Peterborough DBIA’s Golden Goose Chase Winner Catches $1,500 in Boro Gift Cards

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) congratulates winner Susan Donald who took home $1,500 in Boro gift cards from the Golden Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt.

Donald, the winner, photographed at Bhojan Grocery - a new Indian grocery store located on George Street.  photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

This spring, the DBIA led a brand new downtown retail incentive program which took locals on a “wild goose chase” in search of golden eggs for a chance to win a $1,500 Boro gift card shopping spree.

The focus of this initiative was on bringing the magic and excitement back into in-person shopping experiences. 200 participants joined the hunt with over 100 active scavenger hunters.

“I love supporting small businesses and shopping locally because you’re supporting families above all else. You get to know the people who you’re buying from, which is so much more meaningful than buying from large corporations,” says Donald.

Many participating businesses noticed an increase of foot traffic to the downtown retail shops as locals explored the downtown in search of golden eggs. 

“We had one group of friends come into our store, a couple of whom had just moved here from Toronto. They had learned about the scavenger hunt and told us they were visiting about six different stores looking for the golden eggs, making purchases along the way as they discovered businesses,” says Andrew Damiany, owner of Gentry Apparel. 

Throughout the program, golden eggs were strategically hidden inside a variety of downtown retail locations on a rotating schedule. This whimsical downtown scavenger hunt utilized a mobile app called Goosechase, where participating players would take an image of each individual egg they found to increase their number of entries into the draw. All 20 eggs were hand-painted by local artists with each egg showcasing their own unique style. 

“It’s been really nice to see people getting excited for the summer and also getting out to explore small businesses and local retailers while having fun in the process,” says Bhojan co-owner Aniket Khera.

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Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates Official Ribbon Cutting of the PetSmart Charities of Canada Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and PetSmart Charities of Canada celebrated the official ribbon-cutting of the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) Thursday morning.

photo by felicia Massey.

The Clinic will be named for PetSmart Charities of Canada in honour of their generous donations. Representatives from the US and Canada came together at PACC to commemorate occasion with supporters and Mastiff mix Angus.

PetSmart Charities of Canada has cumulatively contributed over $421,000 towards the innovative new animal care facility located at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough.

“Access to spay/neuter is essential for all pets to maintain the momentum on finding homes for all animals,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “When pets do find their home, access to affordable and high-quality veterinary care is foundational to a long and healthy life, care that today, is unattainable for too many pet parents. That’s why we’re thrilled our long-time partners at the Peterborough Humane Society have associated our name with the spay/neuter clinic. Their leadership and commitment to their community through this centre promises to deliver the best care to those in need.”

All photos by Felicia Massey.

“PetSmart Charities of Canada have been a remarkable partner on this journey to our new centre,” said Shawn Morey, executive director at the Peterborough Humane Society. “Their support has been huge in bringing our new centre to a reality, and allowing us to offer more services to our local and regional communities. Partnerships like these are exactly what we need to continue our mission, as well as meet our fundraising goals.”

PHS used the grant funds to purchase medical equipment required for the high-volume spay/neuter clinic within the new centre. The Spay/Neuter Clinic, which serves the public as well as other animal rescue organizations, provides over 25 surgeries a day. The Clinic plans to grow, with the goal of helping over 5,000 pets and their families each year.

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OHL Recognizes Peterborough Petes With Business Leadership Awards

The Peterborough Petes’s historic season continues with more recognition as the Ontario Hockey League has awarded them the Community Involvement Award during league meetings on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the OHL.

The recognition is part of the league’s Business Leadership Awards as the Petes raised more than $270,000 from 50/50 draws to support the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council. Their Pink In the Rink campaign brought in over $60,000 in support of battling cancer and aiding the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.

The champion Petes also were recognized for their free ball hockey program held at elementary schools across Peterborough. The brought barrier-free access to hockey for over 2,000 students. They hosted the inaugural PWHPA OHL Showcase in February that saw 3,480 fans in attendance at the Peterborough Memorial Centre to spotlight professional women’s hockey.

The Guelph Storm were recognized with the OHL Franchise Development Award as part of the Business Leadership Awards.

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Broken Social Scene Announced As Headliners of the Peterborough Folk Festival 2023

The Peterborough Folk Festival have announced the band Broken Social Scene as the headliners of this year’s festival August 19.

photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival, facebook.

Throughout their two-decade run, Broken Social Scene have achieved all the markers of modern indie success—rave reviews from Pitchfork, invites to play Coachella and Lollapalooza, multiple Juno Awards and Letterman appearances, and name-drops in Lorde songs. And their victories have ultimately been Toronto’s as well – through the establishment of a record label (Arts & Crafts) and a music festival (Field Trip) that became rallying points for the local scene and nurtured the next generation of indie upstarts.

Broken Social Scene is described as living proof that underdogs are most effective when travelling in a pack, that mass audiences can be led into uncharted waters through collective enthusiasm, and that the better world we all dream of begins with community.

