City of Peterborough Invites Residents To Share Their Opinions On the Jackson Park Management Plan

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The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to provide feedback on the development of a Park Management Plan for Jackson Park by attending a community design charrette and completing a survey. 

file photo.

The community design charrette will be held on Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St. The project consultant team will introduce the purpose of the Park Management Plan and City staff will be present to answer questions. Attendees will be able to provide comments and share feedback on a set of focus questions to help shape the development of the Plan. 

“This charrette is a chance for residents to share their ideas and help shape the future of a park that is valued by the whole community,” said Councillors Kevin Duguay and Joy Lachica, Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management Co-chairs, in a joint statement. “We want Jackson Park to remain a safe, welcoming, and ecologically healthy space for everyone. A grounded and action-oriented plan, developed with community input, will help lead the park’s long-term protection, maintenance and stewardship.” 

The comprehensive Park Management Plan will guide how Jackson Park is cared for over the next 10 to 20 years. The plan will protect the park’s integrity while accommodating future needs. It will include priorities, policy guidance, design standards and a monitoring framework to support sustained stewardship, while considering long-term planning factors identified in City studies, such as the Transportation Master Plan. 

An Indigenous engagement process will be conducted with Williams Treaties First Nations and the urban Indigenous community. A Working Group made up of City staff, Otonabee Conservation and local civic and community groups will provide strategic guidance at key times throughout the project.  

“Jackson Park is a vital cultural and ecological asset in Peterborough and a cherished urban green space,” said the City of Peterborough in a press release. “Located on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations and covered under the Williams Treaties, the park plays an important role in supporting environmental health and community well-being.”

The City encourages residents to attend the community design charrette and share ideas for the park’s future. Community members can also provide input through the online survey and interactive project map on Connect Peterborough. The survey closes Feb. 20. Hard copies are available at Service Peterborough in City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

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Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark Elected As Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Chair

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Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark will serve as the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) Chair, announced Friday at its Annual General Meeting.

photo courtesy of the eowc.

The Annual General Meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made throughout eastern Ontario and to look ahead with renewed focus. Bringing together federal, provincial and municipal leaders, the meeting highlighted shared commitment to strengthening the economic vitality, municipal infrastructure, rural health care and overall quality of life for businesses and people in eastern Ontario.

Along with Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County as Chair (acclaimed), the EOWC also announced Nathan Townend, Warden of Lennox and Addington County as Vice-Chair for 2026.

“I am honoured to continue to serve as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus,” said Clark. “Over the past year, we made meaningful progress, and I look forward to building on that momentum in 2026. By working together with our municipal, provincial and federal partners, we will keep advocating for priorities that matter most to eastern Ontario's rural and small-urban communities.”

EOWC represents the region’s 103 municipalities. Over the past year, the EOWC has continued to advance its strategic priorities, including economic resilience, municipal infrastructure, housing and health care.

In 2026, “the EOWC remains ready to work, and ready to grow with our partners to further these priorities,” the EOWC said in a press release. “Together, we are building a region that is prosperous, connected and prepared for the future.”

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Felicia Massey


PVNC Catholic School Board Raises Over $50,000 During Annual Board Wide United Way Campaign

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The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $50,768.13 as part of its annual 2025 United Way campaign.

file photo.

The campaign brought together staff and students from across PVNC Catholic through payroll donations and an array of school-based fundraising initiatives. From pumpkin carving contests and soup sales to dress-down and pajama days, spirit weeks and more, school communities shared in the commitment to helping others.

“This campaign is something PVNC Catholic can be incredibly proud of,” said Mark Giunta, Communications Manager and PVNC Catholic United Way campaign co-chair. “Our staff and students see the needs in their communities every day, and they respond with compassion, energy, and generosity. Raising more than $50,000 is a powerful reflection of what we can achieve when we come together.”

Funds raised through the campaign will support United Way Peterborough and District, Northumberland United Way, United Way Durham Region, and United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes as they provide programs and services that help communities, individuals and families thrive.

“The success of this year’s United Way campaign is a wonderful example of faith in action,” said Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities consistently answer the call to care for others. I am deeply grateful to our staff and students whose generosity and joyful spirit continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.”

