View Creativity at the Mount Community Centre's Eighth-Annual 'Get Your Art On' Exhibition

The Mount Community Centre is hosting their eighth-annual ‘Get Your Art On,’ exhibition and sale of local arts and crafts at their facility at the Austin Doran Hall on May 24 to 26.

Photocourtesy of the Mount COmmunity Centre.

The exhibition features paintings, photography, pottery, sculpturing, woodworking and more on display and for sale.

The official opening ceremony starts on the 24 at 6 p.m. Each day onward is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“There are numerous artists and crafts people coming to display and sell their works,” says Hartley Stephenson, local artist and event organizer. “The items are unique and specially designed to please the buyer. Attendees are bound to find something that will interest them and be a perfect gift for Mother’s day celebrations.”

The event is free to attend and 10 per cent of all profits going towards the Mount’s efforts to provide affordable housing and food security.

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Man Who Fled Collision Turns Himself In and Faces Multiple Traffic Charges

A 37-year-old Peterborough man faces Highway Traffic Act charges after an allegedly fail-to-remain collision in Peterborough Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The driver of the Jeep turned themselves into police on Thursday afternoon.

He was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

• Driving while suspended

• Fail to Remain

• Careless Driving

The driver was given a court date of July 18.

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A List of City Services On Victoria Day

Victoria Day is Monday and many city services and facilities will operate during holiday hours or be closed during the holiday. 

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

City Hall 

City Hall, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office will be closed Monday. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca. 

Garbage, recycling and yard waste 

There are no changes to curbside garbage and recycling collection on Monday. 

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed. 

Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot’s normal operating schedule is Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Public Works 

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Parks 

Seasonal washrooms in parks are expected to be open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend and remain open for the season. Park washrooms are generally open from about 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; however, some locations close earlier based on maintenance schedules. 

Transit 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Holiday service schedule on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details. 

Peterborough Marina 

Peterborough Marina at 92 George St. N. on Little Lake opens for the season on Victoria Day weekend. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday. Information about current exhibitions is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum. 

Sport and Wellness Centre 

The Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. 

Arenas 

The Peterborough Memorial Centre, Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena and the facility booking office will be closed on Monday. 

The Grant Thornton Box Office at the Peterborough Memorial Centre will be closed on Monday. Visit online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at memorialcentre.ca for information and tickets. 

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. is closed on Monday. The gallery’s regular operating hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs please visit www.agp.on.ca.  

Child Care Centres 

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday. 

Peterborough Public Library 

Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/. 

Social Services 

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday. 

Emergency shelter services 

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096. 

Provincial Offences Act office 

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA. 

Peterborough Airport 

The Peterborough Airport at 590 A Skyway Dr. is open regular hours on Monday. 

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Former Peterborough Pete Michael Simpson Wins Second OHL Championship With London Knights

After winning an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship and J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Peterborough Petes last year, goaltender Michael Simpson has done it again with the London Knights on Wednesday night.

Simpson won the Wayne Gretzky Award for Playoff MVP last year alongside his OHL Championship with the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The Knights defeated the Generals in game four, 7-1, at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa to capture the title, Simpson’s second straight championship and London’s fifth title in franchise history.

“Anytime you get to be a part of two OHL Championships is special and to win both times is something I would’ve never dreamed of,” said Simpson. “It was a dream come true to come to my hometown team as an overager and be able to win here. Obviously I spent lots of time at the Bud growing up so it’s pretty cool to be able to win with the Knights.”

The former Pete allowed only one goal in the game-four victory over the Generals in the final minute of the opening period. The London native stopped 25 of 26 shots to help the Knights sweep the Generals in four games.

“It’s obviously pretty exciting (to win),” said Simpson. “Last year was a lot harder but this year was just as sweet. Sweeping the finals is pretty special; this is a special group and it was pretty fun this year.”

The Peterborough Petes traded Simpson to the Knights for goaltender Zach Bowen and Kingston Frontenac’s third-round pick in 2025 on Sept. 26 last year.

Simpson was an overage player and was the first transaction the Petes made prior to the season. With the Knights as runner-ups to Peterborough, Simpson had 34 wins in 48 starts to help his hometown team win this year’s OHL Championship.

“It’s super-special,” said Simpson. “I’ve gone to a lot of playoff games over my childhood growing up and seeing a lot of Knights wins. It’s pretty special to be part of a group that won.”

He was ranked the number one goalie after the regular season with the lowest goals-against average of 2.61 according to OHL statistics.

Simpson joins Adam Dennis (2004-05) and Josh Unice (2008-09) as the third goaltender in OHL history to win a back-to-back OHL Championship with two different teams.

With another OHL Championship, Simpson and the Knights qualified for the Memorial Cup. They join the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs and host and OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.

Simpson will take on former teammate and former Peterborough Pete Owen Beck at the Memorial Cup. The latter, a Montréal Canadiens prospect, was dealt to Saginaw on Jan. 8 for three draft picks and forward Aiden Young.

The Memorial Cup begins with Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw on May 24 at 7:30 p.m. The Knights open their run against Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw on Saturday at 4 p.m.

