Park Street Deemed Safe After An Evacuation on Monday Afternoon
/The Peterborough Police Service have deemed Park Street safe after a call to service requiring an evacuation was made on Monday afternoon.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Ontario Government Invests Over $186,000 For Peterborough County OPP Mobile Crisis Response Teams Expansion
/The Ontario government is investing $186,860.34 over two years to support the mobile crisis response team expansion, led by Peterborough County OPP, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
“Our police are increasingly confronted with the need to assist vulnerable people in a mental health crisis,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding will assist the Peterborough County OPP deliver appropriate services focused on de-escalation. Meeting the unique needs of an individual who is in crisis will help ensure a better outcome for everyone involved.”
For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.
“We’re supporting our police services by providing them with the resources they need to assist vulnerable people in crisis situations,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Mobile Crisis Response Teams are best positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and are an important part of how police in collaboration with this government are working hard to keep Ontarians safe.”
“This grant will enable the OPP to expand its Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT), allowing us to improve pathways and connections to necessary services for those experiencing crisis,” said Chris Galeazza, Inspector/Detachment Commander, Peterborough County OPP. “When police and health partners can continue working together through initiatives like this, safety is improved, and we see better outcomes for everyone.”
“We're proud to receive this enhancement grant to expand live crisis response across the 4,000 km² region served by the OPP,” said Calli Lorente, CMHA-HKPR Manager of Integrated Crisis Services. “With a second team in place, we can respond in real time to support those experiencing crisis. This timely response allows for a stronger connection to the person and a more appropriate connection to the right service. Connecting people in the community to people at resources in their community is the goal of this team. The expansion is exciting as it supports positives outcomes in all aspects of the community.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Brush Burning Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township
/The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the burn ban on brush, which was implemented on July 22, as announced on Wednesday.
photo courtesy of selwyn township.
With recent precipitation, the County’s fire department has permitted residents to resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open Air Burning By-law.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Fire Chief. “Your commitment helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. While the burn ban on brush is lifted, everyone must continue to follow the rules and practice safe burning habits.”
Important Fire Safety Reminders:
Open-air burning (such as campfires and outdoor fireplaces) is not permitted in built-up areas, including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Young’s Point and Woodland Acres.
Burn barrels are not permitted in the Township.
Burning of noxious materials, leaves, grass clippings, or compost is prohibited.
Burn permits are required for any fire that is not a campfire or outdoor fireplace.
Permits are issued only by the Selwyn Fire Department at Hall 1, 833 Ward Street, Bridgenorth. For information, call 705-292-7282.
You do not need a burn permit for:
Campfires in a fire pit or fire container
Certified propane and natural gas appliances, fire pits, fire tables, or barbecues that are TSSA approved
Maintain a 1:10 ratio for fire safe distance – for example, a fire that is two feet in diameter must have 20 feet of clearance in all directions.
All fires must comply with the Township’s Open Air Burning By-law.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
City of Peterborough to Pay Tribute On Firefighters’ National Memorial Day
/The City of Peterborough is paying tribute to some of its first responders on Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, which takes place this Sunday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The second Sunday in September is recognized as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, a tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty while protecting Canadians. Red and white commemorative lights will be displayed at City Hall on that day.
“Firefighters put their safety on the line in service to their communities. It is with profound respect and heartfelt gratitude that we remember and pay tribute to the firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We honour their selfless contributions here in our community and across Canada,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Firefighters’ National Memorial Day serves as a vital reminder of the risks faced by these everyday heroes, and of the ultimate price some have paid in protecting the safety and well-being of our communities.”
A Line of Duty Death Memorial Ceremony occurred at Del Crary Park on Tuesday. The Honour Guard marched to the memorial monument. The ceremony honoured fallen firefighters John Bowker, Jim Cumming and Ralph Parker. Mayor Jeff Leal, Fire Chief, Chris Snetsinger, and Peterborough Professional Firefighters Association President, Wesley Lake spoke at the memorial.
“On this solemn day, we stand in remembrance of the firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As firefighters, we carry their legacy with us every time we respond to a call, striving to uphold the same dedication to service and community,” said Snetsinger.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Police Renovation and Expansion Project Budget Proposal Rises From $66.5M to $91.9M
/The Peterborough Police Service is proposing a budget increase from $66.5 million to $91.9 million for renovations and expansion, as presented to City Council during a meeting on Tuesday night.
File photo.
After a validation of the construction budget from the Construction Management Services team, through a Class ‘D’ construction estimate, the total project budget has been adjusted to include the increase for four key factors.
They are the following:
The additional 15,000 square feet to address the legislated requirements and the two-site solution adds an additional $7,125,000 to the budget.
The new parking structure to accommodate the required parking at 500 Water Street adds an additional $2,400,000 to the budget.
Energy and building efficiency measures providing the best return on investment and improving building performance to create robust, sustainable facilities built to best practice standards results in an additional $4,375,000 added to the budget.
