George Street Getting Commemorative Crosswalk Installed This Fall to Honour Canadian Veterans

A commemorative crosswalk to honour Canadian veterans will be installed at the intersection of George and McDonnel streets this fall. 

Google Maps Screenshot.

“The installation of this commemorative crosswalk is a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It reflects the pride Peterborough has in its veterans and the importance of keeping their legacy alive. This project is a wonderful collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion, and I look forward to residents and visitors alike pausing to reflect as they pass through this meaningful space.”

The crosswalk was designed in collaboration with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 Peterborough. It will feature red and white stripes, the silhouette of a soldier, and the words ‘Lest We Forget.’

“This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II, making this a very special tribute to all the men and women from Peterborough City and County who gave the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan and the numerous Peacekeeping Operations around the world in order for us to live free in this great country we call Canada,” said Robert Lloyd, President Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 Peterborough. 

The crosswalk will be installed while asphalt work at the intersection of George and McDonnel streets is underway. 

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.

Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc. Founder Passes Away At 93

Alf Curtis, founder of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc., has passed away at the age of 93, as announced on his business’s social media on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday.

Visitation is at the Ashburnham Funeral Home at the following times:

• Thursday: 2 to 4 p.m. & 6 to 8 p.m.

• Friday: 10 to 11 a.m. (one hour prior to service)

The funeral service will take place this Friday at 11 a.m., followed by a reception and interment at Rosemount Memorial Gardens.

At the family’s request, guests are encouraged to dress casually.

All three of our store locations are closed on Friday in honour of Curtis and to allow their staff to attend the funeral service.

The family has requested that any donations be made to the Fairhaven Long Term Care Foundation or the Alzheimer Society.

In 1975, Alf Curtis founded the business, initially employing two people: himself and his wife, June Curtis. During the first year of operations, it expanded to include two new employees, including Alf's son, Larry Curtis.

The business initially began as a supply and installation company of aluminum products, including sidings, soffits, eavestroughs, storm doors, storm windows, awnings, and railings. Alf already had years of experience in installing these products before forming his own company.

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.

Riley's Pub Owner and Operator Passes Away From Battle With Cancer

Jim Kakouros, Riley’s Pub owner and primary operator, has passed away after battling cancer, as announced on a Facebook post on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of Riley’s Pub.

According to the post, Kakouros battled cancer for two years before his passing. Details regarding his funeral are to detailed at a later time according to the business.

Kakouros lived to be 54 years old.

It is asked that his family be given some distance at this time as they deal with the loss.

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.

Peterborough Police Service Launch Interactive Community Safety Map

To share more information on community safety and security, the Peterborough Police Service has launched a new interactive community safety map, which went live on Tuesday.

Screenshot, Youtube.

Available online, it is designed to improve community awareness of police activity and engage citizens in crime prevention strategies as a partnership method to build safer communities accroding to Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.

“The Community Safety Map is a way the Peterborough Police Service can further engage with our communities,” he explained. “It is about information sharing and providing certain data that is relevant to understanding the picture of safety that exists in our communities. In our current Strategic Plan we have committed to developing new proactive policing initiatives and messaging around public safety and crime prevention – this is one of those initiatives. We hope residents and visitors will find the information useful.”

The Community Safety Map shows the following types of calls for service:

• Assault 

• Break & Enter - Business/Residence

• Drug Offences

• Fraud

• Impaired/Over 80

• Mischief

• Robbery

• Shoplifting

• Stolen Vehicle

• Theft

• Weapons

The incidents are not plotted to exact addresses but to larger intersections. The Peterborough Police cautions against using this call-for-service data to conclude the safety or crime levels for an area. The data is a snapshot in time and is subject to change. The map includes 365 days of data from the day a person views it.

If anyone has information about an incident, they can connect to the online reporting portal and Crime Stoppers through links on the map.

On the website, available is information on how to use the Community Safety Map, privacy information, and information about the types of crimes that are on the map.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.