Beloved Peterborough Coach Passes Away Suddenly At Age 64
/The Peterborough sports community has mourned the loss of coach John Welsh, who passed away suddenly at age 64 on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of KMFL Peterborough.
Peterborough Blogs
Lift Lock Canal Stocked Up For 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby This Saturday
/The Peterborough Lift Lock’s canal has been stocked with over 3,000 trout to kickstart the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby starting this Saturday.
GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, showcases Walter before releasing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 26th year releasing Walter into the water. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
The youth derby is for those aged 15 and under and kicks off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the all-ages event starting Sunday at 9:00 a.m. until May 3.
Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register, helping maintain a long-standing tradition that is important to Peterborough, according to David Ryrie, OFAH director of communications.
“It is a community staple and we hear every year how happy people that we're still putting this on,, he said. “The OFAH is really proud to continue this tradition.”
There is more than $35,000 in prizes up for grabs. This year features five grand prizes, including the return of rainbow trout ‘Walter,’ and a $1,000 cash prize for the person who catches him. New this year is a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service.
“(This is) a little bit something for those new anglers that want to get outside of the regular shore fishing,” said Ryrie.
Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.
@ptbo_canada Walter has been cast into the canal to help kick off the 37th Under the Lock Fishing Derby from April 25 to May 3! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ Gone Fishing - BDR Music
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
