Peterborough Blogs
Photos: Havelock Minor Hockey Players Skate With the Peterborough Petes Prior to Final Home Game
/The Peterborough Petes put smiles on the faces of Havelock kids and parents as they had a practice and free skate at the HBM Community Centre on Wednesday afternoon.
The Petes had practiced ahead of their final home game against the Ottawa 67’s for Thursday night. The team skated with the Havelock Hawks (Havelock Minor Hockey) after the practice.
Following ice activities, the Petes held an autograph session for the children. A pizza/chili party, a cake and draws were happening during the session. Donations and the draws were used to raise money for Havelock Minor Hockey.
The defending-OHL Champions finished the day with an autographed jersey presented to Havelock Minor Hockey president, Danielle Follette.
Peterborough Man Allegedly Asleep Behind the Wheel; Charged With Impaired Driving
/A 43-year-old Peterborough man is facing impaired driving charges after an incident on Wednesday afternoon.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 3:45 p.m., officers were called to the area of Armour Road and Hunter Street East after several reports of a man in a vehicle asleep behind the wheel in the middle of the road.
When officers arrived on the scene, EMS assessed the driver. After further discussion, signs of impairment were observed. It was also learned that the driver was bound by two separate driving suspensions.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired – drugs
Drive while suspended X2 (Highway Traffic Act)
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court April 9.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
City of Peterborough to Host Instagram Live of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
/To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the City of Peterborough is hosting an Instagram Live conversation between the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor Reem Ali; the New Canadians Centre’s (NCC) Bhisham Ramoutar, Manager of Community Development and Mauricio Interiano, Community Engagement Officer on Friday at 10 a.m.
pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.
The discussion will be hosted on the City of Peterborough’s Instagram account @cityptbo. Anyone interested in tuning in is welcome. Following the live event, a conversation recording will be available on the City’s Instagram account.
Last fall, the City supported the NCC with funding from Canadian Heritage to develop a series of short videos highlighting some of the challenges experienced by newcomers. Six individuals were invited to share their experiences of discrimination, micro-aggressions and systemic barriers in their settlement journey and to reflect on how they have navigated these challenges.
The NCC staff behind the video series ‘Our Neighbourhood’ will speak that launched on Feb. 2 and learn more about the experiences of a series participant Samantha Banton, a Jamaican poet and local entrepreneur.
“Racialized individuals who live and work in this city as well as many other communities across Canada, know all too well the inequities that exist across all sectors,” said Ali. “They experience varying levels of racism, oppression, and discrimination on a regular basis and are often expected to be resilient in the face of harmful experiences that affect them for life as a mechanism to help them survive.”
“The videos in ‘Our Neighbourhood’ delve into the unique stories and journeys of newcomers, shedding light on their varied experiences,” said Interiano. “At the heart of them all is the search for belonging and the success that can be achieved through community – and a good neighbourly welcome. But the series goes beyond just celebrating the successes. We’re also addressing the challenges and barriers that exist in our society. We are diving deeper, confronting and shedding light on discrimination and racism. We can’t ignore these issues. We have to work together to make our neighbourhood a better place for all.”
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960.
City Hall will be lit in blue on Thursday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The City encourages residents to reflect and re-commit our efforts to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination and hate.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Trent University Has Grand Reopening of Allan Marshall Pool After Significant Construction
/After being renovated for several months for construction, the Allan Marshall Pool at Trent University celebrated its grand reopening and can welcome back swimmers, announced at the campus on Wednesday afternoon.
Amanda Devlin of the Peterborough Swim Club is one of three to take the first dip in Trent University grand reopening of the Allen Marshall pool that closed in late 2022 for reconstruction. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.
Construction resulted in a new ramp for increased accessibility, header walls with blocks for competitive swimming and several structural and mechanical upgrades. The hand-painted mural, originally commissioned by local artist Richard Hayman, has remained on the wall since 1999.
“Allowing community members and students of all abilities to enjoy our facilities is so important for the University,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, Trent vice-president of finance and administration. “The reconstruction and enhancements ensure that visitors to the Trent Athletics Centre will be able to enjoy our pool for years to come.”