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Peterborough Community Mourns the Loss of Local Sports Enthusiast and Former City Councillor Paul Wilson

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Trent University’s founding athletics director Paul S.B. Wilson has passed away Sunday at the age of 86.

Pete Dalliday and Paul wilson for a hometown ptbo segment in 2023. file photo.

Wilson, who held the position with Trent for 36 years, was also granted honorary alumnus status with the University in 1996.

His local efforts were further recognized in 2001 when he was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame.

After his retirement in 2002, Wilson received the Symons Award for Teaching Excellence and the Eminent Service Award, being recognized as the longest serving athletics director at a Canadian university.

"From the earliest days of Trent, he imagined what athletics and recreation could mean for students and spent decades turning that vision into reality,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University in a press release. “He established programs and facilities that shaped the student experience and brought people together through sport, recreation and enjoyment.”

A dedicated community builder, Wilson also served Peterborough as Town Ward councillor from 1985 to 1997.

“Paul had an important and impactful influence on the City of Peterborough. As a multi-sport athlete, Paul reached his personal potential in rugby and squash,” said Mayor Jeff Leal in a press release. “Paul was an independent thinker who inspired great conversations. He profoundly cared about our community as he served as an Alderman and later as an interviewer on Your TV.” 

In an interview with PTBOCanada in 2023, Wilson reflected on his local politics career and passion for squash.

“I was lucky enough that during the war in England, my mother and I were evacuated to a school that had a squash court,” he said. “That’s where it started.”

Wilson is survived by his wife Gillian, whose passion for the performing arts sparked her involvement with the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

“She’s been hugely involved during our time in Peterborough,” Wilson reflected. “In fact, she told me the other day that she’s been involved in 250 productions. I said ‘What, and counting?!’”

Wilson’s legacy lives on through his involvement in local athletics development and time on City council.

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PTBOCanada's Top 10 Stories of 2025

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It is hard to believe that it has been nearly five years since PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy acquired the business from Neil Morton in 2021. Since then, we have been your source for local news in Peterborough and the Kawarthas and a Digital Marketing Agency.

We could not exist without the Peterborough and surrounding communities and we want to thank everyone for their support as we enter 2026.

Art By Jason Wilkins.

Here are the top stories viewed by the PTBOCanada community, in chronological order.

Dr. Tehmina Chattha Is one of eight doctors at the Peterborough Family Health Team’s new expanded clinic at 185 King St. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Those without a family doctor have a new facility for healthcare as the Peterborough Family Health Team expanded its services with a new clinic that exclusively accepts ‘unattached’ patients at 555 George St. N. in March.

The new clinic space will contain additional exam rooms, allowing it to expand appointments for Peterborough city and county residents who do not have a family doctor in Ontario. Those who do have one are not eligible for care at the clinic.

The clinic has eight doctors, four nurses and a nurse practitioner, who can see approximately 50-60 patients daily.

Mitch Lowes, owner of Flame Spitters Hot Sauce and co-owner of The Back40 Smoke House has his hot sauce available in over 160 locations. His brand has also won seven first-place awards. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The flavour of slow-cooked meats hit Downtown Peterborough, as restaurant The Back40 Smoke House opened its doors to the public on May 1.

The restaurant features traditional smokehouse cuisine including pulled pork, brisket, ribs and more. The restaurant is an extension of the Mousseaus as they own the restaurant ‘The Back40 Smoke Box’ in Fenelon Falls and Whitby and have a catering business of the same affiliation.

D.J. Rheams with top-prize fish Walter. The catch is a four-pound rainbow trout. Walter had originally jumped over a netting barricade and was caught downriver by unregistered participants. They got to keep the fish but a '“New” Walter was thrown into the canal on Saturday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough’s D.J. Rheams walked away with $1,000 after catching top-prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters 36th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby.

The 34-year-old caught the four-pound rainbow trout just before 3 p.m. Rheams originally was not planning to attend the Derby until his sister convinced him to participate. The Lindsay-born angler had fished on Monday without catching anything. He almost gave up before he discovered that he hooked and eventually caught Walter.

File Photo.

