Film Selected For Canada Day Movie Night
/The City of Peterborough’s poll for the free Canada Day Movie Night has selected Fly Away Home as the feature film, held at Quaker Foods City Square on June 30.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Public Asked to Select Film For Canada Day Movie Night
/The City of Peterborough asks the community to vote for a film for the free Canada Day Movie Night at Quaker Foods City Square.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The movie night will kick off the Canada Day festivities on June 30 at dusk (around 9 p.m.). The City is asking residents to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to settle in. Free popcorn is handed out before the show.
The following are the film choices:
The Legend of Sarila
An animated adventure set in the Arctic, this film follows three Inuit teens on a quest to find the legendary land of Sarila to save their starving clan.
Featuring the voices of Christopher Plummer and Geneviève Bujold, it's Canada's first 3D animated feature film.
Kayak to Klemtu
A heartfelt drama about 14-year-old Ella, who embarks on a 500-kilometre kayak journey to her ancestral home in British Columbia to take a stand against a proposed pipeline project.
A heartfelt Canadian production rooted in environmental justice and Indigenous resilience.
Cheaper by the Dozen
A comedy about Tom and Kate Baker, who juggle their careers and raising 12 children. Though not a Canadian film, the director Shawn Levy was born in Canada and is a citizen of both Canada and the United States.
Fly Away Home
After losing her mother, a young girl helps orphaned geese learn to migrate south. Filmed partly in Ontario and starring Canadian actress Anna Paquin, this inspiring story is based on real events.
The poll is available online, with voting closing on Friday at 4 p.m.
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Canada Day Parade Is Still Happening, Says City of Peterborough
/The City of Peterborough says it still plans to host a Canada Day parade.
File Photo.
The City released a statement regarding the following:
“It was initially called a “procession” when the call for entries went out a couple of weeks ago as a way to reflect that the parade would be a bit different than previous years. The community was invited to not only watch the parade, but to join in by walking down George Street alongside their fellow community members. Community groups, businesses, and performers were still invited to put in entries.
The planning for Canada Day festivities is in full swing as the community gets ready to celebrate the country’s birthday. The plans have been informed by community feedback following last year’s event. The City heard the feedback over the last week on the plans for this year’s parade and has updated the plans to once again include vehicles in the parade.”
Applications for parade entries need to be submitted by the end of the day on June 8, 2025. The parade entry form is available online.
Original article below:
The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.
This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.
The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.
Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.
The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.
June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.
Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Event highlights include:
Community procession with bike contest
Live performances by local artists and entertainers
Kids’ activities and family zones
Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area
Interactive cultural displays and information booths
Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest
Fireworks finale over Little Lake
Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.
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Roll, Stroll and Celebrate Canada Day With the City
/The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.
File Photo.
This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.
The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.
Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.
The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.
June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.
Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Event highlights include:
Community procession with bike contest
Live performances by local artists and entertainers
Kids’ activities and family zones
Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area
Interactive cultural displays and information booths
Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest
Fireworks finale over Little Lake
Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.
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.
'Peter Robinson' Brought to Life As Grand Marshall For 25th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
/To honour the 25th anniversary of the Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade, the event is getting a blast from the past as ‘Peter Robinson’ has been named the Grand Marshall for this year’s event, announced at The Venue on Friday afternoon.
Tim Burke, Parade organizer (left), M. John Kennedy, actor (Peter Robinson) (middle) and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor (right) march down George Street as a taste of things to come for March 16. Kennedy is also running a workshop to audition for theatre schools and ‘Fireside Munsch’ for this year’s Brand New Stages Festival at The Theatre on King and Market Hall respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Actor M. John Kennedy plays the part of Robinson for the parade and in 4th Line Theatre’s production of ‘Wild Irish Geese’ from July 29 to Aug. 30.
Robinson, a Canadian politician and colonial administrator, was known to supervise the emigration of impoverished Irish families to Upper Canada. This year marks the 200th anniversary of that event.
“Peter Robinson was an advocate for responsible government, along with Lord Baldwin in 1849, so my job as Mayor of Peterborough, you can really trace it back to Peter Robinson, responsible government and the whole concept of British parliamentary democracy from Great Britain,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor.
This year hits two other milestones, including the 25th anniversary of the parade and the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force.
“It's such a delight to be able to be here and represent him in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Peterborough, a place I grew up, I have a deep connection with the community,” explained Kennedy. “It's thrilling not only to bring this character to 4th Line this summer with 'Wild Irish Geese' but also to be here for this wonderful St. Patrick's Day Parade.”
For the past two years, former sportscaster Dan O’Toole and Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson were named Grand Marshalls to their respective parades. This year, Tim Burke, parade organizer, opted to go with a revival of Peter Robinson after getting the idea from Mary Smith, Nine Ships vice-chair.
“Right off the bat, I went, 'Wow, what a great idea,’” explained Burke. “She knew a gentleman that plays the role and the connection with 4th Line Theatre is also amazing. As soon as she said it, a light bulb went off in my head.”
The parade is scheduled for March 16 at 2 p.m., with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 at 11 1.m. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.
Over 100 entries for the parade have been submitted and more are expected to join.
To register for the parade, visit their parade’s website and apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at timburke77@yahoo.com.
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List of City Services During Family Day
/Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Family Day on Monday.
File Photo.
