Riverview Park and Zoo Beloved 10-Year-Old Capybara Pablo Passes Away

Pablo, the beloved capybara of Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away according to staff in a press release sent out on Wednesday morning.

File Photo.

The 10-year-old capybara arrived from the Toronto Zoo in 2015.

The Animal Health Team had been monitoring Pablo closely as his health had started to deteriorate. The consulting veterinarian and Animal Health Team provided treatment and care promptly, Pablo passed away Tuesday morning. He died from complications arising from several age-related conditions according to a press release.

The park released this statement regarding Pablo’s passing:

“Pablo was loved greatly by both our visitors and staff… …We would like to thank our staff and Dr. John Sallaway for their assistance with Pablo’s ongoing treatment and care. Pablo will be greatly missed by our community. The Park and Zoo would like to extend their gratitude for the public’s continuous support and appreciation of Pablo.”

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46-Year-Old Peterborough Man Wanted On a Warrant Arrested

A 46-year-old Peterborough man wanted on a warrant was arrested Tuesday afternoon as reported by the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 12:38 p.m., an officer was on an unrelated call for service and observed a man walking in the George Street and Rink Street area. The officer recognized him and was aware of his outstanding warrant.

The 46-year-old Peterborough man was arrested on the strength of the warrant and released on an appearance notice. The accused is scheduled for court on Sept. 19, 2023.

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Peterborough Petes Wrap Up Day One of Training Camp

Peterborough Petes 2023 Training Camp kicked off training camp at the Hybrid Sports facility with introductions, medicals and fitness testing on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

An orientation session was held for players and their families and was led by Michael Oke, Petes general manager before the players split off into medical testing, headshots and fitness testing.

“It was a great start to camp today with everyone working hard in the gym at Hybrid,” said Oke. “We’re looking forward to seeing that hard work carry over on the ice tomorrow as scrimmages begin.”

During the fitness testing portion of training camp, Donovan McCoy, Braydon McCallum, Owen Beck, Chase Lefebvre and Sam McCue all featured in multiple top threes. The top performing Petes in each fitness category were as follows:

300-yard Shuttle Run (two heats)

  1. Sam McCue 51s, 54s

  2. Jax Dubois 52s, 56s

  3. Raymond Thurston 52s, 58s

Vertical Jump

  1. Donovan McCoy 34.4”

  2. Braydon McCallum 33.4”

  3. Owen Beck 33.2”

Broad Jump

  1. Owen Beck, Braydon McCallum 10’

  2. Liam Sztuska, Rheydan McCoy 9’11”

  3. Chase Lefebvre 9’9’’

Pull-ups

  1. Brennan Faulkner 25 reps

  2. Quinton Pagé, Owen Beck 24 reps

  3. Jace McGrail 23 reps

5-10-5 Shuttle Run

  1. Donovan McCoy, Maximus Macerollo 5.14s

  2. Sam McCue, Braydon Mccallum 4.15s

  3. Chase Lefebvre 4.22s

20-Yard Dash

  1. Braydon McCallum 2.56s

  2. Donovan McCoy 2.57s

  3. Chase Lefebvre 2.58s

Wednesday and Thursday’s scrimmages are streamed live on the Petes Facebook page.

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Sam's Place Deli Expands With Soft Launch of Hot Dog Joint 'Sam's Place Wienery'

Entrepreneur Sam Sayer has expanded her business of putting meat on bread as she has soft-launched a new hot dog joint ‘Sam’s Place Wienery’ for this week that began on Tuesday.

Sam Sayer says her love for hot dogs was also a reason for expanding her business operations with a ‘wienery.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘wienery’ is located behind her delicatessen ‘Sam’s Place’ on 188 Hunter St. W.

“We truly had an empty space between our new kitchen and the sandwich shop but it wasn't really usable for anything so we thought why not give this a shot,” said Sayer, Sam’s Place Deli and Wienery owner.

The soft launch runs from Tuesday until Friday from noon to 6 p.m. There are seven selections of hot dog combinations that the place is offering during the soft launch. Customers can also dress their own plain or special combination hot dogs. Beef, pork and beyond meat wieners are options available for any hot dog. Pogo corn dogs are also on the menu.

“The beef hot dogs are actually American, so those are Nathan's. They're world famous of course. We've got Wagner's dogs which are pork dogs out of Toronto and then we have the beyond-meat bratwurst,” explained Sayer.

The following are the featured topping combinations for this week’s soft launch:

  • Dog River Dog: house-made vegetarian chili, cheese sauce, shredded cheese and green onion

  • Chicago Dog: Mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, celery salt and banana peppers

  • Chou Dog: Creamy five-cabbage slaw

  • Dad Dog: Cheese sauce and shredded cheese

  • Poutine Dog: Empire cheese curd, vegetarian gravy and Hickory Sticks

  • San Fran Dog: Bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo

  • Sonoran Dog: Pico de Gallo, bacon, mayo, mustard and hot sauce

The soft launch will help Sayer determine what adjustments need to be made before her grand opening at an undisclosed date.