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s miniature train closed earlier than usual, shutting down on Aug. 4 to accommodate rehabilitation work on the Water Street Pumphouse and Dam. 

The Dam underwent construction to address concrete deterioration and improve its infrastructure, enhancing long-term functionality.

The Miniature Train Ride crosses the dam as part of its route around the Zoo area. The train cannot safely cross the dam while it is under construction.  

Screenshot.

The Peterborough Police Service has arrested a teen in connection with an incident at the Lansdowne Place Mall parking lot that surfaced from a series of viral videos in early August.

Police say that while there is no specific charge for hate crime in Canada that applies to this incident, there is a hate crime element to this case. 

Tung has opened two Hanoi House locations, Naka Japanese, Electric City Catering and now soon-to-be Mei Mei Chinese Restaurant during her food service career. Photo courtesy of Susan Tung.

Susan Tung, local restaurateur and owner/founder of Hanoi House, is bringing back a favourite in a Chinese buffet called Mei Mei to Peterborough.

Tung is no stranger to Chinese cuisine and operating restaurants of that style since it is her heritage. Her family had previously owned the Golden Wheel Restaurant in the Springville area for several years. It was sold after Tung’s parents had retired.

She opened her first restaurant, Hanoi House, on Hunter Street in early 2020. A second location opened at Lansdowne Street on Dec. 9 of the same year but consolidated all operations to the latter due to increasing overhead expenses incurred from running two restaurants compared to one in July 2022.

PHOTO COURTESY of OLG.

Peterborough’s Cody Sears is $50,000 richer after winning a top prize with Instant Cash in Multi-Win in September.

His winning ticket was purchased at Mister Convenience on Monaghan Road.

Photo courtesy of the Port Hope Police Service.

Ontario Grade 8 teacher Kelly-Anne Jennings has pleaded guilty to luring and child pornography charges after a court in Peterborough in early November.

According to police reports, the former teacher was arraigned on six charges from incidents in 2023. These included child luring, creating child pornography and distributing sexually explicit material to a minor. Teenage boys who were Jennings’ students were named as the victims. She was given additional charges on Sept. 4.

File photo.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre has launched an online Emergency Department wait-time clock that provides real-time estimates of how long it may take to be seen by a physician.

The clock contains up-to-date information on how long it may take to be seen by a physician for an initial assessment.

Photos courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Three suspects were wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred at TVM Towers (Brock Towers) on Dec. 6.

Officers were called to TVM Towers where a man with severe head injuries was located in an apartment. Despite life-saving efforts, the 33-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

All three suspects have since been arrested on separate occasions.

As we enter 2026, PTBOCanada is proud to have 88,000+ followers and counting across all our platforms.

A big thank you to everyone who continued to support us and we will strive to continue giving great local coverage of Peterborough and the Kawarthas. We are ready for you, 2026!

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David Tuan Bui


David Tuan Bui's Top 10 Photos of 2025

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Another year passed and I have covered a multitude of stories in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

If there is one thing I love about this career, it’s going out into the community and getting involved.

As usual, I’ll note that photography isn't the strongest tool in my journalism belt but it’s a craft that improves with guidance and practice.

I have to give a shoutout to one of our local news photographers in Clifford Skarstedt. For a short time, I worked with him and now I have been working alongside him for almost five years. He has given me photography tips throughout my entire PTBOCanada tenure and taught me more than any classroom ever could. Thanks Cliff for the photography help!

Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography.

There could have been plenty of other photos that would have made the list; I took a ton so I’m bound to have missed what would have been a great one.

Here are my top ten photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in no particular order:

Tom Thacker (left) and Theo Goutzinakis (right) of Gob, rock out at Musicfest before a huge crowd at Del Crary Park. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Even though I was born in 1987, I grew up a ‘90s kid. Gob has definitely circulated through the airwaves during my childhood and several of my friends knew them as their songs were featured in several NHL video games.

They transported me back to the moment I photographed their performance this year at Peterborough Musicfest.

