Trent Excalibur Men's Soccer Start Playoffs Against Ottawa This Wednesday

As the Trent Excalibur men’s soccer team completed their record-breaking regular season on Sunday, they begin their playoff run on the road to Ottawa to face the Carleton Ravens on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent Excalibur.

This marks Trent’s first playoff appearance in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) playoffs in 14 years.

Trent finished the regular season 6-5-1 for 19 points, setting a new program record for both wins and points in a season (the previous record of five wins and 17 points was set in 2010-11). The Excalibur set both records in their 3-2 victory over Nipissing in North Bay on Saturday

Trent finished the regular season in a three-way tie for fourth place in the OUA East Division but dropped to sixth place due to the tie-breakers. Carleton finished the season in third place in the OUA East Division and are ranked eighth nationally. 

The two teams played once this season, at Carleton on Sept. 26 in a 3-3 draw.

The game will be livestreamed on OUA.tv. 

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New Indigenous Studies Dual Credit Program Launched In Partnership With Trent University & Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

High school students in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) can now earn a credit in Indigenous Studies from Trent University while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma with the launch of a new dual credit program.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“For decades, Trent has been creating curriculum and opportunities to engage students at all levels in Indigenous education. It has been wonderful to partner with the innovative team at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to create this unique pathway for students,” said Marilyn Burns, Trent vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “As HPEDSB students gain exposure to Indigenous scholarship and ways of knowing, they are also gaining real university academic experience and getting a head start on their degree.”

The program is in place for the 2025/26 academic year. It gives students in the HPEDSB enrolled in two high school credit courses (Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context or First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Governance in Canada) the opportunity to earn a 0.5 university course credit in INDG 1001H: The Foundation of Reconciliation at Trent. This means students who are accepted to Trent University in the future will begin their studies with half a credit already earned for their degree.

The Foundation of Reconciliation half-credit course at Trent also fulfills the University’s Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR), which was implemented in 2018 to ensure all undergraduate students take at least one course focused on Indigenous topics during their degree. Over 20,000 students have completed the ICR since its introduction according to Trent.

The new dual credit program will be piloted at Eastside Secondary School in Belleville. As part of the program, students will engage in land-based learning activities and events, receiving instruction and teachings led by faculty and staff from Trent’s Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. Students will deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and build real-world skills through university-level study.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing Indigenous education and creating meaningful learning opportunities for students that translate into strong community relations,” said Katherine MacIver, HPEDSB director of education. “This opportunity will no doubt help students strengthen their academic foundation, foster critical thinking, and build confidence for the transition to postsecondary education.”

“This is a perfect opportunity to support students along their learning journey, to build relationships and friendships across our institutions, and to connect students directly with professors, elders, and knowledge holders,” added Dr. Kevin Fitzmaurice, associate professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

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Trent University Names Its 2025-26 Ashley Fellow

The Honourable Tom Mulcair PC has been named Trent University’s 46th Ashley Fellow, a prestigious annual visiting scholar who offers insight and ideas to members of the Trent community through one-on-one and group interactions. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Munclair has been a prominent voice in Canadian public life and former leader of the New Democratic Party.

 “Trent University’s Traill College and Champlain College are thrilled to be co-hosting the Honourable Mulcair as Ashley Fellow for this academic year,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. “The collegiate environment at Trent offers a rich interdisciplinary academic and social environment for this fellowship. “Traill is home to the School for the Study of Canada and the Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North, aligning with Mulcair’s knowledge of Canada. At the same time, Champlain’s founding principle of bringing together French- and English-speaking cultures provides an inviting platform for Mulcair’s roots and connections in Quebec.”

Mulcair has taught at several Quebec universities and has held many notable roles, including lawyer, provincial cabinet minister, federal parliamentarian and party leader.

Through the Ashley Fellowship, Mulcair will offer students, as well as the campus and broader community, insight into both yesterday’s and today’s political leadership, public administration, and the evolving landscape of Canadian federalism.  

“I am honoured to be invited to return to Trent as the Ashley Fellow,” said Mulcair. “When I was last hosted by the School for the Study of Canada, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with students in a variety of different ways, which I'll be doing again during this term. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and I am enthusiastic about returning to engage once again with Trent and Peterborough’s vibrant community of learners, leaders, and changemakers.” 

Mulcair will make two visits to Trent during his Ashley Fellow residency. His first visit, scheduled from Oct. 28 to 31, will feature workshops, informal student sessions and guest lectures in Politics and Canadian Studies courses.

