Peterborough Public Health Celebrates Success of Commercial Tobacco Control on World No Tobacco Day

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is celebrating the achievements made in commercial tobacco control with a reminder of smoke free spaces on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) May 31.

stock photo.

PPH is reminding athletes and spectators that sports fields are 100 per cent vape, cannabis and smoke-free. The same is true for beaches, playgrounds and splash pads – places where children and families often gather.

In the first three months of 2023 youth vaping, and youth access to vaping and tobacco products was the biggest issue PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers responded to. Approximately 45 youth access inspections were conducted from January to March of 2023, resulting in 3 charges for sales of vape or tobacco products to youth. An additional 7 charges and 9 warnings have been issued related to youth smoking or vaping at prohibited locations.

“Given that there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke, and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them, we are encouraging people to think twice about where they smoke or vape,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) is designed to protect everyone from these products, and failure to comply with the law can result in a $305 fine.”

When the SFOA first came into force in 2006, cigarettes were the only products captured in the Act. Since then, we have seen the legalization of cannabis, and proliferation of vapour products. For those reasons, the SFOA has been updated to include these products that are smoked, lit or vaped.

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains. Nicotine affects learning, memory and concentration and some e-liquids used in vapour products contain as much nicotine as in one pack of cigarettes. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes,” said medical officer of health Dr. Piggott. “Peterborough City and County is home to magnificent parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields – visited by thousands of people every year. Ensuring these places are smoke and vape-free is a priority for PPH.”

For more information and resources, visit the website.

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.

City of Peterborough to Host Drop-In Session for New Valleymore Park Splash Pad

Residents are invited to share their input on plans for a new splash pad at Valleymore Park, located at 338 Spillsbury Dr., at a community drop-in session on May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

file photo.

Everyone is welcome to stop in to talk to the project team and provide input regarding the splash pad features they prefer.

Community drop-in session:

Monday, May 29, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre - Multi-Purpose Room B

775 Brealey Dr., Peterborough

Information about the proposed splash pad and a community survey is available on the City’s community consultation website Connect Peterborough.

Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey will be open until 11:55 p.m. on June 5.

The City has a strategic plan to enhance the City’s outdoor water play facilities through the development of new facilities and the replacement of aging facilities at various parks across the city. Splash pads are hard surface playgrounds that have water squirts, ground geysers and decorative water spray features. Splash pads are designed for children from toddler age to pre-teen. The City currently operates six splash pads throughout the City.

Community feedback will help inform the City about the needs of the neighbourhood as the design of the splashpad is considered. Future information about the project and a concept plan will be updated on the Connect Peterborough project page as the information becomes available.

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.

Peterborough Community Rallies For a Community Health Centre

Peterborough patients, providers and community leaders rally for the Ontario government to support a local proposal to build a Community Health Centre that meets the City’s needs.

stock photo.

Community members, including patients, health leaders, retired and current physicians, and concerned local residents crowded today into a community hall to hear about a proposal being put forth to bring a Community Health Centre (CHC) to Peterborough. The local-based coalition, which involves a broad range of voices, including Indigenous leaders, is highly organized, with a volunteer community board already in place, and an existing 100+ page detailed proposal to draw from during the Ontario government’s current period of “expressions of interest” to allocate new funds for inter-professional primary health care team expansions.

“I have benefited from having so many resources in one place. The staff always welcomes me. When a community is able to connect this way, it restores one's faith in health care. They have helped me tremendously in moving forward in my life,” says Michelle Carr a patient at a nearby CHC in Port Hope, credits the judgement-free health care she received there with changing her life.

Speakers noted that Peterborough is one of the only communities in Ontario without a CHC to support its health needs. They added that a CHC would help enable clinicians and other health and social services providers to work across organizations and sectors to better provide health care to people who are marginalized by homelessness, mental health issues, including the opioid poisoning crisis, among other socio-economic factors.

A CHC would be able to better coordinate existing care and services, and provide much-needed capacity through programs  such as outreach, warm handoffs with acute care, system navigation for socially and medically complex clients, and support for the community’s family physicians and nurse practitioners in the areas of trans care and shared training, programs, and administrative functions.

