City Services Availability for Monday Civic Holiday
/For the Monday Civic Holiday, many City services and facilities will be operating under holiday hours or closed.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough,
Peterborough Blogs
Canada Day Parade Marches Through Downtown Peterborough On Nation's 156th Anniversary
/For a second-straight year, the Peterborough Canada Day Parade marched through George Street with 23 floats going through downtown on Saturday afternoon.
The parade began at Confederation Square Park and City Hall and ended at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The parade’s theme was ‘Happy Birthday Canada’ which saw floats from organizations such s the Peterborough Petes, Lions Club. MP Michelle Ferrari, Liberal Party of Canada and more.
There were pre-parade activities at Confederation Square that had a bike decorating contest, activities and giveaways including Canada Day temporary tattoos and flags.
The Peterborough Pop Ensemble performed the national anthem prior to the parade’s beginning.
Three judges were present to vote on four different categories of the 23 entered floats to fit the ‘Happy Birthday Canada’ theme. The winners are as follows:
Best musical entry: Hastings Pipe Band
Best theme float: Murray Fallaise
Best overall entry: Revolutions Dance Studio
Best salute to Canada: Peterborough Petes
Quaker Canada Day Breakfast Nourishes At Quaker Foods City Square
/Quaker Canada hosted a complimentary breakfast at Quaker Foods City Square to help kick off Canada Day in Peterborough on Saturday.
Free Quaker product samples were distributed to Canada Day attendees such as a smoothie, a fruit parfait and bran muffins. Quaker Borough apparel was also available for purchase at the Square.
“Thank you to Quaker Foods for hosting a community breakfast on Canada Day,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Quaker is one of the City’s key longstanding employers and we’re thrilled that they are celebrating their anniversary by bringing our community together.”
The breakfast ran alongside the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market.
This was the first Canada Day Quaker Square has operated at full capacity. The park was still under construction but was temporarily open last year for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UN Peacekeepers Monument. It cost roughly $100,000 to build.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Parks Canada Invites the Community to Celebrate Canada Day With the Trent-Severn Waterway
/This Canada Day, Parks Canada is welcoming visitors to celebrate the natural heritage of Canada on the Trent-Severn Waterway by offering free lockage for recreational boaters on July 1.
photo courtesy of parks canada.
As cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences and supporting tourism in communities across the country.
They say that by encouraging Canadians to visit national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas and providing them with the information and means to enjoy them, Parks Canada enables more Canadians to learn about our shared heritage and experience the outdoors.
To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Visit the Parks Canada website for more details.
Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police Issue Fireworks Safety Message
/Residents are asked to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough.
file photo.
City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit.
While fireworks displays may be permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions when using fireworks. Fireworks can also disturb pets.
Peterborough Police receive a number of complaints, mostly noise complaints, about fireworks. Peterborough Police reminds residents to be respectful of other residents’ lawful right to enjoy their property and to be safe.
Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents that using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks:
Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks.
Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions.
Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and pose a risk of burns and eye injuries.
The City of Peterborough by-law regulating fireworks displays and the Noise By-law are available online at peterborough.ca/bylaws.
City of Peterborough Services on Victoria Day 2023
/For Victoria Day on Monday, May 22, many City services and facilities will be operating under holiday hours or will be closed for the holiday.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
City Hall
City Hall, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office will be closed Monday, May 22. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.
Garbage, recycling and yard waste
There are no changes to curbside garbage and recycling collection on May 22.
Recycling Depot at 390 Pido Rd. is open 24 hours (self-serve).
The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed.
Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot’s normal operating schedule is Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Public Works
Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Parks
Seasonal washrooms are open at Beavermead Park, Bowers Fields, Bonnerworth Park, Rogers Cove and Jackson Park. The remaining seasonal washrooms in parks are expected to be open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend and remain open for the season. Park washrooms are generally open from about 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; however, some locations close earlier, such as the Jackson Park washroom that typically closes by 5 p.m. daily, based on maintenance schedules.
Transit
Peterborough Transit will operate on a Holiday service schedule on May 22. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details.
Peterborough Marina
Peterborough Marina at 92 George St. N. on Little Lake opens for the season this weekend. The Lighthouse Lounge & Grill restaurant is temporarily closed while construction is completed on the stairwell and decking. An opening date will be updated on the Marina webpage peterborough.ca/marina in the coming weeks.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. is open noon to 5 p.m. on May 22. Information about current exhibitions is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum.
Sport and Wellness Centre
Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 22.
Arenas
The Kinsmen Civic Centre is open from noon to 10 p.m. for scheduled user groups.
Healthy Planet Arena at 911 Monaghan Rd. and the Arenas division office will be closed on May 22.
The Peterborough Memorial Centre and the Grant Thornton Box Office will be closed on Monday May 22. Visit online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at memorialcentre.ca for information and tickets.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. is closed on May 22. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs please visit www.agp.on.ca.
