St. John Paul Elementary II School Reopened After Suspicious Object Discovered; No Threat to Public, Kawartha Lakes Police Say

Students and staff of St. John Paul II Elementary School can breathe a sigh of relief as their school reopened after a faculty member discovered a report of a suspicious object on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of St. John Paul’s Catholic Elementary SChool.

The object was discovered at roughly 8:30 a.m. at the Lindsay school.

Kawartha Lakes Police were contacted and had the school evacuated for safety precautions.

After a thorough search of the school and grounds, the police concluded that the object did not threaten the public.

Police say there is absolutely no threat to public safety. Therefore, the scene has been released and the school has been re-opened.

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Peterborough Petes Routed In 11-1 Landslide To Brantford Bulldogs

The Peterborough Petes have seen better days as they had a rough going on the road, being routed 11-1 by the Branftord Bulldogs at the Brantford Civic Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Taylor and the Peterborough PEtes.

Florian Xhekaj — brother of Montréal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj — opened the scoring for Brantford late in the first period with a one-timer. Zakary Lavoie joined on the scoring to put up a 2-0 lead with a one-timer shortly after the Bulldogs won the faceoff. That was the score heading into the second period.

Peterborough found themselves on the scoreboard after killing off a four-on-three penalty kill. Jake O’Brien tried to deke around the Petes defence but Tommy Purdeller pickpocketed the Brantford captain and had a breakout stretch pass to Johnathan Melee. The Petes captain did a spin-o-rama dek and sniped it on the backhand to cut the deficit in half for a 2-1 game.

Unfortunately, it was all downhill for the rest of the game for Peterborough. Two minutes later, Brantford scored three straight goals in a 2:21 span to bring their lead to four with a 5-1 game.

Late in the frame, Peterborough had a massive opportunity as they got a five-minute powerplay after a check-to-the-head major penalty from Daniil Sobolev. He also got a game misconduct for the hit. In an ironic twist, Brantford scored three goals shorthanded on the same penalty kill thanks to Ben Bujold, Lawson Sherk and Xhekaj to round out the period.

The Bulldogs tacked on three more goals in the final stanza while suppressing Peterborough’s offence for an 11-1 beatdown.

The Petes will have to shake off the loss and get ready for Thursday as they host the Guelph Storm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre with the puck drop at 7:05 p.m.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PTBO Northern Originals, Village Apothecary, Let Me Write It and Carl Oake Rotary Swim

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…

The children of the late artist George Elliott are collaborating with PTBO Northern Originals and Flavour to launch a new clothing line with the catchphrase ‘I’d rather be in Peterborough.’

The phrase came from a callout from the Chamber of Commerce to local artists and marketers in the mid-70s to create a brand statement for the city. The campaign helped launch his art career. The clothing design features a collage of local landmarks, including Market Hall, the Pagoda Bridge and the Lift Lock. You can get your “I’d rather be in Peterborough” clothing at Flavour at 383 George St. or find them online.

The Village Apothecary in Millbrook is expanding with a refillery.

Refilleries promotes sustainable shopping practices by using reusable packaging that can be refilled on-site with shampoo, moisturizers, cleaners, and more. They prioritize plastic-free products to reduce waste in the environment and to help reduce your carbon footprint. Drop by The Village Apothecary at 36 King St. in Millbrook and refill your containers.

After a two-year layoff due to Covid, Russ Sanders of Let Me Write It is again taking bookings for senior seniors for mini-biographies.

Your life is important, a mini bio would be a cherished gift for loved ones and friends. The mini-bios entail five or six interviews (or more if needed) which will include proofreading to ensure all facts are correct. He will also take your old photographs and renew them. The mini-bio, along with your refurbished photographs, are then entered into a loose-leaf book. To book an appointment, contact Russ at epigram@nexicom.net.

The 38th annual Century 21 United Carl Oake Rotary Swim, sponsored by Baker Tilly, is back March 1 at the YMCA of Peterborough.

Last year’s event raised $40,000, bringing the total to $1.4 million over the last 37 years. This year, there are two new events — a Cannonball Challenge and a Floating Catwalk Challenge, where participants try to run the length of a slippery plastic mat floating on the pool. Funds raised will go to Easter Seals. Sign up to swim or make a donation at CarlOakeRotarySwim.com.

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City Services During Family Day

Several City services will offer modified hours, and some City facilities will be closed on Feb. 19 for Family Day.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Snofest offers four fun-filled days of winter-themed activities for all ages during the Family Day long weekend.

