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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City of Peterborough Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day On Aug. 31

The City of Peterborough joins communities across the world in remembering the thousands of lives lost to drug overdose on International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place on Aug. 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, reduce stigma and remember the friends, family, and community members we’ve lost,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The overdose crisis doesn’t just shatter families; it fractures our entire community.”

Moms Stop the Harm and Peterborough Aids Resource Network will hold a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at City Hall. A purple flag will be raised in memory of those lost to drug poisoning and in recognition of the grief carried by their loved ones.

A Community Memorial and Awareness Event will be held at Confederation Square, across the street from City Hall, on Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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City of Peterborough Celebrates Opening Of Millennium Time Capsule

Community members gathered at Millennium Park Fountain on Wednesday morning to commemorate the opening of the Millennium Time Capsule, sealed 25 years ago on Aug. 6, 2000.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The event marked both the 25th anniversary of the time capsule and the City of Peterborough’s 175th anniversary since its incorporation as the Town of Peterborough. 

“When we open a time capsule, we’re doing more than unveiling artifacts, we’re remembering who we were, and asking who we want to become,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We reflect on all the ways Peterborough has changed, through resilience, innovation, and the growing diversity that strengthens our community.”

Contents of the original time capsule were unveiled and will become part of an exhibit at the Peterborough Public Library, which opens Aug. 22..  

The event also marked the official dedication of a new 175th Anniversary Time Capsule, created in partnership with the New Canadians Centre, the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and the City of Peterborough. The latest capsule reflects the diversity, culture, and community spirit of Peterborough today and will remain sealed until 2050. 

The celebration opened with a land acknowledgement and a performance by Naandewegaan - Healing with Drums. Other speakers included:  

• Ken Armstrong, Chair of the original Celebration 2000 Committee 

• Janine Simard-Rose, original project coordinator of the Millennium Time Capsule 

• Adam Hopkins, President of the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre 

• Marisa Kaczmarczyk, Interim Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre 

• Sam Banton, local poet and spoken word artist, who performed a poem titled "Trains on a Traintrack,” commissioned for the event to reflect on Peterborough’s past, present, and imagined future. Her piece is sealed within the new 175th Anniversary Time Capsule.

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United Way Peterborough & District Unveils 2025 Community Campaign Cabinet

The United Way Peterborough & District has announced the members of its 2025 Community Campaign Cabinet on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the United Way/

On May 21, United Way named journalist Paul Rellinger as its 2025 Campaign Chair.

The Cabinet had its first meeting of the campaign season this week. Rellinger says the gathering set the tone for a year of meaningful engagement, collaboration and impact.

“I wish there was a way that all Peterborough city and county residents could have been at the first Cabinet meeting to see, hear and feel the energy and spark I saw, heard and felt,” he explained. “A fierce commitment to building stronger and more equitable communities, where no one is left behind and all are provided the opportunity to thrive, was evident from the get-go. It reminded me that whatever we accomplish, be it with this campaign or with any like endeavour, success is inevitably rooted in the character, compassion and commitment of those driving things forward. We are indeed in the best of hands, fueling my unbridled optimism for a very good campaign result.”

The following are this year’s cabinet members:

• Darcy Bonner, Community Ambassador

• Dr. Michael Eamon, Trent University

• Ann Farquharson, Farquharson Law

• Coby Fewings, Scotiabank

• Dr. Bruce Gibson, Community Ambassador

• Marg Glenn, Glenn Isle Farms

• Sheridan Graham, County of PTBO

• Greg Kidd, KPRDSB

• Richard Lambert, BMO

• Evan Lyons, PRHC

• Laken MacFarlane, City of PTBO

• Vipesh Patel, Community Ambassador

• Dr. Thomas Piggot, HKNP Health Unit

• Amanda Pinder, RBC

• Dr. Stephan Ragaz, Community Ambassador

• Paul Rellinger, 2025 Campaign Chair

• Balkaran Singh Sathi, Sathi Law

• Jeannine Taylor, KawarthaNOW

• Sebastien Tinor-Roy, TD Bank

• Staff Sargeant John Townsend, PTBO Police

• Shirley Turner, EXIT Realty Liftlock

• Danielle Turpin, Community Ambassador

“The people around the table are difference-makers,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “They bring vision, compassion and energy to this campaign and we’re incredibly grateful for their leadership.”

The Cabinet will reconvene in September to continue planning for this year’s Campaign Launch, scheduled for the Healthy Planet Arena on Sept. 25.

