Peterborough DBIA Launches Expanded Second Season of Movies at the Park

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back Movies at the Park for a second expanded season, a free movie screening series held at Quaker Foods City Square for eight dates, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The series features eight weeks of movies every Tuesday evening from July through August.

Movies will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m in July and 8:00 p.m in August) and are free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends to enjoy the movies.

2026 Movies at the Park Schedule:

• July 7 – Secret Life of Pets

• July 14 – Dirty Dancing

• July 21 – Grown Ups

• July 28 – Jurassic Park

• August 4 – Paddington in Peru

• August 11 – Back to the Future

• August 18 – 007 Skyfall

• August 25 – How to Train Your Dragon

In addition to the screenings, local businesses are offering snacks, beverages and treats. Admission is free and no registration is required.

“Downtown should be a place where people gather, connect, and create memories together,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “Movies at the Park helps bring that vision to life by transforming Quaker Foods City Square into a welcoming community gathering place for all ages. We're proud to offer a free and accessible experience that brings people downtown and creates opportunities to connect with one another throughout the summer.”

Movies at the Park is made possible through the support of Peterborough Tourism, the City of Peterborough destination marketing program, sponsors and community partners.

“Creating high-quality visitor experiences means ensuring our public spaces and events are welcoming, accessible, and easy to enjoy,” said Stoyan Barakov, City of Peterborough Manager of Cultural Services. “Initiatives like this strengthen community connections while enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike. Peterborough Tourism is pleased to support the Peterborough DBIA in creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for Movies at the Park by providing the outdoor screen and promotional support.”

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Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre Appoints New Executive Director

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) Board of Directors has appointed Melinda Wall as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Melinda Wall, during her tenure as the Peterborough Regional Centre PRHC director of mental health services in 2021. LinkedIn.

Wall is a registered nurse and senior health-care leader with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, health-care administration and executive leadership. Her career has spanned acute care, mental health and addictions, community health, and population-based initiatives focused on social determinants of health and health equity.

Wall has held progressive leadership roles in hospitals and community organizations, including 10 years as a senior leader at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and most recently, as Vice President at Durham Community Health Centre, where she oversaw integrated care, strategic operations and interdisciplinary teams supporting equity-based populations.

“Melinda’s work is grounded in a commitment to equitable, person-centred care and strengthening the conditions in which individuals and communities can thrive,” said Kerianne Sidler, KSAC Board Chair. “She brings extensive experience in governance, organizational performance, workforce planning, and cross-sector collaboration, and is known for fostering transparent, respectful, and values-driven work environments.”

The Peterborough native has completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Trent University, following two years of study in Women’s Studies and Indigenous Studies—a foundation that has deeply influenced her approach to health care and community engagement.

“I entered the nursing profession with a goal of working in women’s counselling, specifically with women who have been subjected to sexual assault or abuse,” said Wall. “When the KSAC Executive Director position became available, it felt like the right time to fully realize that vision.”

Wall assumes the role with the departure of Brittany McMillan, former executive director and Lindsay Haacke, who held the title in an interim capacity.

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Peterborough Humane Society Invites Public to Celebrate Animals With Pet Fest 2026 This Saturday

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is inviting the community to celebrate animals at Pet Fest 2026 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The free event features a Meow Market with local makers and shops, plus free ice cream and live music throughout. Restaurants such as Hanoi House, The Vine, or Till Death BBQ & Catering are selling food at the celebration.

Activities such as a scavenger hunt and a stuffed-animal checkup station will be available for children. Author Judi Barr will also be on site for storytime, sharing her book The Tale of Eileen The Timid Housecat, a heartwarming story inspired by a real adopted cat.

The Peterborough Humane Society is also unveiling its new Memorial Garden & Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.

This year features the first-ever Pet Fashion Show at 1 p.m. and hosted by MC Tiffany Arcari. There are three categories: Sun's Out Paws Out, Twinning is Winning, and Off the Leash. Each category has just eight spots available and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Registration is required and spots are limited. Participants can sign up at peterboroughhumanesociety.ca.

“Pet Fest is one of our favourite days of the year because it is really just about bringing people together," said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. "We are so grateful to this community for everything they do for the animals in our care, and Pet Fest is our way of saying thank you. This year we have so much to share, from our first-ever Pet Fashion Show to the unveiling of our Memorial Garden & Park, and we cannot wait to celebrate it all with the community.”

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The Mount Community Centre Appoints New Executive Director

Effective immediately, the Mount Community Centre (TMCC) Board of Directors has appointed Rhonda Gilchrist as Executive Director.

Rhonda Gilchrist was previously the United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation before accepting the role with the Mount Community Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We are confident that Rhonda Gilchrist possesses the combination of experience and specialized skills in non-profit housing, government funding, knowledge of the community and vision that will help our organization reach new heights,” said Stephen Kylie, TMCC Board Chair . “Rhonda has built a reputation as an innovator and change-maker in the non-profit sector, with key community relationships and a proven track record of success in fundraising. She is a highly capable leader, and the Board has the utmost confidence that she will advance the mandate of this organization for the benefit of our community. TMCC Board members are looking forward to working alongside her in the years to come.”

According to TMCC, with help from firm Crawford Connect, nearly 100 potential candidates applied for the job, resulting in six candidates being considered for the position. Crawford Connect narrowed the search down to four candidates to be interviewed and of these four, two were interviewed for a second time before deciding that Gilchrist was the best fit. A recommendation to hire Rhonda was unanimously approved by the Board on April 27.

