Canada Day Parade Is Still Happening, Says City of Peterborough

The City of Peterborough says it still plans to host a Canada Day parade.

File Photo.

The City released a statement regarding the following:

“It was initially called a “procession” when the call for entries went out a couple of weeks ago as a way to reflect that the parade would be a bit different than previous years. The community was invited to not only watch the parade, but to join in by walking down George Street alongside their fellow community members. Community groups, businesses, and performers were still invited to put in entries.

The planning for Canada Day festivities is in full swing as the community gets ready to celebrate the country’s birthday. The plans have been informed by community feedback following last year’s event. The City heard the feedback over the last week on the plans for this year’s parade and has updated the plans to once again include vehicles in the parade.”

Applications for parade entries need to be submitted by the end of the day on June 8, 2025. The parade entry form is available online.

Original article below:

The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.

This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.

Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.

Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event highlights include:

• Community procession with bike contest

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers

• Kids’ activities and family zones

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake

Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.

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Roll, Stroll and Celebrate Canada Day With the City

The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.

File Photo.

This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.

Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.

Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event highlights include:

• Community procession with bike contest

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers

• Kids’ activities and family zones

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake

Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.

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City to Celebrate National Public Works Week at Nicholls Oval Park

The City invites the public to celebrate National Public Works Week at Nicholls Oval Park next Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Residents of all ages are invited to learn more about the public works' essential role in keeping the City of Peterborough running safely and efficiently.

“Public Works crews are on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week, clearing our roads, maintaining our infrastructure and keeping our city safe and functional,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to say thank you and to better understand and appreciate the critical role these dedicated professionals play in the life of our city.”

A touch-a-truck display provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about and explore public works vehicles and chat with the equipment crews.

The City’s arborists will demonstrate tree climbing and planting techniques. At 11 a.m., a guided tree identification tour of the park will take place.

Public Works will also be giving away 300 two-gallon potted trees. The species offered include Sugar Maple, Sycamore, Tulip Tree, Paper (White) Birch, Easter White Pine, Serviceberry, and Nannyberry.

Trees will only be available to City residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

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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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Kawartha Dows Releases 2025 Event Schedule; Harness Racing Moved to Back to Saturday Nights

It's close to post time for Kawartha Downs (KD) as they released their lineup of events for 2025, including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Richard Waldon, Kawartha president; Alpacas Charm, Bijoux, Deidra and Frances Stewart Alpaca Ontario President. One event is the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Harness racing has 18 dates, with the opening day on May 14. The grand opening will feature Ontario Sires Stakes Racing to kick off the racing season. A significant change this year is that harness racing nights are reverted to Saturdays with an earlier post time of 6 p.m. The move was to accommodate cottage-goers, account for highway traffic and be more accessible to everyone.

The track's major change is broadcasting KD races outside of in-house for the first time according to Lindsay Bax, Kawartha Downs harness racing manager.

“We will have our live racing signal on the live Simulcast that will be featured both in Canada and in the United States,” she explained.

The second floor and lounge have received upgrades, which include renovated spaces and increased television sets for viewing other racetracks for betting or entertainment. Bax says more upgrades will follow but they have been delayed due to several factors.

“We will be adding several more things as we come along,” she explained. “With the ice storm in the local area and obviously with all the political climate, a few things were delayed but I think you're going to see two or three more things roll out that will help.”

This year's new events include the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show, the Kawartha Hobby Toy and Collectible Show, and more.

KD wanted to make a concerted effort to ensure that harness racing is for all ages rather than the perceived notion of it just being an adult affair due to its gambling nature.

“100 per cent it is a stigma but harness racing specifically is one of the most approachable sports that you can go to as a family,” explained Bax. “There is no cost to come to the racetrack. If you don't want to wager, you don't have to wager. You can get food and beverage and watch the horses. Everybody's looking to save pennies when you do this as a family and this provides and checks all those boxes.”

A full event list can be found online.

