Lakers and Lansdowne Place Partner Up In Celebration of 40-Year Anniversary of Peterborough Maulers Sponsorship

The Peterborough Lakers and Lansdowne Place have partnered ahead of the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse season to mark the 40th anniversary of the Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team, as announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the 1986 Peterborough Maulers, Sponsors and Lakers staff join at one of three chairs at Centre Court in lansdowne Place. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Lansdowne Place sponsored the 1986 Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team 40 years ago.

In honour of the milestone, Lansdowne Place is sponsoring a special Retro Game Night on July 23 against the Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m. The night features retro Maulers jerseys, a soundtrack of iconic 80s and 90s tunes and more to be announced.

“We are excited about bringing a small piece of Peterborough lacrosse history alive,” said Jessica Khouri, Lansdowne Place marketing manager. “Lansdowne Place is thrilled about this new partnership with the Lakers and we look forward to cheering them on this season.”

“We are looking forward to working with Lansdowne Place to create memorable experiences for our fans while celebrating the history of the game in our community,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “This partnership is a great fit and we’re excited to kick it off.”

@ptbo_canada The @ptbolakerslax and Lansdowne Place have partnered to bring a large chair at the mall and bringing Retro Night to the Lakers game on July 23. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

With the partnership’s launch, a large Lakers-branded Kawartha Chair will be at Lansdowne Place for a month, leading up to the Lakers’s home opener on May 21 against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs. The community is encouraged to take photos on/with the display and share them on social media.

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City Dignitaries and Organizations Mourn Loss of Community Leader John McNutt

Several city dignitaries and organizations have sent their condolences after learning of the passing of community leader John McNutt on Sunday.

John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO announcing the launch of the ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign at the Venture North Building in Novemeber of 2024. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

McNutt served as CEO and president of Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) and executive director for the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD).

Several politicians have expressed their feelings on his passing, including Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. He said McNutt was a valued friend and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

“Throughout his life, John demonstrated a genuine commitment to the people around him,” he said. “Whether through his work, his friendships, or his involvement in the community, he exemplified the very best of what it means to serve others with integrity and compassion.”

Mayor Jeff Leal also had words for McNutt after learning of his passing.

“John inspired students to think outside of the box and reach for the stars in the business world,” he said. “His work for Junior Achievement, coupled with his advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, will have a lasting impact on our community.”

Several notables also sent condolences on McNutt’s recent passing. Michael Skinner, former Innovation Cluster CEO, said he considered him to be both a friend and a mentor.

“He had a way of bringing clarity to multifaceted situations with long histories and always made time to support and recognize those building something new,” he explained. “His influence reached far beyond what most people saw, and many of us benefited from his guidance, insight, and steady support.”

Michelle Ferreri, former Peterborough-Kawartha MP, also had positive words for McNutt.

“John truly made Peterborough a better place,” she said. “He had a gift for bringing people together, shining a light on those who were building something meaningful and constantly creating opportunities for others to grow. He believed in this community, and he worked tirelessly to make it stronger.

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City of Peterborough Running Drop-In Session For Community Input on Proposed Improvements to Kawartha Heights Park

Residents are invited to learn more about proposed improvements to Kawartha Heights Park at a public drop-in session on April 30.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

Located at 2229 Kawartha Heights Blvd., Kawartha Heights Park currently features a playground, soccer field and basketball court.  

The City is looking to upgrade some existing features and add new amenities in the neighbourhood park. Residents are invited to provide feedback on what park amenities are best suited to meet the needs of the community.  

The drop-in session will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

The Kawartha Heights Park project is expected to happen over two phases. Phase 1 is planned for 2027 and includes upgrades to the ball diamond or the rectangular field to a Level B and formalize parking. Phase 2 is planned for 2028 and includes the addition of a splashpad, pet exercise area and a multi-use sport court. 

“Kawartha Heights Park is a valued neighbourhood space where residents come together to play and enjoy the outdoors. These proposed improvements represent an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation, enhancing the park as a vibrant, welcoming community hub with something for everyone. From new amenities to upgraded spaces, this project will help create more opportunities for people of all ages to be active, gather and make lasting memories in their neighbourhood,” said Monaghan Ward Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. 

The opportunity to improve Kawartha Heights Park was identified as part of the City’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study. 

“The Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study is an important tool that helps us understand where there are opportunities to enhance parks and better meet the needs of residents across Peterborough,” said Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Kawartha Heights Park is one of the locations identified through this work, and this engagement process will help ensure future improvements reflect what the community values most.” 

During the April 30 drop-in session City staff will be available to answer questions about the project. 

All proposed upgrades are subject to budget approval.  