The vice-chair of Peterborough CHC’s Board of Directors, Dawn Lavell Harvard, spoke to the paradox that the city’s most socially and medically vulnerable are the people most likely to not have access to a primary care provider. “There are so many in our community whose only response to a mental health crisis or health challenge is the emergency department. And the poorer and less healthy you are, the more like that is to be the case. This impacts us all, in terms of wait times, poor health outcomes, and costs. A CHC in Peterborough is an investment that will be less expensive overall.”

CHCs are cited as a proven model – to meet the needs of complex patients marginalized in various ways across the health system – and also to better integrate primary health care and social services across the community. Examples of CHCs innovating to integrate services better to serve patients more seamlessly abound, from food security initiatives in Guelph, to programs to integrate services for mental health and addressing opioids in Kingston, to innovative programs to address homelessness and its impacts on health in Hamilton and Durham.

The system impacts of CHCs are considerable – more people attached to primary health care services, better health outcomes, and for every place in Ontario these days – reduced usage and burden on local emergency departments and hospital services.

“CHCs across Ontario are constantly working with their patients and communities to co-design programs and services that have a profound impact on people’s lives, which result in better health outcomes,” said Sarah Hobbs, CEO, Alliance for Healthier Communities, which represents Community Health Centres, among other comprehensive primary health care providers across Ontario. “Peterborough’s movement has been created through broad community involvement and consultation. They are ready to tailor this organization to the community’s needs and strengths, to better leverage all the existing services and resources. A CHC’s support to address marginalization and inequities through health system integration is invaluable – for patients, providers and everyone in a community like Peterborough.”

“An early-career family physician spoke to her conviction that a CHC would help recruit new doctors and nurse practitioners to offer primary care in Peterborough. “I know for a fact that there are family doctors in Peterborough who wish to serve our large population of marginalized people in need of care, but currently there is no system in which they can function sustainably.” said Dr. Jaclyn Vanek.

Dr. Vanek resides in Peterborough but often works elsewhere since she prefers to work in team-based, salaried models.

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.

The Incredible Edibles Festival is Coming to Downtown Campbellford

Let food and fun collide at the 8th annual IncrEdible Edibles Festival on July 8 in Downtown Campbellford.

photo courtesy of the incredible eats festival.

The IncrEdible Edibles Festival returns to Downtown Campbellford on Saturday the 8th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Foodies from all over Ontario will gather to celebrate the tastes of Trent Hills and our neighboring vendors, from within 100 kilometres of Campbellford.

This event is free and family-friendly, with over 35 local food vendors, a beer tent, artisan market, children’s area, community zone, speakers, food demos and live music. Celebrating Trent Hills’ strong agricultural heritage and the abundance of our thriving community, the festival aims to entertain, educate and excite!

With everything from fresh produce to street eats, artisan sweets to small batch hot sauces, comfort foods to vegetarian fare, there is something to serve every palate. Vendors will serve up food to enjoy at the festival and bring items to take home. The school nutrition program will be putting their skills Into action at a booth and even our community gardens will be offering some local delicacies.

Cool off with a beverage from your favourite local brewery! In this year’s beer tent, we will be serving all the local brews: Church-Key, Fogorig, Longtooth, Focal and Rice Lake Cider.

Entertainment will kick off with a visit from Firelights Belly Dancing Troupe at 11 a.m. Thew main stage will host opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. then an afternoon of speakers and food demos. Starting at 4 p.m., a great line up of live local music will bring us into the evening: Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle, The Lindsay Barr Band and The Melissa Payne Band.

The Children’s Area will feature The Grain Discovery Zone from Grain Farmers of Ontario, Maple the Milking Cow from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Storytimes with the Library, crafts and straw bale building among other activities. The Flourishing Communities Zone is an interactive space where visitors can meet and talk with people working on local food and sustainability initiates.

To learn more about Incredible Trent Hills and the Incredible Edibles Festival, visit the website.

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.

Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; May 26 - 28

photo courtesy of the Peterborough New Horizons Bands

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from May 26 to 28!

Meet the author!

Trent Valley Archives will be hosting ‘Author! Author!’ a Meet the Author event at The Mount Community Centre May 27 with featured authors Rosemary McConkey, Bob Reid and Elwood Jones.

The free event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will also feature the music of Allan Kirby and his Backwoodsmen sharing some of the tunes from their recent CD, ‘Cross Cut.’ This features many classic folk songs from the area, some of which were referenced in Dr. Alan Kirby’s ‘Fowke Songs’.

