Peterborough Priest Charged With Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference

Roman Catholic priest Father Neil Pereira has been arrested and charged with sexual assault and sexual interference, reported by the Peterborough Police Services on Wednesday.

Youtube Screenshot.

Investigators with the Peterborough Police Services and Sexual Offences Unit laid the charges against the 33-year-old man.

Sexual Interference is when a person, for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years according to the police. 

The accused is an ordained Priest with the Catholic Church and has been working in the City of Peterborough since late 2022.

Investigators are in contact with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough and are cooperating with Investigators.

Police released the identity of the accused as the nature of the offences could lead to other possible victims.

Pereira is appearing in court on August 8. No additional information is being released at this time, as this matter is now before the Courts.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Constable Jacob Donnelly at extension 705-876-1122 ext. 335, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Peterborough Public Health Gives Reminded That Public Outdoor Places Are Smoke-Free

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding the city that Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEO) ensure compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and that public outdoor spaces are smoke, vape and cannabis-free, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

TEOs regularly patrol parks, playgrounds, beaches and festivals and violating the law could lead to a $305 fine.

“The SFOA isn’t a new law – it has protected people in outdoor public spaces since 2015 and indoors since 2006,” said Katrina Ryall, PPH TEO. “Most people understand the importance of this legislation and are happy to smoke or vape in designated areas.”

Over the first three weeks of the summer, TEOs visited every public sports field, playground, and beach and attended several special events in the City and County of Peterborough. Compliance has generally been good but Ryall says it can be better.

“Our efforts to educate the public are generally well-received but sometimes we need to remind people that lighting up or vaping around children and families is not permitted in Ontario,” she said. “As patrols continue throughout the summer, people found smoking or vaping in a restricted public area can expect to receive a fine.”

The following are places that were observed and met with warnings issued:

• Quarry Bay Beach - 1 tobacco warning

• Chandos Beach - 1 vape warning

• Ennismore Waterfront Park -1 vape warning

• Beavermead Park and Beach -13 tobacco warnings/1 vape warning

• Rogers Cove - 3 tobacco warnings

• Bowers Park - 1 tobacco warning

• Maple Leaf Park - 2 tobacco warnings

• Fairbairn & Poplar Park - 1 tobacco warning

• Quarry Bay Beach -1 tobacco warning

• Chandos Beach -1 tobacco warning

• Ennismore Waterfront Park - 2 tobacco warnings

• Sandy Beach - 2 tobacco warning

• Peterborough Musicfest - 4 tobacco warnings/1 vape warnings/1 cannabis warning

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains,” said Dr. Piggott, PPH Medical Officer of Health. “Nicotine affects learning, memory, and concentration which is why we need to make sure youth don’t have access to these products. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.”

Since January, TEOs have inspected 136 tobacco and vapour product retailers, resulting in 7 charges and 17 warnings for youth gaining access to said products according to the PPH.

They continue to add that there are no safe levels of exposure to second-hand smoke and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them.

“Thanks to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act all citizens are able to enjoy the fresh air in our parks, beaches and at sports fields,” said Councilor Lesley Parnell. “It is very much appreciated by so many people when everyone respects our beautiful shared green spaces.”

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Peterborough Police Make Arrests On Three Separate Assault Cases On Tuesday

Peterborough Police Service has reported and arrested three suspects involved in three separate assault charges that were allegedly committed on Tuesday.

A 51-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges after an incident on Tuesday evening.

Officers were reported a domestic incident on Dublin Street. The victim had been physically assaulted and required treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

After the investigation, a 51-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Assault

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court for a bail hearing on Wednesday.

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A 41-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges from a Brock Street incident Tuesday evening.

Officers responded to an assault on Brock Street in the area of George Street. Upon arrival, police learned that a resident in the area was upset noise levelsfrom a group at a nearby parking lot. The victim was assaulted, requiring medical attention and further assessment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

As a result of the investigation, a 41-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm 

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

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A 34-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges following a Tuesday night incident.

On Tuesday around 6:30 p.m., a female attempted to stop a male from shoplifting at a Lansdowne Street West local business. The male struck the female in the face with brass knuckles that ledt to other shoppers intervening.

After investigation, a 34-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with A Weapon

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court August 15.

Eastside Transportation Study Review Open Until August 21

The City of Peterborough has posted the Eastside Transportation Study for an official review period from July 20 to Aug. 21.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The review is required under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. City Council approved in principle the study recommendations on March 28.