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

Further information about the project, including updates, a site plan and a summary of the public survey findings, will be posted online. 

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext.1829.

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City of Peterborough Invites Public Input on Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements

Community members are invited to share input on upcoming improvements to a stormwater channel near Parkhill Road within Jackson Park.  

file photo.

The channel carries stormwater from the north side of Parkhill Road and east of the Jackson Park entrance at Parkhill Road and Monaghan Road, down a steep slope into Jackson Creek. The area is experiencing erosion due to the steep slope and sandy soil. The site currently shows signs of damaged banks, exposed tree roots and debris build-up. The culvert beneath the nearby pedestrian trail has also deteriorated and requires rehabilitation. 

To address these issues, the City has retained Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team Ltd. to develop a design that will improve stormwater flow, reduce erosion and enhance the surrounding environment. 

The proposed work will focus on creating a more stable stormwater outfall that safely conveys water from Parkhill Road to Jackson Creek. The project also aims to improve the overall function, habitat value, and appearance of the channel area. 

As the project is still in its early stages, the City is inviting residents and community groups to learn more about the proposed work and share their general feedback.  

Community feedback will help the City better understand public perspectives on the stormwater channel to inform the design process. Residents are encouraged to visit the project page for more information and to provide their input. The closing date for comments is April 30. 

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City of Peterborough To Host Candidate 101 Information Session For Those Interested in Running For Municipal Council

Members of the community interested in running for Municipal Council or learning more about local government are invited to attend an information session outlining the roles and responsibilities of council members on March 31. 

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

The information session is designed for anyone thinking about running for Council, as well as their spouses or partners, and anyone interested in learning more about the roles and responsibilities of municipal council members. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions, meet others and learn about the expectations and realities of public office. 

The event will be led by Nigel Bellchamber, an experienced municipal governance trainer who has worked with elected officials and senior staff across Ontario since 2002. Bellchamber provides practical guidance on governance and leadership in municipal government. 

The Candidate 101 Information Session will be held at 7 p.m. at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St.)

The 2026 municipal election will be held on October 26.

Reserve your spot by registering online. 

The nomination period when papers may be submitted to become a candidate runs from May 1 until August 21 at 2 p.m., in accordance with provincial legislation. Additional information about eligibility requirements, nomination forms and key election dates is available online. 

If you are a resident, owner or tenant of property in the City of Peterborough, a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age, you are eligible to vote. 

Students living in Peterborough while attending school can vote in the Peterborough municipal election as well as in their home municipality. 

If you are experiencing homelessness, or do not have a permanent home or a fixed address, you can still vote. 

To ensure you are on the voters list, visit the website.

Visit the interactive What's My Ward map to determine which ward you reside in. 

The information session is hosted by the City of Peterborough and townships in Peterborough County, including the Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn and the Municipality of Trent Lakes.

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Nominations Sought For Class of 2026 Pathway of Fame; Deadline On April 30

The 29th-annual Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District, has opened their nominations to the public for the induction of the class of 2026.

The Pathway of Fame is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization comprised of community volunteers. The first class honoured was in 1998. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Nominations run until April 30 and submissions after the date will be considered for next year.

They can be made for the following categories:

• Visual Arts

• Dramatic Arts

• Literary

• Entertainment/Musical

• Cultural Betterment

• Community Samaritan

• Community Builder

• Media

Nomination forms are available to download online or hard copies are available at Package Plus on Rink Street. There is a cost of $10 per nomination with e-transfers accepted at pathwayoffame22@outlook.com.

Those selected are vetted by a citizens’ committee appointed each year to review them and are recommended for induction by a Nominations Committee according to a press release.

The inductees are honoured each September and hosted at Showplace Performance Center. Their names will be permanently engraved on individual granite markers installed along the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park.

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Nominations Open For Community Care Peterborough's 38th 'Grandparent of the Year'

City and County of Peterborough children in grades 1-6 can honour their elders through Community Care Peterborough’s 38th ‘Grandparent of the Year’ contest.

Jun Espiritu (left); granddaughter Kailyah Espiritu, Junior English Category Winner of last year (middle) and Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

Children are asked to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their grandparent, elder or special older person and why they believe their nominee should win the award.

“The Grandparent of the Year Award is a treasured program and a chance to connect generations and reflect on the guidance, inspiration, and value of seniors in our community—many of whom are clients or volunteers with Community Care Peterborough,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “The stories we receive each year are a powerful reminder of the influence older adults have on young people, and we encourage all eligible students to take part.”

Nomination packages have been distributed to schools throughout Peterborough County and are also available for download.

Submissions will be accepted in both English and French and a winner and honourable mention will be selected in each language from two grade groups: Primary (Grades 1-3) and Junior (Grades 4-6).

