I Mother Earth, David Wilcox and Dwayne Gretzky Announced For Peterborough Musicfest Lineup With Several Other Acts

I Mother Earth, David Wilcox and Dwayne Gretzky were some of the acts listed for this year’s Peterborough Musicfest lineup, announced at the Silver Bean Café on Tuesday morning.

TRACY CONDON, PETERBOROUGH MUSICFEST BOARD CHAIR (LEFT) WITH TRACEY RANDALL, GENERAL MANAGER (RIGHT) AS THE FREE CONCERT SERIES RELEASES THEIR LINEUP FOR THIS YEAR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

This adds to acts Tenille Townes, Down With Webster and Metric who were announced before the full lineup release.

Three dates (July 10, July 27 and Aug. 10) will be announced later.

“There's something for everyone, there's so many acts that I want to check out and I just think it's going to be an incredible summer,” said Tracy Condon, Musicfest chair.

Statistics regarding the Musicfest’s economic impact, according to a study conducted by Community Futures Peterborough and PKED supported the Economic Impact Assessment, were released during the announcement.

They were surveyed at the park last summer and were evaluated by STEAM Pro (Sport Tourism Canada).

“The $4.3M Economic Impact was assessed by evaluating the amount of money generated by Festival activity which encompasses the local community, the county, province and even nationally,” said Raff Melito, Musicfest marketing and communications manager. “It includes not only fees paid out by the festival for its operations, but also the broader impacts on local businesses, increased employment and the multiplier effect of circulating money within the economy.”

“The $2.3M combined spending reflects the amount that people attending the festival spent last year,” explained Melito. “That would include accommodations, meals out, transport, spending in local shops, etc.”

The free concert series kicks off with country music star Tenille Townes on June 29. In its 37th season, Musicfest hopes to continue to draw crowds that has been supportive over the years.

“It's free, I think that's the most important thing. There's no barriers to people attending and I think that's so important in this day and age when everything is a little harder for people economically,” said Condon. “I think it's a place where you get to see such talent. Music brings everyone together, it's so good for community and for mental health so all of these things coupled together, you can't go wrong with that.”

The following is this year’s Musicfest schedule:

• June 29: Tenille Townes

• July 1: Road Apples (Tragically Hip Tribute Band)

• July 3: Aysanabee w/ Cale Crowe

• July 6: Tim Baker and the Great Lake Swimmers

• July 10: TBA

• July 13: I Mother Earth

• July 17: Metric

• July 20: Beau Dixon Band

• July 24: Rêve

• July 27: TBA

• July 31: Down With Webster

• Aug. 3: Elton Rohn (Elton John Tribute)

• Aug. 76: Dwayne Gretzky

• Aug. 10: TBA

• Aug. 14: Choir! Choir! Choir!

• Aug. 17: David Wilcox

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Blippi: Join the Band Tour Makes Peterborough Memorial Center a Stop On Oct. 23

Blippi: Join the Band Tour is making a stop in Peterborough to entertain kids and their families at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Oct. 23, announced on Tuesday.

Blippi on Tour has traveled the globe multiple times and has delighted millions of international fans throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with plans to visit many more new countries in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The brand-new production features live musicians playing on stage in a never-before-seen show.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, with pre-sales beginning on Tuesday.

Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and musicians. They’ll explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, with fan-favorite Blippi hits

“We are turning it up to 11 with the Blippi: Join the Band Tour this Fall,” said Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-President of Round Room Live. “Blippi is a rockstar for today’s kids and has been delighting millions of children and families all over the world.  A brand new show that amps up the excitement to an even higher volume with a live band onstage was the next logical step in continuing Blippi touring around the world.”

“Following the success of previous tours, Blippi: Join the Band Tour will bring families to their feet across the country to dance and sing along to their favorite Blippi hits as well as some brand new songs.” said Susan Vargo, Head of Global Experiences at Moonbug Entertainment. “Parents and kids alike will share in making music the Blippi way, with curiosity and silliness center stage.”

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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..

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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;

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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.

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