Selwyn Township Places Immediate Ban on Burning Brush

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Effective immediately, the Selwyn Township Fire Department is enforcing a strict prohibition on burning brush, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Selwyn Townshop, the decision comes amidst sustained drought conditions and above-average temperatures.

“Conditions are very dry and we want to protect our residents, their properties and our volunteer firefighters,” made in a press release statement.

What the ban covers:

  • Brush burning, including piles of branches, logs, yard debris, and similar vegetation, is strictly prohibited until further notice.

  • Existing burn permits are immediately revoked.

  • The ban does not extend to certified gas or propane fire pits, barbecues, or small recreational campfires located more than 20 ft. from structures—but even these should be used with extreme caution and direct adult supervision.

This ban remains in effect until conditions improve. Fire officials will reassess the situation daily and announce any changes.

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City of Peterborough Transitions to Next Generation 9-1-1

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With support from the Government of Ontario, the City of Peterborough has transitioned to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network, providing emergency dispatchers, Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police with better and faster access to information during an emergency.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

“This support ensures our emergency responders have access to the advanced tools and technology they need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for this critical investment in public safety. Investments like this help protect lives, strengthen our emergency response capabilities, and build safer communities for everyone.”

The Ontario government has provided over $5 million since 2022 to support the City’s transition to NG9-1-1. It is a multi-stage upgrade to the traditional 9-1-1 network, replacing older infrastructure with a digital, Internet Protocol (IP)- based network. The technology is similar to what is available on most smartphones.

“Having reliable access to critical information, like the exact location of a caller and a verified callback number, can make all the difference when seconds count,” said Chief Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services. “These enhanced capabilities help our first responders arrive faster, communicate more effectively and ultimately save lives.”

“Ensuring safety for everyone in our community is our main goal as a police service. Being able to deploy first responders at the right time, with the right information to do the right thing, is what we strive for every shift,” Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service. “NG9-1-1 will help us accomplish this goal with even more accuracy. Having more data available to first responders in an emergency only makes for a safer community for all who live, work and visit our area.”

The upgrade gives dispatchers faster and more accurate information about a 9-1-1 caller’s location and phone number.

The upgrade's enhanced features also include:

  • Stronger security, with enhanced cybersecurity measures to reduce the risk of downtime.

  • Greater network reliability, with added backup capabilities for seamless recovery.

  • Future-ready multimedia features enabling real-time text and live emergency video calls.

The City of Peterborough is among the first in Ontario to upgrade to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network.

The process for calling 9-1-1 remains the same. Residents calling 9-1-1 in an emergency will be directed to the appropriate emergency service, such as police, fire or ambulance.

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

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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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No Injuries Reported From Arrowsmith School Structure Fire

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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.

@ptbo_canada Arrowsmith School devestated by early-morning fire on July 14. Cause of fire currently unknown… #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #fire ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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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Overnight Structure Fire Devastates Arrowsmith School

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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.

@ptbo_canada Arrowsmith School devestated by early-morning fire on July 14. Cause of fire currently unknown… #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #fire ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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PHOTOS: Peterborough Police Have a Fishing Day With Peterborough Bigs and Camp Kids

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The Peterborough Police Service had a fishing day with children from Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough (PTBO Bigs) and camp kids from the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters (OFAH) filled the day with activities on Tuesday afternoon.

The intro to fishing event was held at OFAH’s facility, with 62 children participating: 22 from PTBO Bigs and 40 from the OFAH camp.

“This day gives the youth the opportunity to see the offices in a common space,” explained Meribeth Burley, OFAH conservation education coordinator. “They can see the officers participating, helping and doing activities that they like too.”

Activities included a scavenger hunt, lure making, police K9 demonstration and more.

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters saw Peterborough Police invite camp kids and children from Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough to a fishing day! #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ Ok I Like It - Milky Chance

“It (the children) helps build a good relationship with them (Peterborough Police),” said Const. Andrew Eason. “The activities are cool but when we can add the policing aspect, I think that’s really important.”

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Peterborough Police Increasing Enforcement On Open-Air Illicit Drug Use Starting Monday

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Effective Monday, Peterborough Police officers are taking the next step in their Safer Public Spaces approach to community safety to initiate arrests of those who continue to engage in open-air illicit drug use, announced on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We have taken a very compassionate approach to those afflicted with addiction and while we have always had the authority to arrest, in our effort to pursue a compassionate health-first approach, we opted to educate and direct people to the CTS versus using in our public spaces,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “For many, this approach was met with cooperation; however, some continue to engage in this behaviour which negatively impacts people and businesses in our community, and disproportionately so in our downtown. For this reason, I am directing that officers move to the next level of response in an effort to address a persistent problem in our community. Officers will be directed to arrest anyone found using illicit substances in public spaces, and any illicit drugs will be seized for destruction, or submitted for analysis and evidence to support any charges laid. This will continue to be done with compassion, but we will not tolerate open-air illicit drug use; an approach which is in keeping with the provisions of the new Safer Municipalities Act, 2025”

If Police attend or observe anyone using illicit drugs in public spaces, officers will approach and arrest if an offence is taking place. This will necessitate handcuffing the individual, searching them and following common law authority. The individual may be either released unconditionally (without their drugs) or proceeded with charges, which may require transport to the police station or release at the scene, as prescribed by law according to the Peterborough Police.

