Renowned Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools Through Sponsorship Tour

Through a sponsorship by Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray better known as professional wrestling/speaker Cody Deaner is doing a fourth tour of several Peterborough schools announced on Tuesday.

The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is celebrating 103 years of service to the Peterborough community. It is part of a global membership of over 550,000 in 80 countries. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Peterborough.

The Total Nonstop Wrestling star will speak at Edmison Heights Public School on Feb. 12 and St. John’s Catholic Elementary School and Adam Scott Intermediate School on Feb. 13.

Gray also launched a top-rated podcast in 2023: Wrestling is Life is Wrestling.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour”, said Jeff Westlake, Kiwanis past-president. “His previous tours in 2019, 2020 and 2023 were tremendously popular with both students and staff.”

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month,” said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”

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19 Sweet Creations To Compete In Peterborough DBIA's Second-Annual Hot Chocolate Fest Throughout February

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) has brought back its Hot Chocolate Fest for a second year as 19 sweet creations vye for the title of ‘Top Hot Chocolatier’ throughout February, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.

Agave by Imperial won teh inaugural event last year with their ‘Hot Churro-late’ consisting of Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa and dark chocolate. It was served with two cinnamon and sugar-topped churros. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This year’s event runs from Feb. 1 to 29 with various hot chocolate drinks and hot chocolate-inspired menu items will be featured in Downtown Peterborough eateries for dine-in or take-out.

Several entries include ‘classic’ hot cocoa options, imaginative hot chocolates and even ‘h’adult’ versions with a cocktail twist.

Participants can plan their chocolatey adventure using the Hot Chocolate Trail Map online to scout out options before heading downtown.

New this year are four distinct categories with voting options for Top Hot Chocolate, Most Unique, Best Classic and Tastiest H’adult Chocolate 19+. The winning Hot Chocolatier will be determined by the most votes overall and will receive a handcrafted Hot Chocolate Trophy. Votes can be placed online.

Also new is an interactive digital rewards program will run to incentivize participation. Through the digital rewards app, festival goers will be able to win weekly prizes and gain access to exclusive ‘sweet deals’ during the month of February. Hot chocolate revellers earn ballots into four weekly draws by visiting hot chocolate locations and collecting ‘digital stamps.’ Every three stamps collected participants will earn themselves another ballot into the programs weekly giveaway draw for a $25 Boro Gift Card.

Those who download the app will also access exclusive ‘sweet’ deals and promotions provided by local businesses such as free samples of artisanal chocolate at Naked Chocolate, discounts on sweet treats, buy-one-get-one offers and more.

“Downtown Peterborough is regionally renowned for its culinary scene. Culinary programs like our Hot Chocolate Fest provide a platform for our restaurants, cafes, and pubs to really show-off their gastronomic passion and innovation in a playful and engaging way,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Every year we try to add our own innovative spin on program delivery, and I believe this year we’ve taken our hot chocolate program to the next level with the addition of our new digital rewards program. Incentivizing downtown visitation is what gives our downtown a competitive edge in the marketplace, and we are delighted to be offering exclusive perks, deals and prizes to festival goers.”

The following are the participating businesses and their entries:

1. Blackhoney Coffeehouse: Blackhoneycomb

Indulge in this decadent black honey-infused hot cocoa which is served up in an edible chocolate cup! Choose between a white chocolate cup infused with tangerine, or dark chocolate.The Blackhoneycomb is topped with velvety whipped cream and infused with even more black honey. Garnished with a chocolate honeycomb of your choice: white, milk or dark chocolate and dusted with edible gold.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

2. The Dirty Burger: Chocolate Forest H'adult Cocktail

A multi-sensory cocktail experience featuring cinnamon spiced, Belgian-style hot chocolate made with 1.5 oz of espresso vodka for a nutty and earthy kick. Ignite your taste buds with foresty notes of herbaceous lavender and vanilla, topped in a mountain of maple whipped cream and garnished with crushed honey comb and edible flowers.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

3. La Hacienda: Chocolate-Maple Champurrado

A spiced, warm, and creamy chocolate-based beverage that holds a special place in Mexican culinary traditions. Made with Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and its key ingredient, corn flour, for a thick and slightly gritty texture; sweetened with local Red Mill maple syrup. Our indulgent drink is infused with ancho pepper, which is the final touch for a warm, bold flavour. Served with traditional buñuelos, a thin, rosette-shaped, crispy fried pastry coated in cinnamon sugar.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

4. Kit Croissanterie & Café: Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate

A sweet hot cocoa with a zesty burst of citrus about it. Made with orange zest syrup and dark chocolate sauce topped with whipped cream and a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon, garnished with candied orange

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

5. Dreams of Beans: Hazelnut Infused Triple Chocolate

Indulge in this dreamy hot cocoa made with hazelnut chocolate sauce and white chocolate milk topped with whipped cream and milk chocolate shavings. Kick it up a notch with a shot Irish cream with whiskey, and optional espresso!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