Child Care Centres
City-operated child care centres will be closed on May 22.
Peterborough Public Library
Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. will be closed on May 22. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/.
Social Services
Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on May 22.
Emergency shelter services
Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.
Provincial Offences Act office
Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on May 22. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.
The City offers a variety of online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Peterborough Police Chief Giving Virtual Perspective During Heightened Police Presence On St. Patrick's Day
/With St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts is offering the public his virtual perspective on what officers go through on a daily basis.
Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts was sworn in on Jan. 9. Photo by Samantha Bianco.
"I know the men and women of our organization work hard every day,” said Betts. “This is an opportunity for me to go out when I know they'll be busy in the community and support them, to see what they do every day but more importantly to bring what we do every day for the citizens here in the city."
Betts is attending calls throughout the evening and Tweeting what he has observed on his first festive occasions since being appointed chief.
Join me online this St. Paddy's evening/night as I hit the streets after hours & take you along (virtually) in @CityPtbo @CavanMonaghan @SelwynTownship to give you a front seat view into the great work @PtboPolice do each and every night! https://t.co/5KDt7jR0hl
— Chief Stu Betts, Peterborough Police Service (@PtboChiefBetts) March 15, 2023
Peterborough Police will have an increased presence in Peterborough, Lakefield and the Township of Cavan-Monaghan. This is to respond to an anticipated increase in calls for service, such as noise or disturbance calls. There will also be RIDE check stops throughout the day and evening.
“We want people to have a good time,” explained Betts. “We're not here to spoil anybody's party but we do want them to do it safely. If they're drinking, obviously they're not driving. That would be my number one recommendation.”
Betts and the Peterborough Police recommend these options to avoid drinking and driving:
Select a designated driver in your group
Arrange a ride ahead of time
Stay overnight if possible
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Hometown PTBO: St. Patrick's Day Special With the Dunns and Shaughnessys With the Return of the Parade
/
This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with the Dunns and Shaughnessys about the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, its traditions and the return of the parade after a three-year hiatus.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Douro's Longest-Running Irish Party Returns To St. Joseph's Parish Hall
/Douro is going to be green all over as the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is returning to the St. Joseph Parish Hall for music, food and children’s activities this Saturday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.
Touted as the longest-running Irish party in Peterborough, the Irish Club’s celebration returns after a lengthy COVID-19 hiatus.
The event begins at 1 p.m., featuring musicians such as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, Fiddlestix, Roy Boyz and more.
Local band ‘The Patio Stones’ is performing from 7 - 11 p.m. for anyone who wants to get their dancing shoes on.
The day will also include activities for kids and Irish Soda bread for sale. A light dinner is available for purchase from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for Irish club members and $17 for non-members. Family passes (two adults and unlimited children) are $25 a member and $27 for non-members. Children under 12 are free admission. Tickets for only dancing (7 - 11 p.m.) are $10 for members or $12 for non-members.
For tickets contact Shelley Ryan (705) 875-5437 or purchase at the door.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Marchers Old and New Eager To Participate In the 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
/It’s a tradition that goes through Peterborough and beyond but newcomers and veterans marching in the 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade are eager to get involved since the event was on a three-year hiatus.
Photo courtesy of Tim Burke.
The parade is taking place on March 12. A raising of the Irish flag at City Hall is occurring at 1 p.m. in honour of Irish week. The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Liz Shaughnessy and her family are first-time parade marchers for St. Patrick’s Day in Peterborough. She agreed after being reached out to by organizer Tim Burke.
Her family has been in Peterborough for generations and saw the parade as a way to honour the name.
“My grandpa is one of the dozen in this article and out of this photo there is only one brother left, Terry Shaughnessy,” said Liz. “As descendants of James and Loretta Shaughnessy, it’s time for us to gather and honour our ancestors so why not make the St. Patrick’s day parade a yearly gathering of our clan?”
Liz’s grandfater is featured in an old 1951 article that featured a dozen Shaughnessys. Terry Shaughnessy is the only surviving member. Photo courtesy of Liz Shaughnessy.
On Jan. 18, it was announced that former sports anchor and Peterborough’s Dan O’Toole was the grand marshall for the event. His family has been involved with the parade for several years.
“My other side of the family, the Crough’s, we’re in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year,” he explained in a prior interview. “We have one of the largest contingents, we have around 200 that show up to be in the parade so the fact that I get to lead the charge, that I get asked to lead the contingent, not just my family but all of Irish in Peterborough is a dream come true.”
TIM BURKE, ST. PATRICK’S DAY ORGANIZER (LEFT) WITH FORMER SPORTS ANCHOR DAN O’TOOLE (RIGHT). THE PARADE HAS NOT RUN FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
