Peterborough County School Zones to See Increased Traffic Enforcement

As students return to classrooms, an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones is occurring throughout Peterborough County this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions in school zones which include slowing down, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

“As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
   points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.

3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

5. Drivers on multi-lane, undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the Peterborough Police Service are monitoring the area and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines,” said Inspector Chris Galeazza, OPP Detachment Commander. “The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year.”

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County.

These policies include:

• School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy

• Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

• New school pavement markings

• New radar speed signs

• Speed limit reductions

• Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

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Local Realtors Fourth Annual Lemonade Stand Juices Out Proceeds For Sick Kids Foundation

For the fourth consecutive year, local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti utilized the classic concept of a lemonade stand to raise money for SickKids Foundation at the Westdale United Church on Friday morning.

The Gemmiti and Hatzianastasiou families coming together for the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hundreds of people lined up to enjoy pizza from Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, homemade chocolate chip cookies (made by Dan and Dion) and lemonade. The stand accepted donations for SickKids Foundation on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken in front of a large banner hanging on the side of a trailer.

The community came out in strong numbers, as this year’s turnout was significantly larger than in years prior, according to the brothers.

“Our community is the greatest,” said Dion. “The support they gave us was unbelievable, and we're just so grateful that people come out and support such a great cause like SickKids.”

“It's not just today, it's weeks before this,” explained Dan. “My Grade 1 teacher sent money to us just to support our lemonade stand. People are so enthralled with giving to SickKids, it's incredible. People are amazing.”

Guests show up and tell both brothers about their experiences and stories with SickKids that are inspirational and feel-good stories said Dan and Dion.

“We have so many people who are affected by issues that they need to go to SickKids and we hear so many great stories going to SickKids and how incredible this place is,” explained Dion. “It's helping our most vulnerable, our youth, which is wonderful.”

“It's year after year when people come and tell us a story,” said Dan. “Last year it happened and this year it happened, where we both got the tears in our eyes because people told us a story. My heart is breaking listening to it but it's SickKids, they save their kids' lives and then they're very generous with their donation.”

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible. Last year, they raised $5,295 for SickKids Foundation.

Donations can also be made by sending e-transfers to dananddionlemonade@gmail.com until Tuesday.

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United Way Giving Kids a Back-to-School Head Start With "Backpacks For Success" Initiative

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 22nd Backpacks for Success initiative filled hundreds of backpacks with supplies to help kids get a head start on the back-to-school season at the Calvary Pentecostal Church on Tuesday.

Rhonda Gilchrist, United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation (left) and Tonya Kraan, United Way director of Community Impact (right) stuff one of hundreds of backpacks to be shipped off for kids in time for school. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New this year was an incentive for the community to be involved. This included ‘Good Apple’ certificates that gave families the chance to thank educators while supporting local students to 25 donation drive drop-off locations throughout Peterborough and the County.

“Every backpack tells a story of collaboration,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “When individuals purchase a Good Apple Certificate, when businesses sponsor, when families drop off supplies at one of 25 donation drive locations, they’re all contributing to a circular investment that comes back to support our kids, our schools and our partner agencies.”

He continues to state that the program was designed to respond to a growing need in the community. Schools and agencies across the region.

“The impact goes beyond the backpacks themselves,” he explained. “This program reduces pressure on teachers, helps principals support families, and strengthens our partner agencies like the YWCA and the New Canadian Centre. It’s about setting kids up for success while also reinforcing the community supports that help families thrive.”

Community members can still participate by making a monetary donation to help cover the higher costs of items such as scientific calculators and math kits.

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Inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ Set for Sept. 1 For SickKids and Rett Syndrome

As a fundraiser for the SickKids Foundation for Rett Syndrome, the inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ is being hosted at Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Sept. 1.

Photo courtesy of Taso’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.

The event, hosted by Taso’s Restaurant and 88Moto Motorcycle Shop, takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Overflow parking is available at Bailey’s Bay and Coffee Time nearby.

The fundraiser features a barbecue by Taso’s Restaurant, a motorcycle showcase, an autograph session with Canadian Superbike (CSBK) riders, live music (acts to be announced) and more.

Dyno runs are available for $50, which includes three runs that provide information on horsepower, torque, air-fuel mixture and more, allowing for a diagnostic of a motorcycle’s performance.

Taso’s Pizzeria owner Taso Hatzianastasiou wanted to host the inaugural event as a way to combine his love of motorcycles and his business for a good cause.

“I’ve always done a charitable event through the restaurant and I’ve tried to do something different every year,” he explained. “Since I’m involved so much in the racing community, I thought I would combine the racing and the restaurant.”

While Hatzianastasiou has not been directly affected by Rett Syndrome, he knows many within the community who are.

