Former Peterborough Petes Owen Beck and James Guo Win Memorial Cup, Beck Named Tournament MVP

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Former Peterborough Petes Owen Beck and James Guo can add a ‘Memorial Cup’ to their hockey resume as they won the tournament with the Saginaw Spirit in a 4-3 win over the London Knights on Sunday night.

Beck winning the OHL Championship with the Petes during the 2022/23 OHL season. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Beck was named tournament MVP and awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy with four goals and one assist in the tournament. He scored the game’s first two goals and helped Saginaw become the first American-based Ontario Hockey League team to win the Memorial Cup.

“It's something nobody's ever going to take away from us,” explained Beck.

Beck’s first goal came in the opening period just after nine minutes into the game. He took the faceoff in Knights zone and a battle ensued for the puck. Beck was able to corral it and with traffic in front, beat former teammate and Peterborough Pete goaltender Michael Simpson as he went top shelf, bar down with his shot to make it 1-0 for Saginaw.

His second goal came on the power play in the final minute of the frame. Saginaw had been given a five-minute man advantage after a Landon Sim check to the head major penalty.

The Spirit wasted little time scoring as Beck got a pass at the faceoff dot from teammate Josh Bloom and one-timed it past Simpson in the top corner for a 2-0 lead.

Beck was traded to the Spirit for three draft picks and forward Aiden Young on Jan. 8 as part of the Petes rebuild.

He was originally acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026 on Jan. 7 last year.

Guo logged one assist in the tournament en route to his Memorial Cup championship.

He was drafted 74th overall in the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

The Woodbridge native was traded to Saginaw and the Petes’s 2023 sixth-round pick for Cam Gauvreau, the Spirit’s fourth-round pick and Windsor’s 2025 third-round pick in 2025 in January of last year.

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development Have Announced Dissolution

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The Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) Board of Directors has formally announced its intention to dissolve the corporation announced on Monday morning.

The establishment of the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (operating as PKED) in 1998 resulted from the 1997 GPA 2020. Photo courtesy of the PKED.

The decision came following written notice that The City of Peterborough and Peterborough County intend to change the delivery models of economic development and tourism and will not renew the tri-party Memorandum of Understanding between the City, County and PKED, which expires on Dec. 31 according to a press release.

The Board of Directors formed a dissolution committee and decided to cease operations by the end of the year in compliance with the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act.

“As reports on new economic development and tourism models are being considered councils in June, we eagerly await the opportunity to review them and to identify opportunities for service continuity for the businesses and clients that rely on PKED,” said Burton Lee, PKED board of directors chair. “As a high-performing economic development agency, the health and vitality of the local economy are at the core of our mission, and our team has a vested interest in supporting a mutually beneficial transition.”

According to the PKED, since last fall, the Board of Directors has been seeking clarity on the municipalities' plans. During that time, PKED was working towards a smooth transition to a new economic development model, with limited disruption of services to businesses, investors and visitors.

“The critical value of our team's knowledge, expertise and relationships with local, regional, national, and international partners, businesses, investors, and media cannot be understated,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED's President and CEO. “It is our hope that the new models will include positions for our existing team of passionate and dedicated economic development professionals to continue serving the business community and attracting investment to the region.”

PKED is in the process of winding down operations for the second half of the year as stated in a press release.

“There will be a significant disruptive impact if these plans do not factor in the vast number of existing projects, programs and initiatives that PKED has developed,” said Lee.

PKED's Letters Patent and the tri-party MOU reflect that purpose and funding structure according to a press release. They continue to add that the City’s and County’s decision eliminates PKED's core funding structure. As a result, PKED cannot have the capacity or resources to deliver economic and tourism services on behalf of the region.

The dissolution resulted in the delivery of termination notices to staff and the provision of notice to vacate PKED's offices and the regional Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre located in the Venture North business hub in downtown Peterborough, effective at the end of this year.

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Peterborough Lakers Acquire Oakville Rock Forward Rob Hellyer For Two Defensemen

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The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have acquired forward Rob Hellyer from the Oakville Rock in exchange for defensemen Thomas Whitty and Matt Wright in a trade made on Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the NLL.

Hellyer was with the Toronto Rock since being drafted in 2010 of the NLL until being traded to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs last August. He scored 77 points in 18 games this season. 

“He’s going to compete at a very high level,” said Mike Hasen, Lakers’ head coach and general manager. “He’ll handle the ball for us a little more. He does a lot of great things with and without the ball but he’ll be a presence for us that will stabilize the ball on the right side. He’ll be in the right spots for our offense to flow and click together.”