6. Turnbull Café: Raspberry Brownie Fudge

A delicious blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with real whipped cream (well of course!) & layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie & fresh raspberries, delicately drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. Comes in both Hot Chocolate and Mocha options.. Ask for a spoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

7. Black Horse Pub: Peanut Butter & Caramel Screwball

If you're looking for a hug in a mug that is cozy, sweet, decadent & smooth: this hot chocolate screwball is something to celebrate. This is a creamy, rich hot chocolate with sundae vibes and a bit of a kick: made with Screwball peanut butter whiskey and topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and peanut butter cups.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

8. Cork & Bean: Smores Hot Chocolate

Rich and velvety hot chocolate, topped with lightly toasted marshmallows, crumbled Graham cracker and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

9. Cork & Bean: Peppermint Hot Cocoa

A creamy and delicious hot chocolate with a candy cane twist - what better way to cozy up for winter! Featuring classic hot cocoa, peppermint syrup, steamed milk of your choice and topped with whip cream, chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candy.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

10. Agave by Imperial: Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican hot chocolate made with masa corn, whipped cream, crushed chilies for a little extra kick and topped with homemade buñuelos.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

11. Speak Easy: Gimme S'more

The ultimate campfire-inspired drink. Steaming mug of ultra-whipped hot chocolate, crowned with fire-toasted marshmallows, and completed with a chocolate fudge-coated graham cracker cookie. We'll "toast" to that

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

12. Milk + Tea: Earl Grey Hot Chocolate

Cozy up with this rich tapioca hot chocolate drink blended with Earl Grey for a subtle hint of tea and lavender. Topped with a thick sweet and salty cream. Enjoy hot or cold!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

13. Boardwalk Lounge: Soon-to-be-Famous Chocolate Chip Hot Choc

Dive into this glorious, toasted marshmallow rimmed mug, filled with rich hot chocolate, cookie syrup, and topped with whipped cream and crumbs from Connor's soon-to-be-famous chocolate chip cookies. Yum yum!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

14. La Mesita: Death by Chocolate

Sip on this deliciously rich, Mexican style hot chocolate that's spiced to perfection with cinnamon sugar and topped with a chocolate skull. Served with a churro donut for dunking.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

15. BOBO Tea: Cocoa Brûlée

Crack into this decadent drink made with loads of cocoa chocolate, fresh milk, brown sugar pearls and crowned with a hand-torched crème brûlée top.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

16. DR. J’s BBQ: Mint-Kissed PB&J Hot Chocolate

If hot chocolate and PB & J sandwiches had a baby, this would be their love child. Indulge in the richness of your favourite childhood snack that combines a rich hot chocolate base with a kiss of mint. Served with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a peanut cocoa dusting.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

17. The Vine: Teddy Bears Winter Picnic

If you go down in The Vine today, you're sure of a big surprise! This delightful white chocolate drink is made to order with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream, a healthy dusting of shaved dark chocolate and teddy grahams!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

18. Tragically Dipped Donut: Choc Mocha + Hot Chocolate Donut Chocolate on Chocolate!

Indulge in the Tragically Dipped ultimate chocolate experience with their decadent chocolate donut. The donut pastry is filled with a velvety, chocolate ganache finished off with a cocoa dust - creating a rich symphony of textures and flavours. Hot Chocolate with a kick: This delightful drink is served up mocha style, made with homemade marshmallow, chocolate ganache, espresso, and milk. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

19. COMING SOON: The El P and Canoe Cafe

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Three Mini Track Loaders Stolen From Business; Police Investigating Incident and Seeking Information From the Public

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after three mini track loaders were stolen from a business over the weekend. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Officers were made aware of the theft on Monday which is believed to have happened in the area of the North Monaghan Parkway and Elmdale Road on Saturday around 6:30 a.m.

The value of the theft is estimated at $165,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Doors Open Peterborough Invites Community For Site Submissions

Annual event Doors Open Peterborough is introducing a new approach this year by inviting the Peterborough community to ‘submit a site’ to have their property be considered for inclusion in this year’s Doors Open Peterborough program announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

This annual event provides free access to many city heritage and cultural landmarks that are not usually open to the public to be held on Sept. 14.

Stewart Hamilton, Chair of the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and Chair of the Doors Open Peterborough organizing committee, hopes this new approach will generate new energy and excitement to the program and foster a sense of inclusivity and accessibility.

“To elaborate on our ongoing theme ‘Every Door Has a Story’, we’re hoping to receive submissions of sites not previously featured on Doors Open Peterborough,” he said. “We’re pleased to be offering this opportunity to showcase Peterborough’s many community stories through new places, tours and events not seen before.”

