City of Peterborough to Celebrate Recreation and Parks Month For June
/The City of Peterborough is celebrating June as ‘Recreation and Parks Month’ with a variety of events and activities.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
Peterborough Blogs
Challenger Baseball Starts Swinging For the Fences For the 2024 Season
/Peterborough Challenger Baseball broke out the gloves and bats as it kicked off their season opener for 2024 at Brinton Carpet Park on Monday night.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The organization supports anyone with cognitive or developmental challenges or chronic health issues that prevent them from playing organized sports.
The league typically kicks off on the Monday after the May 24 weekend, with the final game in late August.
“There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes over the winter but it makes it all worthwhile when you're and you see everyone giving it all on the ballfield,” said Joe Keating, Peterborough Challenger coach.
Those benefitting from the program learn skills such as communication, teamwork and confidence-building while getting exercise and having fun.
“A lot of it is learning to interact with your peers and play on a team,” explained Keating. Some people don't get a chance to do that so much so we provide an opportunity and environment where everyone can feel welcome and contribute and be successful on a team with their friends.”
As the organization continues throughout the years, the league sees a lot of returning faces but also welcomes several new players into the league.
“We really focus on fun rather than competing,” said Keating. “There's a competitive edge but the focus is for all the players to be successful. We make it fun for the players but we also try to teach and push them to get out of their comfort zone.”
Peterborough Petes Defenceman Carson Cameron Selected to OHL Second All-Rookie Team
/Peterborough Petes rookie defenceman Carson Cameron was named to the 2023-24 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Second All-Rookie team, announced on Wednesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Cameron is the first Petes defenceman to be voted to an all-rookie team since Slater Koekkoek in 2010-11.
“It’s an honour to be recognized by the league for the year I had,” said Cameron. “I’m looking forward to getting back to the PMC and continuing to grow.”
The Bobcaygeon native was selected 15th overall by the Petes in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In his debut season, he tallied 4 goals and 22 assists for 26 points across 59 games.
“Congratulations to Carson and all the hard work he put in over the season. Being recognized as one of the top performers in the league is a great accomplishment,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We are looking forward to watching Carson continue to grow and develop as a player moving forward.”
The CHL Import Draft takes place on July 3 at 11 a.m. The Petes hold the ninth overall selection in the draft.
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New Electric Vehicle Chargers Opens In Selwyn Township
/Selwyn Township has made itself a little greener as they have introduced its new electric vehicle chargers at the municipal office on Tuesday morning.
(From left to right) Emilie Fargeout, Senior Project Manager for Earth Day Canada; Shilpi Singh, Aviva Canada Assistant Vice President of Sustainability; Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor; Ron Black, Deputy Mayor; Biran Henry, Smith Ward Councillor; John Boyko, Lakefield Ward Councillor and Ennismore Ward Councillor Mary Coulas. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.
The announcement was made with Township members, Aviva Canada and Earth Day Canada representatives.
In November, the Township installed six electric vehicle chargers at four locations. These include the Township Municipal Office, Ennismore Community Centre, Bridgenorth Library, and the River Den in Lakefield.
The new chargers help expand access to public charging in Selwyn Township which supports a transition to electric vehicles and reduces greenhouse gas emissions according to Mayor Sherry Senis.
“Today, we're not just launching new electric vehicle chargers; we're plugging into a sustainable future for Selwyn Township,” she said. These chargers mark our commitment to driving change, empowering our community to embrace clean transportation and steer towards a greener horizon.”
The installation of the new electric vehicle chargers was funded through Aviva Canada’s Charged for Change program in partnership with Earth Day Canada.
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Fourth Annual Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament Returns in 2024 to Support Grassroots Lacrosse Programs
/The fourth annual Peterborough Lakers Alumni golf tournament returns to Keystone Links Golf & Country Club on June 21.
JOHNNY “SHOOTER” DAVIS AS ONE OF FOUR LAKERS ALUMNI THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE CEREMONIAL TEE-OFF. PHOTO BY LUKE BEST.
The tournament benefits the sustainability and grassroots lacrosse programs in the Peterborough area.
According to Jamie Batley, former alumni president, the annual event ‘took a year off’ last year but is back in full swing.
Tickets are $100 and include 18 holes, a cart, a commemorative hat, lunch and more.
Golfers can register online and send an e-transfer to ptbolakersalumni@gmail.com for payments. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with tee off at 1 p.m.
The tournament is also seeking hole sponsors or prize donations.
Havelock Woman Charged With Impaired Driving Early Tuesday Morning
/A 27-year-old Havelock woman is facing charges after an incident early Tuesday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 3 a.m., officers were called regarding a disturbance in the Dickson Street and Murray Street area. Officers located a vehicle and noticed signs of impairment from he driver after speaking with her.
The woman was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court June 18.
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Two Peterborough Girls Grapple to Gold At National Judo Championships
/Akshila Amarasinghe and Avery Fam of Ninja Academy in Peterborough grappled and threw their way to gold at the National Judo Championships in Montréal on May 22-23.
Akshila Amarasinghe (left), Paul Teleki (middle) and Avery Fam (right) after the trio celebrate the girls’ success in Montréal. Photo courtesy of Ninja Academy.
“What makes this a spectacular result is not only the national result but that they learned and competed in complex katas designed for high rank black belt gradings as well,” said Paul Teleki, Ninja Academy sensei. “Akshila and Avery have been training up to five days every week over the past several months and you can only achieve these results through countless hours of dedication.”
Both girls have earned Gold in Ju-no-kata previously, once in October 2023 at the Ontario Kata Championships and again in April 2024 at the Tora Invitational in Brampton. They earned bronze in Kodokan Goshin Jutsu in April.