There will be refreshments and discussion, as well as a chance to buy the books and to have them autographed.

More information is available on TVA’s website or by calling 705-745-4404.

When: May 27, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)

Opening of the Legacy Space - Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack fund

The Peterborough Public Library will be celebrating the opening of the Legacy Space on May 27 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

You can follow along as they build the space, plan the launch, and develop programs and collections to support their commitment to ReconciliACTION on the the Legacy Space webpage and on social media channels.

Legacy Spaces are safe, welcoming places where conversations and education about Indigenous history – and our collective journey towards reconciliation – are encouraged and supported. They also serve as symbols and reminders of the important work each of us needs to undertake in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

When: May 27, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library (345 Alymer St. N, Peterborough)

Crescendo: Kawartha Youth Orchestra

Kawartha Youth Orchestra presents Crescendo: A Concert to Conclude the season featuring the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Youth Orchestras.

When: May 28, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: All Saints Anglican Church (235 Rubidge St., Peterborough)

Tickets: $20 at the door, children 5 and under free (cash and credit cards accepted)

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC VS Woodbridge Strikers

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Woodbridge Strikers for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: May 27, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.

When: May 27, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Feast on the Farm at Lang Pioneer Village

Feast On the Farm is a unique event series that brings together chefs, purveyors and food lovers!

Indulge in creations by some of the best chefs in Ontario serving up incredible food inspired by the innovation, hard work, and creativity of local farmers. This intimate event allows foodies from across Ontario the opportunity to indulge in culinary creations by some of the best chefs in the province.

Featured Chefs include: Chef Brad Watt, Chef Tyler Scott, and Chef Lisa Dixon

Every ticket includes a selection of dishes curated by participating chefs, a variety of beverages from local purveyors, a behind-the-scenes experience, and a $25 Feast On Gift Voucher that can be redeemed at participating Feast On restaurants.

When: May 28, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Where: Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene)

Tickets: $125 (plus taxes and fees)

Concert for Cool Cats and Dogs

Come to the Peterborough New Horizons Bands "Concert For Cool Cats and Dogs" on May 26 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Church in Peterborough. 

Proceeds shared with the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society. For more information go to nhbpeterborough.com or email pnhb.music@gmail.com

When: May 26, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Where: Calvary Church (1421 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough)

Tickets: Tickets sold at the door for $15, children under 10 free.

Live Harness Racing

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.

When: May 27, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)

Knights of Columbus 45th Annual Police Appreciation Night Recognizes Heroic Citizens and Officers

The Peterborough Police Service and the Knights of Columbus Ernest J. Wolff Council 798 gathered Wednesday to present awards to citizens and officers who displayed acts of courage and commitment to the community.

photo courtesy of peterborough police service, facebook.

This year’s commendations were presented to citizens and officers for their assistance over the past three years.

Citizen Commendations:

• Rob Reynolds

• Matt Cooper

• Hunter Hoey

• Justin Schaude

• Molly Touzel

• Kaylynn Delong

• Nikki Casey

• Jeff Lustig

• Chris Formosa

• Amy Gosland

• Britney Graham

• Michelle Scheeters

• Kelly Lahay

• Leslie Cangas

• Francis Joseph Edwards

• Jake Hartjes

• Mariah Hartjes

• Madison Sargent

• Natalie Jennings

• Kelli McNamara

• Tim McNamara

• Star Hodge

• Nichole Bartley

• Timur Abdrakhmanov

Carol Winter Humanitarian Award – awarded to a member of the Police Service who has contributed to the needs of the vulnerable in our community.

• Staff Sergeant Daniel MacLean

Robert Lewis Bursary Award – awarded to the graduating constable with the highest achievement at Ontario Police College.

• Constable Lily Gamble (Class of 2019)

• Constable Brandon Bigelow (Class of 2019)

• Constable David Wickham (Class of 2020)

• Constable Kristopher DiClemente (Class of 2021)

• Constable Suzanne Szafran (Class of 2022)

Service Pins for Civilian Members:

• Mary Lee – 30 years

• Jennifer Tippin – 20 years

Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Awards:

• Sergeant John Townsend / Constable James McIntyre

• Constable Robert Cowie & K9 Isaac

• Detective Constable Brian Urquhart / Detective Constable Mark MacDonell (former)

• Sergeant Kirk Kelly

To read about the actions of these heroic community members, visit the link.