Although older, Tom Thacker and Theo Goutzinakis still have the punk rock vibe going, having been founded in 1993. What a time the ‘90s and ‘00s were…

Hockey Benders Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale signing a young fan’s mechandised hoodie. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

As a hockey fan and one of only two Los Angeles Kings fans in Peterborough (that I know of), my short reel algorithms are filled with hockey and the Hockey Benders are definitely a part of it.

It was a cool experience to meet Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale in person and have a small conversation with them as young hockey fans went wild, waiting in line to meet them.

Captuing the moment of a young man getting his hoodie signed and knowing he put on a bright smile after this shot was taken has to be unforgettable for him.

Lexi Mills of Heeling Souls getting affection from her Australian Border Collie, Phoebe. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Who doesn’t love animals?

As Community Futures Peterborough celebrated its 40th anniversary at Farmhill Weddings, there was a pop-up market of graduates of the 2024 and 2025 Starter Company Plus program.

One graduate was Heeling Souls, where Lexi Mills was getting some love and affection from Phoebe. I’ve had a few dogs during my life and now I have a pet cat named Macaroon that has been with me for the past seven years.

Zain Kailsli, 12 (left), gets a hands-on quilling lesson from Sandra Moore of Creators Gifts Fabric & Art (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

I always had a soft spot for any time I do a story involving Indigenous and First Nations people. My last career before PTBOCanada was a sportswriter for an Indigenous weekly newspaper called The Eastern Door, based out in Kahnawake (just south of Montréal).

About 215 Catholic students from the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington school district enjoyed hands-on, fun learning at Trent University's Indigenous Skilled Trades Day.

Sandra Moore of Creators Gifts Fabric & Art taught the students (and me) about quilling and its process as Zain Kailsli gets a crash course.

Eddy Sweeney (left), Abba Koshka (middle) and Kaza Hesselink (right) in their respective roles as David, Mary and Tim in the third act. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peter Robinson has always been a vital part of Peterborough's history, as he helped approximately 2,024 Irish settlers settle in Peterborough through the British government’s assisted emigration program for destitute Irish families.

Trent Valley Archives Theatre brought his story to life at Princess Gardens Retirement Residence, as I captured this scene of conflict during the trials and tribulations of one of nine ships transporting the families.

This production was a sneak peek for its full show at Market Hall this past May.

ex-Petes goaltender Zach Bowen signs the first autograph for Tyanna Martin, 7, after the team had finished practice at the Havelock Community Centre. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The Peterborough Petes typically hold one final practice before the regular season at the HBM Community Centre in Havelock.

Kids from the Havelock Hawks (Havelock Minor Hockey) got to skate with the team, get autographs and have dinner with the team.

In the case of seven-year-old Tyanna Martin, it was a surreal experience as no ex-goalie Zach Bowen signed an autograph and the expression says it all.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left), Renee Oake (middle) and Lesley Oake triumphant after finishing their swim. Renee has had professional swimming experience and swam 129 laps. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

When doesn’t a Carl Oake Rotary Swim crack the list? Never.

This year’s photo featured all three of Carl Oake’s daughters in Vanessa, Renee and Lesley. However, this year’s event was the first time it was held without Carl, who passed away on Jan. 2.

While Carl’s passing came less than two months before the event, in a prior interview, Vanessa said, “We never had any intention of stopping and especially now, we always knew it was important to the community.”

There was $57,748 raised from the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim.

Peterborough Challenger Kyla receives a medal from a London Challenger Baseball coach after a three-game series. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In a rare instance, I covered a story far beyond Peterborough and the Kawarthas: the Peterborough Challengers held their annual Friendship Games against other Challenger Baseball teams in St. George, Ont., in July.

I was here because I’ve been a volunteer coach for the past four years and conveniently visited my sister for the weekend, who lives in nearby London.

Challenger Baseball supports anyone with cognitive or developmental challenges, or with chronic health issues, who cannot play organized sports. Seeing all the kids and adults play a game they love without any barriers is something near and dear to me. You can see that here from Challengers Kyla and David (background), proud and happy to receive their medals after a hard-fought three-game series with the London Challengers.

Astrom points to himself 32 years ago when he joined the Blue Jays celebrating Joe Carter’s home run in 1993. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

While the Toronto Blue Jays came up one run short of winning a World Series, no doubt that their run was a magical one.

