67-Year-Old Peterborough Powerlifter Claims Provincial Title

Richard Gosselin is taking the phrase, ‘age is just a number’ to new limits as the 67-year-old Peterborough resident placed first in his division at the Ontario Powerlifting Association (OPA) Provincials at the Montecassino Hotel on Sunday.

Richard Gosselin (left) with Matt Goldsmith, Personal Trainer and Coach (right). pHOTO courtesy of Brianna Gosselin.

Gosselin qualified for provincials, taking first place in his division at the Ontario Powerlifting Association’s Classic AF 2023 at the Anytime Fitness in Woodbridge on July 2.

“It’s been a long road of training, endless time spent in the gym, making sure I am taking care of my nutrition and keeping positive mentally.,” said Gosselin. “You don’t realize how taxing it can be on yourself. But I love it. The gym is my sanctuary and always has been.”

Gosselin was in the Masterclass Division and had the following results:

• Squat : 172.5 kg - 380 lbs.

• Bench Press: 125 kg - 275 lbs.

• Deadlift: 190 kg - 418 lbs.

Gosslein returned to the gym two years ago after retiring from his corporate job. He often worked out as a teen and into adulthood and has worked out every day since. The provincial champion encourages people to pursue their passions, follow their lifelong dreams and never let their age hold them back.

He was coached by personal trainer Matt Goldsmith. Gosselin trains at both Goodlife Fitness locations in Peterborough on Monaghan and Chemong Road.

He plans to continue training and preparing for future competitions this year.

“I'm grateful to be able to do what I love and follow my dreams,” said Gosselin. “The people I have been getting to know and fellow competitors are such an inspiration.”

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Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act (Bill 31) To Be Presented For Third Reading

The Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act will be presented for a third reading on March 25, 2025, announced by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith on Friday.

The second reading passed unanimously at Queen’s Park in early March last year. pHOTO courtesy of Dave Smith.

In the First and Second World Wars, roughly 7,000 First Nations individuals volunteered to serve. As a result, many who served were stripped of their rights for a time away from the reserve. Indigenous veterans able to retain their status were often ineligible for benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans following the wars.

If passed, the bill will create an award for Cadet Corps and Squadrons at the Annual Ceremonial Reviews. They will select a member who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the previous year for a new award from the province of Ontario, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award.

“Murray Whetung was a pillar in our community. He volunteered fight in the Second World War and dedicated his life to family and service. I was honoured to receive his endorsement for this legislation before his passing,” said Smith. “This bill does more than recognize the life of one man; it seeks to teach others of the injustices First Nations veterans faced for risking their lives in service to Canada.”

“My Shomis (grandfather) was humbled when MPP Smith approached him about the idea of an award named after him. My Shomis did what he thought needed to be done and didn’t expect special recognition,” Emily Whetung, Curve Lake First Nation former Chief. “He was a shining example of choosing happiness in the face of adversity and an inspiration to so many of us.”

The third reading will follow the Opposition Day Motion and will be live on the Legislative Assembly video feed.

“I’ve long stood proud on November 11 because of the commitment and sacrifice he has made and as our second Remembrance Day without him approaches I can’t think of a better way to celebrate his memory,” said Whethung. “Chi-miigwetch for learning our history and ensuring it is remembered by cadets across Ontario.”

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Four People Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges After Vehicle Stop

Four people have been arrested on drug traffic charges after a traffic stop on Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7 p.m., a police officer was on general patrol in the Hunter Street and Simcoe Street area and identified a suspicious vehicle. It was involved in a neighbouring police agency investigation that resulted in a a vehicle stop with the assistance of other officers and the Canine unit.

A 32-year-old Township of Cavan Monaghan man is charged with:

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

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

• Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

• Obstruct Peace Officer

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Fail to Comply with Appearance Notice

The accused was held in custody and scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

A 44-year-old Peterborough man was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking x1 - Cocaine

• Possession of property under $5000

The accused was released on an undertaking and scheduled for court April 9.