“In their training they have already started sharing their knowledge with their peers, resulting in a positive ripple effect for students of all ages,” said Teleki. “They are trailblazers in their age category and I believe they will inspire judoka of all ages to pursue these difficult katas in the future.”
The Ninja Academy is shifting its focus on launching its first Ninja Olympics event at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on June 23 for elementary-aged kids.
The event has a fair of activities and challenges with awards for kids in their respective age categories. Teleki says the event will help kids and families understand their athletic potential in a fun event.
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Lakefield Trail to Host Family Paddle Day During National Paddling Week On June 20
/Join us for the annual Family Paddle Day, A cherished tradition continues as the Lakefield Trail is hosting Family Paddle Day on June 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Lakefield Beach.
Photocourtesy of Lakefield Trail.
The event helps celebrate National Paddling Week.
Participants are welcome to bring their own canoes or kayaks or use Adventure Outfitters' provided ones on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure availability, Lakefield Trail recommends reserving your canoe or kayak in advance by contacting Adventure Outfitters at (705) 652-7986.
Paddlers will venture Lake Katchawanooka and the Marsh. After that, everyone is invited to enjoy an evening bonfire with hot dogs, marshmallows and a special ‘Canoe Cake’ baked by Jennie Mackenzie of the Lakefield Pantry.
“This event is more than just a paddling experience; it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and conservation. To celebrate Lakefield’s historical connection to canoe building, we strongly encourage anyone with a wooden boat to join in the Paddle Day event,” as stated in a press release.
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City of Peterborough Celebrates National AccessAbility Week
/The City of Peterborough is celebrating National AccessAbility Week until Saturday and several events are being held to mark the occasion.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
This year’s theme is ‘Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All,’ emphasizing the need for a collective effort to create a barrier-free Canada.
“Our country’s strength lies in the diversity of people – all its people – and we can all contribute to this vision,” as stated by the Government of Canada on its website.
National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, the work of allies and organizations that are removing barriers and the ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive Peterborough according to the City.
The following are events to help celebrate the week:
Wednesday, - Red Shirt Day
In support of Red Shirt Day, the City of Peterborough encourages residents to wear red on May 29, 2024. Established in 2019 by Easter Seals Canada, Red Shirt Day is about making a commitment to remove physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers to accessibility and inclusion. More information about Red Shirt Day is available at www.redshirtday.org. City Hall will be lit red on Red Shirt Day to create a visual display of solidarity and support for people with disabilities.
Saturday - ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All’ talk with Nicole Flynn
Join Nicole Flynn, author of ‘A Life Worth Living’, at the Peterborough Public Library on June 1, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a talk about the experiences of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Refer to the Peterborough Public Library calendar of events for more information on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All talk with Nicole Flynn.
Peterborough Public Library – cloudLibrary
CloudLibrary is a continuously growing collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and comics that allows users to enjoy digital library materials anywhere they go. With a Peterborough Public Library card, people can access thousands of new and popular titles for all ages and interests on cloudLibrary. An introduction to the cloudLibrary video on the city's YouTube channel teaches you how to make cloudLibrary suit your accessibility needs, such as editing fonts and colours. Library staff will provide an in-person demo or a one-on-one coaching session upon request.
2024 to 2028 Accessibility Plan
Following National AccessAbility Week, Peterborough City Council will review the draft 2024 to 2028 Accessibility Plan at the June 3, 2024 General Committee meeting. The Accessibility Plan will be a new five-year plan to help make Peterborough more accessible and welcoming for everyone. The plan will be up for approval at the June 10 City Council meeting. All Council reports are available at www.peterborough.ca/councilmeetings.
Rotary Greenway Trail Crossing at Hunter Street East
Upgrades are coming in 2024 to the Rotary Greenway Trail crossing at Hunter Street East. The improvement will accommodate a general increase in trail usage and demand related to the recently constructed mixed-use developments immediately south of the crossing location.
The project, which was endorsed by Peterborough’s Accessibility Advisory Committee includes enhanced crossing features, surface markings and lighting to ensure people of all abilities can use the crossing independently.
“Upgrades to the Rotary Greenway Trail crossing demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to create a barrier-free community,” said Councillor Kevin Duguay, the Council representative on the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. “We’re listening to the needs of the community, value the role of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the many disability-related organizations in our community who are collectively contributing to create a more inclusive Peterborough.”
Other community events
A variety of community events will be taking place during National AccessAbility Week, such as a Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities hosting a wheelchair and mobility device maintenance clinic and an all-abilities pickleball event. The week concludes with Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities hosting a free Capable Con Event on June 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Venture North parking lot. Capable Con is an event to celebrate everyday superheroes living with disabilities, held in a safe space to learn, share and promote inclusivity. Residents are encouraged to visit the CPD website at www.pcpd.ca for information.
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Peterborough Police Searching For Man Allegedly Attempting to Run Off With a Toddler at a Park
/The Peterborough Police Service is searching for a man who attempted walk away with a toddler at a park on Sunday afternoon.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly noon, a mother and her toddler were in a park at Lock Street and McKellar Street when an older man engaged in conversation and then began to follow the pair around. After a few minutes, he scooped up the girl and started walking to the parking lot. When the mother started yelling, another man and a woman confronted him in the park. He put the girl down and left the area.
The suspect was described to police as:
Caucasian
65 to 70 years old
Thin build
Grey and white short hair
Blue and grey plaid button-up short-sleeved shirt
Khaki cargo pants which were over-sized
Last seen walking toward Lansdowne Street
