Male Suspect Brandished a Knife To Rob Downtown Peterborough Business On Saturday Afternoon

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after a robbery at a store in Downtown Peterborough on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:15 p.m., officers were called to a business near George Street and Brock Street. Police learned that a man had entered the store, brandished a knife at the store employee and demanded cash before taking off on foot with some money. 

No one was injuries were reported. Officers checked the area but no suspects were located.

The suspect was described to police as:

• white male

• thin build

• approximately 6’0"

• blue jacket with hood up

• reflectors on the sleeves and shoulders 

• red shirt seen under the blue jacket from the back

• blue jeans

• grey shoes

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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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Seeking Community Input For New Strategic Plan

Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is seeking input from community members as it works towards creating a new strategic plan, announced on Monday.

The hospital was established in 1953. They provide acute care services including a Special Care Unit, Endoscopy Surgical Suite, Diagnostic Imaging Department, Laboratory, numerous Out-Patient Clinics, 24/7 Emergency Department and numerous community programs including Mental Health, GAIN, and Supportive Housing. File photo.

CMH has launched a strategic planning survey to gather diverse perspectives, inviting community members to share their thoughts on the hospital's future direction according to a press release.

This initiative plans to chart a bold course for CMH over the next five to 10 years, aligning with the dynamic shifts in healthcare including technological advancements and evolving care delivery methods.

“With redevelopment plans underway and the transformative impact of new technologies already being seen, this marks an opportune moment to lay the groundwork for CMH's path to 2030 and beyond,” said Jeff Hohenkerk, CEO.

While redevelopment remains a focal point for CMH, underscored by the generous land donation from local farmer Jim Curle, the strategic plan goes beyond the physical infrastructure as stated by Hohenkerk.

“This is not just about a new building,” he said. “It's about envisioning the future of healthcare that our community desires.”

The strategic planning process will also delve into an in-depth demographic analysis to discern evolving healthcare needs, ensuring that CMH is well-positioned to meet the region's demands over the coming decades.

The survey is available online and public members are also encouraged to email info@cmh.ca to share their thoughts on the hospital's future. 

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CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Reels Its Way to the Peterborough Memorial Centre For April 7

Anglers rejoice as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is coming back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building for April 7, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re over the top excited for this year’s event,” says Kyle Carruthers, show director. “Once again, our partnership with the team at the Peterborough Memorial Centre has allowed us to bring one of the biggest fishing events in Canada to the City of Peterborough in an even bigger fashion than the previous years.”

This year, the show features over 170 vendors and 60 personal tables in the tackle swap as well as boats on display from local dealers.

Admission provides access to both buildings, the outside vendors and free entry into four seminars from top industry pros.

Tickets are availble online, over the phone or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in-person sales on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tickets are $16.60* plus applicable fees and taxes. Children under 12 require a free ticket.

*Prices are subject to change.

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Peterborough Petes Hit $1 Million Milestone With Funds Raised Through Pink In The Rink Campaign

It was not the game results the Peterborough Petes wanted but it was a different story for their Pink in the Rink Fundraising campaign as they raised $49,103.26 to reach a $1 million lifetime mark at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the players for being Ambassadors for this year’s Campaign,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We started this initiative 15 years ago with Pete's staff such as Aaron Garfat, Cathy Webster and Don Sharp. To be able to raise over one million dollars in just 15 years is an amazing accomplishment. We hope to see this campaign continue to grow at the rate that it has today. Wheels of Hope is a great program, and we’re extremely pleased that the funds from this year will be put to good use.”

This year’s Campaign supported the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program. The Petes players who served as Ambassadors for the event raised funds. The 2024 Game Jersey Auction, a silent auction, a bucket pass, Pink in the Rink t-shirt sale, and chuck-a-puck also raised funds. In total, the Petes have raised $1,003,239.20 in 15 years of Pink in the Rink.

Despite the success off the ice, the team would ultimately fall to the IceDogs 5-4 in overtime. The Petes also dropped a Sunday on the road to the Kingston Frontenacs, 4-2.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Foot Care, Two Dishes, Hard to Hear It and Peterborough Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

With more than a decade of experience as a Registered Practical Nurse, Jaden Jolley is launching Kawartha Foot Care Services.

The business provides mobile foot care throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Jolley decided to strike out on her own seeing a need in our community with a lot of people struggling with foot care. She enjoys seeing the transformation of people’s feet and the impact it has on their health. Aside from her mobile service, she operates a clinic once a month out of Lakefield Family Chiropractic. To find out more or book an appointment, visit kawarthafootcareservices.janeapp.com.

Fans of Two Dishes will be excited to learn they will be opening a location in Venture North at 270 George St. N.

Two dishes was founded about 15 years ago and began as a thriving farmer’s market stall and catering business. They opened a popular restaurant downtown in 2013 which unfortunately closed in 2022. The catering business has continued through their journey and it’s exciting to see a restaurant location open again in the downtown.

In 2016, April Corner was diagnosed with Otosclerosis, a form of hearing loss caused by an abnormal growth of the bone in the middle ear.

She started her channel @HardToHearIt to share her hearing loss journey on social media as a way to cope with her diagnosis. She is now a hearing loss advocate and shares, tips, tricks and digital products to help others adjust to their diagnosis. She recently launched a course focusing on shifting your mindset to enjoy your hearing loss. The course is called Shifting your Mindset. You can find her course and contact information at stan.store/hardtohearit

Want to hear what our local elected leaders have to say on local business issues? Do you have a question you would like them to answer?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting MP Michelle Ferreri, MPP Dave Smith, Mayor Jeff Leal and Warden Bonnie Clark for its annual Power Hour event on February 23 at The Stonehouse Hall. The luncheon event features a moderated question and answer session with questions submitted ahead of time or at the event. Get your tickets at PKChamber.ca.