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Community and Officers Honoured at Knights of Columbus 46th Annual Police Appreciation Night

Peterborough Police Service and the Knights of Columbus Ernest J. Wolff Council 798 gathered to honour and present awards to citizens who displayed courage and commitment to the community and officers who went above and beyond the call on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Citizen Commendations:

• On Aug.17, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m. police received a call that a woman had been attacked while walking on the TransCanada Trail north of the Jackson Heights subdivision.

  The three women, who were strangers to each other, came together to stop the attack, help the victim and provide a description of the suspect that ultimately led to his arrest a short time later according to a police report.

  The victim and nominating officers said the women showed immense courage. 

• On Dec.19, 2022, Loss Prevention Officers at the Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street West were notified of a shoplift in progress. Upon approaching the male suspect, the male became aggressive with staff.

  A man named Christopher, who was shopping at the Canadian Tire at the time, heard someone yell “knife.” He immediately ran over to assist the staff who were struggling with the male on the ground and disarmed the man. No one was injured during the incident.

  The nominating officer said Christopher’s assistance was invaluable to a safe resolution.

• In November of 2023, police were called to a critical incident that involved a member of our community being injured.

  Nicole jumped into action without considering the risk to herself to help the injured person. Her efforts stopped immediate harm and the person who had been harmed felt cared for compassionately and responsively.

  Ryan's actions ensured the immediate scene was safely maintained and the potential for further harm was diminished. While putting himself at risk to keep others safe, Ryan also called emergency services.

“We are fortunate to have people who demonstrates such qualities in our community, and grateful for their actions on this day,” according to a press release statement.

Carol Winter Humanitarian Award: Constable Dan Mundell

This award is given to a member of the Police Service who has contributed to the needs of the vulnerable in our community.

Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Service Awards:

• Sergeant (Ret’d) Nancy Loucks

• Constable (Ret’d) Stacey Rutherford

• Alison Jackson

• Loranne Thompson

Service Medals for Sworn Members for 20 Years of Service:

• Staff Sergeant Robert Fitzgerald

• Sergeant Jennifer Bell

• Sergeant Trevor Hickey

• Constable Keith Calderwood

• Constable Grant Eastwood

• Constable Sam McCullum

• Constable Jason Morris

• Constable Michael Stephens

Service Medals for Civilian Members for 20 Years of Service:

• Matt Thomas – Special Constable 

Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award:

On April 29 last year, officers were dispatched to the residence of an elderly female who had her home and property damaged by her adult daughter, who was suffering from an apparent mental health episode.

Police then attended the adult daughter’s residence. During the interaction, the female opened a window and leapt from her apartment on the third floor. The female grabbed the eavestrough overhang, at which point Constable Joshua Gibbs quickly reached out to her from an adjacent balcony and was able to pull her to safety and apprehend her. 

If not for the quick actions of Gibbs, the female in this incident would have fallen three stories, resulting in serious bodily harm or death. Recognizing the severity of the incident, the female victim later offered her thanks to the officer for saving her life while being treated by EMS. 

Investigative Services Division:

In recognition of the tremendous dedication and work of the members of this division in resolving a series of violent crimes (four homicides in six months) that had wide-reaching impacts on the victims and families involved, the civilian and sworn members of the service and the overall safety of residents in our community.  All of these cases are still before the courts and while we are proud to have brought the persons believed responsible to this stage of justice, we know that the work is continuing and not yet finished.  

The officers and supporting units, such as Digital Evidence Management, invested thousands of hours and used various forensic and investigative techniques to bring the people believed to be responsible before the courts within days and hours. 

These crimes struck at the core of our feelings of safety, and it was through the collective work and dedication to public safety in solving these most violent crimes that is worthy of recognition. 

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Explore History Come to Life Again as Lang Pioneer Museum Opens For the Season On Tuesday

Relive history in the Kawarthas as Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s 2024 season kicks off for the spring starting this Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth King and Lang Pioneer Village.

The Museum will be open for spring hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday until June 15. The annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show on June 16 is kicking off the Museum's summer hours and special event season.

This season will see the return of several special events including the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show, the Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show, a Corn Roast, Applefest, Spooky All Hallows’ Eve and Christmas by Candlelight. The Christmas Bazaar which brings together a variety of local artisans at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building for a day of holiday shopping, is also returning.

“As we move into the spring and summer season at the Museum, staff and volunteers are excited to welcome you back to the site for tours, events and programs,” said Elizabeth King, museum operations manager. We are pleased to be able to share our regular roster of annual events, as well as some new workshops, demonstrations and projects that we hope you will enjoy. We hope you can join us on our beautiful site this year - where history is brought to life and becomes a fun and informative experience for all.”

Season passes are available for purchase for those wanting to take advantage of all the Museum has to offer this season.

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City of Peterborough Hosting Public Information Centre For Sanitary Master Plan

Residents are invited to participate to the City of Peterborough’s live virtual public information centre on May 29 at 6:30 p.m. about the City’s Sanitary Master Plan.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The Plan looks at the best use for existing sanitary infrastructure that aligns with the City’s Official Plan Update according to a press release.

