Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 10-Year Old Girl Last Seen at Jackson Park

UPDATED: 11:19 a.m. 24/10/25

Eliza has been found as of Thursday evening.

The Peterborough Police is asking the public’s help in locating missing 10-year-old Eliza, who was last seen near Jackson Park, reported on Thursday evening.

Eliza is described as:

• Female

• White

• Blonde curly hair

• Wearing glasses and a blue two-tone sweater

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122.

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Metal Fire Extinguished Near Lansdowne Place's Superstore and Triple M Metal

A metal fire that broke out has been extinguished near the area of Triple M Metal and Superstore at Lansdowne Place on Monday afternooon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fire occurred before 2:30 p.m. and Peterborough Fire Services had neutralized the area before 3:15 p.m.

Residents and business owners in the area were advised to close windows and shut off HVAC units due to the poor air quality.

@ptbo_canada A large metal fire broke out near the Superstore resulting in smoke and poor air quality. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Security staff have closed off the area as first responders neutralize the fire.

The cause is currently unknown.

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Ontario Government Invests $981,888 to Peterborough Police Service to Combat Theft and Human Trafficking

The Peterborough Police Service (PPS) is receiving a $981,888 investment from the Ontario Government to enhance local crime-fighting capabilities across two major initiatives: retail theft and human trafficking, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

Chief Stuart Betts (left) and MPP Dave Smith explaining to the media on how the new investment will be used. The Peterborough Police Service project is one of 127 projects being funded across the province for 2025-26. Of the 127 projects, 88 projects will address local priorities and 39 projects will address provincial priorities, including gun and gang-related violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, mental health and addictions, hate-motivated crime, housing and homelessness and commercial/retail theft. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is delivered through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program. This is part of a $91 million investment to help protect families and communities across the province.

Funding has been secured to strengthen the PPS's successful Community F.L.R.S.T. (Focused Investigation Response and Support Team), which targets retail and provincial theft. The F.I.R.S.T. Unit has made 466 arrests and recovered over $119,000 in stolen property for local businesses since launching in January last year.

There is $500,000 invested to strengthen the PPS's efforts against the provincial priorities of sexual violence, harassment and human trafficking.

This funding will be used to enhance survivor-informed strategies across three key pillars:

• Training & Personnel: Ensuring all frontline officers receive continuous, trauma-informed training, supported by dedicated specialized roles like the Human Trafficking Investigator and Domestic Violence Coordinator.

• Technological Tools: Expanding the Community Safety CCTV Network and installing high-resolution Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. These tools are crucial for tracking suspect vehicles and disrupting exploitation through transportation networks.

• Community Engagement: Improving public education and outreach, with the technology expansion guided by a transparent, community-led CCTV Steering Committee. This investment directly supports the PPS's strategic goal of strengthening community partnerships and providing both proactive enforcement and compassionate, effective support for victims of complex and often hidden crimes.

“Every resident deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This substantial funding will equip our police service with the resources to not only crack down on organized retail crime and put repeat offenders behind bars through the successful Community F.I.R.S.T. team, but also to deliver specialized, trauma-informed support for victims of the horrific crimes of human trafficking and sexual violence. Our government is committed to ensuring our police have the tools they need to protect our families and make our streets safer.”

“Because of this investment, the Peterborough Police Service will be able to continue to tackle issues that impact residents and visitors and help us achieve our strategic goals of enhancing community safety, modernizing the service through technology and supporting our people,” said. Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service.

This funding provides new technology to simplify the reporting process for residents. It also helps continue to train and educate officers in trauma-informed practices around human trafficking and sexual violence.

The money also allows the Peterborough Police to enhance its CCTV program to install cameras at key intersections that lead in and out of the community according to Chief Betts.

“As I have stated many times, many of the most severe crimes that have occurred in this community over the past two years have been perpetrated by people who have travelled here; having cameras equipped with automatic license plate readers at strategic locations will assist in a multitude of investigations,” he said. “These are issues that are important to our community and with this support we will continue to be able to make strides in solving crimes and ensuring the safety of all residents in our community.”