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.

Community Care Peterborough Moves Ahead with Meals To Go Cross Promotion

Off the heels of the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, Community Care Peterborough is sold out of its Meals to Go lunches for the May 17 delivery in Peterborough but is still accepting orders for its delivery of this year’s Greek inspired menu on May 31.

photo courtesy of community care peterborough.

This year’s Meals to Go menu is inspired by Councillor Don Vassiliadis and Dean Pappas to stop in to the Community Care Peterborough (CCP) office to offer their support for this important fundraiser.

$10 per person lunches delivered by Community Care’s Meals on Wheels volunteers to local businesses in Peterborough and Lakefield include:

A Greek salad made with romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, black olives, feta cheese and homemade Greek dressing; and

• A chicken tzatziki pita, made with diced chicken on a fresh pita with lettuce, cucumber, grape tomatoes, red onion, black olives, feta cheese and creamy tzatziki sauce; and

• Fresh fruit cup medley of cantaloupe, blueberries and grapes

There are vegetarian, gluten free and lactose free menu options also available upon request.   

On June 11 at noon to 7 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (406 Parkhill Road East), the Greek Festival of music, dancers and food will return after its Covid hiatus.

“Each delivery will receive a copy of the upcoming Greek Festival event poster,” said Alicia Vandine, donor relations and communications lead.  “It’s a great cross promotion to celebrate this year’s Greek inspired Meals to Go menu.  We are happy to help spread the word and encourage residents to attend this wonderful community based, cultural event on June 11th too.”

Get A Meal, Give A Meal during Meals to Go fundraiser Summary

• Orders open to local businesses

• Peterborough Delivery Dates: May 17 (Sold Out) and May 31

• Lakefield Delivery Date: May 31

• Delivered Meals to Go are $10 per meal and donations are appreciated and support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels subsidy program

They issue a special thank to Crosswind Farm in Keene for donating feta cheese and Outpost Packing Products Ltd. and Sysco for donating transportable food containers to help Community Care Peterborough keep costs down for this fundraiser. Businesses can order online.

Downloadable paper order forms are available there too or by calling the Peterborough office at (705) 742-7067 or the Lakefield office (705) 652-8655.

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.

Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; May 19 - 21

Here are ten things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from May 19 - 21!

Peterborough Petes Game Five Watch Party at Quaker Foods City Square

As the Peterborough Petes travel to London for Game Five of the OHL Championship, the city is throwing a watch party to see if the team can bring home the hardware.

A 16-foot mega screen is live streaming the game. Face painting and a small vendors market with grab-and-go snacks such as popcorn, candy, mini pies and tacos) are amenities that are provided during the watch party.

Bring your own chairs and dress for the weather. Make sure you’re wearing your Petes gear to show that team spirit!

When: May 19, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (rain or shine)

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

Tickets: Free

OHL Championship Peterborough Petes vs. London Knights (Game Six)

We are hoping it will not have to come to this since the Peterborough Petes are up 3-1 in the OHL Championship series but if necessary, the team is trying to capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup against the London Knights at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Six.

When: May 21

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: TBA

Opening Day & Classic Car Show at Kawartha Downs

Welcome back to Kawartha Downs for our Opening Day of the 2023 season!

The Lions Club's second annual Classic Car Show will return to celebrate the beginning of another exciting race and event season! Enjoy kids activities and multiple live bands throughout the afternoon!

Harness racing post time is 7 p.m. and our grandstand dining room is the perfect place to enjoy dinner AND a show!

MASSIVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY TO CELEBRATE THE START OF OUR EXCITING EVENTS AND HARNESS RACING SEASON!

When: May 10, 7 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Opening Day Live Music at Kawartha Downs

Come see The Gunslingers from noon - 3:30 p.m. and Buck Twenty 4:15-6 p.m.!

When: May 20, noon - 6 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Harness Racing Live at Kawartha Downs

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one-mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage, etc.