The following are all harness racing dates on Saturdays with post time scheduled for 6 p.m.:

• May 17 (Grand Opening with Ontario Sires Stakes Racing)

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 28

• July 5 (Weiner Dog Racing)

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9 (Kids Night, Powerwheel Racing)

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

• Sept. 20 (Customer and Caretaker Appreciation Night)

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Anglers Casting Their Lines For the 36th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby Starting April 26

The 36th annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby is back for 2025 and kicks off on April 26 at the Peterborough Lift Lock.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, holds Walter before throwing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 25th year helping the fishing derby. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The first day features the youth derby for children 15 and under, featuring goody bags, a hot dog lunch, 500 stocked trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The all-ages derby starts on April 27 and runs through May 4.

“This community partnership provides anglers more chances to win, while helping to offset the cost of stocked trout for the youth derby," said Annie Layfield, OFAH Program Support Specialist.

Top prize fish ‘Walter’ returns and $1,000 cash goes to the lucky angler who catches the big rainbow trout, estimated to weigh between five and eight pounds. A second grand prize of $500 cash is being awarded to whoever catches ‘Gordon’ in honour of longtime volunteer Gordon Bowley.

New this year is the first-annual high school derby on May 1.

“We’re excited to offer high school students a chance to try their luck at trout fishing. The day includes five hours of fishing, lunch, instant prizes and a chance to catch tagged fish for cash prizes,” said Layfield.

Registration is required for all participants and can be completed online or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. Those who register by Thursday are eligible for some of the $4,000 in early bird prizes.

“We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar faces and new participants,” said Layfield. “The derby is a great way to bring the community together and get kids excited about fishing and the outdoors.”

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32nd Annual Kawartha Woodlot Expo Returns to Fleming College’s Frost Campus

UPDATED: 2:37 p.m. 02-04-25

The event has been cancelled due to the severe ice storm and the State of Emergency declared by the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Fleming College is hosting the 32nd Annual Kawartha Woodlot Expo in partnership with the Ontario Woodlot Association on April 5, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Faculty, staff and alumni within Fleming’s School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences have created engaging, hands-on workshops to help participants develop woodlot ownership, forest management, and tree identification skills. The Kawartha Woodlot Expo helps property owners and students better understand the big and small forests' role on private land and their environmental impact.

Registration is open to all with fees set at $40 per person.

Participants can attend two workshops (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), a silent auction, a chainsaw draw, raffle prizes, a roast beef lunch, coffee and snacks. Topics range from chainsaw basics and lumber scaling to tree identification, forest bathing, and more.

Workshop spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific workshops require personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants are encouraged to bring their own, but equipment will be provided if needed.

Registration can be done online.

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Put Your Skills On Display With Third Annual "Peterborough's Got Talent" In Support of Good Neighbours Care Centre

Those looking to showcase their skills can compete at the third annual Peterborough’s Got Talent at Market Hall on April 26.

The Care Centre services an average of 2,000 people per month of which 30 per cent are children. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc.

The event is hosted by Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc. in support of Good Neighbours Care Centre. The latter is a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothes and personal care items at no cost to people in need in the Peterborough area.

Contestant auditions are being accepted until mid-next week. There will be 12 selected applicants to compete on the big stage on April 26. Donations or audition videos can be submitted to PtboGotTalent@gmail.com.

Tiffany Arcari, “The Tiffany Show,” is the master of ceremonies for the event. Dani Guppy, 100.5 FM Fresh Radio on-air personality; Jason Wilkins, artist; and Sarah Evans of Ball Real Estate are this year’s judges.

Tickets are $30 to attend the event.

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Road Closures In Effect For Sunday's 25th St. Patrick's Day Parade

Road closures, parking restrictions and Peterborough Transit detours will be in place during the St. Patrick’s Day parade starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade.

To allow for staging and procession of the parade, the following road closures will be in place starting at 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.:

• Dublin Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• London Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• McDonnel Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• Murray Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• George Street from Parkhill Road West (south side of intersection) to Brock Street 

The parade will travel south on George Street beginning at McDonnel Street. During the parade, a rolling road closure will be in place along George Street from Brock Street to McGill Street. All road closures are expected to be over by 4 p.m. 