A 27-year-old Peterborough woman was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking x1 - Cocaine

• Possession of property under $5000

The accused was released on an undertaking and scheduled for court April 9.

A 25-year-old Peterborough woman was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking x2 – Cocaine and Fentanyl

• Possession of property under $5000

The accused was released on an undertaking and scheduled for court April 9.

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United Way Pushing For $80,000 to Reach $1.45 Million Fundraising Goal; Results to Be Announced at Campaign Celebration On April 11

United Way Peterborough and District is making its final push of $80,000 in their 2023 fundraiser to meet its $1.45 million goal by its Campaign Celebration scheduled for April 11 at The Venue, announced on Friday.

United Way announced it’s 2023 campaign in December of a goal of $1.45 million. It funds 20 partner agencies serving about 46,000 residents in 2022. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

They have reached 94 per cent of their goal, currently at $1.37 million, surpassing last year’s campaign's success.

“It’s a privilege to see the focus and hard work of volunteers, workplaces, donors joining in driving to a final goal,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Milestones are important but only serve as signposts for a destination. Often it is the last dollars that are hardest to get and in these final weeks we sense that community momentum in reaching the final destination of 1.45 million.”

“I am continuously inspired by the generosity demonstrated by individuals, families, organizations, and businesses in our community. It's through their collective efforts that together we can create a stronger, more resilient community.” said Jim Hendry, United Way campaign cabinet chair. “We’re in the final push to raise the last $80,000 and make a positive impact on countless local lives.”

Everyone is invited to the celebration with tickets for $25. They can be purchased online.

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Peterborough Petes Finish Off Last Home Game of the Season; Set Season Attendance Record

Outside of the score, it was all smiles and positivity for a sold-out crowd of 3,862 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the defending OHL-Champion Petes had their final home game of the season in a 9-0 loss to the Ottawa 67’s on Thursday night.

pHOTO courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Prior to the puck drop, the Petes honoured overage defenceman and assistant captain Cam Gauvreau, who was playing his last home game with the team.

The sold-out crowd made the overall total 119,747 over 34 home games, 8,505 more than the previous record of 111,242 from the 2005-06 championship season.

After Thursday’s sell-out, the average attendance this season climbed to 3,522, 250 higher than the previous record of 3,272 during 2005-06. These numbers also factored into 20 new single-game attendance records that were set this season.

“The growth following last season's OHL championship is tremendous and unprecedented,” said Eric Evenbauer, director of sales. “Behind the scenes, there is a hard-working staff on both the business and hockey side who work together to provide the best experience possible for our fan base. To have 17 sell-outs in a rebuilding season is remarkable, it goes to show that our fans are excited about the team and the direction we’re heading both on and off the ice. None of what we do would be possible without our incredibly loyal and knowledgeable fan base.”

Unfortunately, it went all downhill from here as the Petes let an early penalty kill their momentum.

After a mad scramble in front of the net, Brady Stonehouse picked up the pieces and scored, beating Petes goaltender Zach Bowen for a 1-0 lead. That was the score heading into the second period. Peterborough only had four shots to Ottawa’s 20.

While the shots were more balanced at 16-10 in favour of the 67’s, the score became lopsided as the visitors rung off five unanswered goals for a 6-0 lead at the end of two.

Easton Rye took over goaltending duties to start the third period. However, Ottawa kept their foot on the gas in the final frame as they tacked on three more goals and routed the Petes 9-0.

The Petes continue their last stretch of road games as they take on the Barrie Colts on Saturday for 7:30 p.m.

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Second-Annual 'PTBO's Got Talent' Limited Edition T-Shirts Being Sold In Fundraiser For Addiction Support At 'Right to Heal'

To help raise money for addiction support at ‘Right to Heal,’ limited edition t-shirts are being sold for the second edition of ‘PTBO’s Got Talent’ show at Market Hall on April 12.

pHOTO and design courtesy of Jason Wilkins.

The design was created by local artist Jason Wilkins, who is one of four judges for the event alongside Dani Guppy, Tiffany Creasy and Sarah Evans, with Tiffany Arcari of The Tiffany Show as the emcee.

