to victory as they prepare for the playoffs, and supporting the incredible work done by Five Counties in the Peterborough region.”

Little Lakers Night starts pre-game festivities at 7 p.m., one hour before the Lakers take on the Brampton Excelsiors. The event features face painting by donation, freezie sales, a ‘pass the bucket’ fundraiser, and the opportunity to purchase commemorative Little Lakers Night T-shirts in support of FCCC.

During the game, a silent auction is being held with prizes such as two tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, a Crayola Prize Pack and VIP passes to the 2025 Swimming World Cup.

The night also spotlights the children and families supported by Five Counties, with several of them in attendance and some participating in special roles such as the ceremonial pre-game ball drop and behind-the-scenes experiences with the team.

The Lakers are wearing a specially designed warm-up jersey created by Kennedy Meredith, St. Paul C.E.S. Grade 4 student. The jerseys will be available for purchase through an online auction with proceeds supporting Five Counties.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 24 are available now through the Memorial Centre box office. The promo code ‘FIVECOUNTIES’ at checkout takes $3 from every ticket sold towards FCCC.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 13 Year-Old Girl Last Seen In the North End

UPDATE: Hayley has been found.

The Peterborough Police Service are requesting the public’s help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl, reported on Tuesday afternoon. 

Hayley was last seen on Tuesday at approximately 12:45 p.m. in the area of Towerhill Road and Hilliard Street.

She is described to police as:

• White female

• Blonde shoulder-length hair

• Approximately 125 lbs.

• Nose and ear piercings

• She was wearing a white tank top and shorts

Police are concerned for her safety as she does have some health issues.

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 Folk Festival Releases Full 2025 Lineup

The Peterborough Folk Festival has released its full lineup for their 2025 edition, running from Aug. 14 to 17 throughout Downtown Peterborough and Nicholls Oval Park, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

The event has over 30 artists and bands, including 12 local performers with all proceeds going back to the festival.

Featured acts include Joel Plaskett, Basia Bulat, Whitehorse, Jeremie Albino, Goldie Boutilier, Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation, Bells Larsen and Colin Linden.

Full Line-Up:

Aug. 14 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• Basia Bulat

• Jeanne Truax

Aug. 15

• Various venues downtown including the Pig's Ear Tavern

Aug. 16 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Joel Plaskett

• Goldie Boutilier

• Jeremie Albino

• Bells Larsen

• Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation

• My Son The Hurricane

• Grievous Angels

• Songs Of Scratch Garden

• Sister Ray

• Quinton Barnes

• Doghouse Orchestra

• The Silver Hearts

• Benj Rowland

• Jeanne Truax

• Lancelot Knight

• Swindlers

• Caitlin Currie

• Tapes In Motion

After Parties Downtown 11 p.m.

• Jethros - The Jet Airliners featuring Jeanne Truax

• Pig's Ear Tavern - The Silver Hearts

Aug. 17 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Whitehorse

• Lemon Bucket Orchestra

• Colin Linden of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings

• Inn Echo

• Beau Dixon

• Sharon Lois and Bram Singalong with Sharon and Randi

• Kay Silver

• Babe Chorus

• Fittonia

• Jethro Blues Jam All-Stars

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No Injuries Reported From Arrowsmith School Structure Fire

No injuries were sustained from Monday’s Arrowsmith School structure fire as reported by the Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS).

Arrowsmith School is a private school for kids with learning disabilites from Grades 1 to 12. It was originally founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith Young in Toronto. Peterborough was its second location in May 2005 but closed on June 2021. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

DDFS received a call about the incident at 2:19 a.m. and observed that the fire had spread through the second storey of the structure, with flames visible above the roof.

Over 25 DDFS firefighters in the early hours extinguished the initial fire and fought the hotspots into the afternoon. DDFS have not determined the cause of the fire and the monetary loss to the property.

The building was not occupied at the time of the fire. A residence west of the structure was evacuated as a precaution and the occupants were able to return to their home the same day.

Parkhill Road East was closed to traffic from the Parkhill Swing Bridge to the intersection of Television Road and County Road 4/Parkhill Road East for the duration of the incident.

“DDFS crews responded quickly and worked hard to bring the fire under control, and as a result the fire did not spread to nearby structures,” said Deputy Fire Chief Huffman. “We are grateful for the time and effort that our firefighters dedicate to preparing for events like this.”

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City to Host Public Meeting Regarding Development Charges

The Council of the City of Peterborough is holding a public meeting to present and discuss proposed development charge rates and policies that would be applied throughout the City on Aug. 5, at 4:45 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the meeting, Council will consider approval of an updated Development Charges By-law on a date.

Development charges are imposed on new development to help fund growth-related capital costs of municipal services, as authorized by the Development Charges Act, 1997. The Development Charges Background Study supports the proposed charges and relates to eligible services, including: Development-Related Studies, Library Services, Fire Services, Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Recreation, Parks, Transit, Waste Management, Long-Term Care, Services Related to a Highway and Sewage Services.

The public meeting is an opportunity for the public to review and provide comments on the Development Charges Background Study and the proposed Development Charges By-law, as required under The Development Charges Act, 1997.

All interested parties are invited to join the public meeting by attending in person or by viewing the streaming of the meeting on the City’s website.

The proposed development charges bylaw will not be considered for approval at this meeting according to the City. Council will review and consider the by-law at a future meeting after considering comments received as part of the public meeting and consultation process.

A copy of the 2025 Development Charges Background Study was made available on the City of Peterborough’s website on June 11. The proposed Development Charges By-law will be available on or before July 22, 2025.

Any person may attend the public meeting and make written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed by-law. Written submissions should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@peterborough.ca no later than 11 a.m. on Aug. 5.

Delegations wishing to speak at the meeting must register in advance. Unregistered delegations will not be permitted. To register, call 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 or complete the online form.

The deadline to register is 11 a.m. on Aug. 5. Council will consider all written comments submitted before the meeting and all verbal and written submissions made during the meeting before enacting a new development charges by-law.

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Overnight Structure Fire Devastates Arrowsmith School

A structure fire has caused significant damage to the Arrowsmith School building which started early Monday morning.

Arrowsmith School is a private school for kids with learning disabilites from Grades 1 to 12. It was originally founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith Young in Toronto. Peterborough was its second location in May 2005 but closed on June 2021. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 266 Parkhill Rd., Peterborough OPP had closed Parkhill Road between Leahy’s Lane and Kingsdale Drive as firefighters dealt with the flames early Monday morning.

Douro-Dummer Fire Department removed police tape at the scene and left the school around 4 p.m. on Monday.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. We will continue to update the story as more details develop.

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