Peterborough Blogs
National Youth Week Events in Peterborough From May 1 to 7
/The City of Peterborough and community organizations are hosting National Youth Week from May 1 to 7.
Events include a First Friday Art Crawl, an expedition to Jackson Park to learn about birds, create a needle-felted Baby Yoda and play drop-in sports.
The entire lineup of free events for youth 10 to 19 is available online.
Events will occur at various locations including the Peterborough Museum & Archives, the Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, Jackson Park and Downtown Youth Space.
National Youth Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of providing youth with opportunities to lead, innovate and inspire according to Councillor Lesley Parnell, Community Services (Recreation and Parks, Fire Services, and Arenas) Portfolio Co-Chair.
“Beyond promoting activities for youth, it’s a time for us to reflect on how we, as a community, can better support the next generation to make Peterborough a more inclusive, vibrant and forward-thinking city,” she said. “Our City is committed to nurturing the dreams and capabilities of our young people.”
“Our youth play an essential role in social and cultural life of our city,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin. “Their insights and enthusiasm are the key to our community’s continued growth and prosperity.”
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Peterborough Man Facing Indecent Act Charge After Exposing Himself In A Parking Lot
/A 41-year-old Peterborough man is facing an indecent act charge after an incident Monday night.
At roughly 8:20 p.m., officers were called to the George Street North and Townsend Street area about a male in a parking lot. He was allegedly exposing himself and masturbating in front of businesses.
When police arrived, officers spotted a man matching the description given to police and took him into custody. It was learned that the man was wanted on warrants in other jurisdictions.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Indecent Act – Public Place
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 30.
The accused was then turned over to officers in the jurisdiction in which he was wanted.
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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Circus Antics of Cirque LuzDalia Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre On May 19
/Circus show Cirque LuzDalia will entertain the masses at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on May 19 at 1:30 p.m., announced on Tuesday.
The 90-minute family-friendly show consists of acrobats, daredevils, aerialists, comedians and more.
For anyone arriving early, families can experience the kid's fun zone with face painting, play with circus toys and savour delicious circus treats before the show begins.
Just 10 minutes before showtime, join the circus in the ring for the ultimate kids' all-access pre-show experience. Children can get up close and personal with the magic behind the scenes.
Attendees will also have the chance to indulge in delectable circus treats and take home unique souvenirs, immersing themselves in the enchanting world of Cirque LuzDalia.
Prices range from $17.50* - $200.00*
*All ticket prices are subject to applicable fees and taxes. Prices are subject to change
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Fleming and Trent Partner With SpacesShared to Support Peterborough’s Student Housing Needs
/To support Peterborough’s student housing needs, Fleming College and Trent University have partnered with SpacesShared to increase safe, affordable housing solutions for students.
The partnership also fosters community engagement and support for the adult and older adult population in the region according to a press release.
“Trent’s commitment to safe and affordable housing, community support, and aging studies makes our partnership with SpacesShared a strong match,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Together with our community partners, Trent is proud to be creating housing opportunities that are mutually beneficial for students and homeowners in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”
“This new agreement with SpacesShared will give our students more options when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing in our campus communities,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Connecting students with our community while supporting local homeowners is an invaluable step forward.”
“We are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both hosts and students. Working with Fleming College, Trent University, and Age-friendly Peterborough, we aim to support a thriving community in the city,” said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO and co-founder. “Our platform is a fully self-contained system further enhancing convenience, that facilitates the entire process from listing details of the property and having a conversation with the host to drafting the rental contract, processing monthly payments, and submitting regular feedback, all within the platform’s secure environment.”
To further advocate for this partnership and encourage older adults in the city to sign up for the program as hosts, SpacesShared and the two postsecondary institutes are joining forces with Age-friendly Peterborough. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing their needs and fostering a supportive community.
“The Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan stresses the importance of celebrating multi-generational opportunities to build a strong community for all. SpacesShared empowers two key groups to meet and learn from each other: older adults and a younger generation,” said Dawn Berry Merriam, Chair of Age-friendly Peterborough.
“The development and maintenance of intergenerational relationships is a protective factor against social isolation not only for older adults but crucially also for students,” explains Jackie Tanner, SpacesShared CXO and co-founder. “But the feeling of safety must be there for it to work. This is where SpacesShared strives to cover the gap and ensure home sharing becomes a rewarding experience for both hosts, as well as students.”
Fleming College, Trent University, Age-friendly Peterborough and SpacesShared invite those interested in exploring home sharing to a free information session about the program on May 30, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough.
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Five Counties Children’s Centre to Return to Minden
/Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) has signed a new lease for space at the Minden site of Haliburton Highlands Health Services at 6 McPherson St.