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Ennismore Community Centre Receives Over $930,000 In Funding For Resurfacing From Ontario Government

The Ontario government is investing $931,750 to replace the floor at the Ennismore Community Centre, announced on Friday morning.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). The initiative helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP

“This investment in the Ennismore Community Centre is absolutely fantastic news for families in Selwyn Township,” he said. “It's more than just replacing a 54-year-old ice surface; it's about securing the future of a vital community hub. This funding ensures that local sports teams, recreational skaters, and community groups will continue to have a modern, safe, and accessible facility for decades to come. Our government is proud to make these kinds of direct investments that strengthen our communities and support active, healthy living right here at home.”

The project will include replacing the 54-year-old, 180-foot by 80-foot concrete slab floor, refrigeration piping and ice rink chiller. The arena has hosted sporting groups, youth leagues, recreational skaters and community organizations since its construction.

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Local Community Builder's Podcast Hits 200th Episode Milestone

Local community builder Ken John Jones and his podcast, “Jonesy’s Corner Podcast” is celebrating a major milestone, filming and releasing his 200th episode.

Ken John Jones (left) with Pete Dalliday (right). Dalliday hosted Jones’s 100th milestone episode in the PTBOCanada studio on July 14, 2023. Photo by Martin House.

His video podcast features inspirational stories from guests from Peterborough and the surrounding area, raising awareness and highlighting their respective communities.

The 200th episode features Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement, as the host, reflecting back on the podcast’s origins and highlights throughout its 200 episodes with Jones.

He started the podcast in the spring of 2022 with his first episode on April 25 of the same year. It is a way to help share community stories as the world was still reeling from the effects of COVID-19.

“The streets were quiet and people felt isolated from not seeing each other as often as they did once before,” explained Jones. “Thanks to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough, this was finding a way to stay connected virtually by using Zoom.”

His podcast has featured athletes, politicians, artists/musicians, organization executives and more. Guests who have appeared on his podcast include Taite Cattoni, Peterborough Lakers forward; Michelle Ferreri, former Peterborough-Kawartha MP; Mike Judson, former CHEX/Global News meteorologist; Katrina Squazzin, Sportsnet host and Irish Millie, musician (to name a few).

“She is known as a fiddle sensation who has played since a young age,” said Jones. “(She) has many connections to help bring out the best in others who’s new to the music scene. As the saying goes, you don’t need to be blood to be family and music is a powerful medicine that people use every day.”

Jones was born with developmental issues and has been through the Five Counties Children’s Centre and Toronto Sick Kids Hospital system. He does not let his condition hold him back from doing what he loves.

“The fun part of doing this podcast is a great way to learn skills in conversation,” said Jones. “(It) provides a safe space for people to share their story in an open, non-judgmental manner. If it weren’t for this podcast, I wouldn’t have been available to meet the individuals I have talked with and met.”

Jones’s podcasts can be found on his personal Facebook page or official Instagram handle.

Jones was presented with a Community Builder Certificate of Recognition by Ferreri in March 2022.

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United Way's Day of Caring Helped Community Projects Throughout the City

Volunteer teams set out ot help the community’s non-profit organization projects as part of the United Way Peterborough and District Day of Caring on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The annual event sees volunteers from several organizations support local organizations by painting, landscaping, cleaning, organizing and other projects that enhance capacity and uplift vital community spaces according to Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“This day is all about action and collaboration,” he said. “It’s incredible to see so many businesses and individuals come together to make a tangible difference for local non-profits — it’s community spirit in its purest form.”

This year, around 40 volunteers from Scotiabank, BMO, RBC, CIBC, the Peterborough and District Labour Council and Jani-King of Eastern Ontario aided six community projects, including:

• One City Peterborough Yard work and cleanup projects at separate sites, including 360 Reid St., to help maintain safe and welcoming community spaces

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families Interior painting at the main shelter and the Carriage House Drop-in Centre at 196 Brock St., to brighten spaces for youth and families

• Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough Beautification of the Bridge Site at 210 Wolfe St., including planting, outdoor furniture painting, sweeping, raking, litter collection, and the creation of a plywood gratitude wall

• Peterborough City Councillor Kevin Duguay Garden Box Project Construction of garden boxes at 560 Romaine St., with all proceeds from their sale going to United Way Peterborough

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First Peoples House of Learning Grateful For Community Donations To Aid Sandy Lake First Nations Evacuees

The community showed up for the Sandy Lake First Nation as Trent University’s First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) is at capacity for accepting donations to help the evacuees.