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Trent University Appoints New President Vice-Chancellor

Trent University’s Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Catherine ‘Cathy’ Bruce as the ninth President and Vice-Chancellor who will assume the role on July 1.

Dr. Bruce holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Toronto, as well as a B.A. and B.Ed. from York University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We sought a leader who profoundly understands the unique qualities of Trent University,” said Debra Cooper Burger, board chair. “Dr. Bruce embodies this spirit, bringing an impressive track record of excellence here at Trent and beyond. She is indeed the right person to build upon Trent’s successes and propel the University into an exciting new chapter.”

Bruce's 35-year career in education includes over 20 years in higher education and has been with Trent since 2003. Bruce served as a professor, director of graduate programs, founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, dean of Trent’s School of Education and vice president of Research and Innovation.

She has established the Early Career Researcher Awards and created a Trent-specific Research Grant Incentive Program.

“I am honoured to serve as Trent’s ninth president, ushering the University forward into our next period of strategic growth and sustainability,” said Bruce. “This is a pivotal moment for Trent as we undertake some major projects including the development of the Seniors’ Village, new colleges and residences, the Trent Research Farm, and continued expansion of the Durham campus in Oshawa.”

Bruce has received numerous accolades, including the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Award. With a focus on teacher and student efficacy, Dr. Bruce’s career has focused on exploring productive pathways to learning complex concepts and ideas, particularly in mathematics. Her most recent research has examined the role of spatial reasoning in mathematics learning, for which she has been nationally and internationally recognized. Dr. Bruce has co-authored multiple books and has a solid peer-reviewed publication record. Her lab (the Trent Math Education Research Collaborative), hosts a federally funded research program that enables collaboration with educators and administrators from both Public and Catholic school districts across Ontario, all with the support of the lab research team.

Her leadership and service extends from the local community as a member of the board of Peterborough’s regional Innovation Cluster, to the provincial community as a member of the Executive of the Ontario Council on University Research, and nationally as a past president of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education. On the broader stage, Dr. Bruce is a member of the International Program Committee for the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction for Advances in Geometry (ICMI 26).

“I am extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Bruce as Trent’s next president,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “Having worked closely with Cathy, I've witnessed firsthand her leadership and commitment to the University. Her blend of academic insight and administrative acumen positions Trent well for the future. I am happy to pass the Presidency on to someone with the passion and innovation that have been the hallmark of her work since she arrived at Trent.”

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Unknown Events Occuring During Spring at Peterborough Memorial Centre No Longer Proceeding; City Says They Will Arena Users of Facility Availability

The City of Peterborough has made the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) available for events again from May 20 to June 10 after an undisclosed event running during that timeframe is not happening anymore according to a public statement made on Friday afternoon.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The City’s website said that the event that was expected to be held at the PMC during that period is ‘no longer proceeding.’

The City of Peterborough is reaching out to arena users to inform them of the facility availability which includes organizers of the Lakers Classic lacrosse tournament according to a press release.

The Lakers were previously told to look for an alternate spot to do their home opener for May 20.

The team’s social media account have responded to the City’s statement, saying that it is‘A good day for lacrosse in Peterborough’ from a Facebook post.

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Fleming Phoenix Roundup: Feb. 1

The Fleming Phoenix basketball and volleyball teams are nearing the end of their regular seasons with mixed results from the squads this week.

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 basketball team were in a nailbiter but lost in overtime 103-101 to the Loyalist Lancers on Tuesday. This game was rescheduled due to poor weather last week.

The Phoenix had a lead going into the fourth quarter but could not hold it.

Shawn Blackwood had 30 points, Jesean Wilson scored 29 points and Orlando Carias netted 15 as the team’s top scorers. Lystra White had 16 rebounds on the night.

The Phoenix travel to our province’s capital to take on Seneca Sting on Friday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

The Phoenix men and women’s teams had mixed results against the visiting Durham Lords at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre for their final regular season games on Wednesday.

The women were swept 3-0 to the Lords with 25-15, 25-11 and 25-19 as the sets. Zofia Boruta had 11 aces, one block and five digs. Teammate Kristen Hacker was behind her with eight digs and six kills. 

The Phoenix men swept the Lords 3-0 with sets 25-20, 25-18 and 25-20. Justin Van Luit had 15 points, four blocks, nine kills and two aces. Sam Deschenes had 14 points with 11 kills, one block, two aces and one dig. 

Phoenix’s Kyle Sarcol ranks first in the OCAA in digs with 169 digs this season, and first in digs per set with 3.02. Justin Van Luit ranks second in the OCAA in total blocks with 47 and fifth in blocks per set with .73. 

Once all teams have completed their regular-season games, the Phoenix men’s team will advance to the playoff round.   

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Drug and Stolen Property Charges

A 38-year-old Peterborough man is facing multiple charges, including theft from a January incident and drug possession after an investigation Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 3:30 p.m., officers with the Community F.I.R.S.T team engaged in a conversation with a man acting suspiciously in the Maude Street and Princess Street area.

During the conversation, the male provided false information to officers and it was further determined that the property and cart had been taken from a nearby business. When the officers attempted to take the man into custody, he tried to flee but was stopped and placed under arrest. Officers located a pair of brass knuckles and a small amount of drugs during a search.

Officers learned that the man was wanted in connection with a theft incident at a local business in early January. 

As a result, the man was charged with:

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 X2

• Obstruct Peace Officer

• Resist Peace Officer

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs (crack cocaine)

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Methamphetamine

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

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