Celebrate The Winter Season With The City of Peterborough's Annual Snofest Event

Embrace the chills, thrills and fun of the winter season during Snofest, the City of Peterborough’s annual winter celebration from Feb. 13 to 16.  

file photo.

“Snofest is a great way to embrace the cold by getting outside, staying active and having fun together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Whether you’re swimming, skating, or enjoying one of the many free events happening throughout Family Day weekend, Snofest reminds us that the best way to stay warm is by sharing in the energy and spirit of our community.” 

A schedule of events can be found below:

Free Workshop 

Feb. 13 

Snofest begins with a workshop, “Getting the Most from your Healthcare Appointment,” at the McDonnel St. Community Centre (577 McDonnel St.) 10:30 a.m. to noon. This free workshop focuses on what to do before, during and after an appointment, and uses action planning to optimize people’s health. Registration is required and can be done online. The deadline to register for this event is Feb. 12 at noon.  

Hot Lunch and Social Hour 

Feb. 13 

A Snofest Hot Lunch and Social Hour for seniors begins at noon. The buffet lunch is free. Registration is required and can be done online. The deadline to register for this event is Feb. 12 at noon.  

Free Fun Swim 

Feb. 13 

A free fun swim takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) on Feb. 13 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.  

Dinosaur Pop-Up 

Feb. 13 

A Dinosaur Pop-Up event takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join Peterborough Museum and Archives staff for dinosaur-themed crafts and to learn about the Carnivorous Dinosaurs exhibit on display at the Peterborough Museum and Archives. 

Snofest Square 

Feb. 14

Quaker Foods City Square will be transformed into Snofest Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Snofest Square will feature cozy fire pits and seating for visitors to relax and enjoy the festivities. Programming includes Snoga (snow yoga) with Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness from noon to 12:30 p.m. followed by a Children’s Chorus led by Shannon McCracken from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can warm up with a Salsa Dancing session with Victoria of T-Elle Boutique from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. or enjoy free outdoor ice skating on the Square’s rink.

Snofest Story Time and Winter Crafts 

Feb. 14

The Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St.) is hosting Snofest Story Time and Winter Crafts from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  

Snofest Pancake Breakfast 

Feb. 15

The mayor’s annual Snofest Pancake Breakfast takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) from 7 a.m. to noon. All residents are invited to come out and enjoy a plate of warm pancakes and a cup of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate.  

Snofest at the Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Feb. 15

The Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St.) is hosting a Gallery Scavenger Hunt and a “Snofest Pete” collage activity. Visitors can also view current exhibitions at the Gallery. Events take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Drop In Sports 

Feb. 16

Visit the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) for free drop-in sport sessions. The schedule is as follows:  

• Pickleball 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

• Basketball 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

• Badminton noon to 2 p.m. 

Free Skating and Crafts at the Miskin Law Community Complex 

Feb. 16

Free skating takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. at the Miskin Law Community Complex (271 Lansdowne St. W.) Both the Russelle Toyota Pad and the Canadian Hockey Enterprises Pad will be available to skaters. Free drop-in winter crafting activities take place in the multipurpose room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

For a complete list of events visit the website.

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Free Public Skating At Miskin Law Community Complex For Three Dates

After sponsorships from McLeod’s Ecowater, Passageway Law LLP and Lotus Family Dental, Dec. 24, 29 and 30 are free public skating dates at the Miskin Law Community Complex this holiday season.

The Misking Law Community Complex had its grand opening on Jan. 15. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We’re thrilled to see local businesses supporting free public skating over the holidays,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk. “We encourage everyone to come out, lace up, and enjoy these free community skating sessions.” 

The skates are on the following dates and times:  

• Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. on the Canadian Hockey Enterprises (CHE) Pad and Russelle Toyota Pad, sponsored by McLeod’s Ecowater 

• Dec. 29, 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. on the CHE Pad, sponsored by Passageway Law LLP 

• Dec. 30, 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. on the CHE Pad, sponsored by Lotus Family Dental

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Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink Opening This Saturday

The ice skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square is opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ice skating at Quaker Foods City Square is free and open to everyone.  

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.  

More information on skating at Quaker Foods City Square, including skating rules, is available at peterborough.ca/skate.  

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Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink to Open This Week

The City of Peterborough has announced that the public ice skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square is scheduled to open later this week. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This week’s snowfall may affect ice-making at the Square, potentially delaying the opening of the outdoor rink according to the City.

Skating at Quaker Foods City Square is free. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

A portable washroom is located on site, and heated washrooms are located nearby at the Peterborough Public Library during its regular operating hours.

Rink users are asked to follow all posted skating rink rules. Skates must be worn at all times. Speed and figure skating, organized hockey and the use of sticks and pucks are not permitted. CSA-approved helmets are required for children six years and under and children under 10 must be actively supervised by a person 16 years or older. No food or drink is permitted on the ice.  

Mobility Aids, sledge devices and approved skating aids are permitted. The City urges those in need of assistance to contact on-site staff. 

Parking is available at the King Street Parking Garage, 202 King St., and along King and Charlotte streets. Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all municipal parking spaces, including municipal parking lots and garages, until Dec. 31. Free two-hour parking is sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers. Any parking fees paid during the holidays will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.  

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Registration For City's Aquatics Programs Opens Next Week

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s summer Aquatic programs opens next week.

File Photo.

Registration opens to the public on Wednesday at 7 a.m. Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can register for Wellness Centre programs beginning Tuesday at 7 a.m.  

“Recreation and aquatics programs are a great way to stay active, meet new people and make the most of the season. Whether you’re diving into the pool, joining a fitness class or trying something new, there’s no better time to keep moving and have fun this winter,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk.

For more information on the City’s winter recreation programs, including fees, policies and the City’s recreation fee subsidy, visit peterborough.ca/rec.

A full list of Aquatic programming can be found at peterborough.ca/swim.

Registration for all programming can be done online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.  

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Mapleridge Recreation Centre Releases Fall Schedule to Showcase Its Programs

Mapleridge Recreation Centre have released its fall lineup of programs and invites the public to check out its schedules.

Photo courtesy of the Mapleridge Recreation Centre.

An open house is scheduled on Sept. 11, running from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Instructors will be on-site to highlight each class and answer questions.

The lineup contains new classes and returning favourites. Classes available are ‘Bone Building Strength & Balance’, watercolour, acrylic painting and more.

The Centre reminds visitors that Brealey Drive is undergoing construction. Access to Mapleridge is through Kawartha Heights Blvd. by driving around the barrier.

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Fall Recreation Program Registration Has Opened

Registration for fall recreation programs with the City of Peterborough is currently open.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Classes include fitness, judo, Taekwondo or partaking in one of the City’s skating or tennis programs. Children’s dance classes and registered pickleball, birthday party packages and personal training programs are also available.

Information on aquatic programs can be found at peterborough.ca/swim.  

Registration for all programming can be done online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201. 

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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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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.

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Registration For City's Aquatics Programs Opens Next Week

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s summer Aquatic programs opens next week.

File Photo.

Swimming programs are available for all ages and abilities, including learn-to-swim classes for children and adults and advanced lifeguard and swim instructor classes for experienced swimmers.

Registration opens for Peterborough Sport and Wellness members on Tuesday at 7 a.m. Registration opens to the public on Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Registration is online or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2.

Recreation subsidies are available for those qualifying low-income residents and families.

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