Snofest highlights 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 much more. Visit peterborough.ca/Snofest for the full schedule of events.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Green Bin and garbage

There will be no Green Bin and garbage collection changes on Monday, February 19.

Recycling collection, which is now managed by Circular Materials remains unchanged on Feb. 19.

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed.

The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed.

Reminder that the City of Peterborough 2023/24 Waste Management Calendar had an error on the date of Family Day, however collection information is correct.

Recreation

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit www.peterborough.ca/recreation  for information about schedules and programs at the Wellness Centre. Snofest Drop-in Sports will take place, including Pickleball, Badminton and Basketball. Learn more at peterborough.ca/Snofest.

Arenas

Peterborough Memorial Centre will be open as the Peterborough Petes host the Kitchener Rangers at 2:05 p.m. Memorial Centre event tickets are available online at www.memorialcentre.ca.

Healthy Planet Arena will be open from noon to 10 p.m. The Snofest Family Day Free Public Skate with Snofest Pete will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Healthy Planet Office will be open from noon to 3 p.m.

Kinsmen Civic Centre will be closed.

Facility booking inquiries for the Arenas Division are not available on February 19.

Quaker Foods City Square will be open, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Downtown Youth Space

The Downtown Youth Space at 201 McDonnel St. will be closed. To learn more about free drop-in programs for youth aged 13 to 18, please visit www.peterborough.ca/dys.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on February 19. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit www.agp.on.ca. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives exhibitions and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 19.

Celebrate Family Day at the Peterborough Museum & Archives with activities including Drag Storytime, puppet fun, crafts, food canteen and more. This event is a collaboration with the Fleming Museum Management and Curatorship program.

Information about current exhibitions is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Feb. 19. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

Municipal child care centres

City-operated child care centres Pearson Day Care and Peterborough Day Care will be closed on Feb. 19.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on the holiday service schedule on Feb. 19.

Please visit the website for adjustments to schedules www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525.

Peterborough Airport

The Peterborough Airport is open February 19. Airport staff are on-site for regular winter hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Emergency and after-hours callouts for airport staff are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 705-743-6708.

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Starter Companies Showcased From PKED, Bringing Tourism Ideas to the Table

Local businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and artists from the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development programs were on display and were encouraged to bring forth their new tourism ideas through a third intake of the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program at Ivy Event Space on Thursday afternoon.

Erin Burnell of EB Aquatics demonstrates CPR at the PKED showcase of local business who have gone through their programs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Spark’ program is in its third year and provides selected applicants with a $3,000 grant, industry mentorship and additional partner support to help them launch their new tourism idea.

“We are inspired by the creativity, passion and innovative spirit of our past Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program winners and are excited to support new tourism ideas and entrepreneurs in the region,” said Justin Lafontaine, Tourism Innovation Lab program lead.

Past recipients have included agritourism and culinary experiences, camping equipment rentals, a bunkie resort, Indigenous experiences, a farm venue and an immersive maple syrup experience according to a press release.

“We’re inviting individuals, community organizations and small business owners – particularly those in the local creative community – to present their great ideas for dynamic new experiences, products and services that visitors can enjoy in our communities,” said Joe Rees, PKED director of tourism. “This successful collaboration with the Tourism Innovation Lab allows us to tap into local passion and talent to grow our economy – we can’t wait to hear what ideas come forward this year.”

Individuals, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups are encouraged to apply for new tourism ideas until March 19. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The program's goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps in the market, motivate longer stays, and increase year-round visits to the region.

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Peterborough Petes Fall 5-3 to Mississauga Steelheads On Indigenous Heritage Night

The Petes hosted Indigenous Heritage Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as they took on the Mississauga Steelheads but fell 5-3 on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Mississauga struck first on the power play halfway through the first period as a point shot was thrown at the net and went off Dean Loukus for a 1-0 lead. That score would remain going into the second.

The Steelheads struck again early in the period, similarly to their first. Another point shot was redirected, this time by Luke Misa and slipped by Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska for a 2-0 lead.

Peterborough erased the deficit quickly as Chase Lefebvre snapped one from close inside the faceoff circle and made it 2-1. The Petes tied the game after getting an odd-man rush chance and made no mistake. Nico Addy opted to pass it to Quinton Pagé and got the one-timer through for a 2-2 game.

Mississauga regained the lead on the powerplay as Peterborough’s Porter Martone dished the puck out in front for a tap-in one-timer from Loukus, his second score of the game for a 3- 2 lead.

Peterborough answered late in the period as Johnathan Melee threw one at the net and hit the post. It bounced fortuitously for the Petes and Braydon McCallum scored on a wide-open net to tie it up at 3-3 going into the third.