This takes us back to the 1993 World Series, where Joe Carter nailed a walk-off home run to win it for the Blue Jays, their last one. Among the celebrations was Peterborough’s Mark Astrom, who ran onto the field.

This photo captures him running onto the field during one of Canada’s greatest baseball moments. It’s remarkable how Peterborough can be connected to some of the nation’s most significant moments.

Keith Wightman Students have fun with monster truck Sabotage out at the school’s parking lot. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Keith Wightman students from junior kindergarten to Grade 6 got up close and personal with monster truck Sabotage as part of Edge Entertainment’s Monster Madness Tour that stopped at Kawartha Downs in early March.

The children got to explore the vehicle, ask the drivers questions and have a fun morning. They certainly enjoyed themselves as all the kids put their jubilation on display at the end of Sabotage’s visit.

And with that, I leave behind some joyous personal news. My wife and I welcomed our second daughter, Luna Diana Vy Bui, into the world on Saturday morning.

I am taking a month of parental leave starting Jan. 5 but I eagerly look forward to what 2026 has in store for my growing family of four and PTBOCanada.

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City of Peterborough Issues Efficiency and Effectiveness Review for Request of Proposals

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An Effectiveness and Efficiency Review of the City of Peterborough’s municipal operations and service delivery will be presented and considered by Council, ensuring the City is well positioned to meet the needs of the community.

File photo.

The City issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the independent review on Dec. 19, with a bid closing date of Jan. 21. The review will begin in April after the contract is awarded.

Municipalities across Ontario are facing growing fiscal pressures driven by inflation, aging infrastructure, climate impacts and a provincial-municipal funding framework that puts an unrealistic burden on property taxpayers, stated Mayor Jeff Leal.

“The current Canada-Ontario-Municipal fiscal framework is putting undue pressure on property taxpayers, particularly in the fields of housing and quasi-health services,” Leal said. “We need to do what we can for our property taxpayers within the constraints that are imposed on us. The independent review will examine how City services are delivered, how resources are allocated, and where opportunities exist to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, while maintaining service quality for residents.

The review will assess service levels, organizational structure, staffing models and service delivery approaches, and will benchmark Peterborough against comparable Ontario municipalities.

It will be the City’s first independent, comprehensive effectiveness and efficiency review.

The Effectiveness and Efficiency Review will consider whether services continue to meet the public interest, whether the City is the appropriate service provider, and whether alternative or innovative service delivery models could improve outcomes or reduce costs.

City Council has supported Chief Administrative Officer Jasbir Raina’s recommendation for the City to undertake this Effectiveness and Efficiency Review, said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

“As a mid-sized city with a limited non-residential tax base, Peterborough faces many of the same challenges as municipalities across Ontario including rising costs, the need to replace or renew infrastructure, and constrained financial flexibility,” Beamer said. “This review will give Council a clearer understanding of where efficiencies can be achieved, how service levels compare to peer municipalities and how we can continue to deliver value for residents while maintaining responsible and sustainable budgets.”

“This work will provide Council with a clear, independent assessment of how we deliver services and how we can continue to improve,” said Raina. “It will help ensure the City has the right systems, structures and resources in place to respond to changing community needs, manage risk and strengthen operational performance over the long term.

The request for proposals to undertake the review is posted on the City’s bidding portal.

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Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards

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Peterborough County is inviting residents to help celebrate the people, groups and organizations who strengthen the community by submitting nominations for the 2026 Community Recognition Awards.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Every two years, the County Community Recognition Awards acknowledge community members who demonstrate dedication, leadership, compassion and innovation across Peterborough County.

Residents may nominate any volunteers, leaders, youth, businesses and organizations living in Peterborough County. Nominees must not have received a Peterborough County Community Recognition Award in the same category within the past 15 years.

Award Categories:

Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business that has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award)

Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in their professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations)

Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors to be used to assess the nomination will include innovations, agricultural promotion, and the recognition the County receives through its operations. It may consist of involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered.

Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award)

Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

  • developed innovative green technologies or

  • started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
    donated conservation lands or easements or

  • undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

  • educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

  • achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award)

Heritage Preservation: An individual or group that has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community or public or private organization that has reached a significant milestone, such as the 100th anniversary, is also eligible for this award. (One County-wide award)

Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award)

Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available at the Peterborough County office (470 Water Street, Peterborough), local municipal offices, township fire halls, police service boards, schools, libraries, chambers of commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be submitted online through the County website.

Completed and signed nomination forms, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the County Clerk by March 2.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough's Annual Holiday Lunch Puts Giving Spirit On Display; Donation Amounts and Breakfast Club Awards Announced

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Annual Christmas Lunch had its share of fun and giving at the Northminster United Church on Monday afternoon.

Rotarians and a FCCC representative with the cheque presented to FCCC of $8,500 from the Rotary Club’s “Fore the KIds” golf tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The organization announced a total of $17,000 raised from its Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, held at the Katchiwano Golf Club on Sept. 25. Those funds are split equally ($8,500) between Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Rotary Club for their projects.

“I believe our portion of that is going towards the zoo legacy project, which is making an accessible playground at the (Riverview Park & Zoo) zoo a reality,” explained Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

The Koeslag Cup was awarded to the Breakfast Club team that prepared the most nutritious, delicious, and elaborate breakfast for the children at Prince of Wales Elementary School. The Friday Breakfast Crew captured the cup, with Rotarians Nick Avlonitis and Doug Armstrong, as well as friends of Rotary, Linn Thain, Donna Burley-Chestnut, Jeff Clark, Dale Wilson and Brian Wilson on the team.

The team served the students Nick’s “world-famous” pancakes with chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, fresh fruit and chocolate milk.

The cup was named last year in honour of its creator, the late Peter Koeslag, a dedicated volunteer of the Prince of Wales Breakfast Club.

Before last year’s school calendar, Prince of Wales School had received two new ovens from the Rotary Club and Leon’s Peterborough. The breakfast program serves over 500 students and has a positive impact on their learning according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal.

“We noticed a huge difference in kids having a full belly. They're coming down, and they're ready to learn when they get into class,” he explained. “When kids get into their classrooms without something to eat, we often see them disregulated and it’s hard for them to concentrate.”

Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal (left) with Rotarian Nick Avlonitis, being presented with the Koeslag Cup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Club also awarded prizes for the best Christmas Sweaters:

  • Funniest sweater: Bruce Gravel

  • Most creative sweater: Marie Press

  • Best overall sweater: Bruce Clark

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YMCA of Central East Ontario Honour Two Local Community Builders with Peace Medals

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The YMCA of Central East Ontario has announced its 2025 Peace Medal recipients, honouring individuals who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to peace building in the community.

photo courtesy of the ymca.

This year, the YMCA recognizes Linda Slavin of Peterborough for her decades of leadership in social justice, gender equity and community building. Slavin has been an active participant in various community groups, including as a member of the anti-nuclear-weapons group Kawartha Ploughshares, co-founder of the annual One World Dinner, and co-founder of Peterborough’s Persons Day Breakfasts. She has also supported local women’s participation in the 1995 UN Conference on Women, advanced anti-racism initiatives with KWIC and participated in gender-equity efforts with Elizabeth Fry and community development efforts through the Social Planning Council, GreenUP and For Our Grandchildren.

The YMCA says Linda’s impact is felt widely across the community, and she is regarded by many as one of Peterborough’s most inspiring and deserving champions of peace.

“Our Peace Medal recipients demonstrate that peace-building is not one moment in time; it’s a lifelong commitment to lifting others up. Their work gives us hope and reinforces the YMCA’s belief that strong, connected communities are created when people lead with empathy, courage and purpose.” says David Allen, YMCA of Central East Ontario President and CEO.

The YMCA is also recognizing Lesley Kirton for more than two decades of service to Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes. Kirton is a dedicated advocate through MADD Canada, Victim Services, the Children’s Aid Society and human trafficking outreach.

They say Kirton has consistently modelled empathy, resilience and community responsibility, quietly delivering meals to those in need, supporting victims of trauma and empowering others to step forward and help. Her work has had a meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally, making her a deserving recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal.

Slavin and Kirton will be formally recognized at an in-person ceremony in 2026.

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