The renovated, approximately 700-square-foot space is just off the main entrance, on the second floor of the Community Health Wing of the HHHS site. This space will allow Five Counties staff to see and support more Haliburton County kids, youth and families according to a press release.
“We are pleased to reach agreement with Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) on this space that will allow Five Counties to provide care closer to home,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Re-establishing our presence in Minden will save local families the need to drive to Lindsay or Peterborough to access treatment and therapy services.”
Moving into the HHHS site in Minden is a homecoming for Five Counties, which previously leased another portion of the facility. That arrangement ended when HHHS had to reclaim the space during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“HHHS is delighted to welcome Five Counties Children’s Centre back into our building,” said Veronica Nelson, HHHS President and CEO. “Five Counties’ dedication to the community through therapy and treatment services to support children with physical, developmental, and communication needs and their families, is inspiring. HHHS looks forward to a continued partnership with Five Counties to bring health and wellbeing to our younger local population.”
Five Counties provides speech, occupational, and physical therapies and other kids’ treatment services in Haliburton County, Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County. Five Counties staff work in Centre sites in Minden, Lindsay, Peterborough, Cobourg and Campbellford, as well as in local schools and virtually to support kids and youth from birth to age 19 (21 if still in school).
“We know that early intervention – especially when it comes to how a child talks or walks – is so important to help kids reach their full potential,” said Pepin. “Parents and caregivers are dealing with so much already if their child has been diagnosed or identified with unique needs that impact their development. That’s why making it easier for families to get the help they need when they need right in their own community is essential.”
Post-pandemic, Five Counties has been seeking new space in Haliburton County. Five Counties opened a new satellite location at Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden in the past year or so, using a repurposed classroom for treatment space. The space has been helpful as a base of operations for Five Counties staff to see local families and provide treatment in area schools.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, which has been very generous in allowing us to use the classroom space as a way to see kids, students and families right here in their own community,” said Pepin.
Even with Five Counties moving into the HHHS site in Minden, the Centre will continue to use the space at Archie Stouffer School for physiotherapy services, as the wider space there is ideal for this treatment.
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Peterborough Petes Draft 15 Players From OHL Priority Selection; Take Hometown Prospect In First Round
/After a weekend in the war room, the Peterborough Petes have drafted 15 players in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection including hometown top prospect Colin Fitzgerald in the first round over the weekend.
Fitzgerald was taken with the third overall pick.
“Colin is a big centreman who plays a great two-way game, knows how to score and is good on faceoffs,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We’ve been monitoring him all season and were really impressed with his play, especially in the OHL Cup. It’s very exciting to be able to add a local player with a skillset like Colin’s.”
Fitzgerald played 34 games last season with the Peterborough Petes U16s, scoring 39 goals and adding 25 assists for 64 points. In eight playoff games, he scored 13 times and added eight assists, helping the Petes to the OMHA Championships and the 2024 OHL Cup. In six OHL Cup games, the 6.01, 174 lbs centre finished tied for the tournament lead in scoring with eight goals and five assists for 13 points, leading the Petes to a semi-final finish and being named to the All-Star team.
In the second round, Peterborough selected defenceman Blake Gowan with the 32nd overall pick.
“Blake is a very big, solid defenceman who plays a hard-hitting game,” said Oke. “He was a big part of a very good Barrie Colts team and is somebody who will physically be able to step in to the OHL.”
Gowan, a defenceman from Kingston, played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and adding 25 assists for 27 points. In 10 playoff games this season, Gowan scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points, helping the Colts to an OMHA Championship and an OHL Cup berth.
The following is a list of the Petes draft picks:
1st round, 3rd overall: Colin Fitzgerald, F, Peterborough Petes U16
2nd round, 32nd overall: Blake Gowan, D, Barrie Colts U16
5th round, 85th overall: Adam Levac, F, Eastern Ontario Wild U16
5th round, 99th overall: Genc Ula, D, North Jersey Avalanche U15
6th round, 105th overall: Alexander Hage, F, Vaughan Kings U16
7th round, 125th overall: Raiden Doxtator, F, London Jr. Knights U16
8th round, 145th overall: Elijah Chavez, F, Vaughan Kings U16
9th round, 165th overall: Luka Gelinas, G, Eastern Ontario Wild U16
10th round, 185th overall: Marcus Sulug, D, Niagara North Stars U16
11th round, 205th overall: Luis Sturgeon, D, Lambton Jr. Sting U16
12th round, 225th overall: Jonny Brooks, F, Oakville Rangers U16
13th round, 245th overall: Alexander Smyth, F, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes U15
14th round, 265th overall: Kasra Fathi, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers U16
15th round, 283rd overall: Matthew McKenna, F, Central Ontario Wolves U16
15th round, 285th overall: Matthew Crawford, F, Sun County Panthers U16