The pool’s construction began in April and underwent five phases:
Demolition
Phase 1: Demolition
Phase 2: Inground Plumbing
Phase 3: Backfilling
Phase 4: Above-ground plumbing
Phase 5: Tiling/Finishes
The project was aimed for completion in the fall of last year, with the finishing touches completed in late November. Following a series of final inspections, community programming was set for early January.
“There were no issues that we came across, with many large construction projects, some things can take a little bit longer with supply chain issues but everything really ran on track and was completed in late fall but programming starting in the new year,” said Leslie Spooner, Trent assistant director of customer engagement and operations.
A return to full community programming in the pool is underway. The Trent Swim Club, Kawartha Artistic Swimming, Special Olympics and Trent students have already scheduled events for pool use. Community swimming lessons are scheduled to resume in May.
The Allan Marshall Pool is named in honour of Flight Lieutenant Stuart Allan Marshall, who was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He is remembered for his commitment to the sport of swimming, his involvement in the Peterborough community and his support in establishing Trent University—as originally proposed by the community in 1978.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces 10 Performances For May Production: Girl in the Goldfish Bowl
/The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its May production of ‘Girl in the Goldfish Bowl’ slated for 10 shows from May 3 to 18.
pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.
The production is directed by Kim Blackwell with Lindsay Wilson playing the lead role of Iris.
The comedy is set in the ocean-side, fishery town of 1960s Steveston, British Columbia; Iris takes us back to her 12-year-old self and what she describes as ‘the last few days of her childhood.’
Preoccupied with the impending Cuban Missile Crisis and the obvious strain in her parents’ marriage, Iris is convinced that the death of her goldfish, Amahl, must have brought on these troubles.
Shows are running on May 3, 4, 5*, 9, 10, 11, 12*, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. except for matinee dates.
*denotes matinee show at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online or by calling (705)745-4211. They are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $20 for students.
Peterborough Lions Club Hosting Spring Shoe Drive to Benefit Those In Need Locally and Abroad
/In a partnership with Soles4Souls, the Peterborough Lions Club is hosting a shoe drive this spring to collect any gently used footwear and new socks to help those in need locally and abroad.
JUDY JENKINS WITH THE 2021 SHOE DRIVE SIGN WITH A MINOR CORRECTION AFTER SMITH’S FINAL DONATION. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
“Unwanted footwear is turned into opportunities, keeping them from landfills and putting them to further use by those in need, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty,” as stated in a Lions Club press release.
Drop-off locations are in orange boxes at the Peterborough Lions Club at 347 Burnham St. and various locations throughout the town.
Donations are being taken from May 1 to June 21.
New or used baby-to-adult footwear including work, dress, casual, runners, sandals, winter boots and more are accepted.
Kaawaate East City Public School Launches Fundraiser of $200,000 For Accessible Playground
/Kaawaate East City Public School (KECPS) launched a campaign seeking the public’s help to raise $200,000 for an accessible playground for roughly 800 students from the East City of Peterborough and surrounding areas.
pHOTO courtesy of Kaawaate East City Public School.
The school opened in September 2021 but without a playground since the Ministry of Education does not fund that equipment according to KECPS.
The school has to raise funds for the physical play structure(s), installation costs, ground surfacing and ongoing maintenance.
A common concern for the parents is the inclusion of an accessible playground that caters to all students including those with special mobility and sensory needs as stated in a press release.
The KECPS yard is adjacent to a forest and offers a view from the hill overlooking the Trent-Severn Waterway.
“I was surprised and disappointed to learn when the Ministry of Education builds and opens a new elementary school, its funding doesn’t include the school playground,” said Tara Joyce, KECPS Playground Committee parent member. “A playground for the students seems critical to the healthy functioning of any elementary school.”
“With our student body and new building already overcrowded in its third year of existence, creating more interactive spaces outdoors for our students is critically needed and will have a long-term positive impact on their learning and growth,” said Robin Koshurba, KECPS Playground Committee member.
