14-Year-Old Teen Missing; Peterborough Police Seeking Public's Help In Locating Him

UPDATE: He has been found safe.

The Peterborough Police Service has declared 14-year-old Preston Howard missing since Monday morning and is asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.

He was last seen in the area of Bensfort Road and Collison Avenue in the early morning hours on Monday.

Howard is described as:

  • 14 years of age

  • Caucasian male

  • Thin build

  • Medium-length brown hair

  • Scratches on his face

  • Wearing a black puffy Columbia coat and black and white high-top shoes

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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City of Peterborough Hosting Drop-in Meetings and Community Survey For 2025 Budget

The City of Peterborough is inviting citizens to participate in an upcoming drop-in meeting to speak with City Council members and City staff or through a community survey for the 2025 Budget.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

The survey is available online or in paper copies at City Hall, 500 George St. N. It is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 26.

The drop-in meetings provide an informal opportunity for residents to share their ideas and questions about the 2025 Budget with the City’s Budget team, including Council members and City staff. They are in addition to the regular, official Council meetings through the budget process, which include opportunities for individuals to present as formal delegations to Council.

Two drop-in meetings will be held at the beginning of the budget process before the Draft 2025 Budget is put together and two drop-in style meetings later in the process after the Draft 2025 Budget is released to the public to encourage more conversations about the details in the draft budget.

The City consults with the community throughout the budget process—at the beginning before the priorities and direction are set for the budget drafting, when the draft budget is released, and before Council considers adopting the final 2025 Budget.

Council is expected to consider the direction for the Draft 2025 Budget on June 11. The Draft 2025 Budget is scheduled to be posted for public review in November ahead of Council’s budget deliberations. The Mayor is expected to present the 2025 Budget for adoption on Dec. 9.

2025 Budget consultation key dates

  • Community budget consultation meeting (brief presentation, conversations with Budget team), April 18, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St.

  • Budget consultation drop-in meeting (informal drop-in for conversations with Budget team), April 22, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

  • City Council meeting on 2025 Budget, June 11, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

  • Draft 2025 Budget presented to City Council, Nov. 4, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

  • Budget consultation meeting (brief presentation, conversations with Budget team), Nov. 7

  • Budget consultation drop-in meeting (informal drop-in for conversations with Budget team), Nov. 12, main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

  • Public meeting for City Council to hear from delegations about the 2025 Budget, Nov. 12

  • City Council reviews and discusses the Draft 2025 Budget during General Committee meeting, Nov. 18 and Nov. 19

  • Mayor will present the 2025 Budget for adoption, Dec. 9

“Municipal services are essential for the daily life of our community, from roads, sidewalks and trails, to parks and recreation, to our library and cultural facilities, to storm and sanitary sewers, to garbage collection and our new Green Bin program, to social housing and social services, for fire services and policing – all of these services and more are reflected through the annual City budget,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

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Peterborough Police Service Partners With Équité Association to Combat Auto Theft

The Peterborough Police Service is collaborating with Équité Association to combat and prevent auto thefts in the Peterborough area through Project CLASP.

(left to right) Bryan Gast, VP, Investigative Services, Équité; Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service and Betty Ng, Équité. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Équité will aid the police through data and analytics, vehicle identification and coordinated investigations.

To mitigate the risk, Équité recommends a layered approach that includes simple steps like locking doors, installing visible or audible anti-theft devices, using vehicle immobilizers and investing in tracking systems.

“Auto theft has reached crisis levels in this country. Last year, auto theft in Canada cost more than $1.2 billion dollars,” said Bryan Gast, Équité vice president. “This problem cannot be remedied in isolation; it requires this kind of collaborative approach through public and private partnerships to ultimately combat this crime.”

“The Peterborough area is not immune to this type of crime,” said Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service. “In 2023, there were 143 vehicles reported stolen.  We are also aware of the trends in other communities and this partnership will help make sure we can spread messages of prevention about auto theft to our own residents.”

Anonymous information can be sent to Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Enid Mallory, Norwood Business Bungalow, Sayers Foods and Living Well Senior Showcase

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…

Local author Enid Mallory has a new book called Irrepressible: Yukon’s Martha Black — From Gold Rush to Parliament Hill.

It tells the story of the second woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons. A woman who, at the age of 32, went to the goldrush-era Yukon while her husband went off to Hawaii. A person with an unconventional spirit who once said, “What I wanted was not shelter and safety, but liberty and opportunity.” Learn more about one of the North’s most tenacious and persevering women with Enid’s new book available at hancockhouse.com.

Looking for flexible office rentals, both short and long-term, in the Norwood area? Check out the Norwood Business Bungalow at 2364 County Rd. 45.