Ricart Branded Apparel & Promo is printing the T-shirts and $10 from each sale will go to Right to Heal.

In addition to the shirts, all ticket sales and draws will benefit the non-profit organization that provides addiction support in a safe environment.

“This is all the brainchild of Patti Clancy, owner of Kawartha Home Health Care, who’s an incredible force for community betterment,” said Wilkins. “Each year Patti chooses a different organization to support through PTBO’s Got Talent.”

The show is meant to showcase local talent in a fun and entertaining format while fundraising for Right to Heal.

Video audition submissions were received until the end of February and Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc. selected the contestants. Those selected will compete at the event and the top three will walk away with prizes.

“So far we have 22 acts performing who will score some amazing prizes from local businesses plus tons of giveaways happening during the event for attendees,” said Wilkins.

Shirts can be purchased online or donations can be made through e-transfer at PtboGotTalent@gmail.com with the deadline on Sunday. Tickets for the show are $25 and can be purchased at Kawartha Home Health Care Services (320 Water St., Unit 72). Attendees can also pay a cover charge of $25 at the door on the event day. Door prize donations or sponsorship opportunities can email management@khhcs.ca.

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List of City Services During Easter Weekend

Many City facilities and services will be operating under holiday hours between March 29 and April 1 on Easter weekend.

File Photo.

City Hall

City Hall will be closed on March 29 and April 1. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.

Garbage and Green Bin collection and facilities

Curbside collection

Curbside collection of garbage and Green Bins for March 29 moves to April 1.

Recycling collection, which is now managed by Circular Materials moves from March 29 to April 1.

Residents must have material at the curb by 7 a.m. on April 1. All other collection days remain unchanged.

Landfill

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on March 29. It will be open on March 30 from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., closed on March 31 and open on April 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Household Hazardous Waste Depot

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on March 29 and open April 30 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

Recreation, Arenas and Parks

Peterborough Memorial Centre

March 29 to April 1 inclusive: Box Office is closed

March 30 and March 31: Arena is open for pre-booked ice rentals

Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available online at www.memorialcentre.ca 

Kinsmen Civic Centre

March 29: Closed

March 30: open regular hours for ice rentals

March 31: open regular hours for ice rentals

April 1: Closed

Healthy Planet Arena

March 29 to April 1: closed

The Facility Booking/Customer Service Office will be closed from March 29 to April 1.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 29 and will have regular hours on March 30, 31 and April 1.

The Centre’s website details hours of operation, programming and membership are at www.peterborough.ca/pswc.

McDonnel Street Community Centre

March 29 and April 1: closed

Peterborough Public Library

The Library will be closed from March 29 to April 1. For online service, please visit www.ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Museum will be closed on March 29 and open March 30 to April 1 from noon to 5 p.m.

Visit www.peterborough.ca/museum for information on exhibits, tours and programs.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed March 29 and April 1. The gallery is open on March 30 and March 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Visit www.agp.on.ca for information on exhibits and programs.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a holiday service schedule on March 29.

Regular service schedules are in place over the weekend and on April 1.

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

Public Works

The Public Works phone at 705-745-1386 is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on March 29 and April 1.

Emergency shelter services remain open. Individuals can call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed on March 29 and April 1.

Provincial Offences Court office

The Provincial Offences Court office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on March 29 and April 1.

Airport

The Peterborough Airport has regular staffing hours over the holiday weekend:

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 29 to March 31

7 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning April 1.

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Hometown PTBO: 15-Year-Old Kickboxer Dominick Di Falco Needing GoFundMe Help To Attend Hungary's World Junior Championships

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with 15-year-old kickboxer Dominick Di Falco about how he got into the sport, mentoring kids and his GoFundMe to get him to the World Junior Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Scan the QR code or click the picture below to donate to the GoFundMe.

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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.

Daxton Whitmore, 8, Havelock Hawks left winger gets a signature from Petes forward Quinn Binnie during the team’s last practice before their last home game. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

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.

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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.

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