To learn more about Doors Open Peterborough 2024 and access the “Submit a Site” online form everyone can visit peterborough.ca/DoorsOpen2024.

Doors Open Peterborough is funded by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and is part of Doors Open Ontario which is coordinated by the Ontario Heritage Trust.

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Fleming Phoenix Roundup: Jan. 29

The Fleming Phoenix sports teams had mixed results but saw a good outing from their extramural hockey team.

The Fleming Phoenix logo was unveiled for the college on Sept. 8, replacing the Fleming Knight. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Phoenix men’s extramural hockey team hosted an ice hockey tournament at the Lindsay Recreation Complex on Friday.

The Phoenix won their first game 1-0 against the Seneca Sting with Adam Edgerton getting the lone goal and. Brett Otterbein with the shutout. 

Fleming went on a winning streak, defeating the Georgian Grizzlies (Barrie) 3-2. P Tyler Haliburton, Ashten Murdock and Bryce Baron each had tallies for the Phoenix.

In the semi-finals, the Phoenix were defeated by their local rival and eventual tournament winners in Trent University, 4-1. The lone Phoenix goal was scored by Brady Sage.

Trent University went on to win the tournament, defeating the Durham Lords 5-1. 

The Seneca Sting were named the Fair Play team of the tournament. 

The Phoenix men’s basketball team had another road loss, taking a defeat by the Georgian Grizzlies, 98-90 on Friday.  

The Phoenix led after the first quarter but the Grizzlies gained control and led in each of the three remaining quarters. 

High scorers for the Phoenix were Shawn Blackwood with 19 points, Paul-Ryan Molay with 18 and Jason Diaz and Lystra White each had 16 points.

Fleming continues playing on the road as they head to Toronto to take on the Seneca Sting on Friday. Game time is 7 p.m. 

The men’s and women’s Phoenix volleyball teams travelled to Ottawa this past weekend to face the Algonquin Wolves on Saturday and the La Cite Coyotes on Sunday.

The women’s Phoenix volleyball team lost 3-0 to Algonquin with set scores of 25-18, 25-22, and 25-22. They took another loss, 3-1 to La Cite. The Phoenix women won the first set 25-19 and then lost the next three sets 25-22, 25-15, 26-24. 

The men’s Phoenix team were swept 3-0 to Algonquin. Scores for that match were 25-18, 25-16, 23-23. They reversed their fortunes, routing La Cite with set scores of 25-16, 25-9, 25-18. This brings the men’s Phoenix volleyball team to 5-12 in the regular season. 

Both the men and women’s team will play their final game of the regular season at home against the Durham Lords at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on Wednesday. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men at 8 p.m. 

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Two People Arrested With Multiple Charges Including Drug and Unauthorized Weapon Possession

Two Peterborough people in their 30’s are facing several charges after a traffic stop by the Community FIRST team on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 11:30 a.m., officers with the unit were on general patrol in the Brock Street and Aylmer Street area when they spotted a vehicle that was being driven in a suspicious manner. They learned that the rear license plate had been reported stolen several weeks earlier and was different from the plate on the front of the vehicle.

ItPolice also determined that the driver was suspended. Officers also found an open bottle of liquor in the driver’s area of the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody without incident. During a search after arrest, officers located a small amount of methamphetamine and 145 Percocet pills.

As a result, a 33-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada (joint charge with co-accused)

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than heroin)

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Methamphetamine

• Driving while under suspension (Highway Traffic Act)

• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor (Liquor Licence and Control Act)

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 27.

The 32-year-old female passenger was found to be in possession of an extendable baton and was also charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada (joint charge with co-accused)

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to be in court Feb. 20, 2024.

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Peterborough Police Partner With Wounded Warriors Canada to Provide Additional Mental Health Support to Officers and Their Families

In an effort to provide additional mental health services to first responders, the Peterborough Police Service and Wounded Warriors Canada have announced a partnership on Monday afternoon.

Wounded Warriors Canada is a nationally recognized organization and mental health service provider dedicated to serving ill and injured trauma exposed professionals and their families. The group is currently working with over 100 police services across the country. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The partnership will aid Peterborough Police Service members and their families. 

The Peterborough Police Service Peer Support Team has been actively seeking partnerships with external agencies to benefit all Service members. Wounded Warriors Canada has been chosen as its first priority partnership according to a press release.

“I was part of organizations both at York Regional Police and London Police Service where we partnered with Wounded Warriors so when this came to my attention here in Peterborough, it was a natural that I would support this here as well for the benefit of our members,” said Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service.

Peterborough Police officers often encounter traumatic experiences which is something the public may or may not be aware of, explained Betts.

“Most people are going to see one or two really terrible things that happen in their lives,” he said. “Our police officers can see one, two, three or five in a single 12-hour shift and there's an accumulative effect that goes along with that. Some of our folks are responding to things where people do the most horrible, imaginable things to other individuals out there.”