The Committee is asking local businesses and organizations, families and any interested donors to help meet their fundraising goal.
The school is already facing overcrowding issues in its third year of operation and a playground is essential for shaping the future of everyone involved according to KECPS.
Donations can be made online via School Cash Online or by cash or cheque.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Voice of Business: Business and Political Leaders Need to Reset Their Relationship
/
Guest Column by Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
After what Pierre Poilievre told the Vancouver Board of Trade, it's clear business and political leaders need to reset their relationship.
After 18 months as federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre spoke last week to a local Chamber of Commerce for the first time.
As he took the stage in Vancouver, he was eager to explain why it took him so long.
Poilievre began by noting that he had spoken more than 100 times on shop floors and to union locals. That was good to hear — even refreshing. He deserves credit for that effort.
But then he dropped the punchline, and it wasn’t kind to his hosts. The real reason he stays away from business audiences, he said, is because of ‘utterly useless’ corporate lobbyists focused on ‘getting lunches with ministers’ and ‘showing off their latest ESG brochure.’
Poilievre created a caricature of ‘politicians and CEOs working together for their own interest.’
He’s not alone.
In Ottawa, business-bashing is part of the populist playbook — right across the political spectrum. Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently slammed a media company for its “garbage decision” to make cuts and layoffs after a $40 million operating loss. His government has imposed new taxes and costs on banks and tech companies because they’re banks and tech companies.
New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh routinely blames “‘corporate greed’ for rising prices. He recently accused retailers of ‘ripping people off’ — as if the high inflation, wage settlements and supply chain disruptions of recent years never happened.
Are concerns about high prices legitimate? Yes. Should business leaders be asked hard questions? Absolutely. Should their policy prescriptions be challenged and debated? Of course. Will anyone shed tears for big companies? No.
It’s a dangerous game, however, when political leaders traffic in anger, stereotyping and scapegoating of any group or institution. It might garner a few votes, but it won’t move us forward as a nation.
Canada has serious challenges: lagging productivity. Skills and labour shortages. An overloaded and disjointed health-care system. Insufficient investment in climate and clean technology infrastructure. And much more.
These challenges are too wicked for the government to solve alone. While government’s job is to set the agenda and make the rules, it’s a huge error for political leaders not to engage the financial, human, intellectual and relationship capital of the private sector.
Does business want to be part of the solution? You bet. That, too, earned a rebuke from Mr. Poilievre. He criticized business leaders because ‘they want to get along with everybody’ and urged them to ‘stop sucking up to the people who are doing the damage to our country.’
But it’s not the role of business leaders to get partisan, or to help opposition leaders get elected. Business leaders need to work with government — no matter who is in government.
This is particularly true today, in an era when none of the major federal party leaders have a business background. That’s not a criticism; they bring other skills and qualities to the table.
But it does mean business and political leaders need to reset their relationship, and to approach one another with fewer assumptions, and more humility; with less rhetoric, and more dialogue; and with less theatre, and more collaboration and co-creation.
In last week’s speech, Poilievre also told his audience that he favours a ‘bottom-up free enterprise agenda’ — i.e., an agenda rooted in the needs of enterprising businesspeople, not politicians in Ottawa. He was wise to speak at a Chamber of Commerce, because there’s no more “bottom-up” business organization in our nation today. In every town, city or province in Canada, from heartland to hinterland, the vast majority of Chamber members are small businesses. They want their chambers to work with Poilievre, Trudeau and Singh — just as they do successfully with all our provincial leaders.
Canada needs political and business leaders to work together in a spirit of goodwill, reflecting the shared interests of businesses, workers and communities. It’s time to rebuild that spirit.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
The City of Peterborough Opens Applications For Advisory Committee
/The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications on three advisory committees.
pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.
There are vacancies on the following committees:
Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee (two vacancies; term to December 2026)
Community Investment Grant Advisory Committee (one vacancy; term to December 2025)
Transit Liaison Committee (one vacancy; term to December 2026)