On the evening of Oct. 29, he will deliver a public talk at Champlain College. With advanced registration, all members of the community are welcome to attend. Mulcair will return for his second visit as an Ashley Fellow March 24 to 26, highlighted by more student engagement opportunities and a special college dinner.

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54th Head of the Trent Weekend Rowing Its Way For Oct. 3 to 5

A major university tradition is back as the 54th annual Head of the Trent (HOTT) Weekend takes place from Oct. 3 to 5, featuring world-class rowing, spirited varsity competition, alumni gatherings and family-friendly activities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Head of the Trent is a time-honoured tradition where generations of Trent pride and spirit converge,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “It brings together our alumni, students, and community along the river and across campus to celebrate what makes Trent University so special. It’s an experience unlike any other, and we invite everyone to be part of it.”

The Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club, remains the centrepiece of the weekend. Since its inception in 1971 with just 13 boats, the regatta has grown into one of the largest head races in North America, with over 800 boats and 1,400 athletes competing along the five-km course on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

This year, regatta spectators can enjoy premium riverside viewing from the revitalized Founders Walk along the Otonabee River and a licensed area inside and outside of the Ceilie Pub in Trent’s Champlain College. The Peterborough Rowing Club is also providing livestream coverage and commentary available throughout the weekend.

The event pays tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70, who is considered a ‘founding father’ of the rowing community in Peterborough. He led the charge to establish the inaugural Head of the Trent Regatta in 1971 and was a founder of the Trent Rowing Club and Peterborough Rowing Club. The Trent University Rowing Club will sell a commemorative mug featuring one of Leach’s quintessential quotes as part of their annual merchandise sales at Head of the Trent in support of Trent’s renowned rowing program.

With premium rowing, varsity games, alumni gatherings, and family-friendly activities, the Symons Campus has activities for everyone all weekend. Featured activities include:

• Rowing Recognition: Join the Trent Alumni Rowing Social on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring the christening of a new single rowing shell and a tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70.

• Alumni Gatherings: Visit the Alumni Welcome Tent (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on the upper Bata Podium to activate your Trent Alumni Perks and enjoy giveaways, family games, and exclusive perks.

• Family Fun: Bring the kids to the expanded Kid’s Zone Children’s Area (Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Lady Eaton College lawn for play zones, giant games, Bluey & Bingo appearance with The Play Spot Peterborough and animal encounters with Zoo to You. This event is free to attend and brought to you by the Trent University Alumni Association.

• Food and Refreshment: Enjoy a range of cuisine in the food truck area in the parking lot near Bata Library, or enjoy eats with prime riverfront views at the Ceilie, the only licensed location on campus (no cover, and all ages are welcome).

• Varsity Competition: Cheer on the Trent Excalibur with a full schedule of varsity games throughout the weekend, including men’s and women’s rugby, volleyball and soccer. Don’t miss Saturday’s pep rally at 11 a.m., led by the Trent Pom Team, designed especially to get Trent fans fired up.

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Trent University Adds New Indigenous Resource Hub to Advance Learning and Reconciliation

As part of actions to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Trent University has launched an updated Indigenous Protocol Guidebook and a new Indigenous Resources and Initiatives website to support ongoing work to advance learning and reconciliation across the campus and community. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“As part of Trent’s leadership and ongoing journey toward reconciliation, I recognize that sustained efforts in truth-seeking and education are essential to the whole process of reconciliation and taking action,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The updated Trent guidebook and new website represent important steps in advancing knowledge and supporting the learning of all, with resources that encourage understanding, reflection and respectful engagement.”  

The guidebook provides students, faculty, and staff with information and support on relationship-building and developing a deeper understanding of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg according to Trent. Their treaty and traditional territory is where Trent’s campuses are situated. First published in 2019, the now-expanded and updated guidebook includes information about Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples, alongside local history, treaty responsibilities and cultural practices.

The new Indigenous Initiatives website serves as a centralized hub with educational resources like the Protocol Guidebook, cultural knowledge and community-driven initiatives. It has video and written resources, including cultural teachings, academic programming, student support, community partnerships and information about Indigenous events and observances. Updates on institutional initiatives and tools to guide engagement with Indigenous communities are also on the website.

“Reconciliation begins with understanding where we stand,” said Professor Jack Hoggarth, chair of Anishinaabe Knowledge and assistant professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent. “As Senator Murray Sinclair-iban (Mazina Giizhik-iban) reminds us, ‘Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian one. It requires the whole of society to change.’ The Truth and Reconciliation Commission charged all of us with uncovering the full truth of Canada’s history and living out its 94 Calls to Action. To answer that call, we must learn about the Anishinaabeg and the many Nations across Turtle Island, face the enduring impacts of settler colonialism, and build relationships rooted in reciprocity. In doing so, our Trent community can honour those truths and walk together toward a future of justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”

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City Council Approves Information Report On Peterborough Transit Rollout

City council has approved an information report on the rollout of the Youth Transit Pass Program for 2025 and 2026 during their meeting on Monday night.

