Applications Open For the 2024 Peterborough Youth Council
/The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Peterborough Youth Council 2024 term for anyone between 12 and 21 who lives or attends school in town.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Sexual Assault Charges Against Peterborough Priest Withdrawn
/Sexual assault and sexual interference charges that were laid on Roman Catholic priest Father Neil Pereira in late July have been withdrawn.
Youtube Screenshot.
The Office of the Crown Attorney had dropped all charges against Pereira after conducting a criminal investigation.
The Toronto priest was on loan to the Diocese of Peterborough and has been working in town since late 2022. Pereira also served as campus minister for Trent University and Fleming College. He was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference on July 26.
Sexual Interference is when a person, for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years.
Pereira was removed from pastoral ministry after receiving the allegations following diocesan protocols. The Diocese of Peterborough and the Archdiocese of Toronto cooperated fully with authorities and the police during the investigation.
The Diocese of Peterborough and the Archdiocese of Toronto have released a joint statement regarding the matter on Wednesday afternoon:
“As the charges have been withdrawn and the criminal investigation and process have been concluded, the Archdiocese of Toronto will conduct its ecclesial investigation in accordance with its policy. A further update at the conclusion of this investigation will be provided by the Archdiocese of Toronto.”
Police had released Pereira’s identity since the offences could lead to other possible victims.
“Every accused is entitled to due process. We recognize that any allegation of misconduct against a priest is newsworthy. At the same time, it is essential to update stories and reports to reflect that the charges have been withdrawn to assist in restoring the reputation of Fr. Pereira. Both the Archdiocese of Toronto and Diocese of Peterborough look upon any allegation of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention,” according to the joint statement.
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City of Peterborough's Rain Garden Subsidy Program Open For Fifth Year
/The City of Peterborough’s Rain Garden Subsidy Program, in partnership with GreenUP, is launching its fifth year that provides eligible property owners with educational resources and up to $1,000 toward the cost of installing a rain garden.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.
“Currently, only 25 per cent of Peterborough’s stormwater is filtered for pollutants before entering natural waterways, such as the Otonabee River or Jackson Creek,” said Curtis Mei, City’s stormwater systems coordinator. “Rain gardens are an important part of a greener stormwater management strategy. Rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted runoff entering local waterways, which keeps the watershed healthy and can also reduce the risk of localized urban flooding.”
Rain gardens must be designed and located in a particular way to function properly. This subsidy process provides support for property owners, including design templates, educational resources, and on-site consultation from GreenUP staff.
“We know folks can be intimidated by the idea of designing and building their own rain garden, but it’s doable with a bit of support,” explained Laura Keresztesi, GreenUP coordinator with Neighbourhood and Residential programs. “That’s why GreenUP has partnered with the City to support this subsidy program. We help applicants through the process, step-by-step.”
This year, the maximum subsidy amount is $1,000 per garden, and GreenUP provides up to two on-site visits to advise on design and construction.
“The number of subsidies is limited and are awarded on a first come, first serve basis,” explained Keresztesi. “We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.”
Interested property owners, organizations and businesses can learn more and begin the application process online at peterborough.ca/RainGarden.
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Fleming Phoenix Roundup: March 12
/The Fleming Phoenix took home several top finishes including a first overall team finish for the men’s team at the 62nd Macdonald College Loggersports Competition at McGill University on March 9.
The Fleming Phoenix logo was unveiled for the college on Sept. 8, replacing the Fleming Knight. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
With a first overall finish for the Phoenix men’s A team, they had wins in the following competitions:
First: Stock Saw, Log Decking, Pulp Throw, Standing Block Chop and Underhand Chop
Second: Team Crosscut, Team Swede, Water Boil, Wheelbarrow Race and Pole Climb
Third: Single Buck and Quarter Split
The team consisted of Kaden Bulmer, Blake Fellman, Brayden Holubowsky, Charlie Scott, Thomas Switzer and Tristan Godin-Mercer.