Gilchrist has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including 8 years in a senior management role, advancing organizational performance and leading fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. Rhonda was Senior Director of Operations and Revenue Generation for the United Way of Peterborough and District prior to joining TMCC. Gilchrist has also been actively involved in volunteer activities with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes. According to a press release, she was responsible for all financial operations, annual and monthly financial statements, monitoring project milestones, and leading the successful roll-out and maintenance of the organizational database.

Rhonda graduated with Honours in Business Administration from Durham College and with a degree in Computer Programming from DeVry Institute of Technology, Toronto.

“Rhonda joins the organization at an exciting time,” said Kylie. “We have ambitious mission and fundraising goals and she will be responsible for advancing TMCC’s mandate and to operationalize the core functions and achieve the overall objectives of our organization to bring it to the next level.”

“It is an incredible honour that the board has selected me,” said Rhonda Gilchrist. “The opportunity at TMCC is a very rare opportunity and their mission to reduce poverty and develop community, aligns with my hopes for our community. With the recent purchase of the Village on Argyle property and the proposed new build on Monaghan Road, I look forward to the exciting responsibility of expanding services to help make lasting positive changes in the lives of our low income community members and the impact it will make in our community.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For 2026 Paul Harris Fellowship

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 2026 in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

The 2025 Paul Harris Fellow Recognition recipients of 2025.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be submitted online with the deadline on Sept. 1. Nominees may be Rotarians or non-Rotarians. On behalf of each recipient, both Rotary Clubs will donate $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

Categories include:

• Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

• International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

• Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha are celebrating the recipients at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Four Dates For This Year's Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back the Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales, held on four dates on George Street, to showcase shopping, entertainment, patios and community activities in downtown Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The dates are June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. George Street is closed to vehicle traffic between Hunter and Simcoe Streets, creating expanded pedestrian space for shopping, dining, live entertainment and outdoor activations during the event.

Visitors can explore sidewalk sales, artisan vendors, special promotions, patios, and family-friendly activities throughout the downtown core.

“Second Saturdays have become one of the signature features of a lively summer downtown,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “These events create an incredible atmosphere on our streets while directly supporting our local businesses. They encourage people to explore the core and see firsthand why downtown Peterborough remains the heart of our community.”

According to the DBIA, the event series is designed to support economic activity in the downtown while encouraging residents and visitors to explore local businesses and amenities. Businesses throughout the core will expand their presence outdoors through sidewalk displays, promotions, interactive experiences and special-event offerings.

“Downtown Second Saturday is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with our downtown core, support local businesses, and bring the community together,” says Shelby Leonard-Watt, S.O.S. Save Our Soles owner. “By creating a recurring event throughout the summer, Second Saturday gives residents and visitors a reason to return downtown and discover something new each month.”

Businesses interested in participating through a sidewalk activation or pop-up experience are encouraged to contact the DBIA for more information.

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Peterborough Police Postpone Saturday's Community Open House; Seeking New Date In the Fall

The Peterborough Police Service’s Community Open House scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed due to expected unfavourable weather conditions.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Peterborough Police made the decision with rain and wind expected all day Saturday.

“We appreciate the high community interest in this event and are excited to host it on a day that will present more favourable conditions,” said Sandra Dueck, Peterborough Police manager, strategic communication services.

A new date is being scheduled for this fall.

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Capable Con's Fifth Anniversary Celebrates Accessibility This Saturday at Quaker Foods City Square

The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Capable Con to build understanding around accessibility and create opportunities for community connection in Peterborough this Saturday at Quaker Foods City Square.

Photo courtesy of CPD.

Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event is held during the final weekend of National Accessibility Awareness Week. The day brings together community members, families, advocates, and local organizations to focus on accessibility, inclusion and awareness.

The free community event will feature interactive activities, accessibility experiences, adaptive recreation demonstrations, local exhibitors, live performances, family activities, community resources and opportunities to connect with organizations from across the region.

Visitors can explore adaptive sports and recreation, accessible technology, sensory-friendly activities and presentations led by people with lived experience.

“Over the past five years, Capable Con has become an important community event that brings people together to learn more about accessibility, inclusion and the experiences of people with disabilities,” said Cody McIntyre, Chair of the Council for Persons with Disabilities. “Hosting the event during National Accessibility Awareness Week makes this milestone even more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming the community back for another year of learning, connection and celebration.”

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City of Peterborough Seeking Performers, Vendors and Community Groups For Canada Day Celebration

The City of Peterborough is seeking performers, makers, and food vendors to apply to be part of this year’s Canada Day celebrations.  

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City annual Canada Day celebration takes place on July 1 at Del Crary Park, following the Canada Day parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. The celebration in Del Crary Park will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

Local artisans, food vendors, entertainers and community organizations are invited to apply to be part of a vibrant, family-friendly event along the waterfront. 

This year, a new partnership with Musicfest will see performers take to the stages in Del Crary Park in the afternoon.

Those interested in participating can apply online. Applications can also be picked up at Service Peterborough, City Hall.

The deadline to apply to be a vendor is June 11 at 4:30 p.m.  

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Peterborough County Warden Recieves Rob Ford Community Leader Award for Cross-Border Leadership through EOWC

For her leadership and service, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark has been named the recipient of the Rob Ford Community Leader Award, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus.

The award recognizes her leadership, dedication to public service, and significant contributions to strengthening communities through her work advancing cross-border collaboration at the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) as its Chair.

The Rob Ford Community Leader Award is presented annually by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and Earl Provost, Ontario’s Agent-General in Chicago, on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

The award honours individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, regional advocacy, and grassroots engagement.

According to the County, Clark has helped elevate the voice of rural Eastern Ontario on the international stage through her work with the Caucus. She also helped advance partnerships between Canada and the United States, particularly across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions.

A formal presentation took place earlier this month at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual Conference.

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