File Photo.

The Youth Transit Pass Program aims to increase ridership, improve access and education, and support long-term transit use among young residents of Peterborough. According to Council, although youth aged 13–18 currently represent a small share of total ridership, they hold significant potential to help shift travel behaviour, increase transit use, and build a culture of sustainable mobility within the community.

Key program components include:

• complimentary transit access for youth aged 13-18 during evenings, weekends, and summer months;

• annual registration with structured pass distribution and orientation;

• education-focused program design to support independent, confident transit use; and

• phased pilot implementation through 2025 and 2026, followed by an annual program delivery and evaluation.

The program model aligns with current transit operations and supports future growth by targeting off-peak periods for initial implementation. This approach allows Peterborough Transit to build capacity, manage resources effectively, and evaluate program impacts without overextending the system. Over time, the program will expand and adapt alongside service enhancements, allowing for data-driven adjustments and continuous community engagement.

Draft Implementation Timeline:

• Fall 2025 - During this phase, stakeholder engagement (e.g., school boards, student transportation services, youth organizations, families, and Transit staff) will be prioritized to further develop program specifics and arrive at the final program model and delivery methods. Consultations will also take place with the transit pass provider to identify appropriate systems for registration and data tracking. Additionally, a comprehensive communications plan will be developed to support program awareness and rollout.

• Winter 2025 - The focus will shift to developing the operational aspects of the program. This includes creating registration processes and forms, as well as orientation materials and scheduling procedures. Communications materials will also be prepared, and the evaluation plan will be finalized to ensure effective monitoring and assessment.

• Spring 2026 - Final testing of processes and systems will take place to ensure everything is functioning as intended. Internal staff will receive training to support the successful delivery of the program. Promotional materials will be distributed, and registration and orientation will begin for youth aged 13 to 14 (Intermediate Students).

• Summer/fall 2026 – Phased expansion of registration and orientation to youth aged 15 to 18 (Secondary Students) will be completed to fully roll out the program to youth aged 13-18 in Year One. Tracking and evaluation of the pilot year begins to assess program delivery and impact. 

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Trent University Launches Double-Degree Option With Doctor of Naturopathy

Trent University and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) have launched Canada’s first formalized double-degree pathway, enabling students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Doctor of Naturopathy, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The degrees can be obtained in seven years. 

“This agreement with CCNM creates a clear and compelling pathway for students to pursue enriching careers in the expanding field of naturopathic medicine,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “By combining Trent’s interdisciplinary academic strengths with CCNM’s clinical expertise, we’re helping students pursue careers that align with the evolving ways people are thinking about health and wellness.”  

Those admitted into the program start their studies at Trent before going into CCNM’s professional program. Students may complete their training at the Toronto campus or apply to the Boucher campus in British Columbia once they enter CCNM. 

“CCNM is thrilled to deepen our longstanding relationship with Trent,” added Dr. Rahim Karim, CCNM president and CEO. “Together, we are preparing practitioners who will combine a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences with naturopathic medical training, bringing benefits to patients and the healthcare system as a whole.” 

In addition to the new double degree, the agreement helps Trent’s Medical Professional Stream (MPS) program with its pathways. A structured 4+4 route provides MPS students with a direct path into CCNM’s four-year Doctor of Naturopathy program, including early admission, housing incentives, and unique opportunities to engage in CCNM research even before matriculation according to Dr. Sarah West, Trent dean of science.

“This partnership combines the unique strengths of both institutions to create a more seamless and enriching academic journey for students,” she said. “The double degree pathway integrates the humanities and social sciences, sciences, and health fields, equipping future healthcare leaders with the interdisciplinary and well-rounded perspective that is essential to meeting the complex needs of today’s communities.”

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Ontario Public Service Employees Union Has Full Walk-Off Strike of Fleming College

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has gone on a full walk-off strike at Fleming College and several other locations across the province as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

more than 10,000 full-time college support staff, represented by OPSEU/SEFPO, are on strike across Ontario’s 24 public colleges. File Photo.

The OPSEU represents full-time support staff but does not directly involve full-time or part-time academic employees. It also does not include part-time support staff. According to OPSEU, over the last year, 10,000 faculty and support staff have been laid off, and more than 650 programs have been cut.

