Peterborough Blogs
Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; April 14 - 16
/File Photo.
Here are nine things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from April 14 - 16!
Madchild With Robbie G at The Venue
See Madchild Live with Robbie G this Friday at The Venue. Doors open at 8 p.m. You can get VIP meet and greet or bundle meet and greet tickets including getting your photo taken with Madchild.
When: Apr 14, 8 p.m.
Where: The Venue
League 1 Ontario Men's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Scrosoppi FC
The Electric City Football Club is back for their second season so join the men’s team for their home opener at Fleming College this Saturday as they take on Scrosoppi FC in League1 Ontario action.
When: Apr 15, 2 p.m.
Where: Fleming College
Tickets: $15-$30
2023 Peterborough I ❤︎ Beer & Taco Festival
Join us for the inaugural Peterborough I❤︎BEER and Taco Festival at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for a fun night of beer, cider and spirits sampling, games, dancing, people watching and tacos!
When: April 15, 2-6 p.m. & 6-10 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre
Tickets: Tickets start at $10.00 plus fees and taxes. Prices subject to change
Tom Green Live at The Venue
Canadian-American comedian, show host, actor, filmmaker, podcaster and rapper. After pursuing stand-up comedy and music as a young adult, Green created and hosted The Tom Green Show, which aired on Canadian television and later on MTV between 1994 and 2000. The show became popular for its shock comedy, absurdist pranks and Green’s manic persona, and influenced later series such as Jackass and The Eric Andre Show. Green has also appeared in the Hollywood films Road Trip (2000), Charlie’s Angels (2000), Stealing Harvard (2002), and Shred (2008). Green additionally directed, co-wrote and starred in the cult film Freddy Got Fingered (2001). He was briefly married to actress Drew Barrymore (2001–2002), who co-starred with him in Charlie’s Angels and Freddy Got Fingered.
In 2003, Green hosted the short-lived MTV late-night talk show titled The New Tom Green Show. From 2006 until 2011, he hosted an internet talk show, Tom Green’s House Tonight, from his home, and returned to performing stand-up comedy in 2010. From October 2013 to November 2014, Green hosted the weekly talk show Tom Green Live on American cable network AXS TV.
When: April 15, 7-11 p.m.
Where: The Venue
Tickets: $40
Sizzling Sound: Kawartha Youth Orchestra Chamber Concert Series
Kawartha Youth Orchestra presents Sizzling Sound a Chamber Concert Series featuring Victoria Yeh playing improvisational electric violin and Martin Gladman and friends on percussion.
When: April 16, 2 p.m.
Where: All Saints Anglican Church
Tickets: $20 at the door, children ages 5 and under free (cash and credit cards accepted)
Peterborough Saturday Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!
When: April 15, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Square
Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market
We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.
The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.
As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.
When: April 1, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park (151 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough)
The Arrogant Worms at Market Hall
The year was 1991. Presumably, some significant world events occurred. The world truly changed in the fall however, when something truly magnificent happened in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. A beacon of hope was lit and has shone brightly ever since – The Arrogant Worms. The Arrogant Worms began as a comedy troupe performing songs and sketches on campus radio. The early feedback on the live shows was clear: lose the sketches. So the songs endured and they all remain because the band hates to throw anything out.
The songs were written to make fun of a big dumb world. Luckily, the world is still dumb and The Arrogant Worms (Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson and Trevor Strong) still have plenty to sing about. The shows are fast, furious and family friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting and the musicianship is second to none. Their appeal has earned them fans from kids to parents to grandparents to Princess Leia.
In recent years the Worms have been pleased to donate their time and talent to the cause of literacy in Canada through Frontier College and were twice awarded the Peter Gzowski Award for their efforts.
So nearly a quarter century after they began, The Arrogant Worms continue to provide tuneful and silly escapism for everyone who needs it. And if you think you don’t need it, well you’re wrong. You do. The Arrogant Worms know what’s best for you and what’s best for you is The Arrogant Worms.
When: April 15, 8 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $25-30
Harry Manx Presented by Folk Under The Clock at Market Hall
Harry delivers his live show with a variety of stringed instruments including the Mohan Veena (Indian slide guitar), drums, guitars, banjo & harmonica.
Musically speaking “Harry lives where the depth of Indian music meets the deep groove of the Blues.”
Blues Artist of the Year seven times, Folk Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, six Juno nominations... Welcome to the Harry Zone.
His latest album is ‘Way Out East’ a compilation of his Indian music.
Downbeat Magazine said that “Manx’s real talent lies in creating a place where Blues and Indian Classical are a seamless fit”.
Billboard Magazine called Harry “Canada’s most expressive Blues player”.
When: April 14, 8 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $40-45
Cabinetree Peterborough Presents $21,000 To Women in Trades and Technology Programs at Fleming College
/Cabinetree Peterborough presented a cheque for $21,000 to Fleming College’s Building Bridges for Women in Trades & Technology program April 6.
photo by felicia massey.
The Building Bridges program encompasses both financial support and mentoring for women wanting a career in male-dominated sectors. Designed to address the gender gap in skilled trades, the program is a part of Fleming’s goal to double the enrolment of women in the School of Trades and Technology.