The study assessed transportation infrastructure needs and priorities associated with development planned in the east portion of Peterborough. It will seek to provide recommendations for needed improvements to the roadway and active transportation network within and beyond the study area.

Generally, recommended improvements that were identified through the study include:

• Implementing the existing city-wide Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan and Transit Study recommendations

• Intersection modifications

• Improvements to Trent-Severn Waterway and Otonabee River crossings

• Road network expansion and realignment

The realignment of Ashburnham Drive between Maniece Avenue and Old Norwood Road/McFarlane Street and the replacement of the McFarlane Street bridge across the Trent-Severn Waterway were identified as priority projects according to a press release.

A more detailed study would be required for some of the recommended projects identified including budget approval for each project.

The study is available at connectptbo.ca/EastSideTS or can be viewed in hard copy at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

Comments can be sent to the study team by August 21:

• Robert Dunford, Transportation Planning Manager, City of Peterborough, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext. 1867, EastSideTS@peterborough.ca

• Vinod Soman, Transportation Senior Project Manager, City of Peterborough, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext. 1749, EastSideTS@peterborough.ca

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Voice of Business: Passenger Rail Service One Step Closer

Passenger rail service to Peterborough and beyond has cleared another stage toward construction.

Transport Canada announced on July 20 that the Request for Qualifications it issued back in April had concluded and three proponents were selected as eligible to bid on the upcoming Request for Proposals.

The project will link Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City with regular passenger rail service on dedicated passenger lines. It will require hundreds of kilometres of new track, refurbishment of old rail beds, new or improved crossings at every road it crosses, agreements with property owners, new stations, and a lot of planning. Creating a proposal for a project of this scale will require significant resources, which is why each of the three proponents are conglomerates made up of large construction and transportation industry companies.

The following groups have been invited to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage:

• Cadence (CDPQ Infra, SNC-Lavalin, Systra Canada, Keolis Canada)

• Intercity Rail Developers (Intercity Development Partners, EllisDon Capital, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, Renfe Operadora)

• QConnexiON Rail Partners (Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada, Deutsche Bahn)

Next up will be one of the most exciting phases in the project: Request for Proposals. Expected to launch this September, proponents will be expected to draw up their plan to meet the goals of VIA HFR and Transport Canada with a technically and commercially feasible solution that includes both a business and management plan. The proposals should answer a lot of the big questions about this project, including cost, where the lines will run, whether there will be high-speed sections, construction timelines, whether any additional towns/cities will get a stop, where the line will connect to Toronto, and whether the lines will twin alongside freight and include much-needed freight line refurbishment.

Additionally, the project will be required to meet reconciliation goals, as per Transport Canada:

“Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority for the Government of Canada, and this is why early engagement with Indigenous communities is already underway. As part of the RFQ process, respondents were required to demonstrate their capacity to work with the government to create mutually beneficial, socio-economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous reconciliation is critical to the success of the HFR project and will be integrated in all phases of the project.”

The government expects to evaluate the proposal submissions in the summer of 2024. Following that, a case will be made to our federal government to fund it. Considering the years and hundreds of millions of dollars that will have already been spent at that point, it should be a choice between different business models and levels of service. Ideally, the business plan will show a high return on investment. After all, VIA’s big push for this project and its first dedicated passenger tracks is that they will be able to provide a higher level of service, which should equate to a much higher return on investment and push the crown corporation toward profitability.

As well, this project promises to move us forward in fighting climate change. The proposals should lay out a case for the amount of emissions they will help us cut while improving intercity connectivity. The rail network should be electric (or at least almost all electric), providing people with sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation.

We still have a long way to go before passenger trains will stop in Peterborough, but we have come a long way in the last few years. If you want to read up a bit more on the history of how we got here, check out our Voice of Business column from March 1.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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United Way Highlights Annual Accomplishments By Releasing 2022-2023 Community Impact Report

The United Way Peterborough & District announced its Community Impact Report entitled “UNITED. Together We Can…” which highlights their accomplishments, the funded agencies and community partners throughout the 2022-2023 season.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO during the presentation of the organization’s Community Impact Report. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Our work as a community relies on personal connection, which was undeniably impacted by the social distancing throughout the pandemic. Agencies pivoted and adapted to continue to support our community despite the added pressures resulting from the pandemic, said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. This past year marked the beginning of coming together again, and we are so proud of how our donors, agencies, volunteers and community have embraced the opportunity to come back stronger than before.”

The report showcased the outcomes that are made possible through United Way’s investment in 275 different programs and initiatives during the presentation.