Safer Public Spaces Engagements graphic from Oct. 5, 2023, to June 5, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Peterborough Police Service made the following statement in a press release regarding the increased enforcement:

“We recognize that some in our community will feel this is a harsh approach, while others may feel it does not go far enough. We believe, at this time, it strikes a balance between both perspectives.

One of our primary responsibilities is to ensure community safety and we will continue to pursue this for the benefit of all who frequent our parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, and other public spaces. We remain committed to working with our community partners who provide medical or other assistance in this space.”

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Several Taken to Hospital Including 14-Year-Old Following a Two-Vehicle Collision

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Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are investigating a two-vehicle collision with several people going to hospitals for injury treatment, including a 14-year-old, on Saturday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:30 p.m., officers recieved reports of the two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Woodglade Boulevard and Sherbrooke Street.

A 14-year-old passenger in one of the vehicles was taken to the hospital before being transported to a Toronto hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Several other people were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre with minor injuries.

Officers with the Traffic Unit conducted a reconstruction as part of the ongoing investigation. The road was closed for approximately three hours.  

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Peterborough Police Service Hosting Community Celebration For 175th Anniversary This Saturday

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With 2025 marking the 175th anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service, the public is invited to a community celebration between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 1421 Lansdowne St. this Saturday.

Drew Merrett, Board Vice-Chair; Mayor Jeff Leal, Board Member; Chief Stuart Betts; Mary ten Doeschate, Board Chair; Councillor Gary Baldwin, Board Member; Steve Girardi, Board Member; Deputy Chief Jamie Hartnett. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The celebration will have the following:

  • Development of a 175th Anniversary Crest

  • Use of 175th Anniversary Crest decal on all marked patrol vehicles

  • Allow public to meet officers, Unit demonstrations, recruitment information, BBQ, petting zoo, obstacle course and more!

  • History of the Peterborough Police Service Display at Community Celebration

  • Return of the Chief For A Day contest

  • Update the mission, Vision and Values for the Police Service

The Service was officially formed as one of the first acts of Peterborough council in 1850, with William Cummings serving as Chief Constable alongside four part-time constables serving a population of around 2,200. Since then, the Service has grown to 162 officers and 96 civilian members serving the residents of the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Township of Cavan-Monaghan — with a combined population of approximately 100,000 people — and welcomes in just over three million visitors, students and residents from neighbouring communities, annually. 

The Peterborough Police Service marked the start of those celebrations on Tuesday. Chief of Police Stuart Betts placed the official 175th Anniversary Crest on our marked patrol vehicles alongside our Police Service Board members.

“We are honoured to be stewarding the celebration of this milestone.  It is important for us to say thank you to the officers and civilians that built this Organization and have served with dedication as our community has grown,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “When looking back through our history, it is not surprising to see the Peterborough Police Service at the forefront of policing and public safety innovation. We pledge that the Service of the future is just as forward thinking and responsive to the needs of our policing communities. As part of that pledge, we will revisit the mission, vision and values of our Service to ensure they reflect not only today’s expectations, but also the future needs of our Organization and the Community.”

Historical Markers:

  • The Peterborough Police Service is the 10th oldest service in the province

  • 14 police chiefs in service history - Peterborough Police Chief George H. Johnston was originally thought to have been the first Chief of the Peterborough Police Service; however, historical archives suggest that there were three others who preceded him.

  • First civilian member was a female stenographer in 1952

  • First female officer 1968

  • First forensic unit created in 1948

  • First K9 Unit 1997

  • 500 Water Street officially opened in 1968 and was the only police-designated building until the City of Peterborough purchase of the 1421 Lansdowne Street location in February 2024

  • 2025 is also the 25th Anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service Auxiliary Unit

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Peterborough Police In Search of Missing 49-Year-Old Woman With Ties to Peterborough

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The Peterborough Police Service and Kingston Police Service are asking for help in locating a 49-year-old woman Shannon Mingo, reported missing on Monday afternoon.

Mingo was last seen in Kingston on Jan. 25 in the Charles Street and Montréal Street area. She is known to have ties to the Peterborough area.

Mingo is described as:

  • 5’0 with a medium build

  • Shoulder length red dyed hair

  • Last seen wearing a pink hooded sweater, black pants and black shoes.

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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