Dr. Dawn Harvard, Trent University Director of First Peoples House of Learning, helps volunteers go through community donations at the Benedict Gathering Place (Ska'nikón:ra) to help refuged Sandy Lake First Nation residents. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since Saturday, Sandy Lake First Nations residents have had to evacuate due to out-of-control wildfires spanning roughly six kilometres.

FPHL was supporting 300 evacuees and had collected community donations at the Benedict Gathering Place (Ska'nikón:ra in Mohawk, meaning ‘gathering our minds together’) that included clothing, food, towels, reusable water bottles, baby items and more.

“We’re grateful so many people has donated so many things. We really appreciate it,” said Dr. Dawn Harvard, director of the Trent University FPHL. “As of now, we’re good but if we need more things, we’ll reach out.”

A call was issued for donations on Wednesday but a day later, the Gathering Place placed a hold on donations due to overwhelming community outreach.

Despite putting a hold on donations, Harvard says FPLH are open to donation suggestions but is grateful for the quick response from Peterborough.

“I’m truly touched by the number of people at the very last minute to round up so many beautiful things,” said Harvard. “People have obviously have given from their hearts so we appreciate the community is all about and this is what Peterborough is all about.”

In addition to Trent, the City of Peterborough served as a host community. Emergency Management Ontario confirmed that approximately 200 evacuees arrived on Tuesday evening, with additional evacuees in the coming days. 

“When Peterborough was asked if it would be a host community for evacuees from areas that are threatened by the wildfires that are raging, there was no hesitation in opening the doors to our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Our community is quickly mobilizing to support those in need who are being forced to leave their homes because of the wildfires. Thank you to the numerous community agencies that are showing compassion and commitment to the well-being of the evacuees.”

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Class of 2025 Inductees Released For Pathway of Fame

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced its class of 2025 Inductees to be honoured at Showplace Performance Centre on Sept. 9.

The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park, in 1998. Photo courtesy of the Pathway of Fame.

The following are this year’s inductees:

• Jerry Allen (Dramatic Arts)

• Roy Craft (Entertainment)

• Ted Dawes (Samaritan)

• Susan Dunkley (Community Builder)

• Juile Fallis (Dramatic Arts)

• Dr. Garry Humphreys (Community Builder, Posthumous Induction)

• Peggy Shaughnessy (Samaritan)

• Bob Trennum (Entertainment)

The Heritage Trio is performing prior to the induction ceremony. The event is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

Inductees were chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by a newly appointed citizens’ committee tasked with reviewing nominations, followed by recommendations.

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Community Care Peterborough Receives Ice Storm Hero Award

Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) Norwood Office has received an Ice Storm Hero Award from MPP David Piccini, which recognizes their response during the March 29-30 ice storm throughout the region, presented at a public ceremony in Norwood on May 30.

Photo courtesy of CCP.

The Ice Storm Hero Award is given ‘for exhibiting exceptional community spirit in a time of crisis.’

The storm caused widespread power outages, property damage and road closures throughout Peterborough County. CCP says they quickly mobilized staff and volunteers to conduct wellness checks, support clients, and ensure residents had access to shelter, warmth, and essential services. In Norwood, local volunteers stepped up to care for neighbours and ensure no one was left behind.

“During the ice storm, your team went the extra mile to brave the elements and provide integral wellness checks on seniors across the community,” said David Piccini, Northumberland—Peterborough South MPP. These efforts to ensure that no senior felt left behind during a time of extreme isolation deserve endless recognition.”

Piccini added in an accompanying letter the following statement, “Your commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our community did not go unnoticed… In times of adversity, we are reminded that ‘community’ is more than just a place—it is the spirit and the actions of its people.”

Rosemary Davidson, Program Assistant for the Norwood office, accepted the award on behalf of CCP.

“It was very humbling to be included in such a group of honorees,” she said. “Our volunteers are amazing and their instinct to always help wherever needed most is inspiring.”

“I’m so happy to see our volunteers recognized for putting others before themselves, something they do every day without a second thought,” said Tammy Ross, Community Development Coordinator for both Norwood and Havelock.

“Our team is passionate about caring for our neighbours. It was inspiring to see our community rally together,” Catherine Pink, Director of Operations for CCP. “So many people did so much good for one another. We are humbled and grateful to receive this honour from Mr. Piccini for the part we played.”

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