“There are a lot of friends of mine who have children with Rett Syndrome but not me,” he said. “I want to do it for them.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park and Zoo’s Launch New Accessible Playground Fundraising Campaign to Raise $1.5 Million

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo have teamed up for Project ROAR, a $1.5 million fundraising campaign for an accessible playground, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Project Roar Committee unveiled its plans for a completely redesigned Rotary Accessible Playground at Riverview Park and Zoo to allow anyone of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Rotarian Betty Halman-Plumley was the president of the Rotary Club during the 2023-2024 term. During that time, the Club conducted extensive community outreach and local needs assessments in the lead up to deciding on the club’s next big Legacy Project said Halman-Plumley.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” she said. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO, first presented the concept for this project to the Rotary Club in 2024.

“We are thrilled to work with the energy and magnetism of the Rotary Club of Peterborough through their Legacy Project to bring these remarkable plans off the shelf and to fruition,” she said. “Established in 2018 through community consultation, these engineered playground plans were created to address the diverse needs of our community, bringing all ages and all abilities together for outdoor recreation and play. Thanks to Rotary and this Legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”

The event paid tribute to the late Rotarian Ross Dobbin who founded the Riverview Park and Zoo in 1933. Some of his family members were present to honour his name on his behalf.

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Willow Yoga Studio Launches Adaptive Yoga Program for Children with Special Needs

Willow Yoga Studio has launched a first-of-its-kind adaptive yoga pilot program designed specifically for children with special needs.

Demeester in front of her business at 1600 Lansdowne St. W. The Willow Studio was a 2025 recipient of the Starter Company Plus Program through Community Futures Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Willow Yoga Studio.

The program is in partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Angela Demeester, Willow Yoga Studio owner, is a mother to a child with a disability. According to a press release, she recognized a significant gap in programming available to children with diverse needs. Demeester approached FCCC with the program.

“We're excited to announce our partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre to offer Adaptive Yoga classes for children with special needs this summer at Willow,” said Demeeester. “This offering reflects the very heart of our studio—yoga that is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in connection.”

The adaptive yoga program offers studio space for children to connect socially, build friendships, improve physical fitness, and experience calmness. The first session occurred last Wednesday witha second one on Aug. 6. It is open to FCCC clients receiving therapeutic recreation services.

“We are so thrilled to work with Angela on this adaptive yoga program that benefits children of all abilities,” said Caitlin Gilmer, FCCC recreation therapist. “Our role as therapists is to help children experience and enjoy recreational activities, and this adaptive yoga program is one way to break down those barriers.”

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a community, to move their bodies, and to feel included,” said Demeeester. “As both a yoga teacher and a parent of a child with a disability, I understand how meaningful it is to have programs that see and support the whole child.”

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Little Lakers Night Returns On Last Regular Season Home Game to Support Five Counties

For the third consecutive year, Little Lakers Night returns on the Peterborough Lakers’ last home regular-season game on July 24 in support of Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC), announced on Tuesday.

Len Powers (left), Scott Pepin (middle) and Kennedy Meredith in front of a Lakers cutout and the warmup jersey designed by Meredith. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $15,295 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from Little Lakers Night will support Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It enables more children and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them.

“Each year, Little Lakers Night has grown in impact and excitement, and it’s certainly become a highlight of the summer season for us,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Lakers for their continued generosity and for giving our kids the chance to be part of something so special. It’s more than a game — it’s a celebration of community.”

“It’s an honour to again team up with Five Counties to host Little Lakers Night and support children’s treatment services in our community,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chairperson. “We encourage everyone to come out to Little Lakers Night and show their support for the home side – cheering on the Lakers to victory as they prepare for the playoffs, and supporting the incredible work done by Five Counties in the Peterborough region.”

Little Lakers Night starts pre-game festivities at 7 p.m., one hour before the Lakers take on the Brampton Excelsiors. The event features face painting by donation, freezie sales, a ‘pass the bucket’ fundraiser, and the opportunity to purchase commemorative Little Lakers Night T-shirts in support of FCCC.

During the game, a silent auction is being held with prizes such as two tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, a Crayola Prize Pack and VIP passes to the 2025 Swimming World Cup.

The night also spotlights the children and families supported by Five Counties, with several of them in attendance and some participating in special roles such as the ceremonial pre-game ball drop and behind-the-scenes experiences with the team.

The Lakers are wearing a specially designed warm-up jersey created by Kennedy Meredith, St. Paul C.E.S. Grade 4 student. The jerseys will be available for purchase through an online auction with proceeds supporting Five Counties.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 24 are available now through the Memorial Centre box office. The promo code ‘FIVECOUNTIES’ at checkout takes $3 from every ticket sold towards FCCC.

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Peterborough Kia Makes Pledge Towards Ennismore Inclusive Playground Fundraiser

Peterborough KIA is lending a hand to Accessible Playgrounds Ontario’s (APO) $250,000 fundraising effort for an inclusive playground at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.

Grant (left) pushing her son Jude (right) on a swing. According to Grant, 38 per cent of Canadian children with a disability almost never get physical exercise outside of school. Photo courtesy of APO.