The men's B team saw wins in the following competitions:
First: Pole Climb
Second: Log Decking and Pulp Throw
Third: Stock Saw
The B team included Adam Groth, Mitchell Blackman, Jordan Brown, Thomas Kitchen, Coltan Ross and James Hollingsworth.
The Phoenix women's A team saw the following results:
First: Pulp Throw
Second: Axe Throw, Single Buck, Wheelbarrow Race, Standing Block Chop and Team Swede
Third: Team Crosscut, Log Decking, Super Swede, Underhand Chop
Team members include Sarah D’Hondt, Madelyn McInnes, Mattea Miller-Evans, Darian Carpenter, Rory Lauckner, Maggie Hope and Katrina Leslie.
The women's B team had the following wins:
First: Pole Climb
Second: Log Decking
Their team comprised Rene Urwin, Suzanne Mooser, Holly Smith, Isabel Andonian, Hunter Delicate and Thyme Kennedy.
All teams compete on March 23 at Dalhousie University.
The Phoenix men’s extramural cricket team played in the RECCup championship, held on March 7 at Fanshawe College.
They fell in their first match to Humber 34-33. In their second match, the Phoenix lost to Conestoga 29-28.
In the elimination match, the Phoenix bounced back, beating Fanshawe 41 to 39 to advance to the semi-finals where they lost to Conestoga 35-31.
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Peterborough Humane Society Launches Inaugural 50/50 Lottery In Honour Of Late Dog Ambassador
/On what would have been Ambassador Owen the Griff’s 17th birthday, the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has launched its inaugural 50/50 lottery, announced on Wednesday.
Owen the Griff’s Instagram account has over 114,000 followers and has been succeeded by another dog, Gigi. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.
Owen was popular through his Instagram account and a vital advocate in PHS fundraising throughout his dog life.
The PHS 50/50 Lottery allows participants to win money while providing financial support at PHS’s Animal Care Centre. In addition to the 50/50, the draw features Owen's ‘Ruff’le, a chance to win two patio chairs valued at over $1,700.
“We're incredibly excited to launch our first-ever PHS 50/50 Lottery,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “It's a fantastic way for our community to come together and make a difference for animals in need while also having the chance to win beautiful patio chairs through Owen’s ‘Ruff’le.”
The draw will occur on April 17 at 1 p.m. PHS’s social media pages and website will update the public on the 50/50 pot throughout the draw. At the time of this article's publication, the pot was $2,220.
Tickets can be purchased online in packages of 25 for $25, 10 for $10, three for $5 or one for $2.
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A Section of Crawford Rail Trail Closed For Maintenance From March 18 to 20
/A section of the Crawford Rail Trail between Crawford Drive and Erskine Avenue will be closed from March 18 to 20 to allow Hydro One to safely complete forestry work as part of annual maintenance.
pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.
During the temporary closure, alternate routes for active transportation include Crawford Drive and Erskine Avenue.
Maintenance includes pruning trees and removing vegetation from grounds adjacent to hydro lines beside the trail to reduce hydro outage risks during weather events.
The trail will be closed to allow the crews to safely access the worksite with heavy equipment including lift trucks and stump grinders, to work without safety issues for trail users.
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Peterborough Lakers Release 2024 Schedule; Home Opener Against Brooklin L.C. On June 13
/The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are looking to avenge themselves after last season, their schedule for the 2024 season has been released by Major Series Lacrosse on Tuesday.
pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.
The Lakers will play 12 games with six at home and on the road. They will play two road games before their home opener on June 13 vs the Brooklin L.C.
The MSL has readjusted its playoff format with the Oakville Rock and Owen Sound North Stars in this year’s mix. The playoffs will consist of three rounds and begin in mid-July instead of August's first week.
The first round of playoffs will be a best-of-five series:
1st place earns a bye
2nd vs 7th
3rd vs 6th
4th vs 5th
The semi-final and final will continue to be a best-of-seven series.
The Lakers schedule is as follows:
June 3 @ Toronto Rock
June 6 @ Brampton Excelsiors
June 13 vs. Brooklin L.C.