“Inclusivity, belonging and community are at the heart of Peterborough Folk Festival,” says artistic director Ryan Kemp. “I can barely express how thrilled we are to have this iconic Canadian band take the main stage as the PFF 2023 headliner on August 19th.”

This will be Broken Social Scene’s first-ever performance in Peterborough. Earlier this month, Kemp shared that internationally-acclaimed Celtic singer/songwriter Loreena McKennitt will headline the main stage of the 34th annual Peterborough Folk Festival on Sunday, August 20.

"We’ve been building momentum with our festival partners, sponsors and volunteer-run board to create a memorable event for everyone in Peterborough and across the region to enjoy. It’s incredible to have this come together with the announcement of these fantastic performers,” he continued.

The 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free weekend of music, food and performance on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Organizers will be making additional announcements during June, including the complete line-up of performers and PFF’s Emerging Artist of the Year.

For more information about PFF 2023, including how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer, or vendor, visit the website.

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Hometown PTBO: Bob Young About His New Golf Book and His Brother and Famed Musician Neil Young

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with golfer and author Bob Young about his new book, ‘Mind Golf: The Troubled Genius of Moe Norman’ and about his brother, famed musician Neil Young.

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Trent University’s Bata Library and the Peterborough Public Library Partner to Offer On-Campus Recreational Reading Collection

Trent University’s Bata Library and the Peterborough Public Library have partnered to offer a new self-serve library kiosk on campus; promoting community connection and providing increased access to the downtown library’s collection.

photo courtesy of trent university.

“At Trent University, we recognize the profound benefits of reading for pleasure, ranging from stress relief and cognitive development to the enhancement of empathy skills,” said Coralee Leroux, Bata Library’s scholarly resources librarian. “The success of this partnership has created a vibrant hub for knowledge exchange, stimulating curiosity, reducing stress, and fostering empathy among our students and wider community. It is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and a shared vision for education and personal growth.” 

Bata Library is the newest location for the Peterborough Public Library's network of self-serve kiosks, offering access to public library materials for anyone possessing a Peterborough Public Library card, and extending the reach of library resources throughout the city. Other locations include the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“We’re very excited to partner with Bata Library on this initiative. Our kiosks provide an alternative to visiting our downtown branch for those who want to borrow library materials,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Peterborough Public Library. “When the folks at Trent reached out, it was such a quick and easy yes from us. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to work together and combine our library powers for the benefit of the Trent and local communities.” 

To borrow a book from the Bata Library kiosk, or other kiosk locations, individuals can simply scan their Peterborough Public Library card, enter their PIN, and open the kiosk door to select a book. When removing the book from the kiosk and closing the door, the item is automatically checked out.

For those who do not have a Peterborough Public Library card, registration can be done online. 

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 23 - 25

file photo.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 23 to 25!

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival at Trent University

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) is an unjuried, uncensored festival for independent Indigenous performers in theatre, dance, music and comedy. Participants send in applications and are chosen by lottery. Performers receive 100% of the box office proceeds. NIFF is proud to be a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.

NIFF is committed to providing a space for people to experience and embrace the arts and community with an extensive commitment to the development and transmittal of cultural knowledge and creative practice.

When: All weekend

Where: Trent University

Five Counties Backyard Summer Social

The Backyard Summer Social will be in full bloom on Saturday, June 24, as it returns for a second year to Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough. The inaugural event held in 2022 raised more than $45,000 for critical, high-demand treatment services for children/youth at Five Counties. Now the Centre’s signature fundraising event is back with music, food, entertainment, fun activities and more as it offers a high-end gala experience for adults with a fun summer twist.

“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again, and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties. “Our initial Backyard Summer Social was a smashing success, and we plan to make it even bigger, bolder and better in 2023!”

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are now on sale for $125/person. Tickets are available online or through Five Counties (email development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300). Along with a charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities, and a chance to win fantastic door prizes.

People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 24 can look forward to:

• Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita, SKH Catering and Loaded Pierogi.

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy.

• Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery.

• Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers.

• Live auction and door prizes.

• Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location.

When: Saturday June 24, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough

Beatlemania at Market Hall

Join us at The Market Hall in Peterborough for a truly unforgettable show! The Beatles – From early Ed Sullivan to Let it be, you’ll get all the hits. Experience a live Beatles show through all eras of their career, live on stage with their high energy, impeccable musicianship, showmanship, and humour.

The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles has been delighting audiences for nearly two decades with their live high energy performance! They have played thousands of shows across North America including appearances with Global TV morning show, Maple Leaf Gardens, Universal Pictures, The British Isle’s shows as well as countless theaters and festivals.

The show performance is 2 acts with a 20-minute intermission. It must be seen to be believed. Come together and sing and dance along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, or just rattle your jewelry!