Snofest events will occur from Friday to Monday. With a full list of events at peterborough.ca/Snofes.
Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24/7. The City offers various online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
City Hall
City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.
Waste collection and landfill
There will be no changes to the curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday.
The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday.
Airport
The Peterborough Airport is open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
The Art Gallery of Peterborough, located at 250 Crescent St., will be closed. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit agp.on.ca.
Downtown Youth Space
The drop-in youth program is closed on Monday, February 17. Downtown Youth Space programming is located at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information at peterborough.ca/DYS.
Peterborough Public Library
The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Family Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.
Arenas
The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena, including the Recreation Facility Booking office, will be closed except to scheduled user groups.
Miskin Law Community Complex
A free Snofest Family Day public skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, will occur from noon to 1:50 p.m. The walking track at Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Peterborough Memorial Centre
The Petes annual Family Day hockey game will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday at 2:05 p.m., with the Peterborough Petes hosting the Kitchener Rangers. Tickets are available online at memorialcentre.ca or by calling the Grant Thornton Box Office at 705-743-3561. The box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17.
Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink
The outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St., will be open for skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre
The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Snofest Drop-in Sports, featuring pickleball, badminton and basketball, will take place from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Learn more at peterborough.ca/Snofest.
Parking Services
Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Family Day.
Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including locations.
Provincial Offences Act office
Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on February 17. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.
Transit
Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.
Social Services
Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, February 18. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.
Child care centres
City-operated childcare centres will be closed on Family Day.
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.
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Downtown Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $12,000 For Kawartha Food Share
/The City of Peterborough’s free holiday downtown parking program raised $12,001.77 for Kawartha Food Share that was collected as voluntary parking payments, announced on Wednesday.
The Kawartha Food Share currently assists 14,000 people each month through its 36 member agencies, along with supporting 17,000 schoolchildren at 51 area schools through breakfast and nutrition programs. The free two-hour program first began in 2003. Since then, downtown patrons have helped donate $251,627.65 to Kawartha Food Share. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The program offered free, two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 and was sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers.
“By voluntarily paying for parking, downtown visitors not only supported local businesses but also raised more than $12,000 for Kawartha Food Share. This one simple gesture turned into a powerful act of giving that will make a real difference for those in need,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity and community spirit of downtown visitors we’ve seen an overwhelming response to our free holiday parking program. This truly reflects the heart and soul of our city—compassionate, giving, and always ready to support one another,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement.
“Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers was proud to once again partner with the City of Peterborough for this important cause,” said Bill Wolfe, with Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. “We appreciate the support and generosity of shoppers and residents who made voluntary donations during the holiday season. These funds, through the support of Kawartha Food Share, will help reduce food insecurity throughout the region.”
“We are very thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the wonderful citizens who visited and shopped downtown this holiday season. This donation will allow us to purchase much-needed nutritious food items for community members in need,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager.
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City Offering Free Skating and Drop-in Skate and Swim Sessions During Holiday Season
/The City of Peterborough is offering free public skating as well as regular paid drop-in skating and swim sessions from Dec. 23 to Jan 3.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
A free public skate takes place from 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Gardener Pad at the Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. The Gardener sponsors this event.
“We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years that’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor a free public skate on December 29th as a way to bring families and friends together during the holiday season. It’s our way of giving back and creating special moments for the Peterborough community,” said Ryan Quigley, owner of The Gardener Landscaping.
“Skating is a fun and energizing way to stay active and have a little fun with friends and family in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this free public skating event has given everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits of exercise and shared experiences.” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services Co-Chairs in a join statement.
Paid drop-in skating sessions are held at the Healthy Planet Arena from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3. Details on dates and times are as follows:
Monday, Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. @ The Gardener Pad
Friday, Dec. 27 from 2:15 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad
Saturday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad
Sunday, Dec. 29 from 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. @ The Gardener Pad (Free skate)
Monday, Dec. 30 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad
Thursday, Jan. 2 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad
Friday, Jan. 3 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.@ Sign-a-fied Pad
The cost for the paid drop-in public skating dates and times is $5.25 per skater. CSA-approved helmets are recommended and skates are required. Hockey sticks, nets and shoes are prohibited. All public skates are drop-in and no pre-registration is required.
For outdoor skating, the City maintains an outdoor skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, east of Aylmer Street, for free community skating, weather permitting. When ice conditions allow, the Quaker Foods City Square rink operates Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Holiday Drop-In Fun Swim occurs at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Drop-in swim sessions are open to all ages and include the therapy and leisure pools, the water slide and active water features. The cost is $5 per swimmer.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, Dec, 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 27 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 29 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 2 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 4 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan, 5 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Additional open swims, lane swims and nursery swims are available during the holidays at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
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City of Peterborough’s Invites Public To Contribute to Interactive Map of Festive Displays
/The public is invited to keep things bright through the City’s festive holiday lighting and decoration displays by sharing locations for the City of Peterborough's interactive holiday display map and guide.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The map was created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area. The interactive tool is designed to get locals and visitors out and exploring different parts of the city and to showcase the community’s collective festive spirit, including diverse holidays according to the City.
Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2024 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and requested information through an online form.
To be eligible, displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until New Year’s Day.
The interactive map can be viewed online.
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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony This Saturday
/Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.
“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”
“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”
Tree lighting ceremony activities include:
Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music
Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger
Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles
Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies
Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign
Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life