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Fire Contained From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware; Several Streets Remain Closed

The structure fire at Downtown Lakefield’s Home Hardware has now been contained, announced by Selwyn Fire Services on Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.

The fire occurred on Thursday as first responders battled the blaze for hours.

Several road closures remain in effect, including:

• Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street (fully closed)

• Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street (fully closed)

• Queen from Regent Street to Reid Street (local traffic only)

• Charlotte Street from Reid Street to Burnham Street (local traffic only)

Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street has reopened to traffic.

Selwyn Township asks residents and visitors to remain cautious when in this area, as crews are still on scene.

Businesses in Lakefield can reopen (except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage).

The Municipal Parking Lot located beside The Village Inn is the only open downtown parking lot at this time. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.

The Township of Selwyn released the following statement after the fire’s containment:

”The Township of Selwyn extends sincere thanks to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to contain this fire, including neighbouring municipal fire departments from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services. The Township also thanks the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Enbridge and Hydro One for their support on scene.

The Township would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many Township staff across departments who supported first responders on scene, as well as to members of the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents who came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire. Their generosity and community spirit are deeply valued.

Our thoughts are with the residents, business owners, and first responders affected by this devastating event.”

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Fire Breaks Out From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware

A significant structural fire broke out at the Home Hardware in downtown Lakefield from Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.

During that time, Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street is closed to all traffic. Other street closures include Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street, allowing fire crews to draw water from the Otonabee River. The selwyn Fire Department asked the public to avoid the area.

The Office of the Fire Marshall has been called and the fire department expects Queen Street may remain closed for several days. Until further information is available about the building's structural integrity, local businesses may be impacted according to the Selwyn Fire Department.

Due to the excessive amount of water being used to fight the fire, Lakefield water customers may notice water discolouration. Run cold water for 15 to 20 minutes until it runs clear.

The Selwyn Fire Department is being assisted by fire crews from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Peterborough Fire Services. The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough County-City Paramedics were also on scene.

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Peterborough Police Urge Community to Stay Safe During Head of the Trent Regatta

With the Head of the Trent Regatta and homecoming this weekend, the Peterborough Police Service and Trent University urge the community to celebrate the weekend safely.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite no official celebrations taking place off-campus, both Trent and the Police Service are aware that many unsanctioned gatherings occur outside the campus. The two organizations have collaborated to ensure a safe weekend for all.

“We are excited for this weekend.  It’s good for the community; it’s good for Trent.  They are a close working partner with us,” said Staff Sergeant Mark Reesor. The weather is going to be great, and we ask that people enjoy the activities and weekend responsibly.”

He continues to state that as a result of these celebrations, there will be an increased police presence on campus and in certain areas throughout the weekend.

“We ourselves are bringing in our crowd management team, and then there will be additional paid duty offices both on-campus and off-campus,” he explained. “I think we have about four officers on campus and seven officers in addition to our crowd management team and then at night, an additional four, bringing us up to 11. We also have our auxiliary unit to support us so there will be a larger-than-normal police presence to respond appropriately and ensure everyone's safety.”

Part of the advanced planning also included meetings with neighbours and students.  The Peterborough Police Auxiliary Unit has visited areas that have seen an increase in unsanctioned student activity in previous years to offer suggestions on improving property safety.  Police say the feedback on this effort has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that it was appreciated and well-received. 

During large events, 9-1-1 communicators tend to receive more calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, property damage and impaired driving. 

The Police Service ask the community to help ensure the safety of all and to call if they spot any suspicious or concerning activity. 

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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.

At roughly 4 p.m. on Monday, Peterborough Police received a call to an address on Park Street where the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was required. They cleared the residence and determined that the area was safe.

The Peterborough Police Service thanks the public for their patience.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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