38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Takes the Plunge For Easter Seals and Rotary Projects

The 38th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim plunged into the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to fundraise their goal of $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough on Friday morning.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left) with her sister Renée Oake shortly after the latter did 146 laps in the swimming lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event has fundraised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds are literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter and more) Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Roughly $5,300 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Carl Oake started this event 38 years ago. He says he was inspired by the work the Easter Seals did because of his relatives. His mother’s twin sister contracted polio in the 1950s while a cousin of his was born with spina bifida - both physically debilitating diseases.

Carl’s daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan, succeeded in the role of organizing the event in 2017 after the former was satisfied that the event had so much community support over the years. She and her sister, Renée Oake, were proud to carry on their father’s legacy.

“He built so much momentum with this event over the year and it's gained a lot of support with the community so it was a natural for us to carry it on,” said Vanessa. “It's definitely important for us to carry on dad's tradition.”

”I'm just proud to carry on the torch for my father for such a good cause,” said Renée.

Teams and groups could swim in lanes to participate in the fundraising event.

New to this year’s swim was the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge. They were alternative activities for those who cannot swim or could not get a team to help raise money while participating in the event.

“It was a great addition,” said Vanessa. “I think it's definitely something we would want to continue.”

The online fundraising page remains open for donations until March 15.

“It's always a lot of work leading up to it but it's the day of the event you say, 'Okay, it's all worth it,' and I'm really happy to have all the support and the volunteers,” said Vanessa.

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Multiple Drug Possession Charges Including Cocaine, Crystal Meth and Fentanyl

A 32-year-old Peterborough man is facing several drug possession charges after an investigation by the Peterborough Police Service Drug Unit on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Drug Unit officers took the male into custody and executed a search warrant on a George Street North residence.

Officers seized:

• 100 grams - Cocaine

• 1,373 grams - Crystal Methamphetamine

• 118.8 grams - Fentanyl

• Approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency

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

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Peterborough Petes Cannot Hold Lead For Long, Lose 4-2 to the Erie Otters At Home

The Peterborough Petes struck first but failed to hold their lead as they lost 4-2 to the Erie Otters at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Pride Night on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes drew first blood owning a two-man advantage over the visiting Otters. Caden Taylor beat the goaltender short-side just outside the faceoff circle for a 1-0 lead just halfway through the opening period.

The lead was short-lived as less than two minutes later, Peterborough turned the puck over in their own zone from a bank pass and Erie capitalized with Martin Misiak scoring at point-blank range for a 1-1 tie.

Petes goaltender Zach Bowen was down on the ice whiel play was still going. He recovered somewhat but made a huge glove save, robbing Bruce McDonald. However, he did not get all of the puck and Wesley Royston buried the loose change for a 2-1 lead after one.

Only one goal was scored in the second and it belonged to former Pete, Sam Alfano. Brett Bressette fought through two Peterborough defenders but eventually got sandwiched on the rush. However, on a last-ditch effort, a one-handed pass was made for Alfano and he scored on the backhand while falling to make it 3-1 after two.

The Otters maintained pressure in the third. Carey Terrance sniped a one-timer from the faceoff circle for the insurance marker and a 4-1 lead just five minutes in. Ryder McIntyre scored with 5:46 left in the game off two fortunate bounces to make it 4-2 but that was all the Petes could muster and fell to the Otters.

The Petes travel to Owen Sound to face the Attack on Sunday to round out their season series. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre with the Official Road Game Watch Party at Shoeless Joe’s Peterborough.

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Second Minor Involved In Alleged Petes Billet Exploitative Relationship; Peterborough Police Release Statement

A Peterborough woman and former Petes billet who was facing sexual exploitation charges from Feb. 21 has been linked with a second minor according to the Peterborough Police.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Investigation Services began an investigation earlier in the month, leading to the woman's arrest.

She is being charged with:

• Sexual exploitation

• Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age

• Accessing child pornography

With the ongoing investigation, Police arrested the woman on Thursday learning a second minor was involved. She was further charged with:

• Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age

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

A publication ban is in place to protect the identity of any victims, witnesses and/or complainants. 

The Peterborough Police Service is not looking for any other suspects according to a police statement.

“We appreciate that there is public interest in this case.  The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring the privacy of the victims and asks for your ongoing patience as the investigation continues and the case moves through the judicial process. As this case is before the courts, there will not be any further comment.”

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YWCA's Empty Bowls Fundraiser Raises Nearly $20,000 For Its Nourish Food Program

The 20th annual YWCA Empty Bowls event has raised just under $20,000 in support of our Nourish Food Program that ran at The Venue on Friday.