They offer a new kind of space for entrepreneurs, startups, and those looking for a home office away from home. The location can work as a professional environment to meet with clients or work in peace, and includes 24/7 access, high speed internet, a kitchen, and a waiting area. The building is fully accessible. Find out more at norwoodbusinessbungalow.com.

Sayers Foods has re-opened with a big, beautiful new grocery store in Apsley! The family-owned independent grocery retailer has been serving the Apsley area since 1976.

Three years ago, the store suffered a devastating fire, but is now officially open and offering quality fresh food to the community. They offer locally-sourced produce, a butcher to prepare meats in-store, a bakery with their famous donuts and Chelsea buns, a deli with cured meats and cheeses sliced to order, a garden centre, a sub shop, a café, and hot foods. Drop by 132 Burleigh St. in Apsley and try some tasty local food.

The Living Well Senior Showcase is back June 19 at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

If you are a local business interested in having a booth, contact the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. The event is one of the largest seniors trade shows in Canada, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and two dozen workshops. Peterborough is home to 27,000 seniors and the show provides a good opportunity both for those planning to retire and those well into their retirement years to see what the local business community has to offer to help people enjoy their senior years. Learn more at pkchamber.ca.

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History Repeats Itself As Peterborough U16 AAA Petes Get Eliminated In OHL Cup Semifinals For a Second Consecutive Year

For the second straight year, the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes were eliminated in the semifinals of the OHL Cup by the same opponent, the Vaughan Kings, in a 3-0 loss at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto on Thursday night.

The Petes lost to the Vaughan Kings in last year’s OHL Cup, 4-2, on April Fools Day. pHOTO courtesy of Peterborough U16 AAA Petes.

It was a battle of the undefeated as both teams boasted a 5-0 record heading into the semifinal. The winner would take on the Oakville Rangers, who narrowly defeated the North York Rangers, 6-5, earlier that day.

Peterborough struggled to muster any offense in the first period as they registered three shots on net. The Kings had 13 shots, one of which was courtesy of Cole Emerton. With just over four minutes left in the stanza, the Petes turned the puck over in the defensive zone; Emerton intercepted the pass and was uncontested in his shot to make it 1-0 Kings.

Vaughan extended their lead with a one-timer at point-blank range from Caleb Malhotra, was seemingly stopped by Petes Morgan Hyndman but the puck was sitting at the line. Peterborough tried to clear the puck but the referee deemed the puck had crossed and it was 2-0, Kings over Petes.

Things would not improve for the Petes as one of their top prospects, Colin Fitzgerald, took a tripping penalty, putting the Kings on the powerplay. It only took 10 seconds for Vaughan to capitalize, as Alessandro Di Iorio took a shot from just outside the faceoff circle and ripped it through traffic for a 3-0 lead.

It was all or nothing for the Petes in the period to try and erase a three-goal deficit. Fitzgerald had an opportunity to get Peterborough on the board with a breakaway. He tried the five-hold of Kings goaltender Justin Young but he closed the door on any chance of a comeback and made the save. The Petes outshot the Kings for the first time in any period with 6-4 but none found the back of the net. Peterborough was eliminated from the OHL Cup by a 3-0 score.

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Hospice Peterborough Celebrates 35 Years of Service

Hospice Peterborough celebrates a milestone of 35 years of serving the community announced on Thursday.

Hospice Peterborough p[lanting its roots at its groundbreaking ceremony in 1988. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The organizations was officially founded on April 1, 1989.

“Reflecting on our history, we are profoundly grateful for the immense support we've received. This is the result of a community banding together to support each other – this is Your Community Hospice,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

The following is a sample of the Hospice’s timeline with significant milestones:

  • 1988 - 1989: Hospice Peterborough becomes a registered charitable organization, starting with an annual revenue of $50,049 and a caseload of 37 active clients

  • 1991 - 1992: Euthanasia enters mainstream conversation, as Hospice Peterborough advocates for proper palliative care and pain management

  • 2014 - 2015: The ‘Every Moment Matters’ capital campaign is launched, aiming to raise $6.5 million. The campaign cabinet, led by Betty Morris, works tirelessly towards this goal

  • 2016 - 2017: Despite being in the middle of a capital campaign, Hospice still tracks 21,613 client interactions, 12 events, 684 group sessions, and 734 new referrals, the 305 active volunteers along with staff were kept very busy

  • 2018 - 2019: Hospice Peterborough moves to its new location at 325 London Street. On April 8, 2019, the organization admits its first end-of-life residents, marking a pivotal moment in its history

  • 2021 - 2022: Hospice Peterborough proudly became a fully accredited healthcare organization with the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) following a vigorous 18-month process ultimately achieving an outstanding score of 98.67 per cent

  • 2022 - 2023: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became an option for clients receiving care in the Hospice Residence who have requested it, and for those who meet the required criteria, aligning with Hospice’s vision of client-centered care. Founder Dr. John Beamish, Hospice Peterborough’s Medical Director, announced his retirement after 36 years of service to HP

“We've come a long way since our humble beginnings, and today, we stand as a trusted healthcare facility providing 24/7 palliative care,” said Hős.