“We’ve lost 10,000 jobs across the system this year alone and more than 650 programs in every community across the province,” said Christine Kelsey, college support bargaining team Chair. “With our colleges plunged into chaos, job security is key to stabilizing the system – because the future of our work is the future of student support.”

According to their website, the OPSEU support staff want the following:

• Protect student supports: Job security measures like no contracting out services to for-profit providers, not replacing services with AI and protecting bargaining unit work.

• Bring stability to the student experience: An increase in provincial funding, including a moratorium on campus closures and layoffs.

• Support for members to take care of their families: Support staff are bargaining for time, such as paid domestic violence leave, leave to care for their families when they are sick and ensuring staff can take time off when needed to care for themselves and their families.

• Benefits: Ensuring access to dental care, hearing aids and prescription drugs. This includes life-saving measures and including gender affirmation care.

The strike occurred after a deal could not be reached between OPSEU and the College Employer Council (CEC) on a renewal collective agreement.

“A complete ban on campus closures, college mergers and staff reductions could force colleges into bankruptcy,” said Graham Lloyd, CEC CEO. “CEC has repeatedly advised OPSEU that these types of demands simply can never be agreed to. They are more about broader political campaigns than the benefits we have proposed at the table for their members.”

The CEC states that their final proposal was based on a previous offer of more than $145 million in wage and benefit improvements to the collective agreement.

The additions included:

• Enhanced vision and hearing benefits equal to those of academic staff

• Improvements to job security regarding new technology

• Introduced paid leave for domestic and sexual violence  

According to their website, the CEC’s offer is in addition to what was previously offered and includes:

1. Wage increases of two per cent in each year of the contract

2. Increased on-call premiums by 75 per cent

3. Increased shift premiums by 67 and 75 per cent

4. Enhanced employment stability committee rights

5. Enhanced vacation carryover rights

6. Increased recall rights by 50 per cent (to 18 months)

7. Severance enhancements increased by 50 per cent for employees laid off due to the current financial crisis facing the system

8. Guaranteeing employee rights to disconnect from work

9. Removal of CEC proposals that the union communicated as concessionary

“Our offer remains on the table for the union to consider,” said Lloyd. “We remain far apart on a number of important issues and we strongly encourage the union to agree to mediation/arbitration to help us reach an agreement.”

Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) says they are ready to support students during this time. They remain open during any labour disruption and continue to provide services, advocacy and events wherever possible, with adjustments as needed.

“We recognize this is a stressful and uncertain time for students,” said Charan Pitla, SAC Board Chair. “Our commitment is to provide clear information and advocate for student needs so they feel supported no matter how this situation unfolds.”

If required, SAC will help students understand their rights, navigate picket lines and access support if they face barriers to participation in classes or campus life.

Students will receive updates through their student email, FlemingSAC.ca and SAC social media channels.

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Fleming College Hosting Annual Tree Climbing Competition This Tuesday

Students in Fleming’s Arboriculture program are showcasing their skills in the college’s annual Tree Climbing Competition at Frost Campus this Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The competition will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Center, located within the Frost Campus Arboretum. A rain date is scheduled for Wednesday.

Competitors are being tested in five timed events: Tree Rescue, Throw Line, Belayed Speed Climb, Ascent and Work Climb. 

Winners in the Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn grand prizes and the opportunity to advance to the International Society of Arboriculture’s provincial and national Tree Climbing Championships. Several judges are Fleming alumni who have competed in the same challenge.

Competition Categories: 

• Tree Rescue: A climber must ascend a tree and rescue a 200 lb. dummy in distress, following strict safety protocols in a timed scenario. 

• Throw Line: Tests the contestant’s accuracy in placing a throw line and climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres. 

• Belayed Speed Climb: A timed race to the top of a tree, approximately 15 metres high, where contestants ring the finishing bell. 

• Ascent Event: Climbers vertically ascend 13 metres using Stationary Rope System techniques in a timed challenge. 

• Work Climb: A test of speed, efficiency, and safety as students move through the tree to complete tasks and ring bells at each station. 

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Peterborough County School Zones to See Increased Traffic Enforcement

As students return to classrooms, an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones is occurring throughout Peterborough County this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions in school zones which include slowing down, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

“As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
   points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.

3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

5. Drivers on multi-lane, undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the Peterborough Police Service are monitoring the area and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines,” said Inspector Chris Galeazza, OPP Detachment Commander. “The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year.”

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County.

These policies include:

• School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy

• Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

• New school pavement markings

• New radar speed signs

• Speed limit reductions

• Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

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