We have a real thing for art so I'd really like to have more on the walls,” explained Sayer. “Aside from that, we just want to make sure we have the kinks out and we can run as smooth as possible, all set for everybody when the time comes.”

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Motorcycles Rev It Up In the Inaugural United on the Highway Poker Run & Fundraiser

Motorcycle revved things up for the inaugural United on the Highway Poker Run that explored the historic downtown and toured through the Kawarthas on Saturday.

Motorcycle enthusiasts gear up to put up their kickstands and begin their Poker Run. The event was originally slated for July 15 but was rained out. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Bikers gathered at the Venture North parking lot before touring around the Kawarthas. They made stops at multiple locations to draw cards and win prizes, with all proceeds going to the United Way of Peterborough.

“The best fundraisers are the ones that are interactive and fun for everyone involved. People have been very excited about being able to play this classic game while exploring downtown Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Terry Guiel, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “As a motorcycle enthusiast myself, I thought this would be a unique way to mix my passions for the downtown, motorcycles and also raising money for amazing local organizations in our community.”

Some of the prize packages include $500 and $1000 worth of motorcycle prizes, a downtown shopping spree and a plethora of other prizes.

The riders finished the tour in downtown Peterborough then experienced downtown restaurants, pubs, patios and retail stores.

“When the rubber hits the road, kind hearts and strong passions for the community are even more revved up,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “We are so grateful to Terry and the team at the DBIA for driving this event, and for helping build a more resilient Peterborough. Bikers are very giving people and we want to thank everyone who is attending and who generously donated a prize.”

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Peterborough Petes Hire Nate Oke As An Assistant Coach

The Peterborough Petes have hired Nate Oke as an assistant coach for the 2023-24 season announced on Monday evening.

Mark Million is the owner of The Capital PTBO which opened in late January of last year. File Photo.

Oke served as the team’s Skill Development Coach last season.

“We’re very excited to add Nate as an assistant coach,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He did a great job last year as the team’s skill development coach and left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. Nate already has a great relationship with the players and coaching staff, having spent a lot of time working closely with the team through the season, playoffs and Memorial Cup.”

The Fenelon Falls native has been working in the area of player skill development for the past eight years, providing both in-season and off-season skill training for players at the pro, junior and minor hockey levels. Last season, he head coached the Central Ontario Wolves U16s, who were captained by Petes 2023 first-round pick, Carson Cameron. They also won the Steve Richey Tournament on Jan. 22.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to be an assistant coach with the Petes,” said Nate. “I had an opportunity to work closely with the staff and players last season so I’m already well acquainted with everyone. I’d like to thank Mike Oke, Rob Wilson and everyone involved with the Peterborough Petes for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started this week.”

In May, Nate was named head coach of the Peterborough Petes U18s. He continues to support the U18 program working alongside Petes U18 assistant coaches Clair Cornish and Ian Armstrong.

Nate joins Petes head coach Rob Wilson, associate coach Andrew Verner and assistant coach Paddy O’Connor on the Petes coaching staff.

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Peterborough Man Facing Impaired Driving Charges From Monday Evening

A 20-year-old Peterborough man is facing impaired charges after an incident Monday evening.

At roughly 7:45 p.m., an officer was conducting speed enforcement in the Water Street and Marina Boulevard area. The officer saw a vehicle speeding and conducted a vehicle stop.

A 20-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

  • Stunt Driving (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19.

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Fleming College Launching New Hairstyling Program For January

Students can get into the beauty industry through Fleming College as they are launching a new Hairstyling Program this January, announced on Monday afternoon.

The program was designed by Peterborough’s Harmony Hair Salon owner Chris Asta. This new program will teach hairstyling theory and extensive hands-on training according to a press release.

The program is offered in a compressed format of three semesters with a wide variety of courses. Students can learn all aspects of the hairstyling business from hair care basics to running a salon. They will also learn hair-cutting, styling and colouring techniques for everyone. Retail and business side of the hair care industry are also taught in the program.

By the end of the program, students will have developed a full portfolio of their work to complement their resumes according to Fleming. A hair fashion show takes place at the end of the third semester.

Applicants can visit online for more information on how to enroll.

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Peterborough Petes Hire Mark Million As New Director of Merchandise

The Peterborough Petes have hired Mark Million as the new director of merchandise, taking over the position from long-time employee Don Sharp, announced on Monday afternoon.

Mark Million is the owner of The Capital PTBO which opened in late January of last year. File Photo.

“On behalf of the Peterborough Petes, I’d like to welcome Mark to the organization,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Mark is a longtime resident of Peterborough with an extensive knowledge of retail and the community. While getting to know Mark, it was clear that he is passionate about the Petes and we’re excited to move forward with him as the Director of Merchandise.”