The Police Stations Renovation and Expansion project budget has covered the purchase cost of the entire property at 1421 Lansdowne Street West of $15,500,000. The original project budget allocated a $4,000,000 allowance to purchase a new property to support the project. PPS will use just over half of the building, leaving the remainder for future City use with several acres on the surrounding site for future opportunities. To date, the total purchase price of 1421 Lansdowne Street West has been allocated to the project budget, resulting in an additional $11,500,000 added to the budget. An analysis of the acquisition cost by Realty Services has determined that the property acquisition cost relative to the PPS usage of the property is $5,053,200.
The total cost equals $25,400,000, which brings the estimated project budget to $91.9 million.
Council had approved a total project budget of $66.5 million through the 2025 budget, with approved pre-commitment of budget through the years 2026 and 2027.
The four additions to the budget total $25.4 million, bringing the estimated project budget to $91.9 million. The police station portion of the project is $81,453,200, with the remainder of the budget allocated to property costs associated with the other portions of the property acquisition for future civic administration and development uses.
In order for the proposal to be considered, Council endorsed that staff report back with:
A detailed compliance matrix mapping the specific requirements of the Community Safety and Policing Act, the Ontario Building Code, and any other applicable standards to each facility element and its associated square footage, clearly identifying which elements are mandated and which are discretionary; and
A Class C (or better) estimate and life-cycle analysis for two options: (i) 95,000 square feet (2019 program right-sized for mandates), (ii) 110,000 square feet, each with risk/contingency;
A budget showing only police facility costs, excluding Civic Administration or future development, with a defined funding plan and budget cap;
Written confirmation that no decision to relocate City Hall or Civic Administration functions to 1421 Lansdowne St. is included in this item, and that any such proposal will require a separate report, costing, public engagement, and Council decision.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Total Burn Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township; No Brush Burning Still in Effect
/The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the Total Burn Ban that was implemented on Aug. 11 due to high fire risk conditions, announced on Tuesday.
photo courtesy of selwyn township.
The Selwyn Fire Department determined that recent improvements in weather and fire risk levels allow for the safe resumption of some burning activities; however, restrictions remain in place.
Permitted:
Campfires, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas
Prohibited:
Yard waste and brush burning
Agricultural burns
Use of personal fireworks remains strongly discouraged by the Fire Department; however, licensed and insured commercial fireworks displays with appropriate mitigation measures in place are permitted.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Selwyn Fire Chief. “Your efforts helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. Please continue to follow the restrictions and practice safe burning habits.”
Burning conditions can change at any time.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 70-Year-Old Man
/UPDATE: 12:37 p.m. 19-08-25
Stephen has been found according to the Peterborough Police.
The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a 70-year-old man named Stephen.
On Monday, the Peterborough Police Service received a missing report that Stephen was last seen by his tenant Thursday, at his residence in the Bennet Street and Barnardo Avenue area.
Police, family and friends are concerned for his safety. It is believed he may be on foot.
Stephen is described as:
Male, white
6'3"
Medium build
Grey medium length straight hair
Grey beard
Unknown clothing
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Total Burn Ban In Effect For Selwyn Township
/The Selwyn Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban, effective immediately and until further notice, due to increased fire risk in the region.
photo courtesy of selwyn township.
The ban also voids all burn permits.
This ban applies to all open-air burning, including:
Yard waste and brush burning
Campfires and bonfires
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas
Agricultural burns
Fireworks
The Township will closely monitor weather and fire risk conditions and lift the ban once it is safe to do so.
The decision follows a period of dry weather and elevated temperatures, which have created hazardous fire conditions according to Selwyn Township. Violations of the ban may result in fines or other enforcement measures. Residents are asked to report any violations by calling 9-1-1.
Fire Safety Reminders:
Dispose of smoking materials properly
Use extra care when operating machinery outdoors
Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Police Service Nominated For Canadian Excellence Award
/The Peterborough Police Service has been shortlisted for an award at the 2025 Canadian HR Awards, announced on Tuesday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The Service submitted a nomination in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy category for their approach to recruitment over the past 18 months. Peterborough Police Service was selected as one of 11 nominees and is the only police service among those in the running.
According to a press release, the Peterborough Police Service recruitment strategy focused on three key areas:
Partnership with Fleming College – our Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Coordinator is bringing real-world experience to the classroom
Community Engagement and Inclusivity – Officers (many recent recruits) presenting to international students at orientation sessions
The Shuttle Run Training Group
The Shuttle Run Training Group, developed in 2023 by the Peterborough Police Service in partnership with Fleming College and the Police Foundations Program, provides a safe space for potential prospects to test themselves against the physical requirements for policing. It ran every Wednesday from September to June at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. During that time, participants can try one of two of the physical requirements for policing - the “Shuttle Run”/ beep test or the ‘Prep Test.’
In 2024, the Service also introduced a ‘Women’s Only Shuttle Run Training Group’ to encourage more women to pursue a career in policing.
The Canadian HR Awards recipients will be announced on Sept. 18, at a ceremony in Toronto.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Police Investigate Collision On Lansdowne Street; One Man Sent to Toronto Hospital For Injury Treatment
/Peterborough Police Service Traffic Management Unit officers are investigating a collision between a motorcycle and an SUV that occurred at Lansdowne Street West and Webber Ave on Wednesday evening.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
