OLG Makes Fourth-Quarter Payment of Over $670,000 to The City of Peterborough

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made its fourth quarter payment of $678,417 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough, announced on Friday.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

During OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024), Peterborough has received $2,973,019. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has received $12,377,384.

These payments to the host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site according to a press release.

“For decades, profits from gaming have been an important source of funding for Ontario communities, helping to deliver vital services and making a real difference for gaming host municipalities,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This is one of the many different ways Ontario continues to create good-paying, local jobs that play a critical role in supporting our economy, while ensuring a socially responsible gaming environment for people to enjoy.”

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Second-Annual City Nature Challenge To Run From April 26 to 29

The second annual community bio-blitz will occur in Peterborough from April 26 to 29 as part of the global City Nature Challenge competition.

A bio-blitz is a survey that identifies wildlife with the goal of understanding the biodiversity of a location. Nature observations can be uploaded using the iNaturalist app and posted to the Peterborough project page. All the city's wild and naturally occurring plants, animals and insects are eligible as nature sightings. Wildlife observations will be tallied at the end of the competition to determine the winning community in Canada.

On April 26 and 27, the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Field Naturalists will host guided nature walks at GreenUP Ecology Park, located at 1899 Ashburnham Dr., both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature family-friendly nature walks for all residents to learn how to make nature observations while exploring the park. Walks will be approximately 60 minutes, with the first tour at 11:30 a.m. and the last at 1 p.m. Guided tours depart from the event booth at the GreenUP Ecology Park Pavilion.

Event schedule

Friday, April 26

• 11 a.m.: Opening remarks with Councillor Joy Lachica, Co-Chair of Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management portfolio, Peterborough Field Naturalists and Dylan Radcliffe, Chair of the Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee

• 11:30 a.m.: Walk and Talk about Pollinators with Carlotta James, Monarch Ultra

• 1 p.m.: The Natural and Cultural History of Little Lake, the Otonabee River and Meade Creek with Otonabee Conservation

Saturday, April 27

• 11 a.m.: Opening remarks with Mayor Jeff Leal

• 11:30 a.m.: Meet the Trees of Ecology Park with Vern Bastable, Peterborough GreenUp

• 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Children’s Activity Hub with Susan Chow, Trent University

• 1 p.m.: Discovering Nature in Early Spring with Drew Monkman

More information about how to participate in the City Nature Challenge is on the event web page at peterborough.ca/nature.

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Warrant After Trying to Flee From Police

A 50-year-old Peterborough man was arrested on a warrant after an incident early Friday morning.

At roughly 1:15 a.m., officers were called to the area of Princess Street and Lock Street about a suspicious person in a backyard.

Upon arrival, officers spotted a man matching the description given to police but he left the area upon seeing police. K9 Gryphon was called in and began a track, leading officers to a nearby address. The suspect was located on a back porch.

The suspect was arrested on the strength of the warrant.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on May 7.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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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The Good Baker YPQ Lands As Peterborough Airport Restaurant

The Good Baker YPQ has landed in Peterborough Airport as its new restaurant in the terminal building announced on Thursday.

Peterborough Airport serves as an aerospace and education employment centre, supporting over 500 direct jobs and hosting more than 20 businesses on-site. the last restaurant operator departed in 2021. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The restaurant has added seating areas that overlook the airport’s apron and runway activity.

It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the airport terminal building, 925 Airport Rd., serving a range of breakfast and lunch options and pastries. 

Since the late 1960s, Peterborough Airport has featured a restaurant which has been a destination for visitors, people who work at the airport's businesses, pilots passing through and others who want to enjoy a meal while watching planes come and go. 

“The Airport restaurant is a vital connection to the regional community, and we’re excited about the delicious offerings from The Good Baker YPQ,” said Kyle Bruce Peterborough Airport administration manager. “The restaurant serves as a destination for young families, fostering a passion for aviation among young enthusiasts.” 