‘No Parking’ signs will be posted in advance of the road closures.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to park in the following downtown locations: 

• King Street Parkade at 202 King St. 

• Simcoe Street parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.  

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St. 

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St. 

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N. 

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St. 

Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends. 

Parking enforcement will start on Sunday morning once signage is in place. Parking contrary to posted signage during a road closure event may result in a $35 penalty notice and towing. Any vehicles not moved from the street in the parade staging area and route may be towed to the Eastgate Memorial Park parking lot, 2150 Ashburnham Dr., to make space for the float assembly and procession.

The following transit routes will have detours during the closure period: Route 2 Chemong, Route 4 Weller, Route 6 Sherbrooke, Route 7 Lansdowne, Route 9 Parkhill, Community Bus 22 (Blue) and Community Bus 23 (Red). 

Route 2 Chemong 

During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.:

• Southbound from Terminal: route follows Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street to Braidwood Avenue to Lock Street. 

• Northbound from Lansdowne Street at Borden Avenue follows the regular route to Lock Street to Braidwood Avenue to Park Street to Romaine Street to Aylmer Street to Simcoe Street. 

Route 4 Weller 

During the rolling road closure, westbound will follow a regular route to the terminal only. Eastbound will travel to the bus stop at Simcoe at Water Streets. Customers will walk east to catch the bus at the Simcoe and Water streets stop. An extra driver will cover the east side of the route for the 2:23 p.m. trip

Route 6 Sherbrooke 

• Southbound from Trent from 12:30 p.m. to about 3:30 p.m. follows the regular route on George Street to Parkhill Road, west on Parkhill to Reid Street and follows Route 2 to the terminal.   

• Northbound from Terminal during the rolling road closure at 2 p.m. follows Route 2 to Reid Street at Parkhill Road, travelling east on Parkhill to Water Street where it resumes its regular route 

Route 7 Lansdowne 

During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.:

• Westbound follows its regular route to Lock Street, left on Lock Street and taking Braidwood to Park Street to Lansdowne Street, where it returns to the regular route  

• Eastbound follows the regular route to Park Street, right on Park Street and taking Braidwood to Lock Street to Lansdowne Street, where it returns to the regular route 

Route 9 Parkhill 

From 12:30 p.m. to about 3:30 p.m. 

• Westbound from Trent: Regular route to George Street at Parkhill Road, continuing along Parkhill Road to the regular route  

• Eastbound from Fleming: Regular route to Parkhill at Reid, continuing along Parkhill Road to the regular route 

Route 22 Blue Community Bus

From 12:30 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m., Route 22 will follow the regular route to George at Parkhill, travel west on Parkhill Road to Reid Street, where it will follow Route 2 Chemong to the terminal.

Route 23 Red Community Bus

From 12:30 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m., Route 23 will travel eastbound on McDonnel Street to Reid Street, where it will follow Route 2 Chemong to the terminal. The 3 p.m. trip departing from the Transit terminal will detour along Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street, where it resumes its regular route. 

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Lansdowne Place Bringing March Break Family Fun With Free Activities

Lansdowne Place is making March Break fun with a slew of free activities for the family throughout the week, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Lansdowne Place.

The mall hosts a series of free events for kids of all ages that range from martial arts, meeting the Peterborough Petes, building workshops and more.

Schedule:

• Monday: Watch and Learn the Art of Judo with the Peterborough Hatashita Judo Club, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday: Enjoy Fitness and Move to the Music with Planet Fitness, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday: Meet the Players and Their Mascot and challenge someone to a ministicks game with the Peterborough Petes, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Thursday: Build Amazing Lego Creations with Creative Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Friday: Check Out The Eyrie Birds of Prey, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Home Depot will be on-site, hosting build-it workshops for kids aged five to 12 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These hands-on workshops will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

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