City of Peterborough Makes Subsidies Available For Its Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible children, families and adults to help cover the costs of recreation programs offered at City of Peterborough facilities.

File Photo.

These subsidies can be applied to a wide range of programs, including summer day camps, sports camps, and dance programs. Subsidies are also available for adult leisure activities at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Applications for a subsidy can be made within 30 days of registering for a program, with proof of receipt. It is recommended that applicants apply for the subsidy early if registration costs affect their ability to register.

Anyone who requires assistance with a subsidy application can email rec@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-0050 ext. 2215 to schedule an appointment with a Recreation Program Assistant. 

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YMCA Pickleball Tournament Raises $15,391 For Its Strong Kids Campaign

The YMCA of Central East Ontario hosted the second annual Pickleball Tournament in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, raised $15,391 that ran on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Team Pearce was the top fundraising team with $7,947, with Team Hamblin raising $5,894. Lindsay Seabrooke was the top fundraising individual with $2,450 and Team Pearce won the Golden Pickle as the tournament winners.

Following the tournament, the 2025 Strong Kids Campaign was launched to ensure kids and families with financial needs can access YMCA programs and services in our community. Kinsmen Club of Peterborough kicked it off with a $5,000.

Donations to support the campaign can be made online or in person at the YMCA any time during the year.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Third-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the third-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 21.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

“Youth mental health is a critical area of focus, given the unique challenges and needs of this demographic,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “We know the importance of providing accessible mental health care to young people, ensuring they can thrive. We are excited to announce this year’s proceeds will be going towards a new initiative called Planet Youth.”

To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $5,000.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Breaks Fundraising Record of $57,748 From 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has a new fundraising record, accumulating $57,748 at the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim fundraiser, announced at the Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre on Monday afternoon.

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This is the first swim without Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January. He started this event 39 years ago.

“The community really came out,” said Ken Seim, Rotary president. “It's a bittersweet thing that people came out and with Carl's passing but we're pledged to keep it going and with great enthusiasm.”

Approximately 15 teams and organizations signed up for the Swimathon and other activities. Groups and individuals signed up to participate in swim lanes, catwalk, and cannonball challenges to raise money for the event.

The goal was to raise $50,000 which was easily shattered.

One aspect Seim recognized this year was that there were a lot more participants from younger generations who helped fundraise for the cause and contribute to Oake’s legacy.

“What I'm really happy about is that we're getting more and more young people coming out,” he explained. “We've had two hockey teams, we had the Lakers out this year, the U13/U18 Petes as well as the Special Olympics so it's good to see the younger people coming out.” 

The Rotary Club presented cheques for $13,000 to Easter Seals and $3,000 to the YMCA for their Strong Kids campaign during the announcement.

The Carl Oake Rotary Swim Committee have named next year (as the 40th Anniversary) to be ‘like totally 80s’ themed. It reflects the year 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture during that time.

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Keene Lions Club Make $30,000 Donation Towards PRHC Paediatric Cancer Care

The Keene Lions Club pledged $30,000 toward PRHC Pediatric Cancer Care and fulfilled their promise by donating the cheque at a presentation ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Keene Lions Club.

“Our members were eager to support this project to give children in our community the lifesaving treatment they deserve while sparing families the emotional and financial burden of seeking care far from home,” said Robin Creeden, Keene Lions Club Member. “We were proud to support the building of PRHC twenty years ago with a donation of $30,000 and we are equally proud to support the $60 million campaign of the PRHC Foundation with a pledge of $30,000 as we choose to design our own healthcare future.”

“The Keene Lions is a small club from a small rural community,” said Marion Burton, Keene Lions Club president. “People from this area support our fund raising events throughout the year such as the May long weekend Toll Road, weekly community bingo, Delta Bingo and our food trailer fish and chicken frys. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve” so to support families in our community by supporting our local regional hospital is a perfect fit.”

Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care is a campaign for Lions clubs in Districts A3 and A16 and reaches out to Clubs in Northumberland, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes regions.

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Three Organizations Chosen For Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

The cookie crumbles in a good way for three local organizations as they have been chosen to be the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign recipients in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

Representatives from BGC Kawarthas, Canadian Mental Health Association HKPR, and Five Counties Children’s Centre join with owners of local Tim Hortons in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock to mark the launch of the Smile Cookie campaign. Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) were the selected organizations for this year’s campaign.

It runs from April 28 to May 4 at 19 Tim Horton locations in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock.