Carpentry & Renovation Technician Semester 4 students Zoe Hopewell and Julianna Bruni have each received the scholarship from Cabinetree.
“This scholarship has enabled me to be focused on school and not worry about working. Building Bridges had opened a lot of new opportunities,” says recipient Zoe Hopewell. “It has given me the opportunity to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity every Friday, where I have gained new experiences and knowledge and is a great addition to my resume. Thank you for you support of women in trades.”
Cabinetree, a custom cabinet making company in Peterborough, has funded two scholarships for Carpentry & Renovation Technician students who identify as female. Cabinetree also pledged a further $14,000 over the next two years toward the Building Bridges program.
Cabinetree dedicated an employee, cabinet maker Jessica Downes, to mentor one of the successful scholars.
“This scholarship allowed me to be able to commit my time to school without the worry of not being able to pay for my education. Which in turn, has taken a load of stress off my shoulders and for that I am so grateful,” says recipient Julianna Bruni. “It has also made an impact on me as it has shown me that people want to see me succeed and believe in me. I am so thankful for your support.”
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Trent Day Raises Over $460,000 to Support Students and Programs at Trent University
/On Trent Day (April 4), the Trent community came together to raise $462,525 to support students and programs, set a new single-day record of increasing monthly donors, volunteer at service sites to support the community and collect 1,795 pounds of non-perishables for local food banks.
photo courtesy of trent university, facebook.
“What a momentous day for the University community as we came together to showcase our founding values of support, service and spirit,” said Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice-president Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “It was heartwarming to see increased monthly philanthropic support for our students, various department teams – dressed in Trent gear – joyfully carrying bags of non-perishables to the food drive booths, and alumni across the country volunteering for causes close to their heart. Thank you to everyone who showed their generosity by taking care of our students and campuses, while also shining the Trent spirit on our local communities.”
The third annual Trent Day was celebrated by staff, faculty, students, community members and alumni from around the world.
Highlights of Trent Day 2023 include: 31 new monthly donors signed up to support Trent students; 115 alumni participated in service and spirit activities in their communities across the country and beyond including working with Cuddles for Cancer, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Kawartha Food Share, Feed the Need in Durham, Teachers for Kids, and Casey House (Toronto); nearly 1,800 pounds of food collected for Kawartha Food Share in Peterborough and Feed the Need in Durham – a nearly 80 per cent increase in food donations from last year.
The Trent community also celebrated Trent Day and shared their Trent spirit through stories and photos across social media using the #TrentDay hashtag.
“We hope alumni around the world enjoyed celebrating their Trent memories and thank all those who donated so Trent can continue to offer a transformational experience to future generations,” said AVP Booth.
Trent Day marks the April 1963 signing of the Trent Act, which formalized the incorporation of the University as a degree-granting institution, and pays tribute to the University’s history, values and community. On Trent Day, the Trent community comes together to support student needs, showcase school spirit, and give back through volunteer service and philanthropy.
City to Begin Large Item Pickup, Starting April 24
/The City of Peterborough is beginning to collect large items for a fee alongside weekly garbage allowance such as furniture and appliances starting April 24, announced on Thursday.
File Photo.
It is $30 for the first item and $10 for any additional item. Mattresses and box springs are $30 each and do not count as a first item.
Residents can book their collection online or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865. The deadline for booking is the Tuesday before each pickup date at 4:30 p.m.
Large-item collection continues monthly until September with all large-item pickup dates as follows:
April 24
May 29
June 26
July 24
Aug. 28
Sept. 25
The collection could take a few days to complete. Items are to be left at the curb for pickup.
Refrigeration items must have the Freon removed prior to collection.
Auto parts, televisions and monitors are not accepted. These items can be disposed of at the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd., open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Building or construction material can be disposed of at the Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd.
For more details, call the Waste Management Division at 742-7777 ext. 1657 or visit online.
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Community Care Grandparent of the Year Submission Deadline Extended
/Community Care Peterborough has extended the deadline for ‘Grandparents of the Year’ submissions to May 9, encouraging children from Grades 2 through 6 to recognize a grandparent, elder or a special older person in their life as ‘Grandparent of the Year.’
photo courtesy of community care peterborough.
For the past 35 years, Community Care says they are amazed by the scope of stories/nominations they receive annually. Many of the honourees are indeed grandparents or great grandparents of the students; however, there have been a number of entries that highlight a special senior friend or an Elder who has shared their knowledge with the child.
Students are instructed to submit both a hand-drawn picture of themselves with their nominee as well as a piece of writing that answers some of the following questions:
What is important about your relationship with your Grandparent, Elder or special older person?
What kinds of activities do you enjoy together?
What kind of knowledge have they shared with you?
Describe a happy occasion you shared together.
How does your nominee make your feel when you are together?
Why are you proud of your Grandparent, Elder, or special older person?
Why do you think they should win this award?
Optionally, students can submit a recorded video of them reading their story. This is not required, and will not affect judging.
Entries in both English and French are selected.