Spearheaded by Paul Seminara, Kia is donating $100 from every vehicle sold in July towards the project known as ‘Jude's Joy,’ named after APO’s Julie Grant’s son Jude, days before turning four years old, who was born with cerebral palsy.

As of May, the project was a year into its fundraising efforts and had raised over $170,000 towards its $250,000 goal.

On June 2, ‘Jude’s Joy’ applied for the McDougall Insurance contest with the top prize of $5,000, while second and third place got $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. However, the Ennisemore-based project failed to reach the top three in a vote-based contest.

According to Grant, there are no accessible playgrounds in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“The closest fully accessible/inclusive playground to Selwyn is 64 km away in Port Hope and the second closest is Port Perry,” she explained.

Jude cannot walk independently and requires a walker to travel. Grant says several playground features are not as accessibility-friendly as they seem.

Most accessible playgrounds have rubber surfacing and intentionally designed play elements such as ramps. Roughly half of the money raised goes towards that surfacing, and Grant attributes the wood chips as a cheaper alternative.

“The most common barrier at playgrounds is the surfacing choice, which is often wood chips, which limits Jude's ability at two to three years old to use his walker independently,” she explained. “Secondly, the absence of ground-level play elements does not permit the learning opportunities that fully abled people can experience. Therefore, potential learning is lost.”

The other half of the funds raised has already been deliberated on, as Grant explained how the money will be spent.

“Considerations include a ramp onto the main play structure, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an accessible swing with a harness, various music elements at ground level, and a play-tot structure for younger children from 18-plus months,” said Grant.

Donations can be made through the Township of Selwyn in person or by mail via debit, cheque, or cash, Canada Helps or by cheque to the Optimist Club of Ennismore.

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PHOTOS: Peterborough Police Have a Fishing Day With Peterborough Bigs and Camp Kids

The Peterborough Police Service had a fishing day with children from Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough (PTBO Bigs) and camp kids from the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters (OFAH) filled the day with activities on Tuesday afternoon.

K9 Gryphon helps Constable Dillon Wentworth (left) catch Bryson Cumming, Fleming Police Foundations student (right) during a demonstration at the OFAH fishing event. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The intro to fishing event was held at OFAH’s facility, with 62 children participating: 22 from PTBO Bigs and 40 from the OFAH camp.

“This day gives the youth the opportunity to see the offices in a common space,” explained Meribeth Burley, OFAH conservation education coordinator. “They can see the officers participating, helping and doing activities that they like too.”

Activities included a scavenger hunt, lure making, police K9 demonstration and more.

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters saw Peterborough Police invite camp kids and children from Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough to a fishing day! #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ Ok I Like It - Milky Chance

“It (the children) helps build a good relationship with them (Peterborough Police),” said Const. Andrew Eason. “The activities are cool but when we can add the policing aspect, I think that’s really important.”

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Community Care Peterborough Announces 2025 Grandparent of the Year Award Winners

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has announced the winners of its 37th annual Grandparent of the Year Awards, presented at the Royal Gardens Retirement Residence on Wednesday night.

Granpa Jun Espiritu (left) and Kailyah Espiritu (middle) with Danielle Belair, CCP CEO (right). Photo courtesy of CCP.

Students in Grades 1 to 6 from the City and County were invited to submit a hand-drawn picture and a short written piece honouring a grandparent, elder or special older person in their lives. Winners and honourable mentions were selected in both English and French for two age groups: Primary (Grades 1–3) and Junior (Grades 4–6).

“This program is more than a writing contest,” said Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and public relations. “It reflects our values at Community Care Peterborough—starting with the belief that our neighbours have dignity and their lives are worth celebrating. These stories are a testament to the role that older adults play in building strong, compassionate communities.”

(From left to right) Dr. Janet Kelly, CCP Board President; Nonna Ricciuti; Zinnia Ricciuti and Nonno Ricciuti. Photo courtesy of CCP.

The 2025 Grandparent of the Year Award winners are:

Primary Category – Grades 1–3 (English)

Winner: Ezra Larmour, Grade 3, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School
Honouring: Grandpa Mark Larmour

Honourable Mention: Addy Davey, Grade 3, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School
Honouring: Memaw Kelly Epstein

Primary Category – Grades 1–3 (French)

Winner: Zinnia Ricciuti, Grade 3, Prince of Wales Public School
Honouring: Nonna & Nonno Ricciuti

Honourable Mention: Siobhan Glover, Grade 3, Prince of Wales Public School Honouring: Papa Jim Dyas Junior

Category – Grades 4–6 (English)

Winner: Kaliyah Espiritu, Grade 5, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School
Honouring: Grandpa Jun Espiritu

Honourable Mention: Charlotte Fillier, Grade 5, Norwood District Public School
Honouring: Great Aunt Penny

Junior Category – Grades 4–6 (French)

Winner: Faela Conroy, Grade 6, Kaawaate East City Public School
Honouring: Grandma Minten

Honourable Mention: Owen Anderson, Grade 6, Kaawaate East City Public School
Honouring: Grandma Laura Payne

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