As part of the journey’s celebration, a small exhibit has been set up in the building where guests can explore memorabilia, view collected photos and gain insights into its history

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Hometown PTBO: Cooper Brown Highlighting Peterborough's Golf Scene As the Season Approaches

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with professional golfer and instructor Cooper Brown about the golf atmosphere in Peterborough, pupil success stories and his Toronto Maple Leafs fandom.

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2023 Civic Awards Nominations Remain Open Until April 5

Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m., announced on Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts, and culture who had outstanding achievements in 2023. 

Nominations are being accepted for the following categories: 

  • Community Betterment 

  • Cultural Betterment 

  • Environmental Stewardship 

  • Holnbeck Award 

  • Adult Athlete of the Year 

  • Athletic Award of Merit 

  • Junior Athlete of the Year 

  • Senior Athlete of the Year 

  • Mayor's Youth Award 

  • Volunteer of the Year 

  • Youth Volunteer of the Year 

  • Lifetime Achievement Award 

Nomination packages are available using the interactive form online and paper copies are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

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Local Online Radio Station to Stream Throwback Peterborough Petes Broadcasts

Following last season’s run to an OHL Championship for the Peterborough Petes, the Kawartha Time Machine online radio station makes up for the Petes’ absence in the post-season by streaming several full throwback games beginning this Thursday at 7 p.m.

The Kawartha Time Machine was founded in 2015 by retired broadcaster Gordon Gibb to curate and preserve regional broadcast archives through a music-based, online nostalgia station. Gibb has served as the in-house public address announcer for the Peterborough Petes since the 1996-1997 season. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Time Machine.

Running each Thursday for seven straight weeks, several games streamed include a reprise of the 1974 exhibition game between The Peterborough Petes representing the Canadian entry in The World Junior Invitational Hockey Championship. This non-sanctioned tournament served as the precursor to the annual tournament enjoyed in the modern day.

The pivotal game for the Petes was played on Jan. 6th, 1974, against Russia. The game—as well as the tournament and the events leading up to it—is the subject of ‘The First Ones,’ a book by Ed Arnold released in the fall.

The game between the Petes and Team Russia was originally broadcast live from Leningrad on 1420 CKPT with Bill Bennett on the morning of Jan. 6th.

With a copy of the broadcast loaned to us from Pete Pearson, The Kawartha Time Machine originally streamed the broadcast archive on the morning of Jan. on the exact 50th anniversary of the game. The Petes vs. Russia game will be the first game of a multi-week series.

The full schedule is as follows:

  • March 28: Petes @ Russia Jan. 6 1974 (1420 CKPT, Bill Bennett)

  • April 4: Petes @ Niagara Falls Flyers, Game 2 of the OMJHL Finals (Cable, 1979. The Petes would go on to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup that year and later, bring home The Memorial Cup for the first, and only time in franchise history).

  • April 11: Petes v Marlies Jan. 2, 1986 (Gary Hahn, Kevin Varrin, Cable 6)

  • April 18: Petes @ Oshawa Dec. 1, 2002.

  • April 25: Petes v Plymouth Whalers, Dec. 15, 2005 (Bob Eakins Your TV)

  • May 6: Petes v London Knights (Game 2) May 7, 2006

  • May 13: Petes @ Kingston March 13, 2013

Several games will feature several NHL alumni and current players such as Eric and Jordan Staal, Dallas Eakins, Ron Tugnutt, Doug Jarvis, Stan Jonathan and John Druce, the latter also serving as colour commentator in later games. Neilson served as a coach for the 1974 Russia game.

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Two Peterborough Men Arrested On Possession of Weapon Charges

Two Peterborough men are facing possession of weapon charges after an incident on Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 6:55 p.m., officers were called about two men with a firearm carrying a duffle bag in the area of Olive Street and Rink Street. 

Officers with the Community F.I.R.S.T Unit arrived in the area and spotted two men matching the description given to police. A gun point arrest was conducted and the men were taken into custody without incident.

During a search of the suspects, officers located and seized two replica firearms (one loaded) and an extendable baton. 

A 28-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

  • Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

  • Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court

The accused is currently bound by a lifetime prohibition order with the following condition to not possess any firearm, cross bow, restricted weapon, ammunition and explosive substance.

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following condition to not possess a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance.

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

A 28-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court April 23.

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