Peterborough Kinsmen Club Makes Numerous Community Donations

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough presented a total of $52,500 to several organizations to support the citizens of Peterborough during the annual Founder’s Night Gala on Feb. 18.

photo courtesy of the kinsmen club of peterborough.

The annual event at the Air Force Association 428 Wing honours the founding of Kin Canada in February 1920 by Hal Rogers and celebrates more than a century of volunteer service and community impact.

“Founder’s Night is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our commitment to service, and recognize the partnerships that make our work possible,” said Bob Hall, keynote speaker, Club Vice President and National Board member. “We are proud to continue the Kin tradition of improving lives and strengthening our communities.”

A highlight of the gala was ten cheque presentations totalling $52,500. In addition, the Club celebrated its broader philanthropic impact. Through the success of Kinsmen Super TV Bingo, Hall Bingo, and the Fathers’ Day Car Show, the Kinsmen will donate $100,000 to support the citizens of Peterborough, while helping raise an additional $750,000 for communities across Central Eastern Ontario.

The Club supports organizations that provide vital services locally and nationally:

• Kin Canada Foundation - $1,000 

• Hal Rogers Endowment Fund - $1,500 

• Cystic Fibrosis Canada - $5,000 

• Brock Mission - $5,000 

• YMCA of Central East Ontario Strong Kids Campaign - $5,000 

• Kawartha Food Share - $5,000 

• Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough - $5,000 

• Hospice Peterborough - $5,000 

• Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation - $10,000 

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation - $10,000

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City Council Endorses Robinson Street Reconstruction Funding After Prior Project's Completed Under Budget

City Council endorsed transferring funding from the recently completed Brealey Drive project, which was completed under budget, to help fund the Robinson Street infrastructure project during their meeting on Monday night.

Google Maps Screenshot.

The Robinson Street project could start construction this year if funded.

The Brealey Drive reconstruction project from Lansdowne Street West to Sherbrooke Street has been completed under budget with an estimated surplus of almost $2.9 million. According to the City, Council will consider transferring $2.6 million to the Robinson Street infrastructure project.

It includes installing concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, a new pavement structure, stormwater management infrastructure, and landscaping. The work will also include a pedestrian crossing at the Rotary Trail and Robinson Street.

The following are the funding allocation proposals from the Brealey Drive project to be transferred to Robinson Street:

• $1,250,000 of Wastewater Reserve funding

• $1,350,000 of Canada Community-Building Fund funding

The Robinson Street Reconstruction project was deferred from 2026 to 2027 as part of the 2026 budget process.

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Ontario Government Invests $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term Success and Sustainability

To protect postsecondary students’ access to education and help them launch successful careers, the Ontario government is investing $6.4 billion in postsecondary institutions to ensure long-term success and sustainability, announced at Trent University on Friday.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor (right) as joint announcements were made at Trent’s Bata Library. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Accroding to the Ontario Government, its plan to build a stronger postsecondary sector is based on three principles:

• Preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market needs

• Preserving Ontario students’ ability to access high-quality postsecondary education, while supporting their ability to appropriately invest in their education and success

• Providing Ontario’s postsecondary sector long-term sustainability, while continuing to ensure funding for the sector is being used to further Ontario’s position as a centre for world-class research excellence while meeting student and labour market needs

Federal changes have significantly reduced international student revenues and the province is also facing increased domestic demand for higher-cost programs and a financial aid program (OSAP) that is dramatically out of line with other jurisdictions.

According to a press release, to ensure the province’s world-class institutions continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come, the Ontario government is making the following changes starting in Fall 2026:

• A new long-term funding model will see universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes focused on delivering programs that align with student and labour-market demand supported by increased, predictable funding. This new long-term funding model will bring an additional $6.4 billion into the sector over four years and raise annual operating funding to $7 billion, a 30 per cent increase and the highest level in the province’s history. It will also fund 70,000 more in-demand seats, while better meeting the needs of small, rural, northern, French-language and Indigenous Institutes

• An updated tuition framework will support the postsecondary sector’s long-term sustainability while maintaining one of the lowest tuition increases in Canada. Ontario will allow publicly assisted colleges and universities to raise tuition by up to two per cent per year for three years, then by up to two per cent or the three-year average rate of inflation, whichever is lower, in the years that follow. This rate of increase will be among the lowest in Canada, comparable to that of British Columbia and Manitoba.