“The Community Impact Report is a celebration of the achievements of our funded agencies as well as our United Way initiatives,” said Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact. “The statistics captured in this report demonstrate the power of strategically investing in work to collectively have the strongest outcomes possible. Beyond each of the statistics listed in this report are meaningful, deep, life-changing impacts experienced by the 46,263 people that are helped through the work of United Way and its funded agencies.”

United Way investments were reported to support agencies to provide a range of different services, including:

• 164,936 nutritious meals, snacks, and food boxes

• 7,142 nights of safe shelter

• 35,148 mental health and social wellness activities and check-ins

• 27,113 in-home supports and care visits for isolated individuals

Representatives from some of the 20 partner agencies were at the presentation and highlighted working alongside United Way.

“Together, over the years our donors have contributed millions of dollars that we invest directly into the programs and initiatives like those captured in this report,” said Russell. “In addition, the work of the United Way is driven by over 50 volunteers that make investment decisions, coordinate events and enhance us as an organization as we strive towards our mission.”

The United Way is kicking off its 2023 campaign at the Healthy Planet Arena on Sept. 6.

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Peterborough Chamber Launches Inaugural Event, 'The Local Show' To Showcase the City Amenities

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is showcasing what the city has to offer in a new event called ‘The Local Show,” announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Chamber.

The free event is on Sept. 16 at Lansdowne Place. It will be an immersive experience for attendees to explore and support the diverse offerings of our community according to a press release.

The Chamber wants the Local Show to foster a strong sense of community by showcasing the exceptional talents, products and services available in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The Local Show is providing a platform for participants to connect with potential customers, collaborate with fellow professionals, build lasting relationships and learn about hiring opportunities.

The show highlights the following:

Exhibition Area: The heart of the event, the exhibition area will feature an impressive showcase of local businesses and organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries, including retail, hospitality, technology, arts and crafts, food and beverages, and much more. The entire mall will be transformed into the exhibition area.

Hiring Hub: This special event section brings together eight leading employment organizations, all dedicated to helping job seekers find their dream jobs in the local community. Whether attendees are actively searching for a new career path or simply exploring potential opportunities, the Hiring Hub offers a unique platform to meet and interact with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals.

The Local Auction: The Local Show will feature the kick-off of an exciting auction that adds an element of anticipation and discovery to the event. The online auction will officially launch in person on the day of the event, offering attendees a unique opportunity to participate in live bidding. However, the excitement doesn't end there, as the auction will continue online for an additional two weeks, allowing a wider audience to join in on the experience.

“We are excited to host The Local Show, which celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of our local community," says Joel Wiebe, Chamber Vice President, government relations and communications. “This event will not only provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services but also create a memorable experience for attendees.”

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26-Year Old Man Facing Several Charges After Two Break and Enters

A 26-year-old Peterborough man has been given several charges after two break and enters on Monday.

On Monday morning, officers received a break-and-enter call from a Goodfellow Road and Clonsilla Avenue area business. A police investigation determined that $7,500 worth of items were taken.

Later that afternoon, officers received a second break-and-enter report to a Kingsway business.

An officer on general patrol located the man responsible for both break and enters later in the day. The suspect was found with possession of items from each business.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Mischief - obstructs, interrupts or interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property

• Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence

• Theft Over $5000

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The accused is being held in custody and is appearing in court on Tuesday.

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Peterborough Man's Second-Prize Draw Wins Over $210,000 In LOTTO MAX

Peterborough’s Robert Parker is $212,849.20 richer after winning a LOTTO MAX second prize in the June 30 draw, announced on Tuesday morning.

LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $7.6 billion since 2009, including 97 jackpot wins and 850 MAXMILLIONS prizes. Photo courtesy of OLG.

The 46-year-old truck driver said he enjoys playing LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49.

“My dad used to buy tickets all the time,” said Parker. “I started playing in his honour.”

Parker checked his ticket at the store one morning and discovered his big win.

“It was indescribable,” he explained. “I felt calm when I scanned the ticket, and the cashier was thrilled for me!”

He texted his mother to ask if she was sitting down before sharing the surprising news over the phone.

“I called and said, ‘I’m pretty sure I won.’ She was more excited than I was,” said Parker

He plans to manage his finances with his winnings.

“It would take me a long time to save this money myself,” said Parker. “Life has been a roller coaster but this is going to make things easier. With a win like this, you’re able to put your feet up and take a breath.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Mister Convenience on Orpington Road in Peterborough.

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