June 16 @ Cobourg Kodiaks
June 20 vs. Oakville Rock
June 22 @ Owen Sound North Stars
June 25 vs. Owen Sound North Stars
June 27 vs. Six Nations Chiefs
July 3 @ Brooklin L.C.
July 4 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks
July 9 @ Six Nations Chiefs
July 11 vs. Brampton Excelsiors
Season tickets are on sale now at the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. Tickets can be purchased or renewed in person or by phone at the Grant Thornton Box Office.
The renewal deadline for existing season ticket holders is May 9th at 5 p.m. After that, any seats that have not been renewed will be released to the general public and open to the exchange of seats by other season ticket holders or new buyers. Ticket exchange day will occur on May 15th.
Season ticket packages will include eight games (all six regular season home games plus the first two home playoff games that cannot be exchanged).
Season ticket holders can receive digital tickets by email but can still accept printed tickets.
Season Ticket Prices
Adult - Regular Bowl $150, Club $186
Senior 65+ - Regular Bowl $126, Club $162
Student - Regular Bowl $110, Club $146
Child - Regular Bowl $62, Club $98
Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.
The Grant Thornton box office is open for phone transactions Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for in-person sales Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Woman Robbed While Sleeping; Man and Woman Arrested For Robbery With Violence
/A Peterborough woman and man have been charged with robbery with violence after a street-level robbery on Monday night.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 8 p.m., officers were called to the Aylmer Street and Sherbrooke Street area after a woman attended a nearby business asking for help. Officers learned that the woman had been sleeping and woke up to find two people going through her pockets and belongings. When she tried to get away, she was kicked and punched by the suspects. The pair fled the area shortly after while the woman was treated at the scene.
At approximately 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday, officers with the Community FIRST unit were in the area of George Street North and Dalhousie Street. They spotted the suspects matching the descriptions given to police and took them into custody.
As a result of the investigation:
A 33-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:
Robbery with violence
A 48-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:
Robbery with violence
Both accused were released on an undertaking and are scheduled to appear in court, April 2.
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Trent University Reappoints Vice-President, Communications & Enrolment To Second Five-Year Term
/Trent University and president Leo Groarke have reappointed Marilyn Burns to a second five-year term as vice-president of Communications and Enrolment at Trent University, effective July 1, 2025, announced on Tuesday.
Burns oversees 65 staff members across Communications, undergraduate domestic Recruitment, domestic and international Admissions and Trent’s five Colleges. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“Marilyn has been a driving force behind Trent’s rising reputation, impressive strides in recruitment, and the University’s renewed commitment to its collegiate system – positioning Trent as a leader in higher education,” said Groarke. “The remarkable progress we've seen in communications and enrolment under Marilyn's leadership is just the beginning. Her expertise and dedication will be instrumental in continuing to guide the University through its next phases of growth and innovation, including the opening of Gidigaa Migizi College – the University’s sixth college.”
Burns joined Trent in 2001 and has served in several roles over her 20+-year career at Trent. They include associate vice president of Communications & Recruitment, executive director of Marketing & Communications, Recruitment & Admissions, and director of Marketing & Communications.
She was appointed vice-president, communications & enrolment in July 2020. Enrolment at the University has increased 53 per cent across Trent’s two campuses in Peterborough and Durham GTA since 2014 according to a press release.
As chair of the Champlain Committee, she led the Champlain Report, which resulted in several recommendations including the naming of Trent’s sixth college: Gidigaa Migizi College.
“I am honoured and excited to continue in my role, building on our successes and facing new challenges head-on. I’d like to thank my team for their focus on Trent’s distinctive qualities, like the Colleges which alongside strong recruitment and enrolment strategies have been key to our rising reputation,” said Burns. “I look forward to further enhancing the Trent experience for our students, faculty, and the broader community, especially as we expand our presence in Durham and welcome the new Gidigaa Migizi College.”
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Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers Add New Assistant Coach For 2024 Season
/As the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League season approaches, the Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers have added Curtis Conley as the new defensive assistant coach announced on Tuesday.
pHOTO courtesy of Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers.