• On average, this change will result in an additional cost of $0.18/day for college students and $0.47/day for university students. Low-income students will have this cost absorbed through an enhanced Student Access Guarantee (SAG)

• A stronger, more sustainable OSAP system will ensure financial assistance remains available for future generations while supporting students’ appropriate investment in their education and success. To strengthen the long-term sustainability of OSAP and align it with other provinces, Ontario students will be eligible to receive a maximum of 25 per cent of their OSAP funding as grants and a minimum of 75 per cent as loans. OSAP will no longer offer grants to students at private career colleges, in alignment with changes the federal government has made to its student support funding.

"This historic investment in our post-secondary institutions like Trent and Fleming will provide predictable, long-term funding,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By making this investment we are ensuring that students across Ontario will have access to world-class education in their own backyard. It’s also a recognition that our post-secondary institutions are the engines of our workforce and will continue to prepare generations of students in the high-paying and rewarding careers that will drive our economy for years to come.”

“This landmark investment in the postsecondary sector is greatly appreciated and comes at a pivotal time for our students - and for Ontario,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and Vice-Chancellor. “Trent University welcomes this funding as a substantial and positive step that strengthens planning, risk management and supports our efforts toward long-term sustainability. In addition, this investment will support Trent's ability to enhance experiential learning, grow high-demand programs, and continue delivering top quality programs for students that lead to career-ready graduates. This announcement will also support Trent’s regionally responsive approach. We look forward to reviewing the details of the announcement and understanding the specific rollout for Trent.

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Trent University Receives $1.1 Million Investment From Ontario Government to Expand Local Primary Care Workforce

Trent University has received a $1,132,500 investment from the Ontario Government to expand the local primary care healthcare workforce, announced at Bata Library on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent Universit president and vice-chancellor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding will upskill 350 registered nurses through a specialized program at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. This is part of the government’s $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan to connect everyone in Ontario to primary care by 2029.

To support the recruitment and retention of nurses in primary care, Ontario is providing Trent University with $1,132,500 over three years for a new, innovative program.

This 12-week upskilling initiative will help nurses gain skills, including:

• Chronic disease management

• Maternal and child care

• Immunizations and cancer screening

• Rural and Indigenous health specializations

Launching this year, the program at Trent is designed to equip registered nurses with the expertise needed to work immediately in primary care settings, freeing up time for family doctors to focus on patients with more complex needs, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment in Trent University is a major win for the health and well-being of families here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “The Ministry of Health’s recognition of the high quality of education provided by Trent University is an endorsement of small urban, rural institutions and the value they provide to the health care system. The upskilling of 350 registered nurses at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing gives our local health-care heroes the advanced tools they need to provide top-tier primary care right here in our community. Trent’s partnership with PRHC and other local rural hospitals demonstrates that the Ministry of Health recognizes the value of rural Ontario.”

The funding for Trent University is scheduled to scale over the next three years to meet growing demand:

“This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and addressing system-level challenges,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we are helping strengthen care teams and improve access to healthcare services for people and communities across Ontario.”

“Investments into rural healthcare are incredibly important,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Communities like ours, with urban and rural populations spread across broad geographies, have unique needs and challenges when it comes to accessing care. PRHC looks forward to continuing to work with Trent and our other post-secondary partners to ensure learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their healthcare careers, and to provide patients with the best possible care and support, today and into the future.”

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City of Peterborough Approved For Provincial and Municipal Funding After March 2025 Ice Storm

At a City of Peterborough Council meeting Monday, the City announced that municipal and provincial funding has been granted to help offset $11 million in unplanned response and recovery costs following the March 2025 ice storm.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The March 29 to 30, 2025 ice storm caused extensive damage across central and eastern Ontario, with the City of Peterborough experiencing significant impacts to transportation networks, hydro infrastructure and municipal operations. In response, the City activated the Emergency Control Group (ECG) and implemented a coordinated multi-agency emergency response supported by community partners, third-party contractors, Ontario Corps volunteers and other municipalities.

Throughout the event, emergency services responded to an increased volume of calls related to downed hydro lines, transportation concerns, and structural hazards caused by ice loading. Public Works and utility services crews were deployed to clear debris, manage road safety, maintain and restore municipal infrastructure and support Hydro One with access to affected areas.

The March 2025 ice storm resulted in significant unplanned expenditures across multiple City divisions. Response and recovery costs totalled approximately $11 million and included equipment deployment, contractor support, overtime staffing, debris removal, facility operations and the operation of Warming Centres.

In response to the storm, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) established the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program to provide one-time financial support to eligible municipalities for incremental costs incurred because of the ice storm.