The Pete had an early powerplay, but unfortunately a turnover caused a 2-0 breakaway for Mississauga. Misa scored his second of the game on a shorthanded goal for a 4-3 lead.

Peterborough battled hard to tie the game but Misa put the game on ice with an empty-net goal and a hat trick, resulting in a 5-3 Steelheads win.

The Petes hit the nation’s capital on Friday to take on the Ottawa 67’s at 7 p.m. at the TD Place.

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Police Charge 18-Year-Old Man With Stunt Driving In Peterborough's North End; Went 57 km/h Over In Community Zone

An 18-year-old G2 driver faces a stunt driving charge after driving 97km/h in a posted 40km/h Community Safety Zone on Thursday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly noon, an officer in the Hilliard Street and Marina Boulevard area recorded the vehicle going 57 km/h over the speed limit.

The Peterborough male was charged with stunt driving, issued a 30-day license suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment. 

The Peterborough Police Service reminds residents that Hilliard Street and several others facing schools within the City of Peterborough have now been designated as Community Safety Zones since early December.

A Community Safety Zone is designated for a lower speed limit, which means that fines for related offences, such as speeding, will increase. For example, driving 20km/hr over the posted limit would cost a driver $180 instead of $95.

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City Hall Council Chambers Open House On Feb. 25

The public are invited to drop in for conversations and light refreshments with Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors at an Open House in the Council Chambers at City Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“We want to provide another way for residents to visit City Hall, to see the Council Chambers, and to speak with their Council members outside of the typical formal meetings that usually bring us together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Join us for coffee, tea or juice and local baked goods. This is going to be another huge year for moving projects forward, renewing infrastructure, and delivering critical services. Let’s talk about our community and how we can build a better tomorrow, together.”

The Council Chambers are on the second floor of City Hallwhich can be accessed through the main doors and taking either the central staircase or the adjacent elevator to the second floor. Refreshments will be available in the City Boardroom next to the Council Chambers.

Free public parking is available in the City Hall parking lot when visiting City Hall and on-street parking is permitted in front of City Hall on George Street. 

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Peterborough Bigs In Need of Big Brothers/Sisters; At Least 60 Children In Program Needing Mentors

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) are dire need of mentors to join their organization as at least 60 to 70 kids involved in the program are without a mentor.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The number of children entering the Bigs program has doubled over the past year according to Brent Shepard, Peterborough Bigs executive director.

“It's an ongoing need,” he explained. “We found that there has been an increase in the number of children requesting to come into our programs and waiting for a mentor.”

Children in the program are entered into a waiting pool and get matched based on what best fits both the mentor and the child.

As a result of the matchmaking system, children can wait from roughly six months to a year before being paired up with a Big.

“Because we want the child's interest to be matched with the volunteer's interest, it can sometimes take longer depending on what volunteers come in,” said Shepard.

Shepard also encouraged potential suitors to join Peterborough Bigs, citing several testimonials from mentors who are getting more than what they bargained for but in a positive way.

“We hear over and over again that someone that wants to mentor with us will come to the program and want to give back to the community,” he explained. “What they always underestimate how powerful of an experience it is for them once they start mentoring. They realize how much impact they make for how little investment they need to make and they'll talk to their friends about how it's a highlight of their month.”

The program allows flexibility for mentors, as they spend, on average, two to four hours a month seeing their ‘little’; however, the time spent can be increased at the request of the ‘big.’

Children in the waiting pool remain active with Peterborough Bigs, with several activities offered.

Activities include sports tickets, event tickets, holiday parties, a children’s camp and more.

Mentors can volunteer online at Peterborough Bigs’s website.

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Peterborough Curling Team Clinches Rotary CanAm Curling Championships In Wisconsin

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Curling Team has captured the Rotary Can-Am Curling Championships hosted by the Rice Lake Curling Club in Wisconsin from last Thursday to Saturday.

(Top row, Team USA) Paul Matzke, Rich Lepping, Jim Sirianni and Mike Pfiffner. (bottom row) Ken Seim, Nick Avlonitis, Joe Kapron and Bill Crins. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough,

Peterborough defeated the USA team (representing Madison, Wa.) in the championship match to capture the title.

The winning team consisted of Ken Seim (skip), Nick Avlonitis (vice), Joe Kapron (second) and Bill Crins (lead).

The team's victory allowed them to qualify for the Rotary Worlds Curling Championships in Scotland in 2026.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Curling Team now plans to attend the 27th Rotary World Curling Championships which will take place at the Peterborough Curling Club from April 6 to 12.

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