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Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Invites Public to Celebrate Its Ninth Birthday On Saturday

There have been nine years of flowing taps for Bobcaygeon Brewing Company which will celebrate its birthday this Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. at its Peterborough Brewery and Taproom at 649 The Parkway.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) RICHARD WOOD, BOBCAYGEON BREWING COMPANY PRESIDENT; CHRISTIAN HARVEY, ONE CITY PTBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; KATIE HARTING, MCTHIRSTY’S BARTENDER AND MATT CAMPBELL, BOBCAYGEON BREWING COMPANY VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES ENJOYING THE FIRST-POURED BLACKBERRY RASPBERRY GOSE FROM THE TAP that was launched on Oct. 7, 2022. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The brewery will offer nine unique cask selections featuring one-time-only variants of classic Bobcaygeon styles such as Cottage Lager with Lime, Dockside Red Ale with Black Currant, and Double Dry Hopped Northern Lights.

The Brewery is also doing four beer releases with two brand new beers:

• ‘Lansdowne Fog,’ which brings Earl Grey tea and vanilla over a classic English Ale base*

• ‘Hibernate,’ a Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Ale*

• ‘Firefly Belgian Wheat’

• ‘Birch Bark White IPA’

*denotes new beer

The event features live music from TJ Shirk (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and James Higgins (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and savoury New Zealand pies from Kia Ora Pies.

The back of the brewery will open its rain-or-shine beer garden for the day and the production side of the brewery will be open for the public to view and tour.

This is a family-friendly event featuring outdoor lawn games and non-alcoholic options.

For those wishing to sample the various beers on offer, tickets are $15. They include a limited edition sampling glass and two drink tokens which can be kept. Additional tokens will be available for purchase on site.

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Hometown PTBO: Peterborough Women's Lakers Joining Women’s Major Series Lacrosse 2024 Season and Upcoming Golf Fundraiser Tournament On April 27

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Victoria Clark and Chelsea Campbell of the Peterborough Women's Lakers about their process of getting into the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse, their championship pedigree and upcoming fundraising golf tournament on April 27 at Keystone Links Golf and Country Club.

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Brealey Drive to Undergo Major Construction to Be Completed By Fall of 2025

Brealey Drive will be closed to through traffic between Lansdowne Street West and Sherbrooke Street for a major infrastructure project that will start this spring and be completed in the fall of 2025.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

While the road will have access maintained for local traffic, the construction includes replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers and water mains, installing new concrete curbs and gutters and concrete sidewalks, replacing the roadway granular base and the asphalt roadway, restoring boulevards, replacing street lighting, signage, landscaping and pavement markings.

The project was awarded to Behan Construction Limited. The first construction phase will be the section of Brealey Drive between Lansdowne Street West and Mapleridge Drive which will have detour routes posted.

“While road reconstruction projects can be disruptive, it is exciting to see these much-needed improvements on Brealey Drive underway. This Council is committed to infrastructure investments that improve conditions pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and that improve stormwater management,” said Don Vassiliadis, Monaghan Ward councillor. “Thank you for your patience as we get this important work done, Peterborough.”

“During my campaign in 2022, residents expressed to me that completion of Phase 2 of the Brealey reconstruction project was a top priority for them. So after a year of diligent work from both Councillor Vassiliadis and myself alongside the city’s excellent planning and infrastructure staff,” said Matt Crowley, Monaghan Ward councillor. “This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure in Monaghan Ward and to ensuring resident connectivity as our community continues to grow.”

Traffic may experience delays in the construction area.

Northbound and southbound traffic will follow the posted detour route along Sherbrooke Street, Goodfellow Road, Clonsilla Avenue and Lansdowne Street West.

Route 9 Parkhill will operate on a detour route during the construction period.

The westbound route will travel from Brealey Drive to Kawartha Heights Boulevard to Lansdowne Street West, returning to its regular route on Brealey Drive.

Eastbound routes will travel from Brealey Drive to Lansdowne Street West to Kawartha Heights Boulevard to Brealey Drive, where they return to their regular route.