The City submitted its MISA application on October 31, 2025, identifying $9,359,201 in expenses eligible under MISA guidelines. The remaining $1.66 million in ineligible costs will be funded by the City and reflected in the 2025 operating budget. Based on the MISA funding formula, if the City’s claim is fully approved, the City would be eligible to receive $7,949,223 in provincial funding, with a municipal contribution totalling $1,409,978.

On December 18, 2025, the City received confirmation from MMAH of funding approval up to $7,950,000 for incremental costs incurred from the ice storm.

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Redpath's Right to Heal Program Receives $150,000 Grant From The City and County Housing Reserve

The City of Peterborough Council has approved a $150,000 grant for the Redpath Right to Heal program.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The one time grant, funded by the City/County Housing Reserve, will be put towards Redpath’s affordable housing project at 271 Brock Street.

Council staff have been directed to work with Redpath founder Peggy Shaughnessy to “identify and pursue options for municipal, federal and provincial capital grant funding to support Redpath’s long-term operations and facility for the 2027 Budget process,” as stated in City Council’s motion from Feb. 2.

Right to Heal receives $275,000 annually from the provincial government, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.

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Ontario Government Doubling Fire Protection Grant to Support Peterborough-Kawartha Firefighters

The Ontario government is doubling the total funding available for municipal fire departments this year from $10 to $20 million as part of its Fire Protection Grant, announced by MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith on Tuesday.

file photo.

Local fire services will receive $316,565 of this investment to purchase life-saving equipment, enhance cancer prevention initiatives and improve responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.

“Our firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our families,” said Smith. “By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families.”

The Fire Protection Grant is an application-based program that provides municipal fire services with the resources needed to address contemporary safety challenges. This year's funding will benefit several municipal fire departments across the City and County of Peterborough, including Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Trent Lakes, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha and Peterborough.

Eligible projects under the 2025-26 grant cycle focus on three critical pillars; cancer prevention, including specialized gear decontamination units, Lithium-Ion Battery Response, providing tools for electric vehicle and electronics fires and Infrastructure Modernization, such as high-speed broadband for rural fire halls.

“This investment is a significant step forward in protecting the health and safety of our firefighters,” said Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks. This support recognizes the importance of doing everything we can to reduce those risks. Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.”

For a grant breakdown between each local fire department, click the link.

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OLG Issues Third-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $624,898

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their third quarter payment totalling $624,898 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough.

file photo.

So far during OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026), Peterborough has received $2,053,832. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $17,149,043.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that is consistently applied across all casino sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site according to a press release.

“Year after year, a share of the revenue from Shorelines Casino Peterborough through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement has been an important source of funding for Peterborough, helping to deliver vital services and helping to enhance the quality of life of local residents,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Communities like ours who host a gaming facility benefit from their share of local casino revenue, while all Ontarians benefit from OLG’s gaming revenues, as 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in communities across the province.”

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Canadian Council of the Blind Receives $1,250 Donation From AON Inc.

AON Inc. has donated over $1,200 to the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter at a cheque presentation Monday.

photo courtesy of The Canadian council of the blind.

The donation will go towards the continued support of the local blind community; providing visual aids for those with vision-loss.

“On behalf of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough chapter, thank you to AON Corporation and The Gardens for your generous donation and continued support. Your kindness makes a real difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired people in our community,” said Christel Galachiuk, Chair of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough. “Because of partners like you, we are able to provide connection, advocacy and meaningful programs that help people live more independent and fulfilling lives. We are truly grateful for your generosity and belief in our mission.”

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100 Women Peterborough's Final 2025 Meeting Sees Exceptional Turnout in Support of Jude's Joy Initiative

The holiday spirit shone brightly at 100 Women Peterborough’s last meeting of the year, where Jude’s Joy was selected as the recipient of their final donation last Tuesday.

It was a majority vote for the inclusive playground initiative, which works to make local parks accessible to all children. Jude’s Joy secured a collective donation of over $10,000 toward their vision to build the playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park.

“Seeing Jude, my son who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Global Developmental Delay, and other children with disabilities miss out on play experiences with their peers, fuelled my sense of social responsibility,” said Julie Grant, Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project founder. “This is why our goal of enhancing accessibility at the Ennismore waterfront park has always gone beyond just the playground area.”

Other charities that were represented at the event included Green Up and Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

“I was thrilled to see our membership show up, even in the harsh, snowy weather,” said Rosalea Terry, 100 Women co-founder. “It speaks volumes about our shared commitment to supporting charities that make a real difference in our community. We are proud to have just wrapped our eighth year of impact in Peterborough with a collective donation to Jude's Joy and are excited to continue giving back in 2026."

For more information on the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project initiative, visit the website.

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