Million, the hometown entrepreneur has been working in retail for decades. He is the owner of The Capital PTBO in downtown Peterborough, a retail store specializing in licensed hats and apparel for local and professional sports teams. Million is a graduate of the Fleming College Sporting Goods Business program.

“It’s a dream come true to be joining the Petes organization,” said Million. “Being from Peterborough, I’ve always had a love for the Petes and the city. I’m looking forward to getting to know our customers and fanbase as they come shopping at the Petes Store.” 

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Peterborough Transit Making Route Changes Beginning Sept. 3

Peterborough Transit is implementing route service changes beginning on Sept. 3, announced on Monday afternoon.

File Photo.

The changes will streamline some routes, improving efficiency and helping to ensure buses are on schedule according to a press release. It also accommodates seasonal transit when schools resume and businesses return to regular operation after the summer season.

Late-night service returns on Route 5 The Parkway and Route 6 Sherbrooke. Route 11 and 11A Water will resume weekday service. Peterborough Transit will continue using conventional and on-demand service on weeknights, Saturdays and statutory holidays.

The following are the route changes:

Route 4: Weller

  • Route 4 Weller will travel to the Museum from Sherbrooke Street at Woodglade Boulevard via the Peterborough Terminal in the eastbound direction and the reverse in the westbound direction. There is a new bus stop on Glenforest Boulevard at Denure Drive in the westbound direction.

  • Route 4 Weller will no longer be servicing the Chandler Crescent area. Route 9 Parkhill will now service this area.  

Route 5: The Parkway Southbound / Route 8 Monaghan Southbound

  • Route 5 The Parkway and Route 8 Monaghan, in their southbound direction, will now be servicing new stops at the Shorelines Casino and the GO Transit park-and-ride lot on Fisher Drive. These currently service these stops in the northbound direction.

Route 6: Sherbrooke

  • Route 6 Sherbrooke will now travel from Sherbrooke Street to Woodglade Boulevard, then to Kawartha Heights Boulevard, to Spillsbury Drive, to Fortye Gate, to Foryte Drive, to Stenson Boulevard, to Fleming College Way and the reverse in the eastbound direction.

  • Route 6 Sherbrooke will no longer travel on Brealey Drive to Fleming College. Route 9 Parkhill will now service this area. 

Route 9: Parkhill

  • Route 9 Parkhill will continue west on Parkhill Road to service Chandler Crescent. From Parkhill Road, the route will turn left onto Brealey Drive to Fleming College and then reverse in the opposite direction. There will be new bus stops in both directions on Brealey Drive at Glenforest Boulevard and on Brealey Drive at Ireland Drive. There will also be a new stop in the westbound direction at Chandler Crescent.

  • Route 9 Parkhill will no longer travel from Parkhill Road to Ravenwood Drive to Glenforest Boulevard, to Woodglade Boulevard, to Kawartha Heights Boulevard, to Pillsbury Drive, to Fortye Gate, to Fortye Drive, to Stenson Boulevard and to Fleming College Way. Route 6 Sherbrooke will now service this area. 

Route 5: The Parkway

Evening weekday and Saturday Route 5A The Parkway trips will depart hourly:

  • Southbound from the terminal to Fleming College between 8:02 p.m. and 11:02 p.m.

  • Northbound from Fleming College to the Peterborough Terminal between 8:05 p.m. and 3:05 a.m.

Route 6: Sherbrooke

The weekday departure from Trent Bata at 7:40 p.m. will end at the Peterborough Terminal.

Evening weekday and Saturday trips will operate as follows:

  • From Trent Bata to the terminal: Every 30 minutes from 8:10 p.m. to 11:10 p.m. and hourly from 11:10 p.m. to 2:10 a.m.

  • From The terminal to Trent Bata: Every 30 minutes from 8:02 p.m. to 11:32 p.m.

  • From The terminal to Trent Bata via Armour Rd and Trent Gzowski: Hourly from 8:32 p.m. to 2:32 a.m.

  • From The terminal to Fleming College:  Hourly from 7:32 p.m. to 2:32 a.m.

  • From Fleming College to the terminal: Hourly from 7:40 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

Route 11 and 11A: Water

Weekday service resumes following the summer break, providing direct service from Trent University to Traill College and the Peterborough Terminal.

Construction Detours 

Three major City of Peterborough infrastructure projects are ongoing into fall 2023, resulting in the ongoing Peterborough Transit detours listed below:  

  • Lansdowne Street from Park to George: Out-of-service stops in both directions affecting Lansdowne Route 7A, Chemong Route 2, and Technology Route 10.

  • Armour Road from Hunter Street to Clifton Street: Detour on Lansdowne Route 7A northbound trips via Rogers to Dufferin

  • Parkhill Road to George Street: Detour on Parkhill Route 9 and Water Route 11A via McDonnel Street

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