Pedestrian access within the construction area will be maintained throughout the project, however, it is expected that inconveniences may be encountered which will require pedestrian modifications and/or detours outside of the construction area.

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Peterborough Petes Draft a Forward and Defenceman In the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection

The Peterborough Petes have selected forward Dylan Turcotte and defenceman Cameron Martin in the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Turcotte was taken in the first round, third overall from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s U18s. The Orleans native was featured in 30 games for the Jr. 67’s this season, leading the HEO U18 league in scoring with 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points.

He added another 15 points in 10 playoff games, leading his team to an HEO Championship and a spot in the 2024 Ontario U18 AAA Championships. In the tournament, Dylan finished tied for third in scoring with 11 points in seven games.

The 6’ forward played in four games for the Ottawa Jr. Canadians (EOJHL) this year, picking up six points, while also appearing in two games with the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL.

“Dylan is a power forward with good size who can score,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He’s a proven winner, leading his team to an HEO Championship this season. We’re looking forward to seeing him on the ice at Development Camp in the coming weeks.”

Martin was taken in the second round, 23rd overall. The Minesing-born defenceman stands at 6’3 and played 32 games for the Barrie Colts U18s this season. He scored four goals and adding 13 assists for 17 points. He also played in 13 playoff games, picking up four assists.

“Cameron is a huge defenceman who moves the puck well,” said Oke. “We had an opportunity to watch him a lot this season as he played in Barrie alongside Petes prospect Francis Parish. We were very impressed with his game and are excited to see him on the ice at Development Camp.”

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Opening Nominations For 2024 Business Excellence Awards

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

HAJNI HŐS, HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCEPTING THE AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR from the last event. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBORUGH CHAMBER.

“In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, excellence is out there,” said Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “In restaurants, tourist attractions, retail shops, offices, and not-for-profits; on construction sites, family farms, and making service calls. We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the businesses and organizations that make our community great.”

Express and self-nomination forms are available online.

Early Bird deadline end on May 8 at 4:30 p.m. Early Bird nominations are entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card for the Chamber member business of your choice.

Final Deadline is May 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Three Finalists in each category will be announced in August, with the award recipients announced live on the big stage – Oct. 29th at Showplace Performance Centre.

The Business Excellence Awards were established to promote the advancement of responsible business leadership within the community. Awards will be handed out in over 20 categories including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year Award.

Businesses and individuals within the City and County of Peterborough are eligible, and do not need to be members of the Chamber of Commerce.

There are categories for every business size & sector:

• 4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Business Citizen of the Year

• Business Student Leadership Prizes 2

• Businesswoman of the Year – Entrepreneur

• Businesswoman of the Year – Organization

• Commercial Development or Renovation

• Customer First

• Employer of the Year

• Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Farm Family of the Year

• Green Initiatives

• Health & Wellness

• Hospitality

• Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Local Focus

• Marketing & Promotion

• Micro Business

• Not-for-profit

• Professional Services

• Retail

• Skilled Trades

• Tourism

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City of Peterborough Hosting Two Public Meetings; Survey Open For Input On 2025 Budget

The first of two public drop-in meetings to consult with the community as part of the early phase of the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Budget process will be held on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre located at 577 McDonnel St.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

A second drop-in meeting will be held Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

The drop-in meetings provide an informal opportunity for residents, including council members and city staff, to share their ideas and questions about the 2025 Budget with the City’s Budget team.

The drop-in meetings are in addition to the regular, official Council meetings through the budget process that include opportunities for individuals to present as formal delegations to Council.

A 2025 Budget survey is available online. Hard copies can be picked up at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey is open until 11:55 p.m. on April 26.

The City consults with the community throughout the budget process—at the beginning before the priorities and direction are set for the budget's drafting, when the draft budget is released, and before the adoption of the final 2025 Budget is considered by Council.

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.

Information on the City budget is available online.

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