“That's what the police are affront to and exposed to,” said Scott Maxwell, Wounded Warriors executive director. “What they could see in a shift could be more trauma than an individual maybe hopefully in their lives. But the reality of that requires very tailored, culturally-specific, occupationally aware, training and counselling assistance to make sure that we are getting in front of this reality.”

Anyone from the Police Service can confidentially apply for Wounded Warriors’s services.

Some available programs include:

• Trauma Resiliency Program

• Spousal Resiliency Program

• Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday

• Couples Resiliency Program

• Warrior Kids Camp & Virtual Program

• Surviving Family Program

• PTSD Service Dogs

• Operations Stress Intervention Dog

“We specialize in residential facilitated group counselling programs for individual members, couples counselling, supports for spouses, surviving families (line of duty death and deaths by suicide) and support for kids aged 8-16 years old,” said Maxwell.

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Police and Fire Services Seeking Public For Information of Margaret Avenue Fire

The Peterborough Police and Peterborough Fire Services are asking anyone with information to come forward about a fire on Margaret Avenue on Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 12:20 a.m., the fire was spotted and called in. The home had just been sold and was empty at the time.

Seventeen firefighters responded to the call and heavy smoke billowed from the house upon arrival. After a search, fire crews did not find anyone in the fire and police believe no one was injured. The fire was extinguished without incident.

The Ontario Fire Marshal has since determined the circumstances to be suspicious and the Peterborough Police Service is investigating.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Constable Mark Jilesen with Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x285 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Becomes a Winter Wonderland For Snofest On Family Day Weekend

Four fun-filled days of winter-themed activities are hitting Peterborough for this year’s Snofest starting Feb. 16.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Snofest runs until Feb. 19. The full Snofest schedule of free activities is online at peterborough.ca/snofest.

“On behalf of Peterborough City Council, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the Snofest winter weekend carnival. With events and activities available to people of all ages and all stages of life, Snofest is a time for friends and families to get together and get outside for some winter fun,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It is important that we all remain active and engaged with our community during the colder months and Snofest offers an opportunity to do so while also having a wonderful time.”  

Highlights of the schedule of events include a family swim night, the Snow Much Fun outdoor skating and snow play party at Quaker Foods City Square, the Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast presented in partnership with the East Peterborough Lions Club, a snowsuit story time provided by the Peterborough Public Library and the Peterborough Museum and Archives, a family skate on holiday Monday at Healthy Planet Arena and more.

Snofest Pete will be attending most events scheduled throughout the long weekend.

The Recreation and Parks Services Division, Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Museum & Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough will provide programming.

Participants are invited to bring their used batteries to the following events to be recycled to receive a free Snofest toque: Quaker Foods City Square skate event, Healthy Planet Arena skating event and Wellness Centre swim and pancake breakfast.

“The City of Peterborough is a leading municipal example for battery recycling and sustainability and has been a great partner since 2020,” said Joe Zenobio, Call2Recycle Canada president. “We are delighted to participate in Snofest and to support Peterborough’s community life and environmental initiatives. Together through our collective efforts we will continue to protect our environment and divert even more batteries from landfills.”

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Grammy-Winning Group TLC Bringing 90's Nostalgia to the Peterborough Memorial Centre For May 18

There will be 90’s nostalgia hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre as Grammy-award winning group TLC with special guests All-4-One and Color Me Badd hit the stage on May 18.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

TLC has sold 85 million Records Worldwide, had four number one singles in the US, 10 Top Ten singles in the US, won 4 Grammy Awards, 5 MTV Awards, 5 Soul Train Awards and 4 Multi-Platinum selling albums. Two of them (Fanmail and CrazySexyCool) are certified Diamond by the RIAA and have one billion plays on Pandora.  

All-4-One are best known for their songs I Swear, I Can Love You Like That, So Much In Love, I Turn To You, These Arms, Beautiful As You and more. The Grammy Award Winning group All-4-One is internationally known for chart topping radio hits and also garnering countless awards. All-4-One’s very first single ‘So Much In Love,’ scaled to RIAA Gold Sales and top five pop status.

Color Me Badd were considered the leaders of a resurgence of post-doo-wop harmony groups singing in the early 1990s.

Best known for their singles I Wanna Sex You Up, I Ador, Mi Amor and All 4 Love, the group has sold over 12 million records worldwide, had two number one Hit Singles, nine Top 40 Hits and a Triple-Platinum Album. They were nominated for two Grammy Awards, won two Soul Train Music Awards and one American Music Award and were nominated for five others.

Tickets range from $79.50 to $149.50 (plus applicable fees) and go on-sale Friday at 10 a.m. online, by phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the box office.

PMC Scoop members presale begins on Wednesday at 10 a.m. where presale codes are available online.

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