Two Break-And-Enter Incidents See Two Doors Smashed With One Business Having Several Thousand Dollars of Tools Taken

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating two break-and-enter incidents early Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5:05 a.m., officers were called to a business on The Kingsway after an alarm. Officers noticed the front door had been smashed. It was further learned that several thousand dollars worth of tools had been taken.

The second incident occurred at 5:23 a.m. at a Neal Drive business. Officers discovered that the front glass door had been smashed.

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

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.

Traffic Interruptions Expected At Kirkfield Lift Lock Until Friday Evening For Repairs

Parks Canada advises the public to expect traffic interruptions at the Kirkfield Lift Lock until Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE KIRKFIELD LIFT LOCK IS LOCATED A FEW KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE VILLAGE OF KIRKFIELD. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA.

A crane will be on-site to support the final repairs at the Kirkfield Lift Lock before the navigation season.

“We expect to be able to maintain both lanes of traffic flow on Kirkfield Road (County Road 6), although traffic controls, including flaggers and signage, will be in place as needed,” according to a press release statement.

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 Ranked Seventh In Total Observations In The Country From City Nature Challenge

Peterborough’s City Nature Challenge initiative that wrapped up on April 29, exceeded last year’s community bio-blitz numbers with higher public participation, more species sighted and greater total observations logged that resulted in a seventh-place finish in the country. 

PHoto by David Tuan Bui.

In total, 2,076 wildlife observations were made, recording 577 species within the community during the four days of citizen science for the second annual community bio-blitz to record wildlife in Peterborough.  

Out of the 40 participating Canadian communities, Peterborough ranked 13th in total observations, 12th in total number of species observed and 11th in the number of participants making observations. Peterborough ranked seventh per capita for the total number of observations made during the bio-blitz, beating out nearby cities like Kingston and Toronto.

On May 6, wildlife experts completed their identification and verification of recorded nature observations gathered during the bio-blitz and submitted it to the event organizers. 

“Community events like the City Nature Challenge showcase how truly alive our city is, with wildlife in every nook and cranny waiting to be discovered,” said Councillor Joy Lachica. “Residents should celebrate that they share their homes with so many plants and animals, which makes Peterborough an extra special place to live for all.”

Peterborough's most observed species from April 26 to 29 are as follows: 

  • Plant species: 31 Yellow Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum) 

  • Bird species: 25 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) 

  • Tree species: 23 Eastern White Cedars (Thuja occidentalis) 

  • Fungus species: 16 Black Knot (Apiosporina morbosa) 

  • Mammal species: 12 Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) 

  • Insect species: 7 Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis) [introduced species] 

  • Amphibian species: 7 Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) 

A full list of observations can be found on the Peterborough iNaturalist project page.  

The City of Peterborough partnered with the Peterborough Field Naturalists to curate guided nature walks led by Ecology and Beavermead Parks volunteers on April 26 and 27. In addition, nature-focused children’s programming was offered over the two days to excite kids about the beauty of nature found in Peterborough.  

The next City Nature Challenge is scheduled for April 25 to 28, 2025.  

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.

Two Teenagers Arrested For Allegedly Uttering Threats Through Snapchat

A 16-year-old Peterborough male wanted on a warrant is facing several uttering threat charges after an incident Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He was wanted for the following from May 7:

  • Mischief under $5,000

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

  • Robbery with a weapon and utter threats -cause death or bodily harm X2

The suspect was further charged in connection with a series of threatening messages to another group of teens through Snapchat on Friday.

The teen turned himself into police on Saturday.

He was arrested on strength of the warrant and further charged with:

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

  • Uttering Threats - Damage Property

  • Criminal Harassment - repeatedly communicate

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday Court on Saturday.

A second Peterborough teen also wanted in the May 7 incident for the following:

  • Mischief under $5,000

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

  • Robbery with a Weapon

  • Uttering Threats - Cause Death or bodily harm x2

He turned himself into police on Saturday. It was further determined the male was connected to the incident on Friday in which a threatening message was sent through text.

The second teen arrested on the strength of the warrant and further charged with:

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm  

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court May 27.

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.

Young Ladies Can Try Hitting the Links at Girls Golf Kawartha League Free Event

Young ladies aged seven to 17 can try out their drives, chips and putts as the Girls Golf Kawartha League’s (GGKL) ‘Girls Try Golf Free Event’ being held at the Kawartha Golf & Country Club on May 25.

Sydney (pictued) nailing a hole in one at The Quarry’s third hole of the executive course on Oct. 11, 2021. Photo courtesy of Girls Golf Kawartha League.

This is our second year of the Girls Golf Kawartha League.

“I run it for girls to create a fun, safe, non competitive way for girls to learn and love golf,” said Courtney Carroll of GGKL.

To kick off the season, the newly-formed organization is bringing back the free event and a free league at The Quarry in June.

The league meets every Wednesday night for an hour. There is also a pay-per class with group lessons with Shana Kelly of the Coaching Association of Canada and of Kawartha Golf Club.

“Our goal is to get 100 girls out this summer,” said Carroll.

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.


Rotary Club of Peterborough Introduces New Fundraiser to Help Those Live "Brighter Futures"

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has introduced a new fundraiser called Bright Futures. It support of local and international Rotary Projects that help individuals and families to live Brighter Futures, announced on Monday.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough was established in 1921 and currently has just over 70 members. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraiser is a raffle ticket fundraiser with more than $7,500 in prizes available. The winning tickets will be drawn live at a dance party at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre on June 8.