A committee will select one winner and one honourable mention from each group of grades; primary and junior. Primary is Grades 2 & 3. Junior is Grades 4, 5 & 6.
Eight Awards Will Be Presented to Children:
• Certificates for all participants
• One winner for primary level, grade 2 and 3, in each English and French categories
• One winner for junior level, grades 4, 5, and 6, in each English and French categories
• Honourable Mentions selected in each category
8 Awards Will Be presented to the nominated Grandparents.
Parents and/or guardians can submit their children’s entries online or use a downloadable entry form and mail/drop off them at Community Care Peterborough (185 Hunter St. E.).
For more information, contact Pamela at (705) 742-7067, ext. 221.
Ontario Government Provides One-Time Funding Increase of $2.5 Million For Homeless Prevention in Peterborough and the County
/Peterborough and the County just got an extra $2,492,700 for homelessness prevention now totalling $7,657,000 for the city’s budget, announced by MPP Dave Smith at City Hall on Wednesday morning.
In 2022, the government introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act to address the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes by 2031. Photo by David Tuan bui.
The money is part of the Ontario government’s investment of an additional $202 million for the province’s annually in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs to close to $700 million.
The funding is meant to support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services.
“Peterborough, like so many cities across Ontario, is experiencing a homelessness crisis,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This funding from the Province of Ontario will help support our most vulnerable with critical homelessness prevention and supportive housing services.”
The additional funding has come as a surprise to some City staff and Council members as the budget was finalized in January according to Smith. The money will be added to the original budget the City had intended for homelessness.
“This gives them an opportunity then to make some plans on what they're going to do with it,” he said.
City Council has until April 1 next year to spend the money as they see fit in a ‘use it or lose it’ situation and cannot be banked for next year’s funding.
Smith also added that partially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more people who were unhoused and this increase in funding is in recognition of that increasing number.
“When we were developing the budget this year, we were able to find some additional funding that flowed into it,” he explained.
When asked about how many people it will aid, Smith says it’s hard to gauge as it could be premature to issue a number. He continued saying it could be as low as the high 90s but can reach the 300s.
“I think the most important thing we should be looking at is taking that snapshot in time, where are we sitting right now, how many individuals do we have that need that additional support and what plans can we put in place to address that,’ he explained.
Smith recognized during provincial budget talks that Peterborough was a city in significant need of reducing homelessness issues.
“We need to make sure we’re proactive so we don’t find ourselves in a position in July or August of this year that a number of individuals see themselves where their only recourse is to set up a tent at Victoria Park,” said Smith.
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Trent Leasing University-Owned Land to RDC to Build Student Housing Totaling Roughly 215 Beds on Water Street
/Trent University has leased property for Residence Development Corporation (RDC) to build and operate an upper-year student housing building with approximately 215 beds near the Symons Campus in Peterborough announced on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
The land is four-acres on Water Street, adjacent to and south of Tim Hortons. The housing complex is projected to open in late 2024. RDC also built University residence units further north on Water Street at Nassau Mills Road, on land leased from the University.
“We are thrilled to announce this new project by RDC to build additional student housing. RDC has a proven track record of building and operating safe, quality student housing,and this development will provide more housing options for upper-year students close to the Symons Campus,” said Julie Davis, vice-president of external relations and development. “There is a need for more housing in Peterborough and this new student housing project is just one of the ways Trent is working to help alleviate some of the housing pressures in our community.”
The land is already been zoned for residential use. RDC will build and operate the three-storey townhouse-style building.
“RDC has been working with the University since 2008 as we began the process of building out the Water Street student housing development,” said Brian Freeman, senior vice president of strategy and development at Campus Living Centres. “We have worked closely with a number of campus stakeholders since then and are proud to be part of the Trent community,”
Plans are underway to build a new residence on the Symons Campus which will be followed by a full replacement and expansion of Otonabee College, adding more than 700 new beds to the University’s current complement of residence spaces according to Trent. The University-Integrated Seniors Village will be anchored by a 224-bed not-for-profit long-term care home expected to break ground in 2024.
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Flood Watch Update Issued For Trent-Severn Waterway Tuesday
/A Flood Watch Update was issued for Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management on Tuesday April 11– notifying them that flooding is possible.
file photo.
The waterways within Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction and the headwaters of the Trent-Severn Waterway (Reservoir Lakes/Haliburton Lakes region) will experience above normal air temperatures through Sunday April 16. The next rainfall event is forecasted for the 16th is through Tuesday April 18 with potential rainfall amounts in the range of 15 to 30 millimetres.
Parks Canada is currently managing water through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway. With the increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes, water levels will continue to increase and result in breakup of ice cover and potential ice jams. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake shoreline is expected.
Water levels and flows on the Otonabee River have levelled off and will remain steady. Potential increases to water levels and flows may result from further water management due to additional runoff from the forecasted rainfall event. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Otonabee River is expected.
Otonabee Conservation advises area municipalities to prepare for swelling of rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands with possibility of waters inundating adjacent properties and roads. Shoreline residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Residents and visitors are advised not to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. Adults, parents and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts and bridges).
Water levels can be monitored on-line at:
Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