The deadline for submissions is May 5. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 4 at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence.

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City of Peterborough Mourns Lives Lost From LaGuardia Incident; Late Pilot Trained at Peterborough Airport

The City of Peterborough mourns the loss of two pilots who lost their lives at LaGuardia Airport in New York, N.Y., including one who trained at Peterborough Airport, in an incident that occurred on Sunday night.

City Hall has flown its flags at half-mast to mourn the loss of those involved at LaGuardia Airport. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two pilots who tragically died in the incident at LaGuardia Airport. 

"This loss is felt especially close to home, as one of the pilots trained at Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Aviation located at the Peterborough Regional Airport. Our community takes great pride in supporting the next generation of aviation professionals, and we share in the grief of all those connected to this promising individual. 

"I have asked that the City’s flags be flown at half mast. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

The incident occurred when an airplane collided with a fire truck, killing two pilots and injuring at least a dozen.

The Seneca alumnus pilot was identified as Mackenzie Gunther. According to the institute, he graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program in 2023. Through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, Gunther joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation, beginning his professional flying career.

Gunther was the First Officer on the flight, operating as Air Canada Express, from Montréal to New York.

According to Seneca’s website, the campus has already flown its flags at half-mast in memorandum of Gunther’s passing.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Helps Deliver Meals to Seniors For Community Care Peterborough's Meals On Wheels Program During 'March For Meals'

To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program on Monday morning.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) going over the newly delivered meal to CCP client, Jane (Right). This meal was prepared by Maple Ridge Retirement Services and consisted of Shepherd’s Pie with mixed veggies, a roll, soup, salad and fruit tart. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Each March, Meals on Wheels providers across the province participate in a month-long initiative called ‘March for Meals.’

Part of the campaign involves inviting local mayors and other prominent community members to deliver meals to seniors and people with disabilities while raising awareness of the program.

“The meals are a big help and I really enjoy the variety,” said Jane, a Meals on Wheels client.

(From left to right) Meals on Wheels Volunteers Jim and Bob; Mayor Jeff Leal; Danielle Belair, CCP CEO and Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. Community Care Peterborough also offers a Meals on Wheels subsidy program for clients in need of financial assistance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mobility challenges, health conditions, and transportation barriers can make shopping and preparing meals challenging for many seniors and adults with disabilities.

Last year, Community Care Peterborough delivered over 50,000 meals to clients. Over three million meals are delivered annually by Meals on Wheels agencies across Ontario, serving more than 60,000 individuals. The demand for Meals on Wheels continues to grow, according to Danielle Belair, CCP CEO.

“The services we provide to clients in the City and County of Peterborough are critical and the demand is continuing to increase,” she said. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

@ptbo_canada To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mealsonwheels ♬ Cooking Time - Lux-Inspira

March for Meals encourages members of the public to volunteer to deliver meals in their communities.

“Our volunteers are the heart of this program,” said Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. “The program is so much more than a meal – it’s a social visit and a safety check by a dedicated volunteer. It really is neighbours helping neighbours. The need for this program is growing and we would love to welcome more volunteers to help make these important deliveries.”

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City of Peterborough Asking For Community Input As 10‑Year Housing and Homelessness Plan Sees Revisions

Residents are invited to help shape the future of housing and homelessness services by sharing their input and experiences as the City of Peterborough updates its 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. 

file photo.

The Housing and Homelessness Plan is a long-term strategy that guides how housing and homelessness services are delivered locally.  

First established in 2014 as a provincial requirement, it was built through extensive community input, including people with lived experience, housing providers and local service organizations. A five-year review in 2019 reaffirmed the need for sustained, coordinated action to reduce homelessness. 

An updated Housing and Homelessness Plan is being developed to guide actions from 2027 to 2036.  

The updated Plan will focus on improving housing affordability, expanding supportive and transitional housing options, strengthening homelessness prevention and enhancing collaboration across all levels of government, Indigenous partners and community organizations. It will also align with future provincial and federal funding opportunities.  

“Housing and homelessness affect people across our entire community, and meaningful solutions depend on hearing from those with a range of experiences and perspectives. Whether you have lived experience, work in the sector, or are concerned about housing in Peterborough, your input is important,” said Community Services (Homelessness) co-Chairs Alex Bierk and Keith Riel. “We encourage residents to share their feedback and help shape a plan that reflects the needs, challenges and priorities of our community.” 

Feedback collected through this process will directly inform the draft Plan before it is presented to City and County Council.

Visit the website to provide input and learn more about the Housing and Homelessness Plan. The survey closes on April 10. 

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