Hellyer last played in the MSL in 2019, with the pandemic cancelling the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Rock sat out the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Between stints with the Rock, he also spent the 2018 season out west with the Victoria Shamrocks. 

Hasen was not necessarily looking to trade two young defenders, according to a press release. However, the team says the opportunity presented itself. The two defensemen were what Oakville’s general manager, Steve Dietrich, liked.

After playing Sr. B in Quebec last season, Joe Resetarits is returning to the Lakers.

“(Resetarits is) 100 per cent committed to being here and helping us to compete for a Mann Cup again,” said Hasen.

Season tickets for the six-game home schedule are available at the box office with single-game on sale this Thursday. The team’s home opener is on June 13 against Brooklin L.C.

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Group of Young People Sought By Peterborough Police After Showing a Knife and Taking a Cell Phone

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The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after a robbery involving a large group of youth on two victims in an incident Friday night in Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:15 p.m., officers were called to the River Road South and Lansdowne Street East area. They learned that two people were approached by 15 to 20 young people. The latter asked to have a vape but when refused, a verbal argument ensued and one youth showed the victims a knife in a bag. The group fled towards Beavermead Park and one of the victims noticed their cell phone was gone.

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Little Lake Cemetery, AON Inc., Canadian Canoe Museum and Four Mayors Breakfast

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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…

Jeff Wakeford is retiring after 38 years at Little Lake Cemetery and Highland Park Funeral Centre.

He’s trading in his suit for a set of golf clubs. The team thanked him for his many years of hard work, wisdom and outstanding service to the community. Little Lake Cemetery offers a full range of funeral, cremation and cemetery services. They also operate Highland Park Cemetery and Crematorium and Highland Park Funeral Centre.

AON is hard at work in Havelock.

Construction has begun on a new 128 bed long-term care home, called Station Place, which is planned to open in August of 2025. This new facility is expected to bring 140 jobs to the region. In preparation for this, they’re holding a career expo on June 27 at 6 pm at the Havelock Centre. They have opportunities for experienced professionals, students, recent graduates, and those looking for a new challenge. At the expo, AON will share more about what opportunities will be available, what qualifications will be required, and what you can do to become qualified for the specific roles available.

After much anticipation, the Canadian Canoe Museum is open.

Drop by 2077 Ashburnham Dr. and check out the beautiful new location on the shores of Little Lake. Take in the new exhibition space and see the collection of more than 600 watercraft and learn their stories. Grab some coffee and a sandwich at the new Silver Bean Café location. Get some first-hand experience and explore the water yourself in a rented canoe or kayak.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is holding a Four Mayors Breakfast on Thursday at 8 a.m. at the Burleigh Falls Inn.

The event will include Mayor Carolyn Amyotte from North Kawartha, Mayor Sherry Senis from Selwyn, Mayor Heather Watson from Douro-Dummer, and Mayor Terry Lambshead from Trent Lakes. The event will include a full buffet breakfast, networking time, and a moderated discussion on local business issues with the mayors. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

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20 Peterborough Ladies Honoured At United Way's Inaugural Women of Impact Awards

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The United Way Peterborough & District honoured our local ladies at the inaugural Women of Impact Awards held in Keene at Farmhill Weddings.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Arcari.

There were 20 people who received the distinction of ‘Women of Impact.’

“There are so many women in our community, at the United Way, all around us, making big things happen, without the expectation of celebration,” said Maryam Monsef Women United Peterborough chair. “They work quietly behind the scenes, holding it all together. Tonight is one small opportunity for the rest of us to honour them and remind them that we see them.”

“We hear consistently from local agencies that demand for services continues to grow, and that the demand is significantly out pacing the funding available. As a result, waitlists are growing longer and vulnerable people not able to access support they need when and where they need it most,” said Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy. “This is particularly troubling when we know many of these services directly support women, children and families.”

The following are the women that received the distinction:

  • Cassandra Babcock

  • Dr. Debbie Boyce

  • Cheyenne Buck

  • Patti Clancy

  • Wendy Couper

  • Susan Dunkley

  • Hillary Flood

  • Jennifer Garland

  • Dr. Jennifer Ingram

  • Carlotta James

  • Kristal Jones

  • Ann MacLeod

  • Laura Montague

  • Rosemary Powers

  • Denise Sayles-Morton

  • Peggy Shaughnessy

  • Lisa Trefzger

  • Lois Tuffin

  • Carmela Valles

  • Jill Wickins

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Peterborough Man Wanted On Warrant For Credit Card Theft and Fraud Arrested

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A 54-year-old Peterborough Man who was wanted on a warrant for credit card fraud has been arrested.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

An officer on patrol saw the suspect wanted on an outstanding warrant. Police advised the male to stop but the man took running. A foot pursuit followed and the suspect and was shortly apprehended and taken into custody.