“Our wastewater system is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure that the City currently provides, even though it can be ‘out of sight, out of mind,’” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The Sanitary Master Plan is being developed to guide our strategic investment in the City’s sanitary system for the health and well-being of our residents, and your input is an important part of the process.”

The live virtual public information centre (PIC) presentation is part of the Class Environmental Assessment study. It will present information about the City’s existing wastewater system, future growth needs, the project schedule, and what steps are being taken to support the decision-making process. Participants can submit questions during the presentation through the virtual chat feature. To receive information on how to attend the virtual meeting, please register using the link on the project page.

Project information for the Sanitary Master Plan is available on the City’s community consultation website. Residents are invited to submit comments on the study and subscribe for future study updates. A recording of the PIC presentation will be posted on the project website following the live session.  

The City’s Sanitary Master Plan objectives are: 

• Assess the existing sanitary system and identify requirements to service existing and future development areas; 

• Identify existing system vulnerabilities and risks, and develop a mitigation approach; 

• Evaluate the impact of future population growth to existing and new system vulnerabilities; 

• Develop an environmentally sustainable strategy for managed growth with a focus on intensification in built-up areas and climate change resiliency; 

• Provide capital planning recommendations to form the basis for future Development Charges

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Peterborough Police Searching For Jeep Fleeing From a Two-Car Collision

The Peterborough Police Service is searching for a Jeep after a fail-to-remain collision in Peterborough on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The collision happened at about 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of Lansdowne Street and High Street. 

Two vehicles collided, resulting in one striking a business. No one was seriously injured, but the building was damaged. A black Jeep involved in the incident fled the scene and was last spotted going southbound on High Street. Police expect the front of the Jeep to have front-end damage.

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 Inaugural 'Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair' Saw Roughly 500 People Pair With Over 40 Organizations

Volunteer Peterborough saw roughly 500 people opt to sacrifice their time for the greater good at the inaugural ‘Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair’ at the YMCA of Central East Ontario last Wednesday.

Volunteer Peterborough already has more than 1,000 volunteers and 120 organizations on VolunteerPeterborough.ca. after the Fair. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

The organization is a matchmaking service for prospective volunteers to pair with organizations to suit the former’s needs. It launched its online match-making portal last summer.

At the fair, the 500 volunteers explored and signed up with 41 different groups. There were 65 volunteers signed up with Musicfest, 14 people signed up to attend the Kiwanis Club's next recruitment meeting, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra filled all the jobs on its wish list and the Turtle Trauma Centre left with three pages of names according to a press release.

From here, the group will participate in Trent University’s Volunteer Fair and is seeking funding to host Meet Your Match events in Peterborough County to assist smaller charities and rural residents.

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Recipient of Inaugural Water Ways Destination of the Year

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is declared the first-ever winner of its Water Ways Destination of the Year award by Water Ways TV, announced on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development; Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Steven Bull, Host and Executive Producer of Water Ways TV; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha and Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Ed Middleton

This annual prize from the noted North American boating TV series recognizes communities for bringing world-class boating experiences to locals and visitors from around the world according to Steven J. Bull, Water Ways TV executive producer and host.

“It is truly an honour for the region to receive the first-ever Destination of the Year award from Water Ways TV,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. ” As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, our team works diligently to position the waterway and recreational boating at the heart of our story. 2024 is an incredible year for Peterborough & the Kawarthas and this recognition couldn’t have arrived at a more celebratory moment for our sought-after destination.”

“We genuinely believe that some memories can’t be made on land,” he said. “Peterborough & the Kawarthas caught our eye in 2024 by welcoming the newest base for world’s largest fleet of luxury houseboats, Le Boat, while also opening the stunning new waterfront Canadian Canoe Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft.”

Peterborough and the Kawarthas are known to have been shaped by its connection to water with the historic Trent-Severn Waterway winding through its communities.

“As 2024 Water Ways Destination of the Year, Peterborough & the Kawarthas will have an entire episode dedicated to it’s waters in the new series coming this September,” said Bull. “Ontario is a fitting launch for our slate of new regional shows (with Florida and the Pacific Northwest planned for 2025) and will celebrate destinations from Toronto to Temiskaming, and experiences from wakesurfing to walleye fishing, yachting to kayaking.”

“This recognition appropriately celebrates Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ thriving boating culture which has for decades motivated locals and visitors alike to take to its waters to explore the region’s natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities on offer,” said Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. I am proud that Waters Ways: Ontario will showcase the best boating destinations across our province and the small business owners and operators that continue to connect us to the water, benefitting local economies and reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a choice destination for endless adventure.”

“Boating Ontario is proud to support the new Water Ways: Ontario TV series,” said Rick Layzell, Boating Ontario Association CEO. “With an unprecedented content plan ready for execution, Water Ways: Ontario is set to shine a positive light on the exceptional recreational boating opportunities across our incredible province. Boating Ontario members have a ground floor opportunity to engage with this new series and benefit from the anticipated consumer engagement.”

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