City's Public Art Program Seeking Indigenous Artists to Commemorate Chemong Portage

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program invites Indigenous visual artists living in Peterborough and local First Nations to submit proposals for a public art project to commemorate the Chemong Portage.

The Public Art Policy, adopted in 2009 and updated in 2022, recognizes the role public art plays in creating culturally vibrant cities, identifies processes for generating and selecting projects and committees and commits an annual Public Art fund to maintain existing artworks and to commission new projects from artists across the country. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Chemong Portage is an approximately 10-kilometre-long footpath and portage that once ran between Nogojiwanong/Peterborough and gchi-maang (Chemong Lake).  

The intent of Right of Way - The Chemong Portage Project is to commemorate the portage in a way that allows people to experience it. Visual artists are invited to submit digital images of their original artwork. Selected images will be printed onto vinyl media and wrapped around traffic signal cabinets located close to what is thought to be the original portage route.  

“This is a great initiative to highlight the cultural richness of the Michi Saagiig and educate the city and visitors that they are on an historical portage route of our communities,” said Tom Cowie of Hiawatha First Nation.

The call for artists, including more information about the project parameters with tips about the application process, is on the City’s Public Art webpage at peterborough.ca/PublicArt.  

Information sessions 

Artists are encouraged to attend one of three information sessions in early June. Public art program staff will be in attendance to answer questions.   

Hiawatha First Nation Cultural Centre 

June 3 at 3:30 p.m.  

431 Hiawatha Line  

Hiawatha First Nation  

Peterborough Public Library  

June 3 at 6:30 p.m.  

345 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough 

Curve Lake Nation Cultural Centre  

June 4 at 4:30 p.m. 

1024 Mississauga St.

Curve Lake First Nation 

The application deadline is June 25 at 4 p.m. All applications must be submitted online. 

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Gauvreau Accounting, Kawartha Audiology, Feeflo Physiotherapy and Modern Makers Market Shop

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…

Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory has launched a new division: Business Valuation Services.

This new service offering is essential when dealing with things like the purchase and sale of a business, succession planning and estate freezes, shareholder buyouts, tax planning and numerous other business situations. Gauvreau is one of the few Canadian accounting firms that can support all services in-house, including a tax specialist, corporate lawyer and chartered business evaluator. They are committed to fully supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Find out more at gauvreaucpa.ca.

There’s a new healthcare business in Norwood — Kawartha Audiology and Hearing Aid Clinic.

It’s your friendly neighbourhood center for all things hearing. They specialize in detailed hearing tests, comprehensive assessments, and personalized hearing aid evaluations — all designed to help you hear your best. The clinic is known for its warm and personable approach, ensuring that each visit is both comfortable and informative. Using the latest in hearing technology, their dedicated team is committed to providing top-notch care and practical solutions for your hearing needs. Check out their new location at 17 Spruce St., Unit 4A in Norwood.

Next door in Unit 5 at 17 Spruce St. in Norwood, Feeflo Physiotherapy has opened a second location.

Freeflo has you covered in recovering and maintaining your physical health. They offer physiotherapy to fix your shoulder, massage therapy because you threw out your lower back, and acupuncture to help relieve your pain. It’s all available at one convenient location.

Modern Makers Market Shop is just finishing up a beautiful renovation.

Drop by 651 Chamberlain St. in Peterborough to see the space and do some local shopping. The shop features a wide range of interesting products from creative local makers, including jewelry, baked goods and treats, soaps, children’s books, cleaning products, personal accessories, creative designs and more. Next weekend rolled ice cream will be back for the season. The market is also available online with an extensive online marketplace at modernmakersmarket.ca.

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Monaghan Road to Undergo Sewer Replacements and Spot Repairs Starting On the Last Week of May

Four sections of storm sewers on Monaghan Road will be replaced beginning on the week of May 27, announced by the City of Peterborough on Friday.

File Photo.

The storm sewer sections on Monaghan Road are between Lundy’s Lane and Wolfe Street.

Sport work restoration of the affected areas on Monaghan Road will occur after completing the required sewer repair.

Flagging operations may reduce traffic to one lane during the project works. As a result, local traffic may experience delays within the construction limits.

The City has awarded the project to Accurex Inc.

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Peterborough Man Facing Multiple Charges After Allegedly Luring Minors

A 32-year-old Peterborough man is facing six charges after an investigation including luring a minor and prohibition regarding children.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers from the Peterborough Police Services Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit executed a search warrant at a Peterborough residence on Thursday

As a result of the two-month investigation, the man was arrested and charged with:

• Luring a Person Under 16 Years of Age by Means of Telecommunication x4

• Fail to Comply with Prohibition Regarding Children x2

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Friday.

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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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