Location: Kawartha Downs

When: May 20, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Hutchison House: Silent Auction Fundraiser

As part of the celebrations surrounding May is Museum Month, Hutchison House Museum will be hosting a Silent Auction with a variety of donated items to raise money for a new Sir Sandford Fleming Exhibit to replace the Sandford Fleming Room. The new redesign will help with traffic flow in the museum and allow us to tell a large story for Fleming, exploring different themes and allowing us to display more permanently some of the great original Fleming artefacts that can be found in the collection.

Auction items range from Original Framed Artwork, signed or rare books, Venetian glass, memorabilia and more! Auction items will be on display in the Harvey Connal Room of the museum and online on our website and Social Media channels from May 1-19.

Bids can be made by emailing or calling the museum office.  Winners will be able to pick up their purchases between May 23 and 26. Thank you so much to everyone for your support with this project. For more information please contact the museum office at 705-743-9710.

When: May 19, 9 a.m.

Where: 270 Brock St.

Tickets: Free

Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: May 20, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.

The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.

As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: May 20, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

Washboard Hank at the Black Horse Pub

Peterborough’s Washboard Hank is back on The Black Horse stage!

When: May 21, 4 p.m.

Where: Black Horse Pub

Tickets: Free

Melissa Lauren at the Red Dog Tavern

Toronto-based songwriter Melissa Lauren is that rarest of performers one as comfortable in jazz as in pop as well as the space where the two genres converge.

Whether covering a classic or elevating an original Lauren never fails to locate a song’s emotional core. The night will feature songs from her latest album with dynamic interplay between Eric St-Laurent on guitar and the audience.

When: May 21 7 p.m

Where: The PRd Dog Tavern

Tickets: $15

Quaker Foods City Square To Host Petes Community Watch Party For Game Five of OHL Championship

Peterborough Petes fans can cheer loud at a free outdoor Community Watch Party at the Quaker Foods City Square for Game Five of the OHL Championship on Friday.

The City of Peterborough is providing financial support to the DBIA to host the community watch party. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The event runs rain or shine from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support the Petes as they take on the London Knights on the road. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and is being nationally televised.

The Charlotte Street square will have a 16-foot mega screen that is live streaming the game. Face painting and a small vendors market with grab-and-go snacks such as popcorn, candy, mini pies and tacos) are amenities that are provided during the watch party.

“As the DBIA (Downtown Business Improvement Area) looks for fun and unique ways to animate the new Quaker Foods City Square in the downtown, we are excited to explore what public screening events can look like,” said Terry Guiel, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "Thanks to our wonderful partnership with the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Petes, we are able to bring our community together as we collectively celebrate this special moment in Peterborough sports history.”

Fans are asked to bring their own chairs and dress for the weather. All attendees are encouraged to wear their Petes apparel while cheering for the team.

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas have been showing their maroon and white pride as the Petes make another historic playoff run and our organization is very excited that Quaker Foods City Square will be a home for the many passionate community members that want to gather to cheer on their Petes," said Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations.

Quaker Foods City Square is planning to host another community watch party on Monday for Game Seven if necessary. It will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. with puck drops at 7 p.m.

“Let’s cheer on our hometown Peterborough Petes in the OHL Championship series,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell “They’ve already given their fans and our community an incredible run in the playoffs and there’s more edge-of-your-seat excitement to come in these finals.”

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.

The Peterborough Marina Opens for the Season May 19

Peterborough Marina opens on Friday, May 19 ahead of the Victoria Day weekend to coincide with the opening of the boating season on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Peterborough Marina is situated on Little Lake along the Otonabee River, between Lock 19 and Lock 20 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. It offers daily, weekly and seasonal mooring with 100 boat slips. 

Information on the Marina operations, including hours of operation, details on services and rates, as well as an online request form to book a mooring, is available online or by calling the Marina at 705-742-0050.  

The Marina typically opens on the Friday before the Victoria Day weekend and closes for the season on Thanksgiving Day each year. Hours of operation will align with the lockage hours of the Trent Severn Waterway as follows: 

May 19 to June 18 

• Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• Friday to Sunday and Victoria Day: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

June 19 to September 4 

• Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

• Friday to Sunday and Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

September 5 to October 9 

• Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• Saturday to Sunday and Thanksgiving: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For information on the Trent-Severn Waterway, including lockage hours along the 386-kilometre route between Port Severn on Georgian Bay and Trenton on the Bay of Quinte visit the website.

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 in the coming weeks.  

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.