“Organizers aimed to offer prizes that would appeal to a broad number of adventure-minded people including a $5,000 travel voucher from Blowes & Stewart Travel, a five-night cottage rental on Catchacoma Lake and a Palusky Kayak and Paddle,” said Amy Simpson, Bright Futures committee co-chair.

The dance is a casual celebration with snacks, a cash bar, silent auction and live music from local band The Patio Stones. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the draw itself will take place at 9 p.m.

The owners of the winning tickets do not need to be present to win the draw prizes but is preferred for more dramatic effect according to Susan Sharp, co-chair.

“It would certainly add to the excitement to have the winners on site when the big prizes are given away,” she said.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each or three for $20. Dance tickets are $50. For raffle tickets, dance tickets or auction donations please email contact@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Grady’s Feet Essentials, 231 King St..

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 Gives Public Notice of Intention to Pass By-laws to Establish and Rename Certain Roads

Notice is hereby given that under Sections 31(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., 2001, c. 25, the City of Peterborough proposes to enact the following by-laws on June 10.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

  1. A By-law to rename a portion of lands known as Hillside Street (from Cochrane Crescent to Simons Avenue) to Deline Street; and

  2. A By-law to establish the road to be known as Deline Street as a public highway;

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.


Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PPF Growth and People Solutions, Green Economy Peterborough, Le Boat and JA Business Hall of Hame

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…

PPF Group of Companies have launched a new HR division — PPF Growth and People Solutions.

Led by President Kimberly Callaghan, the firm will partner with organizations to design, support, and grow thriving and empowered businesses with engaged and inspired people. The company will focus on identifying pain points and tailoring solutions to support clients in achieving productivity and performance effectiveness, transforming their businesses by fostering a culture of continuous growth, innovation and a commitment to human-centric values and needs. Additional services include customized cloud-based solutions that are scalable, accessible, and impactful, meeting clients' needs and enabling their skills, knowledge, and capabilities.

Green Economy Peterborough is holding its annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards on May 16 at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and the celebrations begin at 6 p.m. This networking and celebration event will showcase local business leaders prioritizing the environment in their operations and business practices. There will be a short presentation from Professor Stephen Hill of Trent University on his new book, Sustainable Energy Transitions in Canada.

Le Boat has officially opened in the Peterborough area. This Europe-based luxury vessel and houseboat rental company is kicking off a new Trent-Severn Waterway tour destination based out of Peterborough offering an opportunity to tour 386 km of rivers, lakes, and canals that make up the waterway. Le Boat now has scenic boat rental opportunities in Belgium, France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Italy, Germany, and Canada. They have been in the business for 50 years and have experience helping you plan your dream boating adventure.

Get your tickets for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame 2024 awards on May 23.

Tickets include not only an awards ceremony, but delicious culinary stations from local restaurants like Hanoi House, Fresh Dreams, La Mesita, Curry Village, Railyard, and That’s a Wrap. This year’s event will honour Tim Barrie, John Cunningham, Gwyneth James, Richard Labelle, Jill and Robert Staples, Jeannine Taylor, Nicole Truman, Cora Whittington, and the team at Winslow Gerolamy Motors.

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.

Photos: Seniors Entertained As Trent Valley Archives Brings Peter Robinson's Story to Life With 'Tide of Hope' Production at Royal Gardens

Tales of famed politician Peter Robinson came to life in a live production of ‘Tide of Hope’ put on by Trent Valley Archives Theatre production at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence on Thursday night.

The play depicts actor The Descendant in the forthcoming Trent Valley Archives Theatre production. She is a Peter Robinson settler descendant while her ancestor, John Heffernan, was a poor gardener on Lord George Kingston's estate.

It follows the trials and tribulations of two families who are forced to flee Ireland and emigrate to Upper Canada in 1825 to escape hardships and violent rebellion. It commemorates the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson immigration. He played a pivotal role in organizing the migration and settlement of Peterborough.

The play commemorates the 200th anniversary of the arrival of roughly 2,024 Irish settlers to Peterborough as part of the British government’s assisted emigration program for destitute Irish families.

Live productions are available to the public at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. for school groups on Wednesday.

Tickets can be found on Market Hall’s website.

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.


Downtown Patio Installation Beginning Monday

With the warmer weather in full swing, expanded patio areas and more pedestrian space are being installed in downtown Peterborough starting Monday, announced on Friday afternoon.

File Photo.

Installations are scheduled for Monday. The City will install decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have approved patio permits. Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of their establishments will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of their business for their patio operations.  

Decorative fencing and planter installations for patios are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate later rounds of patio permit applications. Currently, the City has received about 20 patio permit applications. 

“I love our downtown and look forward to the expanded patios each summer because they enhance the vibrancy and bring people together in the heart of the city,” said Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The patio season changes include reconfiguring Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to create more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios provides additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces due to the temporary lane reconfigurations.

As part of reconfiguring this section of Hunter Street West, Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for traffic from its north end at Brock Street the duration of the closure at Hunter Street.  

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios to further ensure pedestrian and customer safety.  

Parking spaces including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas, may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

The City is accepting Patio Permit applications for patios on city-owned lands until May 31. Patio permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio including bistro-style tables and chairs, on City-owned lands.

Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and temporary liquor licence extension. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applications, permit fees and supporting documents can be submitted online through the City’s website. 

To ensure compliance with patio permit requirements and respond to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented that will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit. 

The City’s Patio Program dates back to 1997, and it included bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the fifth summer that the City is implementing temporary changes to downtown public spaces to allow for more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.  

For general inquiries about outdoor patios on City-owned lands, please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor, by email at nhuculiak@peterbrough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1654. 

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.