“We are very grateful to Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for selecting BGC Kawarthas Foundation, CMHA HKPR, and Five Counties to be the beneficiaries of the annual Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Fundraising efforts like this will support all aspects of the health and wellness for children and youth in our communities.”

Proceeds are collected at 19 Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and surrounding areas buy purchasing a Smile Cookie. Bulk orders are also available and can be ordered by completing a form and dropping it off at one of the locations.

“We’re looking forward to working with the local restaurant owners and engaging with local businesses and community members to create a fun, and successful Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “As our organization continues to grow its services in the Peterborough area, this is an exciting way to work with our amazing partners at CMHA HKPR and Five Counties to share as many ‘smiles’ as possible.”

“Our team is thrilled to partner with Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas to support the Peterborough Smile Cookie campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “This is a wonderful way to demonstrate the collaboration necessary to support children in families across the community.”

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counselling and therapy services.

FCCC has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 2,950 children and youth in Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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Road Closures In Place Sunday For GPHSF 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run

A temporary road closure is in effect for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run occurring from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Since 2018, 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Affected streets will be:

  • Engleburn Avenue from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

  • Birdsall Street from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

Peterborough Butterfly Run Route. The Peterborough Butterfly Run supports families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Streets will be made available for local traffic butrunners will be coming through this area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Additionally, a full road closure will be in place on Maria Street, between Burnham Street and Mark Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Detours will be in place at the intersections of Burnham Street and James Street, as well as Mark Street and James Street. Peterborough Police will be present to assist anyone affected by the Maria Street closure in leaving their homes. Delays are expected during this time.

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Megabike Hitting the Peterborough Streets This Summer to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (BBBS) is bringing back its 30-seater MEGABIKE and is hitting the streets on June 5.

Photo courtesy of BBBS.

The fundraister sees local businesses, community members and supporters pedalling 2.5 km through the streets of Peterborough.

All proceeds go to BBBS’s mentoring programs, allowing the organization to continue matching young people with caring adult mentors, fostering meaningful relationships and positive outcomes. 

“I am so excited to see the MEGABike roll through Peterborough and bring the community together,” said Zoe King, BBBS executive director. “Whether you're a high-energy team ready to take on half or a full bike sponsorship, or an individual looking to pedal for a purpose, there’s a seat waiting for you.”  

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Healthy Planet Arena in one-hour timeslots. Registration can be done online.

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Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Tees Off On May 22

There will be 240 linksmen teeing off at the Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament set for May 22 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson, holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. There are signed jerseys to be auctioned off at the event with athletes such as Colin Fitzgerald, Peterborough Petes forward (pictured); Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads forward and Barrett Hayton, Utah Hockey Club Forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The sold-out tournament fundraiser's proceeds will go towards the Hall of Fame’s operating fund and to support its bursary for exemplary high school student-athletes.

“Years ago, Steve Doyle, Bob McGillian and my dad came up with this idea for a bursary program for local high-school athletes as they were embarking on post-secondary academic and athletic careers.” Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson. “We're pleased that over the years, we've been able to go from initially two $500 bursaries, now we're up to four $2,000 bursaries. We're thankful that Steve, Bob and Jack had the foresight to start that program and now we're able to keep it going.

The tournament is in honour of Hall of Famer Jack Gibson, who was inducted in 1986 — Doug’s father — and had several roles and stints in the lacrosse and hockey world.

He managed the senior lacrosse team to a Mann Cup in 1966 and 1973. Jack helped organize a semi-pro league in 1968-69 and managed the team that won the championship in 1969.

He also managed Maryland Arrows of the Pro Lacrosse League in 1974-75. The Hall of Famer also managed Canada’s Field Lacrosse team in the 1967 World Championships.

As the tournament enters its 38th year, Doug continues the tradition of continuing his father's legacy through the golf event.

“Dad was one of the original founders to try to get things going when we first had the Hall of Fame,” he explained. “He and Bob McGillian decided to have a golf tournament and we're just continuing on hopefully the way they would have continued on had they still been with us but it's really nice for me personally to be able to do something which remembers my dad.

While the tournament is full, prospective golfers can join a waitlist to be accepted, pending any cancellations.

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Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health On June 26

To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic, hosted by Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), will be held at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on June 26th.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

All proceeds of the event support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

The day includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, access to a private, in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities, and contests throughout the course. Lunch and supper, prizes and professional photos of your foursome will also be at the event.

New this year is a public donation campaign launch with a minimum goal of $40,000 to be split equally between YES Shelter for Youth and Families and Peterborough Youth Services. 

Donations can be made online. All donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

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