The man faces the following charges:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x2

  • Fraudulent Use of Credit Card x6

  • Theft Under $5000 x2

  • Breach of Probation x2

  • Fail to Comply with Undertaking

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court Friday.

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Three Fleming College Skilled Trades Students Bring Home the Hardware From Annual Skills Ontario Competition

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Three Fleming College’s Skilled Trades students took home hardware during the annual Skills Ontario competition from May 6 to May 8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Skills Ontario takes trades and technology students in the province in a competition in multiple skilled trade categories encompassing everything from aesthetics to plumbing.

Seventeen Fleming students competed and three made it to the podium:

  • Carpentry student Dylan Waddle brought home the gold medal in the Individual Carpentry competition.

  • Liam Sands captured a gold medal in the Arborist category.

  • Welding student Joseph Brownson nabbed a bronze medal in the Welding category.

Fleming’s students were not only recognized for their hard work and creativity at Skills Ontario. Their high-traffic booth received a third-place nod for its creativity, interactive displays, focus on trades and technology and educational value for the many prospective students who stopped by to see what Fleming College offers.

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David Tuan Bui


Local couple Donates $500,000 to PRHC to For Mental Health Crises and Advance Care

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Local philanthropists Dr. Patricia and David Morton have donated $500,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation for the future of mental health and addiction care.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Patricia and David for stepping forward once again for our hospital and healthcare in our region,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO. “Their gift will serve as a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families affected by mental illness and allow PRHC to transform physical spaces and lives.

The announcement was made at a private family event, unveiling new recognition signage in the couple’s honour on Wednesday.

“Their generosity mirrors their compassion,” said Heighway. “Underscoring our shared belief that by supporting mental health and addictions crisis treatment, we can break down stigma, elevate the standard of care, and create inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, cared for, and understood.”

The couple have been donors and volunteers to the PRHC. They were moved to direct their donation after their family suffered a loss due to suicide.

“Our family has experienced the terrible toll that mental illness can take,” said Patricia. “We know that we’re not alone and that there are many people and families in our communities fighting the same battles. We decided to give to better, safer and more accessible mental health crisis spaces at our hospital so we can improve access, raise awareness, and make hope and recovery possible for more patients from Peterborough and our surrounding region.”

“A mental health crisis can strike at any time and when it does, our Emergency Department Crisis Response Unit is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Jennifer Cox, director of mental health and addictions. “However, patient visits to the unit have more than doubled over the past ten years, with more than 3,600 visits last year alone. The Mortons’ gift will help us increase the size of the unit by 50 percent, adding natural light, creating a dedicated waiting area for children, adolescents, and their families, and building a secure, 72-hour short-stay area for high-risk patients in need of reduced stimulation and enhanced nursing care.”

“With the help of the Mortons and donors like them, we’re investing in a healing environment for mental health and addictions patients, providing them with a safe and appropriate space to rest while seeking emergency intervention,” Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Together, we’ll create conditions that foster hope, dignity, and comfort, empowering patients to embark on their journey towards recovery with confidence and strength.”

“We believe that by making sure people in crisis have a safe, secure, and supportive environment to go to for assistance, we can help prevent others from experiencing the devastation of losing a beloved family member or dear friend to mental illness,” said David. “Our hope is that this contribution will serve as a catalyst for positive change and inspire others to join us in giving to the future of mental health care in our community.”

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David Tuan Bui


Municipal Waste Association Awards City of Peterborough Promotion and Education Award

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The City of Peterborough has received a Promotion and Education Award from the Municipal Waste Association for the community promotion and education tools that were used to support the rollout of the City’s new waste diversion initiatives announced on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The new measures were implemented on Halloween, including the Green Bin Source Separated Organics Program - GROW Peterborough, the requirement for clear garbage bags and the switch to every-other-week garbage collection, plus collection day changes for some households to equalize the daily collection routes each day.    

To help residents learn about the extensive changes, the City developed a Waste Management Guide/18-month calendar, a series of information sheets, door hangers, and streaming cards, and an extensive online communication strategy, including social media, digital signage, and the City’s website. 

“Congratulations to our outstanding team that worked to support our residents during this massive shift in waste management practices,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin.  From the communication planning, design, and implementation to front-line customer service, their commitment was exceptional. With the City achieving an overall waste diversion rate of 76 per cent from landfill, the results speak for themselves. Special thanks to City residents for their keen attention to detail and remarkable participation rate.”

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