When: Saturday June 24, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Market Hall

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Darby FC

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Darby FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: Saturday, June 24 noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

Check out the Peterborough 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.

When: Saturday June 10, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Peterborough ComicCon

Admission : $5 for Adults . Children 12 and under are Free !!
TICKETS: Online ( Eventbrite ) & at the door.
If you purchase your ticket online you will get a Free comic book at the door.

FOOD DONATIONS:
Please bring non-perishable food items for your local community food bank and get entered to win some fun prizes.
One raffle ticket will be given for each item.
<< maximum 10 per person >>
The following items are in high demand and are greatly appreciated :

VENDORS: A variety of vendors will be selling comic books, new & vintage toys, jewelry, DVD's, anime, prints, and a variety of other awesome geek stuff . There will even be some Artists & Authors present with their own art , books and comics. Visit their booths and get some unique items and even some free autographs!!

BUYING: Some vendors will be buying. Bring your unwanted comic books , toys, video games and anything else you are looking to clear out and go home with some extra cash!!

When: Saturday, June 24 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: The Venue

Tickets: $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers.

Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.

When: Saturday, June 24 7-10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)

The Borderless Music & Arts Festival Is Back at The Gordon Best Theatre

The Borderless Music & Arts Festival 2023 is set to feature a line-up that celebrates local artists & cultural diversity through soulful music, poetry, dance and community at the Gordon Best Theatre starting June 23.

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Since 2016, the Borderless Music & Arts Festival has been a multidisciplinary arts showcase that centres women, BIPOC, intersectional identities, multiculturalism, and inclusive community-building with a mosaic of music, dance, visual art, drag, poetry, comedy, circus and film. For over 6 years, Borderless artists have brought an amazing wealth of diversity, culture, collaboration, innovation and excitement to the City.

Borderless Festival 2023 Begins

Friday, June 23:

Poetry by Robyn Pierson

Dance performance & workshop by Mintu Maria James

Music by:

The Colton Sisters

Will Ward

Harbhajunkie

Shahrazi

Featuring a pop-up booth by Indigenously Infused.

Saturday, June 24:

OMBIIGIZI

Singing Wild Rice Girl (Missy Knott)

Will Ward

Danny Taro

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Tickets available at the door and through borderlesshearts.ca. For more information, check out the website.

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SPSS Student Amelia Williams Takes Her Next Hockey Step By Committing To Sault College

The hockey life continues for 17-year-old St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) student Amelia Williams has committed to the Sault College Cougars in Sault Ste. Marie to play hockey in September in a contract signing on Tuesday morning.

(from left to right) Mike WIlliams, father; Rocco Williams, brother; Amelia Williams, Clara Williams, sister and Rebecca WIlliams, mother at the signing held at the SPSS gym. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The defenceman says Sault College was one of the few schools that offered a hockey program in the province and she jumped at the opportunity when she found out she was recruited.

“If I wanted to continue to play hockey, this was my only opportunity to,” explained Williams.

She is graduating from SPSS this summer and will move to Sault Ste. Marie around August. Williams says she’s excited but is surreal that she’ll be going through a major lifestyle change over the summer.

“It's crazy that I'm graduating and moving away,” she explained. “I wasn't expecting to go away but this opportunity just came and I'm really excited.”

Williams has been playing hockey since she was in grade two. She’s won a Kawartha AAA High School Girls hockey championship and COSSA championship with SPSS in 2019.

She’s also been a member of the Peterborough Ice Kats AA U18 team for the last two seasons. She finished this season with two goals and seven assists in 52 games as the team’s top-scoring defenseman.

Williams will take electrical engineering at Sault College and either wants to play professional hockey or become an electrician after graduation from post-secondary education.

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City of Peterborough 2023 Lifeguard Training Program Details Announced

The City of Peterborough will be conducting staff training for this summer’s lifeguard program from June 27 to 30 at Beavermead and Rogers Cove beaches.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Additional staff in-service training will be conducted weekly every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at both beaches, starting July 5 until August 23, 2023. 

All staff will be adhering to provincial health and lifesaving society guidelines for training. Members of the public are asked to give them space to safely complete their training. 

Beaches 

City of Peterborough’s lifeguard program runs from July 1 until August 27, with lifeguards at Beavermead and Rogers Cove beaches seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Beavermead has a beach access mat in place from July 1 until August 27 that provides a stable surface across the sand into the water, improving accessibility for everyone. 

Peterborough Public Health monitors the water quality at our beaches from June until the end of August and posts the water quality reports online. A flag or sign at the beaches also to indicates the status of the water quality when lifeguards are present. For more information on water quality reporting at the public beaches, please contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000. 

Wading pools 

Lifeguards supervise the City’s four wading pools from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, beginning July 1 until August 27. The wading pools are small, shallow pools for young children up to about eight years old. Children need to be accompanied by an adult when using the wading pools.  

Full details about locations and hours of City-operated beaches, wading pools and splashpads are online.

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