The Nourish program offers monthly food boxes, community gardening, and a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing high quality produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices. Thanks to the support of the community, we distribute about 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area. Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The Empty Bowls event has raised over $210,000 for the YWCA. All proceeds support the YWCA’s Nourish Food Program which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

Close to 200 guests attended the event with a wide variety of food options available provided by 15 local restaurants. The handcrafted ceramic and wooden bowls created and donated by community artisans were a big hit with participants, many of whom purchased extra bowls to take home.

“This year, more than ever, I’m encouraged and humbled by the number of people who support Empty Bowls with their generosity. The time devoted to making this event a success holds true this year more than ever,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “20 years is a remarkable milestone, especially given the challenges in recent years. It is a testament to the dedication of our community members who fired up their kilns, sharpened their chisels, showed up, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and continued the legacy of Empty Bowls in Peterborough.”

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Fleming College Business Students Benefit In New Partnership With Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce

Fleming College and the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have partnered to create a student membership program where business students can attend the latter’s monthly events and access its resources, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Students in Fleming’s International Business Management and Global Business Management programs can take advantage of the opportunity.

The Chamber’s multiple networking events allow students to engage with local entrepreneurs, tour local businesses, meet the region’s industry leaders and establish connections in the business community.

Fleming students can also access and attend Chamber-hosted webinars and seminars. Access to the Chamber’s job board, newsletter subscription and online Knowledge Hub is also included.

The Chamber will also host two events at Fleming College, bringing the region’s business community members to the Sutherland Campus.

This new membership program is available to first-semester students in the Winter 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.

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Hometown PTBO: Jason Wilkinson Being a Online Fitness Coach After Trent and His Cookbook

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Jason Wilkinson about his post-graduate life at Trent University, becoming an online fitness coach and his book, ‘More Than a Cookbook.’

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Break and Enter Charge; Search Discovered Fentanyl and Drugs

A 42-year-old Peterborough man is facing multiple charges including a break and enter after a Wednesday night incident.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 11:10 p.m., officers were notified about a break-and-enter at a business in the Simcoe Street and George Street area.

A man had left the business with some money before police arrived. Officers searched the area and located a man matching the description given to police nearby. He was taken into custody without incident. During a search of the suspect after the arrest, officers located a small quantity of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - with intent to commit indictable offence

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order X3

The accused is currently bound by three probation orders with the following condition to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. 

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

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Former Peterborough Petes Billet Charged With Alleged Exploitive Relationship With Player

A former Petes billet parent was arrested in Peterborough on Feb. 21 and charged with sexual exploitation.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The accused allegedly made sexually explicit material to a minor and created obscene matter.

The incidents allegedly occurred during February and March last year.

A publication ban has been placed regarding any information identifying a complainant or witness involved.

The billet was released after posting a $5,000 bond with their next court date on March 19.

The Petes organization has not commented on the situation.

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City of Peterborough Seeking Public Input For Redevlopment of Knights of Columbus Park

The future of the Knights of Columbus Park is in the public’s hands as the City of Peterborough is seeking their consultation on investing in the community park to enhance the space and add new recreation features.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The park is located at 5 Park St. N. will become a new recreation hub.

Work on Phase 1 of the improvements including four tennis courts and associated lighting, is expected to start in fall 2024. Phase 2 work is proposed for 2025 including upgrades to the existing Legacy Bowl, a new washroom building, a pet exercise area and a shade structure.

The Co-chairs of the Community Services (Recreation and Parks, Fire Services, and Arenas) portfolio, Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Gary Baldwin, encourage residents to participate in the community consultation.

“We’re excited to see the Knights of Columbus Park reimagined in a way that complements the work planned for Bonnerworth Park,” said Baldwin. “Together the new recreation facilities will make a big step to meeting the needs of Peterborough residents, including new tennis courts at Knights of Columbus and new pickleball courts at Bonnerworth. We want to hear from you to gain insights from a community perspective.”

“The new multi-year Parks & Outdoor Facilities Master Plan was endorsed by Council in September 2023. This was the result of an extensive community engagement process involving all major stakeholder groups and has been confirmed at budget,” said Parnell. “We are now working through the site plans for each approved park/recreation area as the master plan is implemented. Next on the horizon will be a full review of our indoor recreation needs. Check out ConnectPTBO.ca for all ongoing projects,”

A Public Drop-in Session will take place on April 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre at 577 McDonnel St. City staff will be available to answer questions and receive input on the proposed development.

Everyone is invited to complete the online survey that will allow participants to identify features they would like to see in the park and make suggestions to create an inclusive environment. Paper copies of the survey will be available in the lobby at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on April 12. Once the survey has closed, an update summarizing the findings will be posted online. Additional consultation is planned with facility user groups. Future information about the project and a concept plan will be updated on the page as the project proceeds.

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